Topband: FT8 etc.

[Cecil]

Nice post!

Cecil
K5DL

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 10, 2021, at 5:58 PM, Steve HA0DU <ha0du at dx.hu> wrote:
> 
> Gentlemen,
> 
> Amateur radio is supposed to be a hobby. FUN.
> 
> What we see is TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT! It certainly changes the hobby, but it should not change the fun. I read my license, but I can't find that FTx modes MUST BE USED EXCLUSIVELY.
> 
> 45 years ago we did RTTY contests with an old RFT pagewriter, not even punched tape, all transmissions by hand. Was it fun? YES. Do I want to do it again? Of course not.
> 
> 45 years ago I did not have a transceiver. I did have an old military surplus receiver and a homemade transmitter. CW only, 80/40. Was it fun? YES. Do I want to use it again? Of course not.
> 
> 45 years ago (even 5 years ago) I wrote my contacts in a paper log. Do I still have them? YES. Did I type up all QSOs in a computer file (when computers became available)? YES.
> 
> 38 years ago VK0CW used a split of 25 kHz on 20 CW, so I had to turn the VFO of the FT250 (aka Tempo One) five times right to TX, then five times left to RX. Luckily I made the contact. Was it fun? YES. Do I want it back? Of course not.
> 
> Just like in every other aspect of life, technology developed a LOT. Take advantage of it!
> 
> Denying development is not what ham radio operators are (or should be) famous about! Computers are everywhere. We are driving computers on four wheels. Modern SDR radios are more or less computers. These are facts, even is some of us do not like them.
> 
> Take my example. I work as a technical translator at home. Two screens are connected to my computer (yes, computer aided translation is easier). On the main screen I do the work. On the second screen there are some ham programs running. When I see something interesting on the cluster or HamSpots. or wherever, I take a look. If it is digital, it is convenient because I find a TX frequency, I click on the call, and the computer will control my radio to try to work the other station. If it is CW or SSB, I grab the key or the mic, and try to work the other station. No question lost time from work is significantly more if I have to use my hand to TX CW or hold the microphone :).
> 
> Digital modes also opened EME for a lot more people. Yes, information exchange is rather limited, but we still have many other chances to chat - use them!
> 
> 73/DX
> Steve HA0DU
> 
> 
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