Getting Started With Digital Modes

[@jamesw6529]

I'm a computer guy, so I understand what you're talking about. But I am new to ham radio, and you have explained how I am able to put them to together. The way you have explained everything, and your breakdown of how to do it is just what I needed. Your way of explaining things is awesome. Others on KZbin should take your approach in how they explain things. Just awesome. Thanks.

[@QRPSchool]

I appreciate that, James! -Cliff

[@Europayacht]

Not wasted a single word away from the topic- comprehensivness near 100%. Perfect! .

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

Cliff, you are my mentor! I have been a ham since 1984 and have never really tried QRP until this year thanks to watching your videos. This last week has been a lot of QRP fun! I am using a KX2. I am located in Oregon and have contacted the Yukon in Canada and threee Missouri QSO party contacts. 1200- 1500 miles with 5-10 watts. one of those contacts was my first psk31 QSO! I should add that my antenna is a simple MFJ- 1820T telescoping whip with a 20 ft counterpoise on second story deck of our house.Thanks for your channel! Bob N7KHH

[@QRPSchool]

Congrats on jumping in with both feet and making some great QRP contacts, Bob... especially with that MFJ-1802T! With a better antenna, you'll do even better. I'm not sure if a stealthy dipole or end-fed half-wave antenna is an option for your QTH. If you're like me, you can go work portable and have a better antenna situation than what you are allowed at home. You're off to a great start and I'm happy that you're already enjoying the low-power success you're having! - Cliff

[@Radninja88]

This is exactly what I've been wanting to see. Can't wait to catch the indepth videos on each digital mode. I'm currently using a small netbook hooked through a basic t/r interface for the FT-817.

[@K7AGE]

Cliff, nicely done. Looking forward to you next videos. You did a good job doing most of that in one take. Keep up the good work. Randy

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, Randy! It's not easy to talk for 23 minutes without gong off into the weeds! Congrats on your success with your videos and as a contributor to Ham Nation. - Cliff

[@billcheung65]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Very helpful!

[@JosephDZaks]

This is a great educational video. Thank you. The BEST presentation on ham radio I have ever viewed.

[@diverbob8]

I've been working toward re-entry into HF after a bit of a break (last entry in the log is Nov. 1971 - until yesterday). I've found that the bands are not very active these days, compared to what I was used to before. What I do frequently hear are digital modes so I got interested early. This morning, I went to KZbin U to see what was out there and I found this one immediately! Wow, thanks for that....excellent job. As an automation professional, I have plenty of experience with audio, digital, networking and cabling experience, etc. What I don't have is the experience to match all these options together (yet). So, I thank you for making this a much faster ride than I was expecting! 73's WA8UIH

[@NehHeh]

Such a good lesson. You are obviously someone who knows how to teach well. This is the first of your videos I have watched. It is very clear for someone like me who has been trying to understand digital and how it works with ham. Thank you so much for putting the effort into this. I look forward to watching your other videos and learning more.

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you for the kind words - Cliff

[@whattheflimflam]

This video was well made and opened my eyes up. This summer I'm gonna get digital and I can't wait!

[@John_Smith__]

Really really helpful video for newbies like me. Thanks a lot for these series of videos. They're very important for those who want to start on radio and particularly digital mode.

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, John - Cliff

[@KX4UL]

Great introductory video! This really cleared up a few things for me and I am sure many others. Cliff, you have a gift for teaching. Many thanks!

[@manoffaith2501]

Great how-to on getting started with digital modes. Thank you for this excellent video.

[@bobwendoloski6970]

Very helpful video, I have been a ham since 1970 and have not been active in years. I live in a crummy location for ham radio. Very electrically noisy from 120 KV lines and limited possibilities for antennas. I am in the process of at least getting up a dipole, the digital modes seem to be a good fit for me. Really enjoy your videos. Thank you!

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Bob. There are a lot of us in the same boat. I live in a big neighborhood and I have S5 noise on 40m. Fortunately, there are quite a few signals above S5 so I can make contacts at night. You may find that you enjoy working portable in a park, etc., where you can get away from the electrical noise. That's one of my favorite things to do on weekends. A mobile antenna like a "Lil Tarheel" might make it possible for you to make plenty of contacts while driving around in your car, too. Good luck! - Cliff

[@kolobcoyote]

Cliff - Excellent instruction - excellent video - excellent graphics - such a pleasure to watch and to learn. Thank you very much KC7UT

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, Roger. -Cliff

[@craiglong6641]

You rock, Cliff! This is exactly what I've been needing to see. Thank you, sir!

[@QRPSchool]

+Craig Long Glad to be of help, Craig. - Cliff

[@picturethis8611]

nice video for those of use who want to learn something new. I tried to learn this by myself and ended up getting confused 😁. thanks for sorting it out!

[@terryk4331]

Very helpful, thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@nedk10]

Very informative, looking forward to the actual "how to dos", especially for the KX 3! Thanks

[@QRPSchool]

+Ned Kilmer Thanks, Ned. - Cliff

[@TwstedTV]

The bad thing about the KX3 is that it has a big foot print, compared to the ICOM 7300. specially if you are mobile. lots of cables and a separate power supply is needed to operate, and thats not counting the antenna & SWR meter. I LOVE the way the KX3 looks, just wish it was self powered of 100-Watts without the need of external power box. specially if you are doing emergency work when SHTF & lights are out. Anyways thats an entire separate convo, just needed to mention it. Anyways I subscribed to your channel because of this video. :) I like the way you explain things. you are a good teacher :)

[@abecollins2266]

Thanks! This video was very helpful. I've been away from Ham Radio and my last 'digital mode' experience was packet radio on 2m FM with a hardware TNC back in the 1980's! I want to try some HF digital modes. Thanks again!

[@jonmu8140]

Thanks for this video. I've been wanting to try digital, but wasn't sure how to get started. Looks like it's time to get my Kenwood TS-140S on digital modes!

[@QRPSchool]

Yes, it's time, Jon! You may love it - or not. But it's interesting and opens up a whole new world to your ham hobby. Have fun and let me know what you think about it after you get up-and-running. - Cliff

[@jeanjenner4510]

Great video. I want to get started with digital mode, psk31 to be specific, I knew about Signalink but was not 100% sure at to what it would do. Thanks for explaining with clarity.

[@CenturyofTerror]

what hf rig are you using?

[@thameswater2561]

Many thanks, I am thinking of having a go at this mode, very helpful.. Regards From the UK.

[@W1SRR]

thanks for explaining this so eloquently. It makes it easy for a guy like me to understand the content and make it work. I have an 817ND and currently trying to make it work with the Wolphilink but I also have a Signalink USB so might try that instead. Once again, thanks.

[@sklise1]

great video.. I have to pause the video on the VoX examples. Loved it, and this was most informative. I got a used FT-897 and need to hook it up.

[@TheSecdroid]

Excellent tutorial; beautifully produced.

[@SilverMoonJoe]

Very informative! I am not new to ham radio (40 years) but new to digital mode. Searching to learn more before getting my feet wet. Looking forward to the next chapter... 73, Joe-k4jga

[@armallya]

excellent presentation always wanted to learn about Digital Modes and setup my radios

[@stanleysteele6653]

Very good video! Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@aarevalo49]

ice video. The lighting was very good; warm, not too harsh. Thanks for the info.

[@reidtillery2856]

Thank you. I'm just getting started in HF, and this is helping to orient me to digital stuff. (Great audio, Cliff.)

[@mikesimpson6757]

Loved the video. Thanks for the easy explanation. It is all making sense now.

[@Roddy1965]

Awesome video. Above average. Way above.

[@runliftthrow217]

"Incompetent mimes" - Haha - thanks for making this video. I'm just getting started in digital and CW, and this is very helpful.

[@iiiquaziii1]

This is a really good video. I went the hard way and built my own interface box that triggers transmit via a serial port, and uses the mic in/sound out jacks on the PC. I didnt even know this Signal Link box existed, but it seems like a much more elegant solution. I'd rather connect via USB anyways, and not have to plug/unplug audio cables every time I use my PC for a different purpose. I may snag this box. I have only played around with PSK31 and SSTV, and the audio cable thing has been a huge issue, especially with windows 10 sound manager. I always seem to need to figure out why some input/output isn't working, even though it's plugged in. This box may solve that, as I can just leave the USB plugged in and set up all the time. Thanks!

[@davehorton946]

Cliff great video look forward to your next video. keep up the good work great help Cheers Dave

[@WeirdMedicine]

I like the Quiet Professor of QRP. These are great videos, thanks.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

as a mic shy ham I love jt-65. takes the panic out of a qso I experience when trying to think of what to say and makes the most of my available power. :)

[@tonycantrell9547]

you do an outstanding job sir. hope to meet you some time.

[@QRPSchool]

+tony cantrell Thanks, Tony! - Cliff

[@rhill6976]

A very cleared informative video. Thanks so much!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

A very thorough video, thank you.

[@hangfire5005]

Thank you for doing videos like this.

[@Manolo220650]

Excellent video....Congratulation from CE4EI.

[@kixsantos]

very informative!!! hopefully you'll have a comparison with bitx40 also...

[@manuelcabrera2253]

Ju

[@mattwardle9224]

This was fantastic!!!!! I have a kenwood ts450s. I don't know if signal link or rig blaster is the way to go for digital modes. Thoughts?

[@QRPSchool]

I'm a fan of Signalink, myself. -Cliff

[@RicardoSchayman]

Excellent! Thanks for this video. Greetings from CP1OX Bolivia

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Ricardo. Greetings from Music City, USA! - Cliff

[@davidenglund]

Enjoyed your video. You mentioned running in a Windows session on a Mac. I have an iMac and want to be able to run a Windows session for Chirp and other things that favor Windows OS. Can you point me in the right direction for how to install a virtual Windows OS (or, Windows box) on my iMac?? Thanks!!

[@QRPSchool]

I've run Windows using VMWare Fusion on my Mac. You can also look into Parallels. Here is a link from the FAQ page of Parallels that should help... www.parallels.com/pd/windows-on-mac/?gclid=CjwKCAjwgZuDBhBTEiwAXNofRE5HX0e4_m3IFBf7FNi_WXFaoBBxSmS3PkK1rkix15YjGiWb_rTxPRoC0ZYQAvD_BwE#c23932

[@RyanAshley419]

I wish I had watched this when I was studying for my General exam. That stuff was just Greek to me when I was studying.

[@zocmedia1869]

Very good explanation, thank you. What video editing software do you use to make these vids?

[@QRPSchool]

ZoC Media I use Camtasia by TechSmith... because I use Camtasia for the software tutorials I make for my job. It’s just what I’m used to. I want to switch to Adobe Premier Pro when I have time to learn it.

[@zocmedia1869]

@@QRPSchool I've heard a lot of good about Camtasia. I'm a tech writer, and we're thinking of ramping up video tutorials as the next "wave" of user-centered help.

[@cliffbatson]

@@zocmedia1869 Camtasia is perfect for software tutorials.

[@maxprepper9126]

Great info! Keep'em coming. Mike

[@brettbauscher2833]

Outstanding video. Very helpful. Thank you!!

[@conradscheepers9218]

thanks for all your help it helps a lot

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, Conrad! -Cliff

[@martinroberts5362]

Great video, very helpful.

[@jimisan1911]

Thanks Cliff! I recently got a KX3 and am curious about how you had it configured. I've tried to connect with Winlink a few times with no luck yet... Thanks

[@antiglobaljoel532]

I have a Digirig. I've been receiving APRS on 144.39Mhz from a Whistler WS1010 scanner using iGate2 on my Chromebook. (I don't have a license yet so I'm not xmitting. I let my Technician license expire.) When I get my license will the Digirig work to send data? Thanks for the awesome video btw.

[@kwm380]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@jamesleem.d.7442]

First class teaching. TNX.

[@brentjohnson6654]

New sub here. Thanks for the video. Very helpful for this prospective Ham.

[@PortalsnPhysics]

Great video! One more options for Mac users is to install windows software via “Wine”, but sometimes that’s less reliable than VMware. Great video though, can’t wait to get my license and start diving into this myself

[@peterd1234567890]

This may be a stupid question as I am very new to this, but could you use cheep 2 way radios that you can get it most shops just to play with and try it. I know you wouldent be able to tork to people on UHF VHF but could you talk to the other radio or would you need ham radios to even try it.

[@QRPSchool]

The only stupid questions are the ones left unasked. Yes, you could certainly do this with cheap walkie-talkies cheap ham handy-talkies. The only thing to keep in mind is that you'll need to use radios that have an external microphone jack. You'll have to make cables to connect the radio to the computer. A shortcut, just for experimenting, is to hold the transmitting radio up to the computer speaker and key the mic manually when the audio is ready to be sent. The other radio (receiving the audio) would need a cable from the radio's headphone jack to the Line In or Mic jack of the computer. Have fun! - Cliff

[@Bink1311]

Super bedankt, alle info helpt.

[@samuelgrenblad5281]

Great video! What would be a good first radio for mostly digital modes but maybe also some talking? 73 de SA5SAG

[@QRPSchool]

That's a difficult question to answer, Samuel. You can do digital modes on ANY radio that allows talking. So, your choice will rely on factors like budget, size/portability, etc. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful here - Cliff

[@samuelgrenblad5281]

QRP School It's ok, thanks anyways.

[@armallya]

I see you have Smart SDR, I would like to setup my Flex 5000A and Flex6600 do you have any documentation on it.

[@ppotter7692]

Hi Cliff. Great video. I am already using JT65, but dropped by to watch this anyway to see what tips I could pick up to solve a problem that I have with my setup. I can send and receive digital, but I think I have a problem with the USB line from the rig (IC7410) to my computer. I noticed you have a square ferrite on your USB cable and wonder if that could solve my problem of communications between my rig and my computer being disrupted. For example, I run HRO CAT to control PTT but sometimes HRO loses control of the rig and forces me to reconnect. I'm thinking that there must be some RF on the USB line. Any thoughts?

[@QRPSchool]

I have experienced the issue of when I transmitted, my software would "freeze". The ferrites fixed that issue.

[@ppotter7692]

Thanks for the reply, Cliff. Could you give me some specifics on the ferrite in the video. I have clip on ferrites but I suspect they are not the right formulation or large enough for the number of turns you used.

[@QRPSchool]

I bought it at Radio Shack. I believe it's this one: www.radioshack.com/collections/maker-parts-kits/products/radioshack-snap-together-toroid-choke-core-2-pack?variant=5717359237

[@ppotter7692]

Thanks, so much, Cliff... I will let Google take over here!

[@Forevertrue]

Thank you so much for this. You helped me a bunch!!

[@PhilReilly2778]

Hi Cliff Thanks for that, I now know how to move forward in digital modes 73 Phi M1CYV

[@horizonbrave1533]

Great video! But where does a terminal node controller fit into all of this? I thought you needed a "TNC" for some methods of digital like Packet Radio?

[@horizonbrave1533]

Also, if you were using your Radio's Data port like in 15:19, if you weren't using a the rigblaster or signalink, could you plug the data jack cable with the RJ-45 side directly into your PC's RJ-45 port?

[@emuhill]

The TNC is the normal method for getting on packet radio. However there is another method that uses the computers sound card as the TNC. This guy is referring to a method similar to the sound card method a well as the sound card method.

[@hammyrocks69r]

So do you have to open that box and put wires in it to the proper pins or does it just work?

[@QRPSchool]

The Signalink has something similar to a patch panel" inside it. You use little wire "jumpers" (supplied) to connect the radio's Audio in, Audio out, Push-To-Talk, and Ground to the appropriate connectors on the opposite side of the panel. OR you can purchase a "module" that is specific to your radio and just plug that module into the patch panel inside the Signalink. It's really very easy to configure the jumper wires but buy the plug-in module if you want. - Cliff

[@w2msa]

Thanks for the video. My question is a little off subject. I want to use my SSB voice keyer on my logging program, would the signalink be good for that?

[@QRPSchool]

Probably. The Signalink is an external sound card. It provides a way of getting audio from the radio into the computer AND getting audio from the computer into the radio for transmission. If your logging program's setup for the SSB voice-keyer requires you to specify an audio source that represents a sound card, then the Signalink is a good solution.

[@andrewzanas9387]

Great tutorial!

[@richardboyle3358]

This was excellent, thank you.

[@RajithaPrabath]

Still useful in 2020. Thanks and 73s 4S6RSP

[@radionb3i]

Does the kx3 need a signal link? I thought the kx3 had its own decoder???

[@QRPSchool]

The KX3 can take the CW you send from you paddles and transmit that as RTTY/PSK31/PSK63. It can also decode RTTY/PSK signals. That's all... good in a pinch... but it's not the same as having the power of a computer decoding the entire passband at once AND allowing you to type with the keyboard instead of sending via paddles. - Cliff

[@radionb3i]

@@QRPSchool ..... This is new to me. But can the computer connect directly to the KX3 .... my question is... Is the Signal link necessary? I tried to do the NA QSO party with my K3 this weekend. We had trouble using the computer sound card. I was told by my friend my K3 did not have the proper RTTY board even though it has the line in and line out options. This was a surprise to me. He told me I should have used our KX3 which has a built in decoder. He said with my K3 I need a signal link or something similar. This is the reason for my question.

[@QRPSchool]

​@@radionb3i No, the Signalink isn't absolutely necessary... but I still recommend it. With the right cable, you can get the audio from the KX3's headphone jack and patch that into the Audio Line In connection of your computer (if it has one). And, with the right cable, you can take the computer's Audio Out/Headphone jack to get the computer-generated audio and patch it into the KX3's Mic jack. I do recommend that most people get a Signalink because it makes it so easy since the proper cables are included with the Signalink you order for the KX2/KX3.

[@nutter5454]

Great video

[@brotherjohndavid]

thank you 1 Very good presentation. i'm totally green to digital, thinking about trying it sometime. Thanks-73 KC9UNV.

[@seektruth6875]

Your videos are great! Why are digital radios so expensive. Are there any digital radios (transceivers) less than $100? a dongle maybe?

[@QRPSchool]

To do Digital Modes only requires any HF ham radio that is capable of transmitting voice (single sideband or "SSB" for short). This includes radios that are 20 years old (or more!) The SSB requirement rules out small, battery-powered morse code-only radios. The key thing here is that you need an HF (think shortwave) radio - not a VHF/UHF radio (think local only). The cheapest HF radio I know of that would work for digital is this one: www.hfsignals.com/index.php/ubitx/

[@ke7azd432]

If I have a data (6pin) plug on the back of my yaesu ft 7800 and a cable that fits it with a usb on the other end can I plug streight into my pc's usb port or do i still need a signal link box?

[@spqa2004]

Are there any radios that have "built-in" digital modes? As in, i won't have to buy an external devices like a Signalink or RigBlaster? I think it would be worth the extra money to have digital mode capability as a built-in, native feature.

[@QRPSchool]

Some of the most modern radios have a USB port that functions as a sound card. The venerable ICOM-7300 is a good example.

[@spqa2004]

@@QRPSchool Thanks! I already kinda want to get the Icom-7300 someday so this news gives me yet another reason to get it. Thanks!

[@bobn6rlg689]

EXCELLENT video - thank you! So, for a techno-stupid guy (that would be me), do I have to place the little jumper cables inside the Signalink device? It sounds like I do. It also sounds like I have to open the box and change the jumper wires depending on which radio I’m using or buy another Signalink dedicated to each radio? I can see this getting expensive fast :)

[@QRPSchool]

Hey, Bob. You do have to set the jumpers inside the signalink for the radio you're using. However, TigerTronics (Signalink Manufacturer) also sells little radio-specific "jumper boards" (my term) that plug into the sockets, making it super-simple to reconfigure the Signalink for multiple radios. Having said that, it's really easy to set/move the jumpers so unless you're using the same Signalink with multiple radios frequently, just switching the little wire jumpers is easy and free. - Cliff

[@centexn]

Cliff...what is the Signalink model number for use with the 817?

[@QRPSchool]

+centexn The FT-817 has a 6-pin Mini DIN data jack. From the Tigertronics website: 6-pin Mini DIN Data Port Connector use SLUSB6PM. Here's a link to the specific thing to purchase: shop.tigertronics.com/SignaLink-USB-p-n-SLUSB6PM-SLUSB6PM.htm

[@centexn]

Thank you very much for your trouble, I know you have more to do than respond to such trivial requests. I just wanted to make sure I ordered the right one.

[@QRPSchool]

+centexn No problem. I looked it up for you while at work. In a way, I got paid to help you. :-)

[@UncleVinnys]

Well done; nice overview. BTW, great voice. You can always get a job as a telecaster of some kind, ha, ha!

[@jack002tuber]

With voice or CW you really have to strain to listen to a faint signal and lose it sometimes. But with digital I hear that the computer can understand faint signals better and decode them better than the human ear. Is that correct? If so, this makes QRP even better. More distance with less power!

[@QRPSchool]

It's true. The digital software is able to decode very weak signals. For those who don't care about learning Morse Code - or just want to try something different, using a digital mode is a great option - Cliff

[@jack002tuber]

Very cool Cliff. I am not yet a ham, have heard stories about how in a CW QSO you lose parts of it due to sounds in the radio, in the room and fatigue. All gone with digital radio. Cool. Great vid and thanks for your reply.

[@colonlawrence6134]

jack002tuber

[@mikebohemia1947]

Thanks

[@jillgregerson5378]

Thank you. KN6HGU learning about radio now that I’m a tech.

[@paulhastings3109]

Cliff thank you very informative. I'm kq 4CD and I'm talking to a friend of mine his call for KgGGU

[@paulhastings3109]

he in a nursing home. He is quadriplegic and I'm trying to figure out how I can get him back on the ham bands using a computer which controlled or Bluetooth can you lead me in some direction for me please Thank U KQ4CD

[@brianmartin7964]

FYI: QRP is is transmitting at the lowest possible power output. (I had to look that up)

[@QRPSchool]

“QRP” is generally defined as transmitting 5 watts or less. -Cliff

[@juice0331]

Wow you are awesome thank you

[@mlipscomb3232]

Any digital mode software for Linux?

[@QRPSchool]

+mlipscomb3232 I'm sorry, but I don't have any experience with Linux other than playing with Raspberry Pi's. I'm certain that FLDigi and some other software is available for Linux but I don't know enough to speak from experience on this. -Cliff

[@Digi4u]

+mlipscomb3232 Yes, for many digimodes there is Fldigi as mentioned by Cliff, and for the JT modes as well for WSPR, there is WSJT-X....all works well here on both my Linux machines as on a RaspberryPi 2. Succes and 73 ! Patrick ON4CDJ

[@cswann8]

Love the terminator thumbnail LOL

[@terrymurphy4177]

Great video!...Waiting for more.de w6leo

[@jpintek]

Thanks for sharing. 73's kc1ero

[@DJChrisArgueta]

9:01, CAT control, that's how. VOX is unreliable for this, in my humble opinion. Sure, there are more parameters to setup like baud rate, com port, data bits, stop bits, handshake, etc. But once it's done, it's done. The benefits outweigh the risks.

[@QRPSchool]

I’ve used VOX and I’ve used CAT for PTT. I haven’t had trouble with either method. If you’re using VOX, you may need to adjust your VOX controls so the audio level trips the circuit... the same adjustment you’d make when using a microphone. My experience is that VOX is not an unreliable method for triggering PTT.

[@h.sapienstechnologicus8865]

Holy sheep, this might be good!

[@djloot916]

Why did 10 weirdos dislike this?

[@QRPSchool]

There are a number of hams who think Digital isn't "real" ham radio. - Cliff

[@SolarDrew]

Poke 53281,0

[@QRPSchool]

x = PEEK(53281)

[@Dave-vm8rr]

You guys are making Ham Radio so complicated and computerized it's not fun anymore....what happened to the days when we could just buy a radio, get our license, put up an antenna and start talking....You might as well get you a facebook account and talk on your computer....Usually in the end technology does not always make things better....In the end it will be the downfall of mankind as it is doing right now with all aspects of life...Good Luck and God Bless

[@QRPSchool]

"what happened to the days when we could just buy a radio, get our license, put up an antenna and start talking" Nothing, Dave. We're still living in those days. However, there are a lot of other facets to this hobby for those who care to try something different. Some people like to bounce signals off the moon. Some people like to talk via low-orbit satellites as they pass overhead. Some people like to go to a park and send morse code on battery-powered radios. Some people like to connect a computer and type messages to each other instead of talking or sending dots/dashes. There's something in this hobby for everyone... and it might be different than what you or I think is best. Best regards, Cliff

[@Dave-vm8rr]

You are right my friend....I have just always felt like technology will eventually take us down a dead end road in all aspects of life...Actually it is already doing that and will continue until robotics and computers do everything for us....Take care and enjoy a great hobby and a communication that will be there for us when all others fail.... Thanks Cliff Dave

[@hmo1234]

OMG Dave! What about the days you wasn't into to radio.....CW, fire signals etc. Doing digital on "sounds" is just another way for our hobby. No one force you to go digital - stay at analog, talk or even CW (if you can). Be happy and enjoy that "someone" else like to play around with different stuff. Cheers old grumpy man ;-)

[@KX4UL]

Dave - I know how you feel because I once felt the same way. But, I became interested in the digital modes when I found out you can make DX contacts with ultra low power and even with seriously compromised antennas. I live in an HOA NO-visible-Antenna community. And my town home consists of two dwellings under one roof. So My neighbors are LITERALLY next door. Low power communications are a must for me with my attic antennas. Also, once one understands, as Cliff points out, that the digital modes are NOT intended to replace voice and CW modes then one will have a different outlook. Digital just gives us even more options for fun on the radio. I think there will always be voice and CW operators as well as digital only operators. I can now work voice, CW and digital. I think that is what makes this hobby awesome!

[@patmb2011]

can see wher ur coming from Dave (and kinda agree) some of these digital modes are jst Internet chatrooms? it was more fun when we had to make our own radios. these days anybody can simply buy one... and coudnt fix it to save their life :)