Russ's point is valid, of course---but I think also short sighted. Facing the challenge of IBOC, crowded channels, and great distances we must adopt new techniques if the hobby is going to continue.
Amateur radio DX'ers typically go to much greater lengths than medium wave DX'ers in attempting to put new ones into the log. The technique that Brandon is endorsing uses freeware that is easy to set up and use. Requires minimal computer power and inexpensive sound cards, and only fairly accurate receivers. Can you pull this off with a DX-398 at your bedside? No...but it's certainly an option that is inexpensive and technically unchallenging. Most DX'ers don't use phasers, but that doesn't mean that no one should use them. And I'm not aware of any other technique that might make it possible for DX'ers in California to log Vermont or Rhode Island. At the end of the day, the question is "how bad do you want the logging?" If you want it bad enough then you spend the money, and learn the technique. We could still include the traditional elements of the DX Test, including sweep tones, Morse and voice IDs...but if time permits, I think including QRSS during a portion of the test makes a lot of sense. I'm experimenting with the WinMorse software and Sound Forge now to figure out an easy way to generate the .wav or .mp3 files that would be required. Let's move this hobby into the 21st century and instead of resisting new techniques, let's encourage experimentation and development. Any station owners or broadcasters out there who might be willing to try this during your next maintenance period? It would require about a two hour commitment to demonstrate "proof of concept". 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF NRC/IRCA Broadcast Test Coordinator Please call anytime 24/7 if your transmitter will be off the air for maintenance. (205) 253-4867 >> *** I think that perhaps what you suggest above is going to be >> impossible for the many and doable for the few. Whether the gating >> factor is technical proficiency, or in dollars, I believe we have to >> weigh the possibility of creating DX Tests which fewer people can >> hear/report rather than more. >> >> And I have yet to try a Spectrunm analyzer program which I could >> operate. As it is I still have an old Heathkit SB-620 modified for MW >> by Bob Foxworth. >> >> Russ Edmunds >> Blue Bell, PA ( 360' ASL ) _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
