> Remote HF is fine with me, as long as the radio does most of the work, not 
> the computer, I do it myself for 20-30 miles and talk a lot further than 
> that so the radio's doing the work. Any contact that the computer does 
> most of the work, be it a remote HF station across the country or in 
> another country, lowlifelink, I'm going to have a huge problem with and 
> never change my thinking. It's even worse when it's someone who can 
> actually put up antennas but won't, or who's just trying to avoid 
> upgrading but they're afraid of a little work and let me tell you, no one 
> ever thought I'd be able to put up antennas the last 2 places I've lived 
> yet I have so the "can't put anything up" argument is losing steam with me 
> as well. There are some situations where that is true, but nowhere near as 
> many as the people who use it but if that's the case, it's time for indoor 
> antennas or another hobby which may include talking on the computer, but 
> don't call that radio because it's not.
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ronald E. Milliman" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:18 AM
> Subject: Re: 47 years as a ham
>
>
>> John,
>>
>> I am curious; regarding your comments about the internet, i.e. ""The 
>> minute
>> you put the internet to work to make your contacts for you, you're just
>> wasting your time, the VE's times who gave you the license you're
>> effectively not using, ..." Your comments seem to be a bit condescending 
>> to
>> me. I remember using the internet back in the packet days to receive
>> heads-up on DX stations, and that was using the internet. Most recently, 
>> we
>> have been working hard to develop the remote base access using our
>> computers and the internet to operate the two remotely controlled
>> transceivers sponsored by Handihams in Minnesota. For some of us, that is
>> the only way we have to get on the air. It is pretty cool that Handihams 
>> is
>> sponsoring this project, allowing some of us to fully operate two 
>> TS-480's
>> remotely from our locations hundreds, even thousands, of miles away from
>> the actual transceivers. That is using the internet, and I, personally,
>> think it is very cool to say the least. No, admittedly, it is not like
>> having the TS-480 sitting here on my desk, but it is certainly the next
>> best alternative. We can tune up and down the bands, change bands, adjust
>> the various controls, e.g. RF and AF gain, etc., all using our computers
>> with a microphone, and the power of internet connectivity. Now, John, 
>> tell
>> me: how cool is that? <Smile>
>>
>> I fully realize you are mostly taking a shot at those of us who use
>> Echolink, but again, for some of us, it offers another alternative to
>> engage in a hobby we love. It certainly isn't like having a real rig 
>> right
>> here on my desk, but right now, I only have an old 2 meter rig that 
>> doesn't
>> work very well. So, these other alternatives provide a way for me to 
>> still
>> get on the air and enjoy a very modern aspect of ham radio. In my case, I
>> earned my first ham ticket in 1957 and earned my Extra Class license 
>> before
>> the FCC dropped the 20 WPM CW requirement. I have engaged in about every
>> aspect of ham radio there was and is, including homebrewing many of my 
>> own
>> rigs, and antennas and blowing my share of fuses and popping more than my
>> share of circuit breakers! <lol>
>>
>> A few years ago, I sold off most of my ham gear because I wasn't using 
>> it.
>> Instead, I chose to concentrate on my career and family. Now, I can get
>> back into ham radio without investing in equipment or putting up more
>> antennas thanks to the remote access base stations sponsored by Handihams
>> and the wonders of technology, including the use of the internet. So, 
>> John,
>> I ask that you reconsider your rather condescending comments about those 
>> of
>> us who elect to engage in ham radio by taking advantage of the most 
>> current
>> technology available to us.
>>
>> 73,
>> Ron, K8HSY
>>
>>