I represent the under 30 crowd (for another few years at least) who isn't really into JT65, FT8, etc.. I still prefer the "between the ears" -modes. However, I see the JT and other weak signal modes emerging as a response to real estate limits and restrictions. I was lucky in that I had space and tolerant parents growing up, so I could do these things as a kid. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't be involved in ham radio right now.
If using a digital mode keeps someone involved in ham radio or generates new interest, then I'm all for it. My DXCC hangs in my own shack; it means nothing to anyone but me -- and the same is true of all of yours. If these modes "aren't ham radio" to you, don't use them. But understand that they're bringing a lot of new activity to the bands, and especially the low bands; let them have their hobby without squawking about *your* hobby. Anyway, there should be plenty of "between the ears" action this weekend. I believe there's some type of operating event going on. *smirk* Mike, N1TA On Wed, Oct 25, 2017 at 10:17 AM, Nick Maslon - K1NZ <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hi all, here's my $.02... > > Radio is what you make of it. Do what you enjoy. If you don't like the > digimodes, stay away from them. > > DXCC means different things to different people. To some, it means only SSB > or CW. To others, they're perfectly happy with digi modes. Others want to > earn DXCC from a station only they have built. Still others work under > their own call from a multiop station and claim the credit. To each his > own. It's not worth getting worked up over. > > I'm going to get put on blast for this but personally, I love digimodes. > Outside of contests, I almost exclusively operate digi. It's what I enjoy. > I'm not proficient enough with CW to have a real impact on the bands and > phone takes its toll on you after a while. > > That being said, I lament FT8 killing off JT65. I do understand they're > both similar, but JT65 had a more "human" touch in that I did need to click > the right buttons to send the right text instead of the computer > automatically doing it for me. Plus, the longer cycle times were more > conducive to getting in a freeform 73 note. > > At the end of the day, this hobby is big enough for everyone. Have fun. > Enjoy yourself. Make new friends. The magic isn't gone just yet! > > 73, > Nick K1NZ > _________________ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
