I Like This DXpedition 9L5A!
I’m a Ham Radio operator that stays on top of current DXpeditions (like 9L5A) in this hobby. Note I said DXpeditions. I am NOT a lazy automated, computer scripted Text Messenger. I couldn’t care less about TXTpeditions like VU4A, TL8ES, etc. that exclusively run lazy, automated computer scripted FThate.
Which is why when I read the news this morning on the 9L5A Website it brought a smile to my face:
“As there are many complaints about our log from live streaming (« DATA » vs. « FT8 » mode among others), it looks necessary to remind that we regularly update manually our log by overwriting the one coming from the live streaming. Some QSOs do not appear live but will be there after the next manual update which is now daily. So no need to send a multitude of messages that we don’t have time to process while we’re on an expedition.
Apart from that, the days follow one another with more than 10,000 QSOs per day with an almost perfect balance between CW, SSB and FT8. It looks so surprising compared to other expeditions that some criticize us for doing too much CW and SSB; this is a shame! We had announced for a long time that we would prioritize “human” modes, otherwise we would not have planned 15 operators. It would for sure be much easier to leave 6 stations running in FT8 and enjoy long nights of sleep, the beach and 31° water, we would already have exceeded 100,000 QSOs. But this is not the vision we have of radio in general and especially an expedition. Given the size of the pileups, there is obviously (and fortunately) a large majority who must think like us.”
I also see on the DX Clusters many so-called Hams cannot contain themselves and are complaining there’s not enough FThate for their liking. It’s embarrassing to see so much begging, especially when 9L5A is everywhere on the bands. Ohhh, poor TXTers!
Look at this snapshot (click to open in a new tab):
What a great way to wake up and start the day, don’t you think? Human Modes on Ham Radio!
I think I may have to donate a little extra to this 9L5A Group of Real Amateur Radio Operators.
Keep on keeping on Gentlemen, you’re carrying the torch for real Ham Radio just as true “communicators” do. It’s an honor to have chased your pileups and have you in my log!
N0UN
Agree! Very good ops and I have 9L5A logged via CW on 5 bands so far. CW/SSB forever!
And Harley’s!
Great to see this. Very good ops
Agreed!
Merry Christmas AJ!
N0UN
Hi Wayne, it’s good to read you again, I really like the way you say things, I think we are very similar.
I totally agree with you about the way “Modern” expeditions work.
I really like the format of your blog and unfortunately I haven’t been able to do the same with the format I have on mine.
Greetings and good DX!
Merry Christmas Siso!
N0UN
So, all DXpedition make FT8 with money QSO FT8 (if you want a call i have it), if you look my last DXpedition we make human trafic also … XW4DX 🙂
the DXCC committee PLEASE make a DXCC FT8 only not for all DXCC 🙁 …
the next DXpedition … NO FT8 only CW, SSB, Rtty !!!
Yes your XW4DX from Laos was a GREAT DXpedition! You ran 64% CW & SSB. I worked you 8 slots of SSB/CW across 5 bands, thank you!
Pascal, we all look forward to your next DXpedition!
N0UN
Some ops spend more time complaining than working the DX. I made 34 QSOs with 9L5A just because I enjoy making QSOs. 10m FM at 100w was the icing on the cake. The 9L5A Team did a great job. 73 de Steve N2AJ 👍🏻
Merry xmas Wayne .Totaly agree with your 9L5A comments you made thats real ham radio .I would rather talk to a person ore persons on the air waves, i thought thats what ham radio was all about NO ft8 or any those didgi modes this ppt or not at all..Ihear also they can claim there DXCC on didge modes know
Getting rid of the Morse Code was the beginning of the down hill slide….I wonder if Joe Taylor (Creator of FT4/FT8) knew code at all…Hmmm