"Steve Bonine" wrote

Howard Lester wrote:

As far as I can imagine, there's no real operating skill required for
automation.

I have to disagree with this.

Are you disagreeing with my imagination? ;-)

There have been many aspects of ham radio's various levels of automation
I've taken advantage of. As you and others have mentioned, an "automatic"
keyer (I used to have a good fist on a straight key), a transceiver (I grew
up with a separate transmitter/receiver setup with separate antennas: no
auto relay), a transmatch with variable capacitors and switchable tapped
coils... stuff like that.

What I was getting at is that I can't imagine being involved in any contest
or any casual QSO with an automatic CQ-seeking machine that does all kinds
of things that take away from what I can do between my ears. It's not for
me. Those who develop those programs and skills are doing a great service as
contributing hobbyists by at least pushing technology ahead -- you're right.
And there are many, many aspects to ham radio. It's a hobby, and we have
much freedom within it to pursue these aspects and develop them further. *I*
have no use for many of them. I'd continue to push the OP to develop his CW
skills and get back to the basics. It's fun.

Howard N7SO