Topband: Rx Antenna Reality Check? :o)

[Bernie McClenny, W3UR]

Dave,

I think they call this beacon DXing.  I know there are some guys who do
this religiously.  They call and call until they here their call come
back, even if they can't hear the DX station!  Thank goodness everyone
does not do that.  In my opinion it is bad operating practice.

You and I have known each other for a long time.  I can't tell you how
many times I have heard you do this and wonder if you realized your in
the DX stations log!  I refuse to confirm to those kinds of operators
that they made a good QSO.  Because deep down in my heart I realize that
it was not a QSO.  For you see it takes two people to make a QSO.  The
two who supposedly made the QSO.

I chose to send this response to the group because you made your e-mail
public with your operating practice, one which we could do without.
Think about it Dave.  If everyone operated beacon mode the through put
on the DX end would be drastically cut back.  I also realize everyone
who operates 160 meters has had QSB and been called a second or third
time by the DX station.  That is bound to happen.  But to rely on an
upward QSB to make the QSO and continue calling until it does?  Thank
goodness most people on 160 meters don't do this!  I hope we can still
be friends after this and that you will reconsider this practice, along
with anyone else who does this.

Respectfully,
Bernie, W3UR