[AMRadio] AM Presentation

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 6:31 AM, Rob Atkinson <ranchorobbo at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Pete, I've observed you like to float that line about "AM is just a
> mode" but I'm sure 95% of AM ops would not be operating it if that
> were true.
>

 Rob, I think more of what Pete is saying is not to promote AM as some type
of 'specialty' mode. We had a somewhat known AMer who did that for years,
calling it a 'Legacy' mode, or promoting it as a 'specialty', like we were
some kind of fine wine with snob appeal. The problem with this approach is
(and was proven with the bandwidth petition) that it makes it easier to
start moving AM out. Once it becomes an exception, it's easier to get rid
of. In that sense, we want to be seen as just another of the many approved
and utilized modes.

For me, the best parts of AM include the opportunity to operate historic
equipment while learning about it, and of course - the natural sounding
audio which is far less fatiguing to listen to with a more relaxed
operating style overall. You don't run into the brief '59-59' contacts or
people saying 'QSL' at the end of each transmission like you more often do
with SSB or FM. Over time you get to know the regulars and it's always
interesting for me to hear the vast array of gear folks are using. From
Heathkit and Collins, Homebrew or Flex, even Class D/E if you like the new
technology. Old military gear or converted broadcast transmitters - there's
quite an array of equipment to hear out there, which means so many more
choices for folks who are, as you mentioned, perhaps bored with the
'plug-n-play-then-throw-away' mentality of a plastic world. Even to
discover how to use the mode on their big Yaecomwood rig is a step in the
right direction. (Plastic radios aren't necessarily bad, like the Flex for
example. More the mentality that some adopt as a result)

So maybe a good approach is.....Perhaps you've never tried another mode
available to you - AM. Whether you like old radios or the latest computer
based whiz-bang box, this information should get you started.....

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4