Topband: 160

[Ed Sawyer]

Folks, for me, the real issue is the lack of people coming on CW on 160M for
DXpeditions.  Lets be honest, many people don't like the struggle of Qs on
160 like we do.  And many are not great at CW.  By using FT8 on 160, they
can "satisfy" topbanders while they operate on another band at the same time
- routinely done all the time now by the way.  Is that automated?  Don't
really care personally.  The problem is they just don't show up on CW.
Increasingly, for the whole DXpedition.  So that has added an additional
element to 160 DXing for me - prop, competition, and praying they get on CW.

 

I made the choice early on - not using FT8 and kidding myself that is
somehow me working the station - plus honestly, its not fun.  Might be
satisfying to see the counter go green, but if you compare it to sex, I
think it will make sense.  If your robot does it, is it the same?  Enough
said.

 

It really doesn't even matter about the award discussion.  If DXpeditions
are not operating 160 on CW, who cares?

 

For me, its trashed 160M DXIng.  And I am sure I am not alone.

 

You will find me on the bands working whoever is left.  But the quest for
160M countries is over for me.  Sad but done.

 

Ed  N1UR