2e0edx
Full Member
QRP "It is vain to do with more what can be done with less" William of Occum, 1290-1350.
Posts: 109
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Post by 2e0edx on Dec 28, 2006 15:50:39 GMT
I have never been a great big fan of IRLP or Echolink, but I'm sure many forum members are and gain a great deal of enjoyment from such, good luck to them, 'Radio is all things to all people'.
Personally I think that "proper" radio is where its at and the reason I took up the hobby, give me HF anyday. I would rather struggle, spend hours in the shack to make that elusive dx contact than resort to internet linked radio. Mind you, having said all that, conditions are poor at the moment and a lot of people get pleasure out of this form of communication.
I think to sum up both IRLP and Echolink and not forgetting Skype, I dont think you can beat the magic of that RF contact, twiddling that VFO etc, its what amateur radio is all about.... If I feel the urge to chat to distant places with no QRM etc, I can always pick up my mobile phone and do so..........
I look forward to hearing others views on this topic.
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Post by m0wow on Dec 28, 2006 19:20:08 GMT
Hi, I can see your point on 'real radio' being the best as i to love that chance contact hard worked for. I can also see some advantages in v.i.o.p. Where else can an M3 work a net with a JA, VK, ZL etc?, also new M3's who have not come to amatuer radio via 11mtrs have very little if any HF experience, so programs like qsonet can give them the opportunity to learn the way things are done on HF without causing problems on the bands or embarassment. Finally as you have said when band conditions are bad, at least one can get a qso.
In conclusion, v.i.o.p will never replace real radio, but as a learning tool it could be another string to our bows.
73's de Den.
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Post by M0ZOE on Dec 28, 2006 20:20:58 GMT
;D I will have to agree with you both on this one guy's..Altho I did have a chance contact with a mobile station on the M4 while having ago with ehcolink. He came in so clear and loud it was difficult for me to ignore him and in a way I am glad I didn't because I do tend to get a bit mic shy at times. However I hope to rectify that over the next few months...Great Post Ian!
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2e0edx
Full Member
QRP "It is vain to do with more what can be done with less" William of Occum, 1290-1350.
Posts: 109
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Post by 2e0edx on Dec 31, 2006 10:19:45 GMT
Hi Den
You raise some important points in your reply and ones that I on reflection can agree with. Of course your right with regards to any form of radio being used as a learning curve and novices to the HF bands, not just M3's Den, I know of some local Intermediate licences holders that also lack experience, perhaps could benefit from it. However, for anyone entering into HF, best to listen to the bands and QSO's first before jumping in.
I think one point missed in this thread is the price of radios/antennas and equipment, not all can afford initially (good topic thread perhaps?) and again the QSONET you mention through the PC & Internet allows those on at a cheap annual subscription price only.......... Food for thought!
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Post by Maureen on Jan 16, 2007 16:33:00 GMT
As all our antennas (HF and VHF) are currently out of commission due to the extreme windy conditions of late I'm glad to have access to Echolink to keep in touch my radio friends around the world. As for using a mobile phone for that - I couldn't afford it on my pension!!! While Echolink, etc, are not a substitute for the real thing they do have a place, especially, as Den says, in the learning curve. As an aside - I've heard G2's G3's. G4's and G0's who could do with retraining on how to oprate on the HF Bands - my maxim is 'Manners maketh the Radio amateur'!
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Post by k9do on Jan 16, 2007 16:50:00 GMT
!!! While Echolink, etc, are not a substitute for the real thing they do have a place, especially, I agree I would be happy to speak with anyone from this forum ( or Jacki's Ladies on teh Air) on echo-link if it is the only reliable means of actually talking.... I need to remember to turn on echo-link and add call signs to my list on there.
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Post by M0ZOE on Jan 18, 2007 11:48:38 GMT
While Echolink, etc, are not a substitute for the real thing they do have a place, especially, as Den says, in the learning curve. As an aside - I've heard G2's G3's. G4's and G0's who could do with retraining on how to oprate on the HF Bands - my maxim is 'Manners maketh the Radio amateur'! I agree Maureen. Manner's go a long way to make contacts enjoyable and I would definately say that some radio amateurs definately need a little retraining. I am not talking about Newbies to the hobby because I think it takes time and experience to make a good radio amateur and I don't class myself in this league at the moment, however I personally believe that if I keep an eye on my own operating and languaged used then it will go a long way in helping me become a good amateur.
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