New Contest Transceiver
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Don't forget 30M ... it's contest free and usually has plenty of room.
73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [hidden email] _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver
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In reply to this post by w5tvw
> Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but
> disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is little > places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops nowadays seem > to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the air. There seems > to be no place to go anymore on HF. WARC bands? _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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now there's a thought, definitely have to study for my advanced if for
no other reason than to get away from all them contesters. although it might be fun to jump in there and see just what this contesting business is all about. On 19/03/2008 10:05 PM, the old scribe known as Charlotte & Bob Higgins was able to impart this pearl of wisdom: >> Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but >> disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is >> little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops >> nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the >> air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. > > WARC bands? > > __________ NOD32 2959 (20080319) Information __________ > > This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. > http://www.eset.com > > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Charlotte & Bob Higgins
Is this actually true? I'm not clear on what happened in the US with
no longer requiring a Morse cert. and would like someone to set me straight (I really mean that, I'd like to understand the real story). My understanding is: 1) the requirement for a morse cert was removed from the license 2) this allows you to get a license and operate without morse 3) the FCC did not 'throw away Morse', just removed the requirement to have it In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people wishing to learn Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it becomes clear just how significant CW is to making contacts, especially DX. So, by no longer forcing people to learn Morse, we have encouraged more to do so. In my limited experience, courtesy not slowing slipping away, lack of it is in the minority. And mostly the usage of that term is used when describing large contests where band plans get ignored. I don't wish to get into the Contest verses DX type issues. There does seem to be a concern that SSB contests wipe out the CW parts of the band during the contest. I would have thought that applied far more here than in the US where my understanding is the band plan is mandator - in the UK is advisory (provided you stick within the spectrum allocation). Contests are on the rise yes, but I don't think that can be blamed on the removal of the Morse requirement - surly if anything, this indicates a greater usage of CW (assuming we are talking CWE contests). In fact, are contests on the increase or is it just poor DX conditions making it appear that way? On the question of where to go to use Morse, what about the freq. used by FIST members. Just because they are used by FISTS, does not prevent anyone from using them (no-one owns a freq.) and if you hear someone calling CQ FISTS, work them. FISTS members are happy to work anyone and are not exclusively FISTS - and if you find someone is, then they should not be a member of FISTS, IMHO. There freq. are found at http://www.fists.co.uk/index_files/FREQS.htm 73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575, K3 #174, HexKey #375 -- One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. -Malayan Proverb On 19 Mar 2008, at 11:05, Charlotte & Bob Higgins wrote: >> Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all >> but disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. >> There is little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of >> the CW ops nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them >> or stay off the air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. > > WARC bands? _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver [OT]
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you know, once you remove the requirement for someone to do something in
order to gain a qualification or a certificate of proficiency, or the like, there's more insentive to go learn it for the fun of it. if you're required to do the thing, then it's alot less enjoyable. On 19/03/2008 10:35 PM, the old scribe known as David Ferrington, M0XDF was able to impart this pearl of wisdom: > Is this actually true? I'm not clear on what happened in the US with no > longer requiring a Morse cert. and would like someone to set me straight > (I really mean that, I'd like to understand the real story). > > My understanding is: > 1) the requirement for a morse cert was removed from the license > 2) this allows you to get a license and operate without morse > 3) the FCC did not 'throw away Morse', just removed the requirement to > have it > > In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers > (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people wishing > to learn Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it becomes clear > just how significant CW is to making contacts, especially DX. So, by no > longer forcing people to learn Morse, we have encouraged more to do so. > > In my limited experience, courtesy not slowing slipping away, lack of it > is in the minority. And mostly the usage of that term is used when > describing large contests where band plans get ignored. I don't wish to > get into the Contest verses DX type issues. There does seem to be a > concern that SSB contests wipe out the CW parts of the band during the > contest. > I would have thought that applied far more here than in the US where my > understanding is the band plan is mandator - in the UK is advisory > (provided you stick within the spectrum allocation). > > Contests are on the rise yes, but I don't think that can be blamed on > the removal of the Morse requirement - surly if anything, this indicates > a greater usage of CW (assuming we are talking CWE contests). > In fact, are contests on the increase or is it just poor DX conditions > making it appear that way? > > On the question of where to go to use Morse, what about the freq. used > by FIST members. Just because they are used by FISTS, does not prevent > anyone from using them (no-one owns a freq.) and if you hear someone > calling CQ FISTS, work them. FISTS members are happy to work anyone and > are not exclusively FISTS - and if you find someone is, then they should > not be a member of FISTS, IMHO. > > There freq. are found at http://www.fists.co.uk/index_files/FREQS.htm > > 73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575, K3 #174, HexKey #375 Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver [OT]
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In reply to this post by M0XDF
David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote:
> In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers > (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people wishing > to learn Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it becomes clear > just how significant CW is to making contacts, especially DX. So, by no > longer forcing people to learn Morse, we have encouraged more to do so. > To tell from the activity on the CW bands I would say you are wrong. Activity on the CW bands are a far cry compared to what it used to be 10 years ago, not to mention 20-30 years ago. Less and less people use CW on the ham bands! Sad but it´s a fact. 73 Jim SM2EKM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver [OT]
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I think I'd agree with that assessment also. it takes a certain mindset
to use morse and not everybody is built for it. having said that, it doesn't mean the practise should die out. On 19/03/2008 11:17 PM, the old scribe known as Jan Erik Holm was able to impart this pearl of wisdom: > David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: > >> In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers >> (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people >> wishing to learn Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it becomes >> clear just how significant CW is to making contacts, especially DX. >> So, by no longer forcing people to learn Morse, we have encouraged >> more to do so. >> > To tell from the activity on the CW bands I would say you are wrong. > Activity on the CW bands are a far cry compared to what it used to be > 10 years ago, not to mention 20-30 years ago. > Less and less people use CW on the ham bands! Sad but it´s a fact. > > 73 Jim SM2EKM > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > __________ NOD32 2959 (20080319) Information __________ > > This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. > http://www.eset.com > > > -- Shaun web sites: http://www.myspace.com/blindmanshaunoliver http://blindman.homelinux.org/~blindman/ msn: [hidden email] yahoo:: blindman01_2000 skype: brailledude _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Jan Erik Holm
Listening from my QTH it appears activity is low on
all modes, including local 2m FM which died to nothing 10 years ago. 40m CW activity has lessened in the past few years, but it's still the place to be. 80m CW is sad, nothing there unless a weekend contest. On higher frequencies unable to tell what activity there is without propagation. The wonders of the "internet" and cellphones! Have a great rest of the week! Ken, KA0W --- Jan Erik Holm <[hidden email]> wrote: > David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: > > > In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted > in more newcomers > > (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in > fact, more people wishing > > to learn Morse (myself included) since on using > HF, it becomes clear > > just how significant CW is to making contacts, > especially DX. So, by no > > longer forcing people to learn Morse, we have > encouraged more to do so. > > > To tell from the activity on the CW bands I would > say you are wrong. > Activity on the CW bands are a far cry compared to > what it used to be > 10 years ago, not to mention 20-30 years ago. > Less and less people use CW on the ham bands! Sad > but it´s a fact. > > 73 Jim SM2EKM > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Shaun Oliver
I am a ham now simply because I became aware that I didn't need Morse
- in my mind I had discounted being a ham, because I always thought Morse was a requirement (from the age of 16). I wasn't aware of the class B license (right term?) and it wasn't until I was involved in an International Scout camp at which we had a radio exhibit (RCF GB4FUN) that a fellow Scouter and Ham explained that Morse was no longer necessary and in fact had just been removed as a requirement altogether in the UK (this was Aug'03). By Oct'03 I had my Foundation license, passed my advanced in Jun'06, and then started working on my Morse (I'm still working on it :). I believe we need to find a way to publicize amateur radio more and to remove the mythical barrier of Morse from public perception. There are pleanty of modes available, some of them (data etc) do allow good DX QSOs in current poor conditions. I'm not suggesting we forget CW, I'm a member of FISTS and want to promote Morse too. But I do think we could encourage many more prospective members of the hobby if we 'softly, softly, catchy monkey'. On the specifics of activity, I'm too new to know. Is the lack of activity due in part to poor conditions and the advancement of data modes allow contacts that could only have occurred on CW before? Does the lack of CW activity correlate with a general decline in the hobby? I'd like to see CW continue and grow, but I think what is far more important is that the hobby continues and grows. If that unfortunately means people move away from CW and migrate to other modes, then I guess that's how the human race advances. 73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575, K3 #174, HexKey #375 -- Unix is basically a simple operating system, but you have to be a genius to understand the simplicity. -- Dennis Ritchie On 19 Mar 2008, at 12:22, Shaun Oliver wrote: > I think I'd agree with that assessment also. it takes a certain > mindset to use morse and not everybody is built for it. having said > that, it doesn't mean the practise should die out. > > On 19/03/2008 11:17 PM, the old scribe known as Jan Erik Holm was > able to impart this pearl of wisdom: >> David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: >>> In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers >>> (since Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people >>> wishing to learn Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it >>> becomes clear just how significant CW is to making contacts, >>> especially DX. So, by no longer forcing people to learn Morse, we >>> have encouraged more to do so. >>> >> To tell from the activity on the CW bands I would say you are wrong. >> Activity on the CW bands are a far cry compared to what it used to be >> 10 years ago, not to mention 20-30 years ago. >> Less and less people use CW on the ham bands! Sad but it´s a fact. >> 73 Jim SM2EKM Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Why contest rigs will be needed by all.
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In reply to this post by Ken, KA0W
A few posts here have recognized the general decline in activity over
the last decade or so. My observations agree with those. Sunspots or not, there are less signals on the air. Less signals, that is, until you hit a contest weekend. Maybe the two are related. It takes 2 to tango. You need other stations to have fun with radio. A reduction in signals leads to less signals as folks find it not much fun to call CQ with no answer. It may be that people are so hot to contest because that is the only time other people are on the air. If that's true, then I suspect we'll see a continuation of the situation. Ham radio will shift to be mostly a contest / intermittent event hobby and less of a day-to-day hobby. Sort of like deer hunting where the participants call themselves deer hunters but are only active during a couple of weekends in November. If THAT is true, then that means that a rig like the K3 (or K2) that performs well in a crowded band will be more and more necessary since the only time you'll be able to chat with anyone is during a busy contest. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - - K3 Wave 3 - _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Charlotte & Bob Higgins
WARC bands are "OK", but short paths that occur on 30 meters are very rare.
It would have been nice if FCC had authorized CW dead on the "carrier frequencies" of the 60 meter channels! This when 80 and 40 is "loaded" with contesters on weekends. I still get the idea FCC wants to end Morse for good. The ARRL seems to be going along with this trend. 73, Sandy W5TVW ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlotte & Bob Higgins" <[hidden email]> To: "Sandy" <[hidden email]>; "Shaun Oliver" <[hidden email]>; "Bill W4ZV" <[hidden email]> Cc: <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:05 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver >> Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but >> disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is >> little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops >> nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the >> air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. > > WARC bands? > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1335 - Release > Date: 3/19/2008 9:54 AM > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by M0XDF
Morse IS being used, whether the "regulators" like it or not.
For a while ( may still be?) Morse was BANNED on the MARS frequencies. Morse is certainly popular for contest and QRP use, and probably still on the rise. How much Morse? All one has to do is listen on 160 meters during the ARRL or CQ 160 contests! Too bad there isn't more activity except at contest time. I'm hearing a lot of slow speed Morse QSO's now where the old timers used to congregate. Perhaps this sort of activity will increase. I still contend there should be some small "sub-band where digital/RTTY and voice modes are forbidden and there is nothing but Morse even if only 10-20 khz. of the low end. 73 Sandy W5TVW ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <[hidden email]> To: "Charlotte & Bob Higgins" <[hidden email]> Cc: "Sandy" <[hidden email]>; "Shaun Oliver" <[hidden email]>; "Bill W4ZV" <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:35 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver [OT] > Is this actually true? I'm not clear on what happened in the US with no > longer requiring a Morse cert. and would like someone to set me straight > (I really mean that, I'd like to understand the real story). > > My understanding is: > 1) the requirement for a morse cert was removed from the license > 2) this allows you to get a license and operate without morse > 3) the FCC did not 'throw away Morse', just removed the requirement to > have it > > In the UK, this same action in 2003 has resulted in more newcomers (since > Morse is no longer an obstacle) and in fact, more people wishing to learn > Morse (myself included) since on using HF, it becomes clear just how > significant CW is to making contacts, especially DX. So, by no longer > forcing people to learn Morse, we have encouraged more to do so. > > In my limited experience, courtesy not slowing slipping away, lack of it > is in the minority. And mostly the usage of that term is used when > describing large contests where band plans get ignored. I don't wish to > get into the Contest verses DX type issues. There does seem to be a > concern that SSB contests wipe out the CW parts of the band during the > contest. > I would have thought that applied far more here than in the US where my > understanding is the band plan is mandator - in the UK is advisory > (provided you stick within the spectrum allocation). > > Contests are on the rise yes, but I don't think that can be blamed on the > removal of the Morse requirement - surly if anything, this indicates a > greater usage of CW (assuming we are talking CWE contests). > In fact, are contests on the increase or is it just poor DX conditions > making it appear that way? > > On the question of where to go to use Morse, what about the freq. used by > FIST members. Just because they are used by FISTS, does not prevent > anyone from using them (no-one owns a freq.) and if you hear someone > calling CQ FISTS, work them. FISTS members are happy to work anyone and > are not exclusively FISTS - and if you find someone is, then they should > not be a member of FISTS, IMHO. > > There freq. are found at http://www.fists.co.uk/index_files/FREQS.htm > > 73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575, K3 #174, HexKey #375 > -- > One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those > who are kind. -Malayan Proverb > > On 19 Mar 2008, at 11:05, Charlotte & Bob Higgins wrote: > >>> Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but >>> disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is >>> little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops >>> nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the >>> air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. >> >> WARC bands? > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1335 - Release > Date: 3/19/2008 9:54 AM > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Shaun Oliver
Caution, Shaun.
Think before you leap. Contesting has been demonstrated to be an addictive pasttime. You might find that you like it, and there is no known cure for this affliction. We can only treat the symptoms by applying more and more contests to the sufferer. Be warned, my friend. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG ----- Original Message ----- From: "Shaun Oliver" <[hidden email]> To: "Charlotte & Bob Higgins" <[hidden email]> Cc: <[hidden email]>; "Bill W4ZV" <[hidden email]> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 3:12 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver > now there's a thought, definitely have to study for my advanced if for > no other reason than to get away from all them contesters. although it > might be fun to jump in there and see just what this contesting business > is all about. > > > On 19/03/2008 10:05 PM, the old scribe known as Charlotte & Bob Higgins > was able to impart this pearl of wisdom: > >> Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but > >> disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is > >> little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops > >> nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the > >> air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. > > > > WARC bands? > > > > __________ NOD32 2959 (20080319) Information __________ > > > > This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver [OT]
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In reply to this post by w5tvw
Although there isn't as much cw on during non-contest times as there was
when I was licensed in '79, there are a number of ragchews going on during the day on 40m during the day and some dx at night/early morning here in the Midwest. I'd like for the people who think CW is dead to listen to the ARRL 160 contest, or any major contest for that matter. Even though the daily activity may be down, I think we will continue to have decent cw activity in our lifetimes anyway. I think someone mentioned it earlier, and I don't want it to be taken in the wrong context, but if the bands are jam packed on 40m, 30 meters is a great band. I think it's better to go to 30m for cw qso's then it is to get your blood pressure up because 40 meters is jam packed with signals. Also maybe the contest managers can try to keep major cw and rtty contests on different dates, although I'm sure this is getting harder and harder 73, Mike K9MI _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver [OT]
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In reply to this post by W7is
There is way less casual CW operation than there was in '79, '89, and
even '99. Except for contesting and DXing, CW is close to being dead. Foreign phones, RTTY & data stations in the lower portions of the CW bands and the ARRL/FCC elimination of CW-testing will finish it off. If I thought there was any future in casual CW operation, I would have a K3 on order now. Dave N7AF K2 #4795 On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:50:03 -0400 "Michael Brown" <[hidden email]> writes: > Although there isn't as much cw on during non-contest times as there > was > when I was licensed in '79, there are a number of ragchews going on > during > the day on 40m during the day and some dx at night/early morning > here in the > Midwest. > > I'd like for the people who think CW is dead to listen to the ARRL > 160 > contest, or any major contest for that matter. Even though the daily > > activity may be down, I think we will continue to have decent cw > activity in > our lifetimes anyway. > > I think someone mentioned it earlier, and I don't want it to be > taken in the > wrong context, but if the bands are jam packed on 40m, 30 meters is > a great > band. I think it's better to go to 30m for cw qso's then it is to > get your > blood pressure up because 40 meters is jam packed with signals. Also > maybe > the contest managers can try to keep major cw and rtty contests on > different > dates, although I'm sure this is getting harder and harder > > 73, Mike K9MI Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Michael Brown-17
> From: [hidden email] > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver [OT] > Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:50:03 -0400 > > > > I think someone mentioned it earlier, and I don't want it to be taken in the wrong context, but if the bands are jam packed on 40m, 30 meters is a great band. I find plenty of room above Contest Alley for ragchewing on 40 meters. Look between the phone stations above 7.1 mHz Other than that, 30m is a great band. Bill w7kxb I think it's better to go to 30m for cw qso's then it is to get your > blood pressure up because 40 meters is jam packed with signals. Also maybe > the contest managers can try to keep major cw and rtty contests on different > dates, although I'm sure this is getting harder and harder > > 73, Mike K9MI > > _______________________________________________ >_______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by w5tvw
This is a subject that pops up from time to time. You do have a point. I
usually end up going to 30 or 17 meters to avoid the contests. The best times that I have to operate are the weekends and it is irritating to jump on and find the band filled with call signs and 59 or 599 reports. I have nothing against contesting but, I do think there are too many of them. I saw a recent ARRL poll that indicated that only about 20% of the ham population contest, if I remember correctly. However, they sure seem to take up more than 20% of the bands and time, in my opinion. I also enjoy QRP but, it seems you can forget about the QRP calling frequencies during a contest or any frequency for that matter. Either they occupy those frequencies, which they are entitled to do, or they just step right on top of you because, they can't hear you. My K2 helps with that a little. It it weren't for the MOJO, I probably wouldn't be able to operate at all during those times. :-) On Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:50:39 -0500 "Sandy" <[hidden email]> wrote: > The Japanese seemed to have gone "ape" on whistles and bells on the new >radios! I enjoy some contests, but the "contest" thing has gotten way out of >hand to my thinking. On weekends, what used to be "normal" ragchew >get-togethers have gotten to be battle the contesters for a space just to >"talk"! I have also seen a lot of talk about computer controlled automatic >"loggers" that also answer calls and make your contacts for you with little >intervention. What's the challenge there? I do enjoy some "sprints" on QRP, >but there are too many contests nowadays for a fellow to find a spot on the >band to "shoot the bull" like we did in the "old days". > > Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but >disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is little >places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops nowadays seem to >be contesters so you either join them or stay off the air. There seems to be >no place to go anymore on HF. > > I don't think I will be even thinking of buying a K3 or especially an >IC-7700 unless I win the Lottery now. It's hard enough buying gasoline to >attend hamfests now. > > 73, > > Sandy W5TVW > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Shaun Oliver" ><[hidden email]> > To: "Bill W4ZV" <[hidden email]> > Cc: <[hidden email]> > Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:58 AM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver > > >> I'm sorry to sound like some kind of whining bitch, but, is it me, or is >> amateur radio fast becoming a pissing contest of sorts to see who has the >> flashiest rig at the cost of a new car. I for one refuse to spend that >> amount of money on a hobby I know I'll get alot of fun out of. I'm not >> completely sure about contests and what place they hold within the amateur >> community, but I'm sure there's a place and a reason for them. hell, I >> might even try my hand at a couple when I finally gain me ticket. >> you don't need the latest icom or kenwood or yaesu, which you'd have to >> take out a mortgage to own, half the fun as far as I'm concerned is >> working with what you have. and sometimes, that might be a pile of cow >> shit, some duct tape, fencing wire for a feeder and a couple of aluminum >> coke cans for a matching circuit, and an old valve radio that's been >> beaten to death and still manages to put out it's full power. if the above >> works, why change? >> me, I'm all for having a nice long chat with the fellas and working a >> little dx occasionally. I use to like to do that on the chocolate box but, >> there's too many fools there for that to be any fun anymore. >> sorry if I sound whiney but, yeah there you have it, my 2 cents worth. >> >> >> On 18/03/2008 9:47 PM, the old scribe known as Bill W4ZV was able to >> impart this pearl of wisdom: >>> >>> >>> W7is wrote: >>>> If your interested in seeing the latest offering of a contest grade >>>> transceiver, take a look at this link. Reading their brochure is a >>>> real hoot!! During the next 10 days it will be making its official >>>> debut. >>> >>> Not news. IC-7700 was announced about the same time (i.e. Dayton last >>> year) >>> as the K3. You too can spend twice as much as a K3, with no Sub RX and >>> get >>> worse performance. I'm sure the contest gang will gobble these up...NOT. >>> You could buy 2 fully K3s outfitted for SO2R for less than one >>> IC-7700...but >>> it sure is pretty! ;-) >>> >>> 73, Bill >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Post to: [hidden email] >> You must be a subscriber to post to the list. >> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm >> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com >> >> >> -- >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1333 - Release >> Date: 3/18/2008 8:10 AM >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: New Contest Transceiver [OT]
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In reply to this post by Dave Lowenstein-2
I'm a casual CW operator and I like to rag chew. I agree that there is less
activity than in past years. One indication for me is that I keep working the same stations which rarely happened when I was first licensed. I am also another one this is hesitant to order a K3 at this time. The K2 may be my last rig but, then I do have my income tax return burning a hole in my pocket...but, then again, ham radio isn't my only hobby or interest. ;-) Gary, N7HTS On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:20:20 -0700 Dave Lowenstein <[hidden email]> wrote: > There is way less casual CW operation than there was in '79, '89, and > even '99. Except for contesting and DXing, CW is close to being dead. >Foreign phones, RTTY & data stations in the lower portions of the CW > bands and the ARRL/FCC elimination of CW-testing will finish it off. If > I thought there was any future in casual CW operation, I would have a K3 > on order now. > > Dave > N7AF > K2 #4795 > > On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:50:03 -0400 "Michael Brown" <[hidden email]> > writes: >> Although there isn't as much cw on during non-contest times as there >> was >> when I was licensed in '79, there are a number of ragchews going on >> during >> the day on 40m during the day and some dx at night/early morning >> here in the >> Midwest. >> >> I'd like for the people who think CW is dead to listen to the ARRL >> 160 >> contest, or any major contest for that matter. Even though the daily >> >> activity may be down, I think we will continue to have decent cw >> activity in >> our lifetimes anyway. >> >> I think someone mentioned it earlier, and I don't want it to be >> taken in the >> wrong context, but if the bands are jam packed on 40m, 30 meters is >> a great >> band. I think it's better to go to 30m for cw qso's then it is to >> get your >> blood pressure up because 40 meters is jam packed with signals. Also >> maybe >> the contest managers can try to keep major cw and rtty contests on >> different >> dates, although I'm sure this is getting harder and harder >> >> 73, Mike K9MI > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Gary D Krause
If you are not participating in a contest, it is often a good time to
get on the WARC bands. 73, Bob N7XY On Mar 19, 2008, at 12:16 PM, Gary D Krause wrote: > This is a subject that pops up from time to time. You do have a > point. I usually end up going to 30 or 17 meters to avoid the > contests. The best times that I have to operate are the weekends > and it is irritating to jump on and find the band filled with call > signs and 59 or 599 reports. I have nothing against contesting > but, I do think there are too many of them. I saw a recent ARRL > poll that indicated that only about 20% of the ham population > contest, if I remember correctly. However, they sure seem to take > up more than 20% of the bands and time, in my opinion. I also > enjoy QRP but, it seems you can forget about the QRP calling > frequencies during a contest or any frequency for that matter. > Either they occupy those frequencies, which they are entitled to > do, or they just step right on top of you because, they can't hear > you. My K2 helps with that a little. It it weren't for the MOJO, > I probably wouldn't be able to operate at all during those times. :-) > > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Gary D Krause
Yea but probably 70% of hams are either dead and not logged yet or
inactive. Then you've got 20% that does casual operation and contesting and then you've got the 10% in the middle that complain about the contests. Yet still the majority of the people on the air I fully well believe participate a bit in the contests. Heck I've spent HOURS calling CQ at the calling frequencies at 7 watts and had no call backs. At times its just nice when there is a contest and I can call someone and get a quick test of things... On Wed, 2008-03-19 at 13:16 -0600, Gary D Krause wrote: > I saw a recent > ARRL poll that indicated that only about 20% of the ham population > contest, if > I remember correctly. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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