[NLRS] June Contest K0PG/R K9ILT/R

[aduhawk at comcast.net]

I recall Blockbuster Video.  Throughout the 1980s and into the 90s there was the weekly visit to browse the aisles and aisles of VHS tapes.  Then one day I noticed a small rack containing boxes of DVDs.  Pretty soon the distribution was about even.  Then the tipping point came and then there were no more VHS tapes.  I am not complaining about the loss of VHS but rather commenting on a "time marches on" moment.


I recall one local ham having a Multi Elmac PMR-8 and a AF68 bolted to the dash of his American Motors Rambler with a Saturn 6 halo on the back bumper chatting away with the locals at 50.4 AM in 1962.  Now we can check out AC0RA's KW SSB and digital setup with its good size beams.  There is no doubt in my mind that it has been for the better.


It is time for Pat and me to get FT8, FT4 and MSK144 working in the Rovermobile.  The new modes will add complexity and offer challenges.  How are we both going to work digital modes like we do SSB in rapid succession?  How will we be able to run and gun on FT8?


So far, I have the TS2000X working on receive and hope to get it transmitting this weekend so that we can be ready for June.  Given the performance of these new modes we could go to other areas and still contact those we usually work.  Will we find that it is more practical for us to operate DX-Pedition style in one place like EN67 or EN02?  Maybe we should cut down the number of bands?


Maybe we should take up stamp collecting? 


There will be more news to come.  


73, Tim K0PG