[Elecraft] K2 Question on Options

[R Thompson]

   The comments on being able to rag chew in digital modes have been
great.  My first few experiences weren't encouraging and I was perhaps
too quick to form an opinion.  After I get the K2 up and running on CW,
and then SSB, I'll revisit digital modes of operation and maybe be a
little more patient.

   Thanks to all who replied!

         Ron VE8RT
  
On Wed, 2011-07-13 at 10:04 -0400, John Ragle wrote:
> Hello, Ron...
> 
> In past years I used my K2, my Flex 3000 (both sold, now) and my K3 on 
> one or another of the digital modes, e.g. CW and PSK31 for the most 
> part, but PSKxx (xx>31), Olivia, etc. as well. I would like to speak in 
> defense of these modes and in support of Elecraft's ability to run them 
> perfectly.
> 
> It seems to me that these modes are absolutely ideal for 
> chatting...sometimes my QSOs on PSK31 or PSK63 have lasted over an hour. 
> To be sure, there is routine information that is usually exchanged 
> during the initial part of a QSO (RSQ, name, QTH, etc), some of which 
> can be programmed into the macro keys that programs have available, but 
> the relaxed character of a contact makes it possible to have a real 
> conversation while drinking tea or eating soup, etc.
> 
> There are always a few people who seem to be counting coup (I call them 
> hello-goodbye QSOs), but you will find that behavior in any mode.  Have 
> you considered the possibility that your call sign (VE8RQ) might 
> intimidate people into having short QSOs? While not extraordinary DX, it 
> is a sufficiently rare prefix that some might want to "make room for the 
> next fellow." I think that digital modes deserve another try...
> 
> John Ragle --W1ZI
> 
> =====
> 
> On 7/13/2011 9:20 AM, R Thompson wrote:
> > Thanks, but I'm not a fan of digital modes.  I tried them once, and
> > tried to have a QSO with someone.  He came back and told me that he
> > didn't QSO, and only sent the info that was pre-programmed in to the
> > function keys.  Other attempts resulted in similar responses.  So I
> > nick-named digital operation a "push-button" mode, and decided that it
> > wasn't for me.
>