[ADXA] A deep thought about things you brought up... Will take a while to read.

Fri Oct 15 01:14:06 EDT 2021

 Earl:      ( Sorry ADXA guys, Earl brought this up for all to see, and here’s my long answer ) ☹
  Current technology is OK for so many newcomers especially, getting hard to work countries that are inaudible on CW and for sure not heard on SSB. That’s good. If I was just starting out in ham radio, chasing DX and especially if I was young and needed to start working up the ladder on DXCC programs, then the new technology would GREAT to add to the usual modes from decades ago. But to destroy those “old modes” in many ways is what has happened in the past 3 years and when it hurts the DXpedition game, I feel down at times.

  I personally do NOT like the new FT8/FT4 etc modes since it would require new software and a deep knowledge of which mode to use, how  to use it (and some guys do NOT know if up or down and often it takes a long time for  them to figure out where the DXped is listening, etc) Happens all the time to those who DO know a lot about the FT modes. My final thought is I can never compete with the FT8/FT4 guys on chasing band/modes and that’s OK. It’s my hobby, my money, my time, so I prefer to send Morse code, call on SSB and make occasional RTTY QSOs when the DXped takes the time to go to RTTY… I just don’t like the marked increase in the new digital modes QSOs on DXpeditions that outnumber CW and SSB by a LARGE amount. But it is their DXped and their time and money, so you take it or leave. That is why I tend to only make 3-4 contacts on semi-rare DXpedition trips, sometimes none,  since I don’t really need many things to work for except perhaps a QSL card from some DX that I need for a certain band but they are few and far between.

  Now something SPECIFIC that bugs me.. When FT4 on 60m is on 5359, it covers our FIXED CW channel pf 5358.5 completely and nobody could hear CW transceive.  I tried to call the S9 twice when he was on 5360 SSB, hoping he might listen for some USA down 1.5 KC on CW.. Knew it would not happen. But tried 3 seconds twice. It’s called chasing DX..  Channel 3 is useless to us CW/SSB guys. 5357 is covered when FT8 is on, so no SSB.  So, the mechanism of 60m is constantly changing and, yep some guys who got ahead of you on the ladder did get SSB and CW on 60m and were OFF our  fixed channels. Happens often. Once or twice the S9 listened on 5348, THANK GOD, but being weak, one did not always know if he was using the 15 KC wide, 15 watt VFO segment only (5351.5 to 5366.5) or listening on 5348 or 5358.5 CW for NA..  Our FCC was supposed to consider a couple of years ago for us in the NA to our own 15kc wide, low power VFO band, likely the same as the EU model, especially since our Channel 3 is useless except for the new technology modes. 
   I was on 60m from day one on July 3rd, 2003 and have spoken at ham conventions 3 times in the early stages of 60m and it being an emergency band and that the ARRL does not recognize contacts for any DXCC awards, etc. That’s OK..  But after a while, about 3 years ago, things really changed with the popularity of sub-audible FT8/FT4 modes, especially when SSN and propagation was way down at the end of cycle 24 and beginning of cycle 25. That was one good thing about FT8/FT4. BUT when signals are in the 0 to + dB ranges, SSB is workable, as is CW for sure. Enuff said, I will take my early Gold Star 60m DXCC (non ARRL) award in 2015 and my 60m WAS #8 of 2009 and know that I DID compete back in those days but can not now, especially on 60m. I will say anyone can outdo me now on 60m, poor antennas and prefer to say off the band. I loved my 60m activity in the early days and helped with checking cards for our DXCC and WAS awards and finally gave all that up to K3ZXL a few years ago. Too many drastic changes and irregular operating habits from some big dogs on that band. That is why I quit using 60m in the past couple of years unless a special attempt to work one DX station like the S9.
   Now, not to bore some people, I shall talk to you more in person if you wish and if we have an ADXA event pretty soon. I do have something private to mention to you. I am sure your beginning comment about FT8 etc and my comments about my ideas of what interests me now are not supposed to get too personal. You will always do it your way and must respect the reason others disagree with you on some things in our hobby. It IS a hobby, so lets keep it that way.  To make  it clear, and I have said this before if you check old ADXA comments, FT8/FT4 and other future technology is GOOD for our hobby.  REREAD THAT STATEMENT!  It stimulates new hams and many DXing hobbyists who have small antenna setups, lower power and for those who like something besides CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK (old days).. So be it! You may have noted that I stopped my old days of chasing ALL DXpeditions and trying to fill all band/modes slots, just to see if I could beat some friends of mine in our ongoing friendly chasing game.  Win some, lose some. I no longer desire to live those old days. And I do admit I can not compete with the newer DX chaser out there..  Not enuff energy, poor antennas, satisfied with my ham life and time to spend more time with my family. Read my very last statement on QRZ.com.  Our heritage and legacy is our family and NOT ham radio accomplishments.
   So, I will continue to enjoy my simple beam up 38 feet for 14-28mc and a short vertical with 3 elevated radials for 80-30m. It’s been that way for the past 26 years…  I have had a hard time competing and spend a lot more time chasing DX than I have wanted to but is gets into my blood sometimes. Enuff on this comparison situation you brought up.  I believe in private emails or ‘reply’ only in situations when things become a debate … This is my last time to answer things that are so controversial and I APPOLOGIZE to the ADXA guys who may have taken the time to read about such an ever- changing matter.  
73, good night if you are still up. I have chronic fatigue and need a lot of sleep, so I have missed my usual 10 PM  bedtime.  
San   K5YY   ( I did say 73 and meant it Earl ) 😊 

Sent from Mail for Windows

From: Earl
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2021 9:10 PM
To: Sandy Hutson; adxa at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [ADXA] Personal findings about our USA Zone 4 rankings.

San,
I usually just read all the comments on this list, but this continual slamming of current technology is getting of hand.
Ham radio has always been in the forefront of technical advances, and proud of that fact. Especially in the field of communications.
I have always enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with the latest. Really I don't understand why you continue to run down the advancement in digital communications.
I also have 16 "non FT8/FT4" band mode QSO's with S9OK, but I also have 15 FT8/FT4 band mode QSO's with them. For a total of 31. On the 'USA Zone 4' list that you mentioned I am at #11.
Also 8 of the 10 above me have worked them with 2 (CW and SSB) out of band QSO's on 60 meters.
Hamming is fun and a DX-expedition like this on is great training grounds for newcomers and us old Hams as well. ( Agree )
This particular one is fantastic in that one is able to watch the Live Feed on Club Log and know exactly were they are and the mode they are operating. "Shooting fish in barrel". Hi Hi..
See ya in the pile ups. Have a good one.
73, Earl N5ZM..
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