Topband: 160

[Gary Smith]

To me, I lament little CW on 6M, lots of 
FT8. I have my DXCC in CW, mixed & RTTY 
but now it's Digital. I don't mind FT8 but 
the issue to me is with the ARRL who 
includes all Q's not CW or SSB as digital. 
I would like them to have a separate award 
for each.

I do use FT8, Use JTDX now but it's too 
easy for me to love it. With CW SSB and 
RTTY, you have to manually find the 
station and adjust for the best hearing 
many times, I like the skill in that. FT8 
is a real contact but really, I keep the 
rig on the FT8 frequency and hope to have 
my computer work their computer. A valid 
Q, but my effort was minimal & garners 
little sweat equity in the accumulation of 
contacts compared to the other modes.

I will keep working new ones with FT8 but 
for me, they are in their own separate 
category, just as CW, SB & RTTY are. My 
Mother always used the "Cut your nose to 
spite your face" motto when I would refuse 
to do something I should because I was 
stubborn, For me, not YOU, I'll do FT8 if 
it's the only game in town at the time.

I made Honor Roll but want the last ATNO I 
have left to be CW, I'll take FT8 if 
that's all that's available, but for me, 
the # will not be my ideal quality unless 
it is CW.

My 2 pence...

73,

Gary
KA1J