[RTTY] Operating PSK-31 from DX locations

[Dave Bernstein]

I usually avoid such discussions like the plague, and I'm sure I will
come to regret jumping into this one. 

There are plenty of "new generation" amateurs using CW, and for good
reason: it’s a highly effective mode for DXing, and presents a serious
skills challenge to contesters. Do most "new generation" amateurs use CW
for ragchewing? No, if they're into ragchewing, they more likely use SSB
or a keyboard mode. One of the main drivers behind PSK's popularity is
that hams do want to ragchew, and keyboarding skills are on average
improving due to increased computer use both inside and outside of
amateur radio.

Not everyone is born a great conversationalist. Macro-QSOs are one way
to eliminate the stress. They aren't my idea of a great QSO, but
stepping back, are they any more strange than the "AA6YQ 599 TU"
exchanges that pass for QSOs in the DXing world?

You can't berate people into ragchewing on CW or realtime typing on PSK
any more than you can berate them into enjoying oysters or rugby. If you
want to change things, set a good example. If you're receiving a stream
of obvious macro contents from your QSO partner, use your conversational
skills to take the QSO into territory where macros can't be used; ask a
leading question or two. That's how new operators learn; you have to
lead by example.

By the way, building a RTTY or PSK QSO robot is well within the
capability of today's soundcard software applications; given what passes
for acceptable QSOs, no artificial intelligence is required.

    73,

        Dave, AA6YQ (author, WinWarbler)

-----Original Message-----
From: rtty-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:rtty-bounces at contesting.com]
On Behalf Of W0YR at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 6:54 AM
To: sschultz at megsinet.net; rtty at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [RTTY] Operating PSK-31 from DX locations


Scott,

You have rediscovered the "Golden Kernel" of our hobby -- CW.  Sadly,
most of 
the "new generation" of amateurs will never experience it, because they
have 
been convinced by the whiners and non-achievers that it is a worthless
and 
anachronistic way to communicate. Well, I am worthless and a living 
anachronism, so the mode fits me very well! 

On RTTY, there is still a lot of good 'ol rag chewing.  I don't mean 
Macro-chewing where two stations fire back and forth mindless macros.  I
am 
referring to actually copying, reading and reacting to what the other 
guy/lady says and composing an appropriate response.  

But therein lies the problem......COMPOSING.   On a keyboard oriented
mode, 
there is a requirement for typing.  One doesn't have to be a 60 wpm
typist.  
An accomplished Hunt 'n Pecker can become a proficient keyboard-mode 
communicator if he/she works at it.  But that's the problem.  The
Macro-Mob 
are not proficient typists and they will never make an attempt to become

such.   

There are millions of proficient typists around, but they don't know
anything 
about our hobby, and how could the exchanging of canned messages
possibly 
appeal to them?  Hopefully, this dilemma will be alleviated as soon as 
someone schooled in artificial intelligence writes software to interface
with 
PSK/MSK.  The software will be able to detect call signs and will
actually be 
able to conduct the "QSO." What is actually sent back and forth is of
little 
consequence so long as the right buttons are pushed and a canned signal 
report and lengthy station description is exchanged and the other
operator 
receives a canned "thanks for info" macro.  A computer can do that.  Why

should a human get involved?

I predict that within three years you'll be able to turn on your
computer, 
fire up PSK/MSK, rush off to work in the morning or go to the seashore
over 
the weekend.  When you return home you'll just look at your computer
screen 
and see who you worked!!!   Heck, the computer can even print out the
QSL 
cards and apply postage to them.

Unfortunately, you will still have to physically put the cards in a
mailbox, 
but with the advent of electronic QSLs you may never have to touch a QSL
card 
again!!!

The pinnacle of achievement for the digital modes will be when you can
just 
get a weekly or monthly printout of what stations you have worked, your 
country/county totals, etc.  DXCC applications will be automatic. We
should 
all look forward to the day that humans rarely have to do any of the
mundane 
functions associated with having a QSO!!!

I can't wait.

73

Mike
WØYR
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