"Mike Coslo" wrote in message
...
Martin, VK2UMJ wrote:

[SNIP]

I agree, and while I would much prefer to run DX on 50MHz SSB, that isn't
always possible so what happens during other times? Do I just switch all
the radio gear off and give up, or resort to using repeaters and the
like???

Well, I don't know what your situation is for the lower HF bands. But
remember, my issue isn't with the mode, even though I don't care for it. I
just think things like contests are silly.

Well, perhaps.. Then again *I* think that CW contests are silly!!!! ;-)
(now watch as I am slowly flamed by all the CW operators!!)

No, seriously, I agree that perhaps "contest" was a poor choice of titles
for it, although I see what they are trying to do - just the same as we are
all trying to do and get people active in some way. I also think the 28
days was a tad too long, for *any* 'contest'. Maybe if it only included
simplex nodes, or at least a special category to encourage these, that
would've been better as then at least there is some additional skill needed
to erect an antenna suitable for simplex contacts (a piece of string often
suffices for repeaters!!).

[SNIP]

Voice was a dilution of Amateur Radio way back in the early days where CW
was all the go, yet here we are removing CW from the entrance
requirements.

Well, I can see a difference when most of the transmission is via fiber
rather than the air.


Yes, so can I, but amateur 'radio' encompases many, many different
technologies. The days of "wireless" are long gone, decades ago the thought
of connecting a computer to give Packet or SSTV would no doubt have also
been frowned upon as 'not amateur radio'.....


Rather than criticise those using IRLP, shouldn't we just 'understand'
that maybe they use it for a reason and then encourage them to experiment
with other modes??? On the other hand, I know of many long time hams
that use HF often for DX contacts, even using CW, but at other times
(e.g. when mobile, when portable, or when conditions are very poor) they
use IRLP to keep in touch with overseas stations AND encourage newcomers
to the hobby to chat with people outside their city....

Or, will it encoiurage newcomers to simply stay at the lowes level,
because if chatting to people around the world is their goal, then they
have achieved it. As I have said, if that is what floats their boat, then
so be it.


I think that depends a lot on several factors, including the attitude of
fellow amateurs and how much encouragement we give them to try other bands.
Of course, if money or space limits your abilities then perhaps IRLP will be
the only option used, but I would much prefer in that case a licensed
amateur use IRLP rather than see them just give up their licence and leave
the hobby!

For those that can set up other bands, it is up to fellow amateurs (I
believe) to 'spark their interest' and encorage them. I have seen young
Scouts and Guides amazed at how they can chat via radio to people all over
the world, but often the lead up to them experiencing that is to get them on
Packet and show them how a computer can be linked to another computer
without using phone lines.. By sparking their interest using something they
know (computers), we get them to try radio...

[SNIP]

Erect an an antenna system that works fairly well (depending if you use a
repeater or simplex node), learn general good operating practices, get
DTMF working on your radio!!!!

And let us hope they don't stop there!


Too true!! It would certainly be nice to see them progress and take part in
other 'on air' contests next year!


The bothersome part is that it seems like too many IRLP'ers and
Echolinker's, just don't "get " that.


I agree EchoLink is just not amateur radio, although I use it sometimes
from inside the house where the XYL wont let me bring my radios!

hehe, my XYL was also pretty critical. I did eventually tell her that I
was thinking about taking up a new hobby in place of amateur radio. The
new hobby was going to bars and chatting with loose "wimmin". I
retrospect, the ham radio didn't seem so bad. Now as long as my antennas
aren't too obvious, she doesn't complain too much.


I have no problems with antenna's from the XYL, just none of those damn
noisy radio's inside! Has something to do with not enough room I guess.....

But again,
rather than criticise and make fun of their chosen mode, wouldn't we be
much better off encouraging the use of other modes????

Oh, heck, when you put it *that* way........ 8^)

I fully understand your feelings about IRLP, but I just don't think that
publicly criticising those that choose to use the mode is of any benefit, to
anyone! If you (or anyone) truly felt strongly enough about the length of
the contest, then I'm sure that politely worded notes to the organisers
would've gotten much further than some of the whinges we have seen on here!
Otherwise, for those that simply don't like IRLP, for whatever reason, is
there really any benefit to telling everyone this? I don't like CW, but I
don't make a big fuss everytime a CW contest is announces - I simply don't
take part in it! Likewise for those that don't like Packet, or RTTY, or
SSTV - I guess they just avoid those modes. So why should we start a debate
about IRLP that just ends up making us all look rather childish?????

Anyway, have fun and don't get too bogged in that 4WD!!!!



--
Martin, VK2UMJ

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