[PaQSO] Digital Modes

[Bob Crossland]

I agree with Blair in that it will be interesting to see just how many
operators take advantage of the digital modes.  

My initial question, without putting a whole lot of thought into it, is
how do we do the serial numbers?  Different set of numbers for digital
contacts?  Even though programs such as WriteLog can do all of today's
current modes, how do you include the digital contacts onto the same log
as the SSB and CW contacts?

As Blair said, I'm all for giving this a try, as I do enjoy RTTY
contesting, but I'd like to hear about the details, sooner than later.  

Should be fun!!

Bob, N3FR    




-----Original Message-----
From: paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K3YD at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2005 3:07 PM
To: PaQSO at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [PaQSO] Digital Modes

In a message dated 12/06/2005 14:02:30 Eastern Standard Time,
jss167 at yahoo.com writes:

<< I have the concern that we may be headed towards an  email/computer
contest.  We already have people  sending and copying CW with computers,
computer  logging, voice keyers, packet spotting, now we have  digital.
Is there any challenge anymore?  >>

I would disagree about copying CW with computers.  Perhaps it's possible
under perfect conditions, but under contest conditions (weak, fading
signal, QRM, poor sending, etc.) I don't think so  :-)  A good pair of
ears with a brain in-between is still superior to any computer algorithm
which is commonly available to the amateur community.

I am willing to be open minded about the 2006 inclusion of digital
modes.  
Let's see how many people give RTTY/PSK31 a try and how it influences
scores.  I am of the opinion that digital contesting is a bit "slower"
than either phone or CW, both of which can achieve rates of over 200
contacts per hour by a skilled operator.  However, even a slow rate is
better than no rate at all.  

I have tried VHF (SSB) and concluded that the effort to set up a station
for those bands  was not returned by sufficient Q's.  Till we try
digital modes, we'll never know about those, will we?

73, Blair K3YD


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