[50mhz] Here goes

Mon Jul 11 12:19:48 EDT 2011

Hello!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the weak signal digital modes.  I appreciate that 
everybody has a different opinion, and I certainly don't intend to get into a debate 
here.  However, there appear to be some misunderstandings or misconceptions regarding 
weak signal modes, and I just want to set the record straight so others are not 
misinformed regarding the facts.

On 7/11/2011 3:18 PM, r miles wrote:
>
> Into the breach....
>
> As an HF DXer of the old school I see these exotic modes  differently.
> I have no problem with RTTY, PSK or some of the other digital modes.

Yes, all those are approximately the same sensitivity as CW, and are what I wukk call 
"strong signal modes".

> What I see as not  right is when only the PC  hears the signal. If  it's
> a zillion DB below the human ear copying but the PC is decoding it I
> think that's not a QSO.

Well, I know you really weren't serious about a ZILLION db, but JT65A is copyable 
10-15 dB below a CW signal strength.  One of the reasons it varies depends on the 
type of DSP audio filtering you have, as well as the sensitivity of your ears ;-)

I know a number of us (I guess I am starting to be classed as an OT too - HI) have 
difficulties with our hearing, and are not as good as we used to be.  In fact, back 
in the days before digital (even when I was NOT such an OT), I was amazed when W3EP 
stopped by for a visit, and operated my 2m EME station.  He decoded CW signals that I 
could just barely tell were there - and he was not familiar with the callsigns, 
either! His ears alone are certainly better than mine!  And I know there were people 
with specialized computer processing filters that provided audio that enabled them to 
copy CW by ear even down to what is just barely detectable to me as a signal in the 
headphones.

Having operated 2m EME since the 70's, I sure got a lot of experience trying to 
listen to very weak CW signals. (Maybe that is what ruined my hearing!)  What was 
amazing, though, was WATCHING the waterfall display on the screen when such programs 
as Spectran became available in the 1990's.  Even barely detectable CW signals left a 
really bright visual trace on the screen.  It sure was frustrating to have one 
particular sense (eyes) detect the signals, but another ears (ears) fail.  It seemed 
like there should be some way to capture those weak signals that kept staring me in 
the face!

Well, K1JT came along and utilized some of today's standard technology for signal 
processing to develop some weak signal modes that ARE able to do something with the 
signals that are visible to our eyes on the screen.

If only the PCs are copying each  other is that
> a QSO? Why even  be in the shack? Just set software to detect a signal&
> reply. When you physically enter the radio room  your PC can tell you
> what 'you' worked.

Actually, the computer does NOT make the contact.  The operator must use his senses - 
primarily his EYES - to watch the waterfall, compare what he sees with what the 
computer processes, and select messages to exchange with the other station in a very 
rigorous contact protocol.  The operator needs to be integrally involved, and well 
trained and experienced.  Actually, it becomes quite an art to properly use this weak 
signal software properly.

> This is ONLY my opinion. Don't go  off if you disagree. We all see
> things differently. I'm not saying  you  are wrong. We just see things
> in  a different  way.
>
> Good DX
>
> K9IL

So, I am not going off on you, and appreciate the fact that you enjoy operating 
strong signal modes.  However, please also appreciate that there are those of us who 
are interested in utilizing the most sensitive means possible to decode messages 
required for two operators (not computers) to complete a DX contact.  Weak signal 
work is certainly not for everyone, but others should not criticize it until they 
have actually TRIED it, and better understand what is involved.

As for me, I will use whatever modes are appropriate for the particular situation and 
propagation.  I look forward to contacting you on 6m using either CW or SSB when we 
have a strong Es opening, and wish you success in your pursuit of your personal goals.

VY 73, Lance

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-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ
(ex WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX, 3D2LR, 5W0GJ)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT   59834-0073
USA
TEL: (406) 626-5728
QTH: DN27ub
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
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Skype: lanceW7GJ
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815

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