Well I finally went back and took that General Class license exam. Of course I did it in a different state (Louisiana) and I waited a few years to go back and take it. But the waiting was mainly due to focusing on my business and removing other distractions while doing so. Regardless it’s finally done. And while I await the paperwork from the FCC, it hasn’t stopped me from jumping onto 20 and 40 meters and trying out some of the digital DXing.
Two or three weeks ago I really couldn’t get my head around the DX contesting thing. I rarely did anything but listen on HF bands over the past few years as a Tech. I just didn’t get involved really. I always had mental images of my “radio mentors” talking to places overseas in more of a relaxed environment, making 1 or 2 new contacts every few days just by nature of the hobby, with lots of listening time between. When I heard a DXing contest for the first time a few years ago, it was all just a fast exchange of callsigns and S0-9-meter readings traded quickly over and again with each overseas participant. No time to talk or exchange much other info at all. “How could THAT be fun?”, I asked myself.
But after discovering FT8 protocol in WSJT-X, and using it for a few DX contacts, I can see where this could get interesting. Moreover I also see how the software and it’s FT8 or alternate protocols could be mission critical for pulling a signal out of an almost impossible noise floor and potentially saving lives during an emergency. What’s more, the ability to use the software correctly could make or break successful accomplishment of that task.
So rapid DX contesting can actually help to train an operator to be proficient in the use of digital operations. And that proficiency could someday potentially save a life. OK I’m in. Stay tuned as I begin experimenting with some digital modes to learn their capabilities and pitfalls. I’ll update this blog as I make my way down “research row”, posting what I’ve learned in the process.
Until then…73,
David