All day I’ve scanned the bands and DX Cluster on both CW and SSB on all bands for Cocos-Keeling (VK9CE) and guess what? Nothing. How frustrating to invest and build a station, put aluminum in the sky, get a little goo, and pffft – nothing. VK9CE has been on that Ham Radio destroying computer software mode, all day. You know the mode where their unmanned computer talks to your unmanned computer. Don’t think it happens? Do your homework as it most assuredly does. They, nor you ever heard a thing. The automated software does the scripted connectivity.
Don’t worry you little pistols. There’s no need for an antenna. No need for some power. Hell, no need for a microphone or a CW key (or keyer)! You just need some computer software where your computer can earn ARRL’s DXCC in a day!
FT8 is destroying Ham Radio. Note, I didn’t say FT8 is killing Ham Radio, I said it is destroying it.
I saw the upcoming Bouvet DXpedition is all about FT8, even more so than they were on Conway Reef. If it comes down to it, I’d rather die with 339 DXCC entities than work Bouvet on FT8. Not going to happen. From the Rebel DX Group site I read today, “We will be testing some our new ideas to operate 5 different stations on FT8 (FOX & HUND) at the same time by 1 operator.”
As co-founder of the Rebel DX Group a few years ago, I walked away when it became clear FT8 was ruining what I consider “Amateur Radio”. I handed over my domains and Website I spent hundreds, if not a thousand hours developing. I do not want to be affiliated in any way with DXpeditions that operate more than 20% or so FT8. And I won’t donate either. You FT8’ers can pull your own weight and subsidize these computer efforts. It’s only fair, right?
FT8 isn’t rebellious, it’s stupid. In my opinion FT8 is like a self-driving car. No operating skills required. How much fun is sitting in a car you’re not driving? You get my point?
And a pleasant reminder. This is my Blog. You don’t like it – turn the dial. Go tell the world how FT8 is saving Ham Radio on your own social media.
N0UN
🙂
