[NLRS] Cqww vhf

[Duane - N9DG]

I admit to using APRS map and dxmaps.com to get a general sense of what is going on. But those have both let me down in showing what paths are actually possible. They can mislead you into thinking that things are not as open as they actually are. Same for Hepburn maps. And a lot of Q's actually worked never get posted to dxmaps or similar either. I still pay attention to broader weather patterns etc, and play hunches based on that. And on 6M and Es just have the gear on and running as much as I can when there is a likelihood some Es or other. There is still no replacement for just getting on, looking around, and making noise. Which mode used is irrelevant.

Despite all my complaints about the negatives of external operating aids, there is something much bigger at play, so it extends way beyond those items. And it actually extends well beyond amateur radio itself. And it is not new, it has been trending that way for at least 30 years now.
And I wish I could say that I have some brilliant ideas for how inspire more activity. But I don't have any, I just don't. But one thing I am sure of is the balkanization based on the different technical aspects of the newer amateur modes and gear is not helping. I.e things like:1. "It is not a real radio QSO if I don't aurally hear the signal".2. "It is not a real radio unless it has knobs and buttons".3. "I don't want a computer in, or as part of my radio operating".
Perspective - my guiding principles about different modes and equipment used is pretty simple. I strive to extract as much as I can from the RF that is coming down from my antennas and feedlines. And any technology used to do that, AND which is EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN my station, is all fair game. I'm not interested in trying to draw arbitrary lines around specific bits and pieces of, or types of technology being used within the station itself. But I do seek draw a line between my own station, and any external and parallel communications paths to find or establish QSO's. Hence my frustration with the clear negative effects of Internet based DX aids and real-time scheduling.
And yes, I do get it that the microwave bands are a different game. But 6 and 2 shouldn't ever need to be done that way. And I'm not bothered by remote operations either as long as it is in the context of it being just extra long mic/control cables between the RF I/O box +antennas and where you are physically sitting at. It is actually cool stuff.

But yeah, I can come across pretty harsh at times regarding these subjects... Sorry about that....

DuaneN9DG


    On Monday, July 15, 2024 at 10:00:11 PM CDT, Mary Brown <maryalanab at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
  
I don't park on the chats... I will check the APRS map for openings then cq in directions that look promising... I check beacons too, WD9BGA/b is my main indicator to the east, N0LL/b to the SSW... 
 
 
I listen more than CQ these days... between my allergies dumping down my throat and lack of sleep(pain from my destroyed spine...) my voice gives out to fast now...
 

 
 
Mary
 
W0AAT
 
  
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