[Elecraft] Boldly OT: 6 meter Sporadic-E season and the FT-8 microjuggernaut

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Be it CW, RTTY, PSK, SSB,  JT65 or other modes, today's computer 
integration into the ham shack as produced many automated contacts with 
little to no personal intervention.   Where as one says FT-8 mode is 
used to rack up countries........what about the automated CQ's from 
memory keyers in CW mode with the follow up always being a 599 report, 
or RTTY contacts structured with Function Keys for the exchange, and 
software which supports other like modes.   Even SSB contacts with CQ's 
in the operators voice with digital voice recorders will often 
prevail.   Yes, I know it is repetitive calling and it is done to save 
the voice or fingers, but really, automated is automated and the dreaded 
computer is the basis, ..............not the FT-8 software.   As Chicken 
Little said..........."it's everywhere, it's everywhere."

Just wait until the upcoming Field Day.  The FT-8 operations, with 
operators trying to modify the data exchange to comply with the 
reporting and confirmation of contacts for Field Day exchange is surely 
to be a little more than a "train wreck".   UGH! Banish the thoughts.

73

Bob, K4TAX