[TenTec] The QSK of QSK

[Michael Tope]

> >Only 312 countries on 160 and doesn't use QSK.
>
> Anyone can work lots of DX (and score big in contests with big power
> and big antennas. This is NOT a measure of operating skill.  It takes
> skill to do it with low power and mediocre antennas.
>

Hi Jim,

Some would argue that it takes a masochistic streak to do it
with low power and mediocre antennas. I mean, if I turn down
my power and antenna gain so the guy on the other end can't
hear me, what does that prove? I think it proves that I am a
glutton for punishment. To use a automotive analogy, what is
a bigger differentiator of driving skills, taking an AMC pacer
down the quarter mile strip, or taking a top fuel dragster down
the quarter mile strip? Personally I would prefer to maximize
my operating skills and my ERP. The two don't have to be
mutually exclusive. I mean when you get 312 countries on 160
meters using 50 watts to a butternut vertical on a city lot, be
sure to give me a call (I am not holding my breath).

Also, remember, QSK is not an operating skill, it is an
operating aid. You can run VOX on CW with a short hang
time, keep your calls short, and still be a decent operator.

73 de Mike, W4EF...................................

> On the other hand, Bill notes that while he does not use a mode on his
> radios called full QSK, he DOES listen often using his foot switch. I
> call that good operating. He does what works for him, and it's
> probably at least as good as others who THINK they have full QSK but
> don't (because the radio doesn't switch fast enough).
>
> To help think about this -- I'm and old time contest and traffic op, but
> inactive for a lot of years. so I lose track of the state of the art and
what
> radios do what. Over the last year, I've gotten back on the air, mostly in
> contests. So I've been assessing the current crop of radios and
> finding that what I used call full break-in is not what many of these
> radios do -- that is, they don't switch fast enough, so they aren't in
> receive very long between dits or characters. My suspicion is that Bill
> (W4ZV) has figured this out, and does what he needs to do the hear.
>
> I do it differently -- that is, I try to use radios that give me the
maximum
> time between dits to listen. And part of what I think W4BQF is
> complaining about with high speed CW may be that some radios just
> don't switch fast enough.
>
> Jim  K9YC
>
>
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