[UK-CONTEST] 80MCC Data Legs

[g4fka at aol.com]

I'm definitely a fan of the data legs. Whilst voice isn't involved, it is  
quite an exercise in system integration getting all the system components to  
talk to each other and to keep the RF out of all the additional leads. Data legs 
 have become by far the most civilised. The sardine packing and increasing 
bouts  of deliberate QRM are factors in both CW and SSB legs but this operator 
has  not once experienced it in the data legs.
 
Lets look at the other modes; CW - how many actually use real CW - straight  
keys keying something fairly near the output component. Very few I suspect. In 
 most cases it is the keyer in the rig or in the interface box doing the  
talking. In an increasing number of cases it is the software doing the listening  
as well as there are regular participants who use the decoding packages.  And 
lets not forget the "keyboard only" operators - they exist as well and dont  
touch any key at any time.
 
SSB - lets see now. How many people use recorded voice messages for the CQ  
and "TU who's next" bits. A few I deem. And there are few who's dulcet tones 
are  not assisted by some form of processing, compression or filtering at one or 
both  ends.
 
In all the legs what percentage dont use computer logging.
 
So there we are. It is the twenty-first century and all the technology is  
there to play with. Lets get on and play with it and enjoy all the CC legs. Roll 
 on February!
 
Geoff G4FKA