Topband: to JT or not to JT

[Nick Maslon - K1NZ]

The way I see it, do what you enjoy. That's what's great about this hobby.
There are so many things you can do and digimodes and JT are just one of
them.

Here's an example for you guys. Warwick, E51WL is, as far as I know, the
only active ham on one of the North Cook Islands. He only works JT (that
I'm aware of). Is my QSO on top band with him the other night invalid? Do I
have to wait potentially decades for the next dxpedition to work someone on
phone or CW for it to be a "real" QSO? Following that logic, I guess I'm
not a real ham because I'm a "ditless wonder" (no code extra) and didn't
walk uphill 20 miles in a blizzard to the FCC office to take my novice test.

I guess my point here is that we should be having fun and enjoying the
hobby. There are so many facets to this hobby. Play with the ones you enjoy
and keep you active. Other people have other interests and that doesn't
mean that they're any less of a ham. Hell, some of the digital modes are
bringing new, young, blood to an otherwise OM's hobby.

I apologize for getting a little ranty. I'll crawl back into my hole now.

73 and the best of DX for everyone,
Nick K1NZ


On the Droid.