[ADXA] 6 Meter SSB/CW Dead?? NOT SO FAST!

[w5zn at w5zn.org]

I'm getting ready for the ARRL June VHF Contest that will occur weekend 
after next. I believe everyone knows I enjoy that operating event. Ever 
since FT8 became popular one of my operating plans is to be able to run 
SSB/CW and FT8 in an SO2R fashion, CQ'ing on SSB or CW while monitoring 
FT8 for new ones. That is why I have two separate sets of antennas on 
two separate towers separated by a couple hundred feet. So, in 
preparation I arranged the two six meter rigs today for VHF contest 
mode, each with its appropriate set of antennas, one with the 6M9KHW and 
7x7x7 stack switchable for SSB/CW and the other with the switchable 
northeast LVA, west LVA and southeast 6M7JHV. There's a nice 6 meter 
opening today all over.

What I have been hearing for the past 5 hours is about 8 different CW 
stations running a good number of Q's and about 12 different stations 
running SSB QSO's. On FT8 I'm seeing about 20 different stations on, 
about half of those just continually calling CQ with not a whole lot of 
response, but a good number of stations on.

I most definitely do NOT want to start an FT8 debate, but given what I'm 
seeing today by being able to monitor both parts of the band at the same 
time, my point is everyone has NOT moved to FT8!! Maybe, just maybe, a 
bunch of old dogs like me who don't really need any grids in the USA on 
6 meters and don't have a lot of interest in monitoring the band all the 
time are just not aware of the number of stations that are on SSB/CW 
during openings.

So, my real point is this.....quit getting wrapped up in mode debates. 
GET ON THE AIR AND WORK 'EM regardless!

Oh yea, and BY ALL MEANS please get on during the ARRL VHF contest and 
work me :-))

73 Joel W5ZN