Andy, This is a topic of discussion that is raging on behind the lines in Emergency Communications also. The fundamental thing that many miscalculate is how the Intel that is to be sent digitally is gathered and relayed to someone with the capabilities to "digitize" In this debate, a lot of babies have been thrown out with the bath water already. Please keep the most rudimentary concept of communications in mind in this discussion. It is like factoring to prime numbers. One day, everyone will have a total mobile digital station as an option in their cars at point of purchase. However, we aren't there yet, and we have to rely on what is available if we are to offer a useful service to the community to pay for our keep (and spectrum). Voice Ops will always be an option; especially in the first 96 hours when everyone is scrambling to restore enough damaged infrastructure to get back on the air. Again, as "hunter gatherers" someone must collect the Intel or "ground truth" that is to be sent via digital means. However, Amateur Radio is less about public service now than it has been in the past, and many don't consider Emergency Communications as something they are interested in. As far as DX goes, that is another battle altogether. Many who chase weak signals are deeply involved in the modes that were available when they were first licensed. Some (an un-known quantity), don't have email, internet or computer access. Some have never had their hands on a typewriter; much less a keyboard. Some don't own a microphone. To them , the topic is a non-starter. To the technician who has stayed on weak-signal VHF and above long enough to learn about propagation patterns, coax losses, antenna gain, AOS/LOS, line of sight, etc...These are most likely to continue to learn as they progress in their license upgrade path. They tend to see the full picture, and having to work harder for each line of sight or tropo-enhanced contact already have fairly well sized up the importance of good operating techniques, and what is needed to get the job done. They have already found that you will make more contacts on HF with a wire by mistake than you will ever make above 50MHz using proper operating techniques, a good station that is properly put together and mindful every step of the away of the losses and need for efficient operations as they move from the approximately 7MHz total of HF spectrum to the Gazillions of MHz of spectrum available to them, if they will develop the gear and skills to use it. They will be the ones that may carry 20th Century technology into the 21st century. The one day extras that come in to a test session with no license and exit with an extra; not so much. The CW ops that can't find a Microphone, but have a half-dozen keys around; not so much. Folks that enjoy and are heavily invested in ESSB; not so much Folks that are equally involved in both Voice and Digital ops, and understanding the need for each, and at what point in the timeline that need is most apparent; preaching to the Choir. Digital Only ops - "When the Ohms jump out of the Pot, look out!" Don't put all your eggs in one basket. By and large; "specialization is for insects" when it comes down to survival. Just a few thoughts, David KD4NUE
-----Original Message----- From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew O'Brien Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 10:54 AM To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Subject: [digitalradio] SSB Phone versus other modes I wonder why some folks bother with phone, especially under weak conditions. It sure is fun to just "talk" but the performance of SSB phone versus other modes continues to amaze me. Trying for the LOTW TP award has caused me to use SSB phone more of late, and I am often encountering situations where we switch from CW to digital and then to phone for the award. Today for example, I worked NX7F 559 on CW, then barely readable on phone, 339 at best, then 100% copy on PSK31. I wonder if there are many phone ops who do not yet do the other modes? They would be shocked at how much less shouting they would need to do if they pursued DX in CW or digital modes. Andy K3UK
