[CQ-Contest] SKIMMER = BUMMER

[Bill Tippett]

N1UR:
 >CW is about the worst data mode imaginable.  PSK31 is
waaaaaay better as a digital mode in weak signal capability.

         What data do you have to support that?
The two toughest tests I know of for weak signal
capabilities are 160m and EME, and I don't see PSK31
being used for either.  CW is the mode of choice on
160 where PSK31 is hardly heard.  For EME, JT65 seems
to be the current digital mode of choice.  I won't
get into the discussion of whether a computer-to-
computer gives one the same satisfaction of a QSO
made using your own ears.

         Some may say "but I can work signals on PSK
that are aren't audible".  Well duh if you're comparing
3 kHz audio noise bandwidth versus the ~31 Hz filter
PSK uses, of course that's true, since there's a 20 dB
advantage in noise bandwidth.  But compared to a 50 Hz
filter on CW (either a 50 Hz DSP filter or the trained
ear/brain's internal 50 Hz filter), there isn't much
difference.  CW also has the advantage that it isn't
bothered by phase shifts which are quite common on 160m.
This latter effect may explain why PSK31 has not been
very successful on 160m.

                                         73,  Bill  W4ZV