I feel the same way. I understand the reasons why people no longer want to learn CW. Today’s world forces young operators to live fast. CW takes time to learn, and real DX practice only comes with years of experience. I was lucky enough to live through the good times of DXing. My dream goal was 300 countries on the top band. I did everything I could to reach it. I built RX antennas, improved my setup. Unfortunately, the three countries I’m still missing on 160 meters simply haven’t been active on CW in recent years.
FT8 is a phenomenon that has essentially wiped out classic DX work, not only on the top band. In the 1980s I ended my serious DXing for these reasons. Some of the countries I’m missing I even visited and operated from — like ZK 1, FO, 3D2, 5W0, KH8. The 300 would have been within reach. It’s a pity — it was a beautiful era. OK1TN _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
