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Digimodes what am I missing?

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Deni F5VJC

Digimodes what am I missing?

Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?

I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which is
the only satisfaction that I can find.

Why?

Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
All rather boring and impersonal.
What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.

Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.

I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
where?

73, F5VJC
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EricJ-2

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

On forums and reflectors!

Eric
KE6US

On 3/20/2014 3:56 PM, F5vjc wrote:

> I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
> any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
> where?
>
> 73, F5VJC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>

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vk2rq

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

There is a lot of activity on PSK31 mode using canned macros as you
describe, and some operators are content with doing only that, however
there is a lot more to digimodes than just that.

Some people are interested in propagation effects, and may run
automated stations such as on PSK31 PropNet or WSPR. Some people are
interested to compare the performance of different modulation and
coding schemes under various band and propagation conditions. For
example, on the new 630m band a lot of the activity involves digital
modes or QRSS CW which is decoded through the aid of a computer.

Some are interested in using digimodes to support emergency
communications. Some use them to track each other on trips in the
outback, or to track balloons. Some use them to experiment with
network protocols. The list goes on... this broad range of interests
is what makes a hobby like ham radio so interesting.

73, Matt VK2RQ.

On Fri, Mar 21, 2014 at 9:56 AM, F5vjc <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?
>
> I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which is
> the only satisfaction that I can find.
>
> Why?
>
> Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
> are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
> All rather boring and impersonal.
> What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.
>
> Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
> me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.
>
> I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
> any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
> where?
>
> 73, F5VJC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

I feel the same way Denis. I guess when I finish Honor Roll and Challenge 3000 maybe I will get back to it, but I am old and the younger folks don't seem to get the charge from CW that I do. To me, even when you talk, digi is too much like email!

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart

________________________________
From: F5vjc <[hidden email]>
To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:56 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?

Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?

I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which is
the only satisfaction that I can find.

Why?

Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
All rather boring and impersonal.
What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.

Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.

I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
where?

73, F5VJC
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Ted Edwards W3TB

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

Actually, you are probably not missing anything from those sending with
macros.
A fun and mischievous way to go about this: What if you actually ask some
sort of question from the macro operators? Could be anything so long as
another macro does not answer it. You would quickly find out whether they
can handle that keyboard and have something to say beyond the brag macro
--- which can carry some of the most inane materials.

On Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 9:31 PM, WILLIS COOKE <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I feel the same way Denis. I guess when I finish Honor Roll and Challenge
> 3000 maybe I will get back to it, but I am old and the younger folks don't
> seem to get the charge from CW that I do. To me, even when you talk, digi
> is too much like email!
>
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
> K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: F5vjc <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:56 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?
>
>
> Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?
>
> I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which is
> the only satisfaction that I can find.
>
> Why?
>
> Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
> are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
> All rather boring and impersonal.
> What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.
>
> Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
> me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.
>
> I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
> any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
> where?
>
> 73, F5VJC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
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> Elecraft mailing list
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>

--
73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and GØPWW

and thinking about operating CW:
"Do today what others won't,
so you can do tomorrow what others can't."
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K5HM

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Cookie

I guess everyone is entitled to pursue the hobby the way they wish. The fact
that its a digital mode or CW really has nothing to do with it. You can
hear the same canned and non-conversation exchanges on CW or SSB. I know CW
operators that don't own a key. For them it's just another digital mode.
They use the same canned macros we see in RTTY or PSK.

Today's hams live in a world filled with text messages and Twitter. To them,
CW might just as well be another form of texting. It's no wonder they can't
have conversations with each other.

Mastering the technology is a big part of what fascinates me about ham
radio. For me, digital modes are a part of the merging of two worlds in
which I grew up and, which grew up with me. Radio and automation.

I like trying new stuff. It's one of the reasons I chose the K3. After
almost a year of ownership, I'm still learning about what this radio can do.

73,
Ron, K5HM
[hidden email]
www.qrz.com/db/k5hm
-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of WILLIS COOKE
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 8:31 PM
To: F5vjc; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?

I feel the same way Denis. I guess when I finish Honor Roll and Challenge
3000 maybe I will get back to it, but I am old and the younger folks don't
seem to get the charge from CW that I do. To me, even when you talk, digi
is too much like email!

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart

________________________________
From: F5vjc <[hidden email]>
To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:56 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?

Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?

I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which is
the only satisfaction that I can find.

Why?

Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
All rather boring and impersonal.
What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.

Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.

I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
where?

73, F5VJC
______________________________________________________________
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Deni F5VJC

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

Lots of very interesting and wise responses, thank you all.

It seems I am not alone :)

73, Denis F5VJC

On 21 March 2014 13:44, K5HM <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I guess everyone is entitled to pursue the hobby the way they wish. The
> fact
> that it's a digital mode or CW really has nothing to do with it. You can
> hear the same canned and non-conversation exchanges on CW or SSB. I know
> CW
> operators that don't own a key. For them it's just another digital mode.
> They use the same canned macros we see in RTTY or PSK.
>
> Today's hams live in a world filled with text messages and Twitter. To
> them,
> CW might just as well be another form of texting. It's no wonder they
> can't
> have conversations with each other.
>
> Mastering the technology is a big part of what fascinates me about ham
> radio. For me, digital modes are a part of the merging of two worlds in
> which I grew up and, which grew up with me. Radio and automation.
>
> I like trying new stuff. It's one of the reasons I chose the K3. After
> almost a year of ownership, I'm still learning about what this radio can
> do.
>
>
> 73,
> Ron, K5HM
> [hidden email]
> www.qrz.com/db/k5hm
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of WILLIS COOKE
> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 8:31 PM
> To: F5vjc; Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?
>
> I feel the same way Denis. I guess when I finish Honor Roll and Challenge
> 3000 maybe I will get back to it, but I am old and the younger folks don't
> seem to get the charge from CW that I do. To me, even when you talk, digi
> is too much like email!
>
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
> K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: F5vjc <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:56 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?
>
>
> Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?
>
> I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which is
> the only satisfaction that I can find.
>
> Why?
>
> Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
> are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
> All rather boring and impersonal.
> What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.
>
> Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
> me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.
>
> I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
> any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
> where?
>
> 73, F5VJC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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>

Ross Primrose

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by K5HM

On 3/21/2014 11:39 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
> I like digimodes because the technology is awesome.
>
> I'm amused when people consider them "new", because they've been around for roughly 50 years.

I think you've underestimated by quite a bit. RTTY has been around
since the early '30s.

73, Ross N4RP

--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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Deni F5VJC

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by K5HM

Hi Walter, yes I agree the technology is'awesome' and I have the greatest
respect for those talented persons who develop these modes and programs for
our use.

However I also have the utmost admiration for the skilled Craftsmen,
whether Blacksmiths or CW operators whom I would consider professional.

73, Denis F5VJC

On 21 March 2014 16:39, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I like digimodes because the technology is awesome.
>
> I'm amused when people consider them "new", because they've been around
> for roughly 50 years. As a rough date for the Dawn of Digimodes, I use the
> invention of the Viterbi decoder in 1967. Ten years later, when I was
> studying EE at Rice, analog modes were about as interesting as power
> supplies.
>
> CW is neat as a hobby technology, but commercially, it is less relevant
> than blacksmithing. There are quite a few professional blacksmiths, but no
> professional CW operators.
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
>
> On Mar 21, 2014, at 5:44 AM, "K5HM" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > I guess everyone is entitled to pursue the hobby the way they wish. The
> fact
> > that it's a digital mode or CW really has nothing to do with it. You can
> > hear the same canned and non-conversation exchanges on CW or SSB. I
> know CW
> > operators that don't own a key. For them it's just another digital mode.
> > They use the same canned macros we see in RTTY or PSK.
> >
> > Today's hams live in a world filled with text messages and Twitter. To
> them,
> > CW might just as well be another form of texting. It's no wonder they
> can't
> > have conversations with each other.
> >
> > Mastering the technology is a big part of what fascinates me about ham
> > radio. For me, digital modes are a part of the merging of two worlds in
> > which I grew up and, which grew up with me. Radio and automation.
> >
> > I like trying new stuff. It's one of the reasons I chose the K3. After
> > almost a year of ownership, I'm still learning about what this radio can
> do.
> >
> >
> > 73,
> > Ron, K5HM
> > [hidden email]
> > www.qrz.com/db/k5hm
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email]
> > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of WILLIS COOKE
> > Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 8:31 PM
> > To: F5vjc; Elecraft Reflector
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?
> >
> > I feel the same way Denis. I guess when I finish Honor Roll and
> Challenge
> > 3000 maybe I will get back to it, but I am old and the younger folks
> don't
> > seem to get the charge from CW that I do. To me, even when you talk,
> digi
> > is too much like email!
> >
> > Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
> > K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: F5vjc <[hidden email]>
> > To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> > Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:56 PM
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Digimodes what am I missing?
> >
> >
> > Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?
> >
> > I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which
> is
> > the only satisfaction that I can find.
> >
> > Why?
> >
> > Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
> > are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
> > All rather boring and impersonal.
> > What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.
> >
> > Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
> > me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.
> >
> > I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
> > any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
> > where?
> >
> > 73, F5VJC
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> --
> Walter Underwood
> [hidden email]
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

alsopb

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Ross Primrose

Please define effective. This is a hobby.

Except for Emergency communications, missing a character or two doesn't
mean squat. For contests, digital error correcting protocols are
non-starters. For pileups, I doubt any error correcting protocol will
be of use.

73 de Brian/K3KO

On 3/21/2014 16:32, Walter Underwood wrote:

> I really considered saying "Dawn of Modern Digimodes". Automatic error correction is the real difference that makes modern digital modes more effective than manual digital modes (Morse) or send-and-pray digital modes (RTTY).
>
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
>
> On Mar 21, 2014, at 8:52 AM, Ross Primrose <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> On 3/21/2014 11:39 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
>>> I like digimodes because the technology is awesome.
>>>
>>> I'm amused when people consider them "new", because they've been around for roughly 50 years.
>>
>> I think you've underestimated by quite a bit. RTTY has been around since the early '30s.
>>
>> 73, Ross N4RP
>>
>> --
>> FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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KE6BB

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

I accidentally "fat fingered" this directly to wunder instead of to the list, so here it is again...I hope:

I am going to put a pitch in here for some of the "not so new" digimodes as a way to keep the hobby interesting. RTTY has certainly been around a lot longer than 50 years...even longer than ME...and has a beautiful sound. I find a bit more "conversation" there, but a lot more macros being used there than 40 years ago. All we had back then was a CQ tape, a brag tape, etc. It kept you busier than a "one-armed paper hanger" because you were literally hanging the paper tapes on the wall with little pieces of masking tape on the end and loading the one you wanted to use next into the tape reader.Another old fun mode that has been around longer than 50 years is Helschreiber, and all of its incarnations. It was one of the very first attempts to send text via radio. Technically it is a facsimile mode (thank you spell checker), with a scanner on one end sending a small picture of each text character and one the other end reproducing it. It has a
fascinating history. I find a lot more conversation among operators using that mode, probably because even the slowest of typists can keep up with it, but the length of a conversation tends to be limited by propagation changes. It does require some (not a lot) operator skill to tune in and to keep it tuned in, similar to the days before waterfalls when you tuned RTTY by ear or using a scope. It certainly isn't the ultimate mode (which is why it is so obscure), but it is great fun to use it occasionally instead of PSK.Operating some of the older modes is a bit like flying old airplanes. They generally require more airman skill due to tailwheels, tailskids, adverse yaw, poorer instrumentation, etc., but are great fun once you master them. Same with CW and some of the other old modes. While my CW skill have deteriorated in part due to age issues, it is beautiful to watch a couple of skilled CW operators running QSK working together, and I am not
talking about code speed. It is even more fun to be a part of it. It is a skill that I don't hear much anymore. The standard CW exchanges don't really do the mode justice compared to a good QSK conversation between skilled operators.Tired of the same old PSK "conversations"? Try one of the old time modes, or throw away the waterfall. Do something different. It will make you a better operator and you will learn something about the history of radio.73,Mark,
KE6BB
or as it was sent on a Model 19 TTY:-ltrs-ltrs-KE-nbrs-6-ltrs-ltrs-BB-CR-CR-LF-LF
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Ross Primrose

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

Many of the Olivia variants are much slower than typing speeds as well.
I've had Olivia QSOs that lasted more than 1hr.... I've also made Olivia
QSOs when there was nothing audible & nothing visible on the waterfall.

73, Ross N4RP

On 3/21/2014 1:39 PM, Mark Petiford wrote:

> I accidentally "fat fingered" this directly to wunder instead of to the list, so here it is again...I hope:
>
> I am going to put a pitch in here for some of the "not so new" digimodes as a way to keep the hobby interesting. RTTY has certainly been around a lot longer than 50 years...even longer than ME...and has a beautiful sound. I find a bit more "conversation" there, but a lot more macros being used there than 40 years ago. All we had back then was a CQ tape, a brag tape, etc. It kept you busier than a "one-armed paper hanger" because you were literally hanging the paper tapes on the wall with little pieces of masking tape on the end and loading the one you wanted to use next into the tape reader.Another old fun mode that has been around longer than 50 years is Helschreiber, and all of its incarnations. It was one of the very first attempts to send text via radio. Technically it is a facsimile mode (thank you spell checker), with a scanner on one end sending a small picture of each text character and one the other end reproducing it. It has a
> fascinating history. I find a lot more conversation among operators using that mode, probably because even the slowest of typists can keep up with it, but the length of a conversation tends to be limited by propagation changes. It does require some (not a lot) operator skill to tune in and to keep it tuned in, similar to the days before waterfalls when you tuned RTTY by ear or using a scope. It certainly isn't the ultimate mode (which is why it is so obscure), but it is great fun to use it occasionally instead of PSK.Operating some of the older modes is a bit like flying old airplanes. They generally require more airman skill due to tailwheels, tailskids, adverse yaw, poorer instrumentation, etc., but are great fun once you master them. Same with CW and some of the other old modes. While my CW skill have deteriorated in part due to age issues, it is beautiful to watch a couple of skilled CW operators running QSK working together, and I am not
> talking about code speed. It is even more fun to be a part of it. It is a skill that I don't hear much anymore. The standard CW exchanges don't really do the mode justice compared to a good QSK conversation between skilled operators.Tired of the same old PSK "conversations"? Try one of the old time modes, or throw away the waterfall. Do something different. It will make you a better operator and you will learn something about the history of radio.73,Mark,
> KE6BB
> or as it was sent on a Model 19 TTY:-ltrs-ltrs-KE-nbrs-6-ltrs-ltrs-BB-CR-CR-LF-LF
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--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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MontyS

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by KE6BB

I use PSK31 frequently, EasyPal SSTV once in a while, RTTY once in a while,
just getting into DStar. CW is challenging and SSB is fun, enjoy them both,
too.

There are many advantages to digital:
-- an error-free record of communications is produced more or less
automatically.
-- casual or malicious listeners can not "read" the communication. Can't
copy PSK or RTTY in your head.
-- Spectrum usage is minimal, and efficient for PSK.
-- Good PSK software can copy signals that are inaudible, yet visible on a
waterfall.

True, they are not much good in pileups. But, I have never heard a PSK
pileup. Split ops are rare.

These advantages are especially important in traffic handling and emergency
communications, major contributors to the "public interest, convenience, or
necessity".

It is just a hobby, but our ability to justify allocation of spectrum to us
depends on others understanding our contributions, both technical and public
service.

Monty K2DLJ

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Frank Precissi

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Ross Primrose

I'll take a stab at this question.

Im the guy who has incredible social anxiety when calling CQ via SSB on the
air (mostly due to a speech impediment that I'm very self conscious about).
I'm just learning CW and know enough to be dangerous (and annoying) on
the air. So that just leaves me with digital. I can ragchew and type to a
random person over the computer all day every day, but have me actually say
something and its another story all together.

Yay social awkwardness!

Frank
KG6EYC

--
CW: NAQCC #6554 | SKCC #10435 | FISTS #16155 | SOC #1038 | FPQRP #3186
Digital: FHC #4224 | 30MDG #6370 | DMC #5698
Gear: K3 #7164 | KX3 #1787
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Robert Nobis - N7RJN

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

I have been experimenting with the digital modes, starting with JT65 and
JT9. I find them both excellent when signal conditions are very poor. I
have worked DX stations that were buried in the noise and could just
barely be heard and in some cases couldn't even be heard. I plan on using
both until I at least get WAS on 10, 15 and 20, as well as DXCC. Next I
will move on to other modes such as PSK31 and Olivia

I guess my point is don¹t knock the digital modes until you have
extensively used them. Like everything else they have their good and bad
points. They may not be the best modes for rag chewing, but they have
their place.

Bob - N7RJN73,

On 3/20/14, 15:56, "F5vjc" <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Is it me, but what is the attraction to the Digimodes?
>
>I can and do understand the achievement to get a new mode working, which
>is
>the only satisfaction that I can find.
>
>Why?
>
>Having succeeded in getting any Digimode working the only traffic I see
> are canned messages and brag dialogues of no great interest.
>All rather boring and impersonal.
>What PC, how much memory, what operating system ad nausea.
>
>Yes I operate CW and the rubber stamp and the DX QSO are very familiar to
>me but at least it's a skill to send and receive CW.
>
>I am not knocking the Digimodes I hope but would like to know, are there
>any real keyboard to keyboard interesting QSO/s to be found, and if so
>where?
>
>73, F5VJC
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mcduffie

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Frank Precissi

On Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:16:41 -0700, Frank Precissi wrote:

> I'm just learning CW and know enough to be dangerous (and annoying) on
> the air.

Which is one of the main indicators that you need to work more of it. :)

Gary
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mcduffie

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

On Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:54:32 +0100, F5vjc wrote:

> Hi Walter, yes I agree

Nice job of trimming - NOT! :)

Gary
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Deni F5VJC

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

Well some great comments, it just shows what a diverse bunch of geeks we
really are!

To me a Radio Amateur is and always will be proficient in CW to some
degree, it's part of our history.

For me 100% copy using sophisticated error correcting Digimodes does not
turn me on... quite the opposite. Fun modes to get going but interest soon
wanes.

Also I don't like to listen to S9+ noise crushing CW, I actually like to
hear the band noise.
What does it for me is having the skill together with the superb receivers
and equipment of today to dig out the weakest discernible signal and decode
it in my head.

Elecraft has for me put the real FUN back into Ham radio beginning with the
K2 way back. I still have mine but now also the full K Line which I greatly
appreciate.
The highly configurable Elecraft gear together with continuous updates and
enhancements is what keeps me hooked. I like tinkering, if it was switch on
and forget it would soon become boring to me.
Also I can and have, repaired and modified my Elecraft gear as needed, with
excellent support always on hand.

I should also state that the thrill of real Wireless communication is at
the heart of Ham radio for me, HF of course via the ionosphere.
To imagine the Op at the other end sending a single dit on a hand key and
it arrives almost instantaneously in my receiver is still the magic of
Wireless.

Of course I appreciate all the wonderful programs that have been developed
and the internet access we enjoy today, I use it all, it enhances my Ham
radio but never replaces it.

If I ever want 100% copy there are a plethora of chat methods available all
dependent on that invisible infrastructure of course...

73 et ZUT, F5VJC :)

On 21 March 2014 22:28, <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:54:32 +0100, F5vjc wrote:
>
> > Hi Walter, yes I agree
>
> Nice job of trimming - NOT! :)
>
> Gary
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Edward R Cole

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

Not going to try to convince anyone that likes CW that digital is
"better". But it offers something different.
I first started with psk-31 back a decade ago, then added JT44, then
JT65 and other of the WSJT suite of digital programs mainly for eme
with QRP transmit power (150w).

I recently started playing on 80m with MT63, THOR22, and Olivia from
the list on FLdigi so that I can take part in a state-wide emergency
drill in remembrance of the 1964 Alaska Earthquake (50th anniversary
on March 27). This was the second strongest earthquake in history
(9.2) which lasted nearly 5-minutes and killed 130 people.

For emergency messages text is best since there is less chance of
error in relaying. Also you end up with a printed message that is
easy to read. FLmsg has several of the ICS standard forms so really
well suited for emcomm. you can compose the message on a form and
just send the message (file).

Also for a hearing impaired person it is much less stressful to
use. I have been practising with 12w to an inverted-V with good
signals. Ideal when the power company is broken and you only have a
battery and maybe a hunk of wire.

Next I will have to install a good RTTY program.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: Digimodes what am I missing?

In reply to this post by Deni F5VJC

All you say rings true. I've never been a fan of
the error-correcting modes because they tend to
slow things down; my digi mode of choice is PSK31.
The diversity of the hobby is one of its marvels
and accounts for me to its staying power: Some
years I operate more and some years I build more,
and sometimes CW is great fun and sometimes not,
Right now I'm building my second KX1 (the first
was in 2003) and enjoying it immensely -- though
it does occupy me operating position for a while.

Elecraft has really contributed to the hobby. At
the beginning of the century my K2 outperformed
most commercial rigs, and 15 years later my K3 and
KX3 do the same. And they -- Wayne, Eric, and
Company -- show no signs of slowing down :-)

73, Phil w7ox

On 3/21/14, 11:47 PM, F5vjc wrote:

> Well some great comments, it just shows what a diverse bunch of geeks we
> really are!
>
> To me a Radio Amateur is and always will be proficient in CW to some
> degree, it's part of our history.
>
> For me 100% copy using sophisticated error correcting Digimodes does not
> turn me on... quite the opposite. Fun modes to get going but interest soon
> wanes.
>
> Elecraft has for me put the real FUN back into Ham radio beginning with the
> K2 way back.
>
> 73 et ZUT, F5VJC :)
>
>
>