Well, as I sit here in the shack on a rainy Saturday afternoon, I finally get to turn on the radio for only the second time in 8 months. The bands are pretty quiet but still a few PSK31 signals on the band so there is hope yet. As I look back at the 12 short years that I have been a Ham and see all the changes that have occurred, I’ve come to realize that not everyone is of the opinion that these changes are good. Some of the old timers say things have gone downhill with the no code licence and all of the new modes. I don’t see it that way. I see all the new modes and digital radio whether HF or DMR, Fusion or D-Star as a way to explore, learn and play with radio. I know changes can be hard to accept sometimes but as we move forward into the Digital age we hope to entice younger people to take an interest in the hobby. The hope is that with the introduction of this new technology we can inspire the younger generation into joining us.
I would like to explore more of the new and different modes myself but I find it hard to find the time without giving up what I really enjoy which is HF operation. We all must be patient and encourage all facets of our great hobby!
That is all for now and I hope to see everyone at the meeting on Tuesday and don’t forget to mark our June meeting and BBQ on June 20, 2017 in your calendars.
73 de Steve VA3TPS