[Elecraft] Ultimate System

[Jim Miller]

But, The memories are great.  73, Jim KG0KP

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick
Bates, WA6NHC
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2014 11:34 AM
To: G4GNX
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Ultimate System

Let's see... You're supporting making the contact, hand writing in the log
details, taking the time to fill out, mail then wait for a returning QSL
card all to fill your day.

I submit that electronic logging, with automatic upload to services like
LOTW, Clublog, QRZ and getting a near immediate return confirmation results
in one huge benefit... I can get back to operating quicker to make more
contacts (be it DX, a contest or a ragchew).  It's simply a more efficient
use of time, sometimes in places where time and numbers matter (like
contests).  It allows me to do more of what I want to do, operate.

I also use a remotely controlled station, automatic antenna tuner and
antenna switch and an instant on amplifier.  I started with much less and I
enjoy the reduced load on me so I can focus on different things and enjoy
them more.  I know I can manage with less but have no desire to return to my
earlier stations.

I look at it as combining my interests (and toys like computers, networks,
radios) into ways that make things both complex to set up (any modern
radio), but easier to use once that is completed.  It has allowed me to do
some super cool things such as having my morning cuppa while watching the
sunrise on an Alaskan volcano while participating in the local 'old guy' net
at home, several thousand miles away, thanks to the new technology I use.
(I bluetooth audio to a laptop or iOS device and use the remote control
features of my home station from the same device.)  I can go back to old
school, but at what cost in this example?

In fairness, the 'new' method of logging and QSL isn't as elegant or
personal as receiving a hand written card, akin to texting instead of mail
or a phone call compared to email.  I get that.  But with the limited time
we have in this place, I'll take the fun over the tedious.  I'll leave the
personal touches for the contact itself and hopefully recontact that station
on several band/modes to develop a relationship over time.

73 es Happy Christmas,
Rick, WA6NHC

iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-)

> On Dec 8, 2014, at 5:17 AM, G4GNX <G4GNX at theatreorgans.co.uk> wrote:
> 
> Stan.
> 
> I felt the same way, having returned to Ham Radio after 20 years away
(shame on me!!!).
> 
> I still feel the same way in some circumstances and I still hand write my
QSOs and transfer to a computer log later. One reason for this is that I
don't believe in using one media to prop-up another. i.e. The Internet to
prop-up Ham Radio. Ham Radio is quite capable of standing on its own two
feet, but it takes some work on our part. This seems to be part of the
problem - the World is getting lazy. However, as in all things, progress
must be made and I truly welcome such enhancements as DSP, high quality
filters, transistors replacing tubes and my one major indulgence - an
auto-tuner (apart from the one in my K3).
> 
> I suppose that if all of this extra 'stuff' had been available in the very
early days, we would all have accepted it as part of the scene and looked
for new challenges to occupy our time.
> 
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