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Re: Topband: FT8 etc.

To: Steve HA0DU <ha0du@dx.hu>
Subject: Re: Topband: FT8 etc.
From: Cecil <chacuff@cableone.net>
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2021 22:23:06 -0600
List-post: <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Nice post!

Cecil
K5DL

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 5:58 PM, Steve HA0DU <ha0du@dx.hu> wrote:
> 
> Gentlemen,
> 
> Amateur radio is supposed to be a hobby. FUN.
> 
> What we see is TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT! It certainly changes the hobby, but it 
> should not change the fun. I read my license, but I can't find that FTx modes 
> MUST BE USED EXCLUSIVELY.
> 
> 45 years ago we did RTTY contests with an old RFT pagewriter, not even 
> punched tape, all transmissions by hand. Was it fun? YES. Do I want to do it 
> again? Of course not.
> 
> 45 years ago I did not have a transceiver. I did have an old military surplus 
> receiver and a homemade transmitter. CW only, 80/40. Was it fun? YES. Do I 
> want to use it again? Of course not.
> 
> 45 years ago (even 5 years ago) I wrote my contacts in a paper log. Do I 
> still have them? YES. Did I type up all QSOs in a computer file (when 
> computers became available)? YES.
> 
> 38 years ago VK0CW used a split of 25 kHz on 20 CW, so I had to turn the VFO 
> of the FT250 (aka Tempo One) five times right to TX, then five times left to 
> RX. Luckily I made the contact. Was it fun? YES. Do I want it back? Of course 
> not.
> 
> Just like in every other aspect of life, technology developed a LOT. Take 
> advantage of it!
> 
> Denying development is not what ham radio operators are (or should be) famous 
> about! Computers are everywhere. We are driving computers on four wheels. 
> Modern SDR radios are more or less computers. These are facts, even is some 
> of us do not like them.
> 
> Take my example. I work as a technical translator at home. Two screens are 
> connected to my computer (yes, computer aided translation is easier). On the 
> main screen I do the work. On the second screen there are some ham programs 
> running. When I see something interesting on the cluster or HamSpots. or 
> wherever, I take a look. If it is digital, it is convenient because I find a 
> TX frequency, I click on the call, and the computer will control my radio to 
> try to work the other station. If it is CW or SSB, I grab the key or the mic, 
> and try to work the other station. No question lost time from work is 
> significantly more if I have to use my hand to TX CW or hold the microphone 
> :).
> 
> Digital modes also opened EME for a lot more people. Yes, information 
> exchange is rather limited, but we still have many other chances to chat - 
> use them!
> 
> 73/DX
> Steve HA0DU
> 
> 
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