[CW] Re: GB> CW Use on Bands - Results So Far

[N2EY@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/19/03 7:35:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ebjr@i-55.com 
writes:


> 80 meter usage seems to have been waning for several years now.  "Newbie" 
> hams seem to abhor atmospheric noise!  

When they're used to VHF/UHF FM.....

80 meters can be very useful in spite of QRN levels as
> 
> the
> signal levels are many times higher frequently.
> The "Glowbug/Boatanchors" net has been meeting informally on 3546.5 and 
> 7050.
> 80 perdominates in late fall thru early spring/summer, whilst 40 meters does 
> during
> the rest of the year (at night).  During daytimes, we use 7050 whenever 
> possible.
> 
> 40 meters has, unfortunately, been clobbered by a high influx of Central 
> American
> SSB,
> many of the operators not caring about "nets" or "watering holes" that are 
> used
> frequently.  I understand there is a few Canadians who are doing the same 
> thing to
> those in the northern parts of the country.  This MAY abate once the ITU 
> gets off its
> collective "duffs" and implements the 7000-7300 band in all regions for 
> Amateur use.


That will take a few years. Some won't move.



> 
> Secondly, "Ragchewing" on CW seems to have fallen out of favor by increasing 
> amounts
> in
> recent years. 

Not here at N2EY! While I love to contest, when the contest is not on I'll 
ragchew as long as time permits. 

 There is NO LACK of CW activity when some 'contest' in in session even
> 
> way down on 160 meters!!
> 

Yep. Look at the ARRL 160 meter scores - and notice that the contest is CW 
only.


> Hoping to see some of the CW people on the bands soon!
> 
> 

Me too!

I think the comments on antenna size are right on target, too, because it can 
be tough to find a way to fit a decent 80 meter antenna onto a typical lot. 
The popular "G5RV" isn't the most efficient antenna for 80, either. My favorite 
limited-space antenna is an 80/40  trap dipole, put up as an inverted V. 

Other effects:

In the old days, 80 was the starting place for many hams. We learned the code 
by listening to other hams or W1AW on 80. Inexpensive, surplus and homebrew 
rx's usually worked best on 80, particularly in the hands of an inexperienced 
newbie. A transmitter for 80, VFO or xtal, could be a paragon of simplicity. 
Ham radio used to be a primarily "winter night" activity, which is when 80 
really shines. Today much of that has gone by the wayside. To a newbie used to code 
tapes and software,  VHF/UHF FM and 10 meters at the sunspot peak, 80 is 
terra incognita. 

All of which means we have to "sell" it rather than let it lie fallow.

73 de Jim, N2EY


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