Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)

[Mike DeChristopher]

I represent the under 30 crowd (for another few years at least) who
isn't really into JT65, FT8, etc.. I still prefer the "between the
ears" -modes. However, I see the JT and other weak signal modes
emerging as a response to real estate limits and restrictions. I was
lucky in that I had space and tolerant parents growing up, so I could
do these things as a kid. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't be
involved in ham radio right now.

If using a digital mode keeps someone involved in ham radio or
generates new interest, then I'm all for it. My DXCC hangs in my own
shack; it means nothing to anyone but me -- and the same is true of
all of yours. If these modes "aren't ham radio" to you, don't use
them. But understand that they're bringing a lot of new activity to
the bands, and especially the low bands; let them have their hobby
without squawking about *your* hobby.

Anyway, there should be plenty of "between the ears" action this
weekend. I believe there's some type of operating event going on.
*smirk*

Mike, N1TA


On Wed, Oct 25, 2017 at 10:17 AM, Nick Maslon - K1NZ <k1nz at arrl.net> wrote:
>
> Hi all, here's my $.02...
>
> Radio is what you make of it. Do what you enjoy. If you don't like the
> digimodes, stay away from them.
>
> DXCC means different things to different people. To some, it means only SSB
> or CW. To others, they're perfectly happy with digi modes. Others want to
> earn DXCC from a station only they have built. Still others work under
> their own call from a multiop station and claim the credit. To each his
> own. It's not worth getting worked up over.
>
> I'm going to get put on blast for this but personally, I love digimodes.
> Outside of contests, I almost exclusively operate digi. It's what I enjoy.
> I'm not proficient enough with CW to have a real impact on the bands and
> phone takes its toll on you after a while.
>
> That being said, I lament FT8 killing off JT65. I do understand they're
> both similar, but JT65 had a more "human" touch in that I did need to click
> the right buttons to send the right text instead of the computer
> automatically doing it for me. Plus, the longer cycle times were more
> conducive to getting in a freeform 73 note.
>
> At the end of the day, this hobby is big enough for everyone. Have fun.
> Enjoy yourself. Make new friends. The magic isn't gone just yet!
>
> 73,
> Nick K1NZ
> _________________
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