Topband: FT-8 vs CW
Bill Cromwell
wrcromwell at gmail.com
Wed Apr 24 13:39:34 EDT 2019
Hi Rick,
I don't have a memory keyer. I do intend to set up a computer or
something to make the calls (CQ) while I do other things near the
radios. When somebody replies it will be back to sending by hand for me.
I do prefer CW. I am not even sure where a working mic is hidden - I
think I have two or three. But hams who want to work ft-8 or other
digital stuff are fine with me. I have noticed they are NOT in my way. I
am not in their way:)
I even tune to their signals to see who I can hear just to get a 'real
time' idea about propagation. That is far from useless. But making QSOs
that way is more boring for me than watching paint dry. Contest "QSOs"
too. But never say never:) I have been know to add a few "contacts" in
contests.
73,
Bill KU8H
On 4/24/19 1:12 PM, rick darwicki via Topband wrote:
> So how many of us still send the whole QSO with a key?Buttons on my Pro III do most of the work (like mouse clicks with FT-8), I only send the other station's call (like typing it in with FT-8)
> I have a friend here in Yorba Linda running 100W to a short vertical that never worked east of the Mississippi on CW.He now has about 25 DXCC using FT-8. There are times when you cannot even hear an audio tone and you still make a "QSO"
> DX on 160 is like a DX-pedition 5NN, RR ur 5NN 73 dit dit.
> I can count on one hand the QSO's where someone sent OP HR Roger running 1KW to phased verticals and 500 foot beverage NE/SW
> Countless people have told me they never get on 160 because there is never anyone on, except during ARRL and CQ contests.More and more are getting on because there always seems to be guys on FT-8.
> My DXCC on 160 is all CW and I may have worked a few SSB stations during contests, only locals on SSB otherwise.
> If there is a country I need, I'll work it ANY mode.
> The problem is FT-8 is supposed to be a low power mode and naturally some are running 1 KW and swamping the little guys
> No matter who is in the White House, it hasn't changed how I live or how often I go out to eat. FT-8 isn't going to change my enjoyment of ham radio.
> SSB, PSK, EME, AM, Slow Scan TV etc have all fought their battles.
> If FT-8 was at 1895 or prohibited during contest weekends, we probably wouldn't even know it was on the band.
>
> Rick N6PE
>
> ======================================================================
>
>
> Dying is easy, the hard part is living
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:21:48 PM PDT, topband-request at contesting.com <topband-request at contesting.com> wrote:
>
> Send Topband mailing list submissions to
> topband at contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> topband-request at contesting.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> topband-owner at contesting.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Topband digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22 (Andree DL8LAS)
> 2. Re: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22 (daraymond at iowatelecom.net)
> 3. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Victor Goncharsky)
> 4. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
> 5. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (VE6WZ_Steve)
> 6. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (GEORGE WALLNER)
> 7. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Mike Waters)
> 8. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (W7RH)
> 9. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Mike Waters)
> 10. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
> 11. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:50:57 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Andree DL8LAS <dl8las at aol.com>
> To: topband at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22
> Message-ID: <1521797704.3392014.1556038257627 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>
> Hey topbanders,
> I am also every morning 2:30 UTC? on 160m CW, check at first W1AW beacon? 1802,5 Mhz. Signal is mostly clear RST 559.
> Than i call CQ and check RBN, the NA skimmer received me from 10-24dB. But no answer from NA stations. Conditions are not bad, so please listen more for DX from EU.
> vy 73? Andy DL8LAS
>
> www.dl8las.de
>
> www.dl8las.com
> On Dienstag, 23 April, 2019 topband-request <topband at contesting.com> wrote:
> Send Topband mailing list submissions to
> ??? topband at contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> ??? http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> ??? topband-request at contesting.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> ??? topband-owner at contesting.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Topband digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> ? 1. Lack of NA Activity on CW (Roger Kennedy)
> ? 2. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (lennart.michaelsson at telia.com)
> ? 3. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Peter Sundberg)
> ? 4. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
> ? 5. Re: Fresnel Zone (Emir Memic)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 09:16:30 +0100
> From: "Roger Kennedy" <roger at wessexproductions.co.uk>
> To: <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <BF4E50FA22DA4134B83EBE8FC8BC8A57 at Packard>
> Content-Type: text/plain;??? charset="us-ascii"
>
>
> I get that many stations only use FT8 these days (out of laziness?) . . .
>
> But there are plenty of Top Band DXers (like me) who would never ever use
> FT8 . . . but many of these people hardly ever come on the band !
>
> It takes a pretty big setup to have a decent 160m DX station . . . what's
> the point in having invested all that time and money if the only time you
> ever come on the band is to work some DX-pedition?!
>
> Personally, what gives me a buzz is working ANY station on 160m more than a
> couple of thousand miles away. (it's the only band where that's actually an
> achievement).
>
> I don't care how many times I've worked that station before . . . and I also
> don't waste hours trying to get through a pile-up to work a DX-pedition
> station, as I'm really not bothered (I've usually already worked the island
> they're on anyway)
>
> It's becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy . . . If nobody makes the effort to
> come on the band on CW, there will be nobody on the band !!
>
> Roger G3YRO
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 10:25:24 +0200
> From: <lennart.michaelsson at telia.com>
> To: "'Roger Kennedy'" <roger at wessexproductions.co.uk>,
> ??? <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <002501d4f9ae$1a2783d0$4e768b70$@telia.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;??? charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Roger et al,
> I was on early this morning and even checked in on? ON4KST.
> Called a few CQ DX on 1826.5 without response so back to bed. Yet I did see
> quite a few US callsigns on the chat. Perhaps they never check out?
>
> 73 all
> Len SM7BIC
>
> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
> Fr?n: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> F?r Roger Kennedy
> Skickat: den 23 april 2019 10:17
> Till: topband at contesting.com
> ?mne: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
>
>
> I get that many stations only use FT8 these days (out of laziness?) . . .
>
> But there are plenty of Top Band DXers (like me) who would never ever use
> FT8 . . . but many of these people hardly ever come on the band !
>
> It takes a pretty big setup to have a decent 160m DX station . . . what's
> the point in having invested all that time and money if the only time you
> ever come on the band is to work some DX-pedition?!
>
> Personally, what gives me a buzz is working ANY station on 160m more than a
> couple of thousand miles away. (it's the only band where that's actually an
> achievement).
>
> I don't care how many times I've worked that station before . . . and I also
> don't waste hours trying to get through a pile-up to work a DX-pedition
> station, as I'm really not bothered (I've usually already worked the island
> they're on anyway)
>
> It's becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy . . . If nobody makes the effort to
> come on the band on CW, there will be nobody on the band !!
>
> Roger G3YRO
>
>
> _________________
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 10:17:20 +0000
> From: Peter Sundberg <sm2cew at telia.com>
> To: <lennart.michaelsson at telia.com>,??? "'Roger Kennedy'"
> ??? <roger at wessexproductions.co.uk>, <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <mailman.14.1556035203.29506.topband at contesting.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed
>
> Let's ponder:
>
> FT8 - everyone is on ONE center frequency
> (passband) and their computer is transmitting
> every 15 seconds for hours on end, regardless if
> they are in contact with another computer or not
> FT8 - all the computers that are "hearing" other
> computers are making use of the built in 50 Hz filter in FT8
> FT8 - computers "heard" are lined up and presented nicely sorted on the screeen
> FT8 - some computers that are not fully copied
> are still presented as "heard" by use of the "a priori" functionality
> FT8 - listening in by ear on 1840 it sure sounds like high activity
>
> CW - people call CQ on an unspecified frequency, sometimes with long interrupts
> CW - listeners can't easily surf the band and dig
> in the noise in 50 Hz bandwidth
> CW - without knowledge of who is where we need
> good signals to attract our attention and so we can start focusing
> CW - summer conditions vary, but one thing is for
> sure, the noise is certainly higher and many have
> taken their microscopes (receiving antennas) down for the season
> CW - many of us also have to live with a less
> effective TX antenna during the summer as we have
> to roll in our extensive radial field
> CW - the KST chat list a lot of interesting and
> capable stations but most of them don't transmit every 15 seconds
> CW - not all who are active announce themselves on KST
>
>
> Bottom line:
>
> CW - it sure would be easier for us to only
> monitor a specific world wide calling frequency, but this is not realistic
> CW - we have to accept that it is more difficult
> to do manual CW than single channel FT8 for reasons described above
> CW - if we transmit more we will be heard :-)
> CW - we are not lazy operators, we still love CW
> and continue to make noise whenever we can, despite the problems listed above
> CW - we take on a challenge, we don't give up
> CW- we look at the surrounding actors in a
> realistic way and realize what they are doing,
> duly noting that our table has better food
> CW - we fully admire our colleagues in the
> southern hemisphere for being there all the time
> during our prime season up north!
>
> CW is King!
>
> 73
> Peter SM2CEW
>
>
>
>
>
> At 08:25 2019-04-23, lennart.michaelsson at telia.com wrote:
>> Roger et al,
>> I was on early this morning and even checked in on? ON4KST.
>> Called a few CQ DX on 1826.5 without response so back to bed. Yet I did see
>> quite a few US callsigns on the chat. Perhaps they never check out?
>>
>> 73 all
>> Len SM7BIC
>>
>> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
>> Fr?n: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> F?r Roger Kennedy
>> Skickat: den 23 april 2019 10:17
>> Till: topband at contesting.com
>> ?mne: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
>>
>>
>> I get that many stations only use FT8 these days (out of laziness?) . . .
>>
>> But there are plenty of Top Band DXers (like me) who would never ever use
>> FT8 . . . but many of these people hardly ever come on the band !
>>
>> It takes a pretty big setup to have a decent 160m DX station . . . what's
>> the point in having invested all that time and money if the only time you
>> ever come on the band is to work some DX-pedition?!
>>
>> Personally, what gives me a buzz is working ANY station on 160m more than a
>> couple of thousand miles away. (it's the only band where that's actually an
>> achievement).
>>
>> I don't care how many times I've worked that station before . . . and I also
>> don't waste hours trying to get through a pile-up to work a DX-pedition
>> station, as I'm really not bothered (I've usually already worked the island
>> they're on anyway)
>>
>> It's becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy . . . If nobody makes the effort to
>> come on the band on CW, there will be nobody on the band !!
>>
>> Roger G3YRO
>>
>>
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>>
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 14:29:44 +0300
> From: uy0zg <uy0zg at mksat.net>
> To: Topband <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <63c84756a384fdf4a29c0ed9846c7100 at mksat.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
>
> Hi All
>
>
> Victor
> you need to stop listening to dx via the internet!
>
> When will you make an RX antenna?
>
>
> The availability and use of RX antennas is a great pleasure.
>
> Here is an example of the antenna Anatoly UT2XQ
>
> http://www.topband.in.ua/2019/04/22/ut2xq-antennas/
>
> ---
> Nick, UY0ZG
> http://www.topband.in.ua
>
> Victor Goncharsky via Topband ????? 2019-04-23 10:23:
>> This is not always the case. I have noticed long openings to Caribbean
>> during last year 6m season with signal levels good enough for reliable
>> CW QSOs but only FT8 portion of the band was alive.
>> Will see what will happen this year. Top band game is almost over with
>> the last 3 new ones worked in April (but missed XR0) so 6m antenna is
>> on its way to the tower this week.
>>
>>
>> 73, Victor Goncharsky US5WE/K1WE (UW5W in VHF contests, ex UB5WE), P.E.
>> UARL Technical and VHF Committies
>> DXCC Honor Roll #1 (Mixed, Phone), 9BDXCC, 8BWAS
>> DXCC card checker (160 meters).
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
>> Reflector
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:56:41 +0000
> From: Emir Memic <emir.memic at emssolutions.at>
> To: Ray Higgins <ray.w2re at gmail.com>, "topband at contesting.com"
> ??? <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Fresnel Zone
> Message-ID:
> ??? <DBBPR08MB487006D532CE43D192F8EECB82230 at DBBPR08MB4870.eurprd08.prod.outlook.com>
> ???
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Ray,
>
> If we are talking about horizontal polarized antennas
> You cant be high enough on 80m/160m
> And there is no needs to think a lot about effects of fresnel zone on 160/80
>
> Not even with 300m high tower
>
> Of course if there are no uphills around you .....but so far understand you
> That location is free with slight slope around
>
> In my mind its? important to have flat or homogeny slope in desired direction
> Effect of excellent soil is not so critical for ground reflection if you are using horizontal polarized antennas!
>
> On other side for vertical antennas soil is more important but directly under the antennas and in closed flied!
>
> In simple words if you can have antenna in saltwater or very close to it put it in
>
> If you are far away from good soil with vertical (even 1 wavelength) you will need standard numbers of radials under the antenna!
>
> Iif you are on flat terrain with excellent soil you will need very large antenna on high tower to outperform 4SQ on 80m !
>
> On 160m is non sense to even try something else than vertical or vertical arrays
>
>
> 73s
> Braco
> E77DX
>
>
> --
> Emir Memic
> EMS SOLUTIONS
> K?hlergasse 12/3
> 1180 Wien
> +4369919227041
> emir.memic at emssolutions.at
>
> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> Im Auftrag von Ray Higgins
> Gesendet: Donnerstag, 18. April 2019 16:49
> An: topband at contesting.com
> Betreff: Topband: Fresnel Zone
>
> I have two questions about fresnel zone.
>
> I just purchased 22.5/ac near the ocean near Machiasport, ME. This is in the Northeast corner of Maine about 30 miles south of Eastport and a Lubec. This is going to be my personal Remote Contest station! I plan to be contesting from this new qth starting in 2020 but will be QRV by mid 2019 for testing.
> This qth is anywhere between 1-3 miles from the ocean or the bay, it sits on a high plateau 150? asl thats slopes in all directions to saltwater (peninsula) except N/NW. The property has a saltwater river and marsh that runs the perimeter from south to north favoring the NE direction,? the marsh is only 50-100' wide and 1500-2000? away from the property. The land has a gradual slope to the marsh.
>
> My questions:
>
> 1.) Is the saltwater river bed/marsh wide enough to be an effective field in the Fresnal Zone?
> 2.) What is the wavelengths needed to be within the Fresnal zone of a river/marsh compared to an ocean?
>
> In this photo album (last pic) I have outlined the river saltwater marsh and property boundry from a google earth shot. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ui79t2jFo95b29et6
>
> I?m only concerned about 80 and 160m in the Fresnal Zone.
>
> Any input would be welcomed.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ray W2RE
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _________________
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Topband mailing list
> Topband at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22
> ****************************************
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 12:27:29 -0500
> From: <daraymond at iowatelecom.net>
> To: "Andree DL8LAS" <dl8las at aol.com>, <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22
> Message-ID: <5A32F88697EF42009870AA61E60DC49A at DavidBrentPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8";
> reply-type=original
>
> Andy, et al. . . I will try to be more diligent about getting on with my
> modest off-season antenna system. 73. . . Dave, W0FLS
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andree DL8LAS via Topband
> Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 11:50 AM
> To: topband at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22
>
>
> Hey topbanders,
> I am also every morning 2:30 UTC on 160m CW, check at first W1AW beacon
> 1802,5 Mhz. Signal is mostly clear RST 559.
> Than i call CQ and check RBN, the NA skimmer received me from 10-24dB. But
> no answer from NA stations. Conditions are not bad, so please listen more
> for DX from EU.
> vy 73 Andy DL8LAS
>
> www.dl8las.de
>
> www.dl8las.com
> On Dienstag, 23 April, 2019 topband-request <topband at contesting.com> wrote:
> Send Topband mailing list submissions to
> topband at contesting.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> topband-request at contesting.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> topband-owner at contesting.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of Topband digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Lack of NA Activity on CW (Roger Kennedy)
> 2. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (lennart.michaelsson at telia.com)
> 3. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Peter Sundberg)
> 4. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
> 5. Re: Fresnel Zone (Emir Memic)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 09:16:30 +0100
> From: "Roger Kennedy" <roger at wessexproductions.co.uk>
> To: <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <BF4E50FA22DA4134B83EBE8FC8BC8A57 at Packard>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
>
> I get that many stations only use FT8 these days (out of laziness?) . . .
>
> But there are plenty of Top Band DXers (like me) who would never ever use
> FT8 . . . but many of these people hardly ever come on the band !
>
> It takes a pretty big setup to have a decent 160m DX station . . . what's
> the point in having invested all that time and money if the only time you
> ever come on the band is to work some DX-pedition?!
>
> Personally, what gives me a buzz is working ANY station on 160m more than a
> couple of thousand miles away. (it's the only band where that's actually an
> achievement).
>
> I don't care how many times I've worked that station before . . . and I also
> don't waste hours trying to get through a pile-up to work a DX-pedition
> station, as I'm really not bothered (I've usually already worked the island
> they're on anyway)
>
> It's becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy . . . If nobody makes the effort to
> come on the band on CW, there will be nobody on the band !!
>
> Roger G3YRO
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 10:25:24 +0200
> From: <lennart.michaelsson at telia.com>
> To: "'Roger Kennedy'" <roger at wessexproductions.co.uk>,
> <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <002501d4f9ae$1a2783d0$4e768b70$@telia.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Roger et al,
> I was on early this morning and even checked in on ON4KST.
> Called a few CQ DX on 1826.5 without response so back to bed. Yet I did see
> quite a few US callsigns on the chat. Perhaps they never check out?
>
> 73 all
> Len SM7BIC
>
> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
> Fr?n: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> F?r Roger Kennedy
> Skickat: den 23 april 2019 10:17
> Till: topband at contesting.com
> ?mne: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
>
>
> I get that many stations only use FT8 these days (out of laziness?) . . .
>
> But there are plenty of Top Band DXers (like me) who would never ever use
> FT8 . . . but many of these people hardly ever come on the band !
>
> It takes a pretty big setup to have a decent 160m DX station . . . what's
> the point in having invested all that time and money if the only time you
> ever come on the band is to work some DX-pedition?!
>
> Personally, what gives me a buzz is working ANY station on 160m more than a
> couple of thousand miles away. (it's the only band where that's actually an
> achievement).
>
> I don't care how many times I've worked that station before . . . and I also
> don't waste hours trying to get through a pile-up to work a DX-pedition
> station, as I'm really not bothered (I've usually already worked the island
> they're on anyway)
>
> It's becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy . . . If nobody makes the effort to
> come on the band on CW, there will be nobody on the band !!
>
> Roger G3YRO
>
>
> _________________
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 10:17:20 +0000
> From: Peter Sundberg <sm2cew at telia.com>
> To: <lennart.michaelsson at telia.com>, "'Roger Kennedy'"
> <roger at wessexproductions.co.uk>, <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <mailman.14.1556035203.29506.topband at contesting.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed
>
> Let's ponder:
>
> FT8 - everyone is on ONE center frequency
> (passband) and their computer is transmitting
> every 15 seconds for hours on end, regardless if
> they are in contact with another computer or not
> FT8 - all the computers that are "hearing" other
> computers are making use of the built in 50 Hz filter in FT8
> FT8 - computers "heard" are lined up and presented nicely sorted on the
> screeen
> FT8 - some computers that are not fully copied
> are still presented as "heard" by use of the "a priori" functionality
> FT8 - listening in by ear on 1840 it sure sounds like high activity
>
> CW - people call CQ on an unspecified frequency, sometimes with long
> interrupts
> CW - listeners can't easily surf the band and dig
> in the noise in 50 Hz bandwidth
> CW - without knowledge of who is where we need
> good signals to attract our attention and so we can start focusing
> CW - summer conditions vary, but one thing is for
> sure, the noise is certainly higher and many have
> taken their microscopes (receiving antennas) down for the season
> CW - many of us also have to live with a less
> effective TX antenna during the summer as we have
> to roll in our extensive radial field
> CW - the KST chat list a lot of interesting and
> capable stations but most of them don't transmit every 15 seconds
> CW - not all who are active announce themselves on KST
>
>
> Bottom line:
>
> CW - it sure would be easier for us to only
> monitor a specific world wide calling frequency, but this is not realistic
> CW - we have to accept that it is more difficult
> to do manual CW than single channel FT8 for reasons described above
> CW - if we transmit more we will be heard :-)
> CW - we are not lazy operators, we still love CW
> and continue to make noise whenever we can, despite the problems listed
> above
> CW - we take on a challenge, we don't give up
> CW- we look at the surrounding actors in a
> realistic way and realize what they are doing,
> duly noting that our table has better food
> CW - we fully admire our colleagues in the
> southern hemisphere for being there all the time
> during our prime season up north!
>
> CW is King!
>
> 73
> Peter SM2CEW
>
>
>
>
>
> At 08:25 2019-04-23, lennart.michaelsson at telia.com wrote:
>> Roger et al,
>> I was on early this morning and even checked in on ON4KST.
>> Called a few CQ DX on 1826.5 without response so back to bed. Yet I did see
>> quite a few US callsigns on the chat. Perhaps they never check out?
>>
>> 73 all
>> Len SM7BIC
>>
>> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
>> Fr?n: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> F?r Roger Kennedy
>> Skickat: den 23 april 2019 10:17
>> Till: topband at contesting.com
>> ?mne: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
>>
>>
>> I get that many stations only use FT8 these days (out of laziness?) . . .
>>
>> But there are plenty of Top Band DXers (like me) who would never ever use
>> FT8 . . . but many of these people hardly ever come on the band !
>>
>> It takes a pretty big setup to have a decent 160m DX station . . . what's
>> the point in having invested all that time and money if the only time you
>> ever come on the band is to work some DX-pedition?!
>>
>> Personally, what gives me a buzz is working ANY station on 160m more than a
>> couple of thousand miles away. (it's the only band where that's actually an
>> achievement).
>>
>> I don't care how many times I've worked that station before . . . and I
>> also
>> don't waste hours trying to get through a pile-up to work a DX-pedition
>> station, as I'm really not bothered (I've usually already worked the island
>> they're on anyway)
>>
>> It's becoming a self-fulfilling prophesy . . . If nobody makes the effort
>> to
>> come on the band on CW, there will be nobody on the band !!
>>
>> Roger G3YRO
>>
>>
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>>
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 14:29:44 +0300
> From: uy0zg <uy0zg at mksat.net>
> To: Topband <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <63c84756a384fdf4a29c0ed9846c7100 at mksat.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
>
> Hi All
>
>
> Victor
> you need to stop listening to dx via the internet!
>
> When will you make an RX antenna?
>
>
> The availability and use of RX antennas is a great pleasure.
>
> Here is an example of the antenna Anatoly UT2XQ
>
> http://www.topband.in.ua/2019/04/22/ut2xq-antennas/
>
> ---
> Nick, UY0ZG
> http://www.topband.in.ua
>
> Victor Goncharsky via Topband ????? 2019-04-23 10:23:
>> This is not always the case. I have noticed long openings to Caribbean
>> during last year 6m season with signal levels good enough for reliable
>> CW QSOs but only FT8 portion of the band was alive.
>> Will see what will happen this year. Top band game is almost over with
>> the last 3 new ones worked in April (but missed XR0) so 6m antenna is
>> on its way to the tower this week.
>>
>>
>> 73, Victor Goncharsky US5WE/K1WE (UW5W in VHF contests, ex UB5WE), P.E.
>> UARL Technical and VHF Committies
>> DXCC Honor Roll #1 (Mixed, Phone), 9BDXCC, 8BWAS
>> DXCC card checker (160 meters).
>> _________________
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
>> Reflector
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 15:56:41 +0000
> From: Emir Memic <emir.memic at emssolutions.at>
> To: Ray Higgins <ray.w2re at gmail.com>, "topband at contesting.com"
> <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Fresnel Zone
> Message-ID:
> <DBBPR08MB487006D532CE43D192F8EECB82230 at DBBPR08MB4870.eurprd08.prod.outlook.com>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Ray,
>
> If we are talking about horizontal polarized antennas
> You cant be high enough on 80m/160m
> And there is no needs to think a lot about effects of fresnel zone on 160/80
>
> Not even with 300m high tower
>
> Of course if there are no uphills around you .....but so far understand you
> That location is free with slight slope around
>
> In my mind its important to have flat or homogeny slope in desired
> direction
> Effect of excellent soil is not so critical for ground reflection if you are
> using horizontal polarized antennas!
>
> On other side for vertical antennas soil is more important but directly
> under the antennas and in closed flied!
>
> In simple words if you can have antenna in saltwater or very close to it put
> it in
>
> If you are far away from good soil with vertical (even 1 wavelength) you
> will need standard numbers of radials under the antenna!
>
> Iif you are on flat terrain with excellent soil you will need very large
> antenna on high tower to outperform 4SQ on 80m !
>
> On 160m is non sense to even try something else than vertical or vertical
> arrays
>
>
> 73s
> Braco
> E77DX
>
>
> --
> Emir Memic
> EMS SOLUTIONS
> K?hlergasse 12/3
> 1180 Wien
> +4369919227041
> emir.memic at emssolutions.at
>
> -----Urspr?ngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Topband <topband-bounces at contesting.com> Im Auftrag von Ray Higgins
> Gesendet: Donnerstag, 18. April 2019 16:49
> An: topband at contesting.com
> Betreff: Topband: Fresnel Zone
>
> I have two questions about fresnel zone.
>
> I just purchased 22.5/ac near the ocean near Machiasport, ME. This is in the
> Northeast corner of Maine about 30 miles south of Eastport and a Lubec. This
> is going to be my personal Remote Contest station! I plan to be contesting
> from this new qth starting in 2020 but will be QRV by mid 2019 for testing.
> This qth is anywhere between 1-3 miles from the ocean or the bay, it sits on
> a high plateau 150? asl thats slopes in all directions to saltwater
> (peninsula) except N/NW. The property has a saltwater river and marsh that
> runs the perimeter from south to north favoring the NE direction, the marsh
> is only 50-100' wide and 1500-2000? away from the property. The land has a
> gradual slope to the marsh.
>
> My questions:
>
> 1.) Is the saltwater river bed/marsh wide enough to be an effective field in
> the Fresnal Zone?
> 2.) What is the wavelengths needed to be within the Fresnal zone of a
> river/marsh compared to an ocean?
>
> In this photo album (last pic) I have outlined the river saltwater marsh and
> property boundry from a google earth shot.
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/ui79t2jFo95b29et6
>
> I?m only concerned about 80 and 160m in the Fresnal Zone.
>
> Any input would be welcomed.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ray W2RE
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _________________
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> _______________________________________________
> Topband mailing list
> Topband at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22
> ****************************************
> _________________
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:32:01 +0300
> From: Victor Goncharsky <us5we at bk.ru>
> To: Topband <topband at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of NA Activity on CW
> Message-ID: <1556040721.984334208 at f545.i.mail.ru>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I wonder if there's a moderator in this forum who can deal with this UY0ZG idiot, who was expelled from Ukrainian Contest Club,Black Sea Contest club, caused problems to the Ukrainian Amateur Radio League that resulted in creation of an alternative amateur radio orgainzation NGO VRL,
> This guy is permanently blaming different amateurs including myself of all kinds of "sins".
> I hope the administration of this forum can get rid of flame from this kind of people.
> Thanks in advance,
> 73
>
>
>> ???????, 23 ?????? 2019, 11:30 UTC ?? uy0zg <uy0zg at mksat.net>:
>>
>> Hi All
>>
>>
>> Victor
>> you need to stop listening to dx via the internet!
>>
>> When will you make an RX antenna?
>>
>>
>
--
bark less - wag more
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