On my right is a Yaesu FT-991A. This radio is capable of working all amateur radio bands from 160 meters (1.8MHz) to 70 cm (440MHz). I started the day spinning the dial and poking around the ham bands before suddenly feeling the Shortwave Listening (SWL) bug tugging at my arm. Simultaneously working the VFO knob on the radio and the big capacitor on my indoor magnetic loop antenna (CHA F-Loop 2.0), I pulled in a variety of stations and finally settled on some Radio Marti. Even though I do not speak the tiniest bit of Spanish, it was interesting to hear the energy in the speaker's voice and I did notice a couple of references to John F Kennedy. I can only imagine what was being said. It would be interesting to have someone translate what I was hearing.
In any case, I decided to write something about a new ham radio rabbit hole that opened beneath my feet and has taken me for a ride. That rabbit hole is shaped like the internet and has Yaesu Fusion/WiresX, D-Star, and DMR written all over it.
In honor of World Amateur Radio Day, I decided to complete a project that had been on the back burner for a little while. Not long ago, I decided to try out one of those infamous digital voice "hot spot" devices. Being the owner of both the Yaesu FT-991A base station and the Yaesu FT-3DR handheld radios, the new digital modes have been accessible to me for quite some time. Admittedly, my initial thought was that these modes would not interest me. However, I almost immediately discovered that there is much fun to be had if you decide to connect a Yaesu Fusion/WiresX (C4FM) capable radio to a Pi-Star device and begin chatting with people around the world.
Connecting to the FCS00290 - America-Link-WiresX reflector brought to me the voices of people right here in Michigan talking with hams in Turkey, Japan, and Australia. I almost couldn't believe it. While it's definitely not the same magical experience as chatting with folks around the world using nothing but 100 watts and a wire in the air, these digital voice modes that connect people all over the world via the internet certainly do have a magic of their own. In my opinion, it's all good and it's good for us all.
If you are wondering what the the fuss is about, maybe give it a try or find someone local that can give you a hands-on overview. You might just find another avenue through which to enjoy this wonderful hobby.
Have you tried any of these new digital voice modes? If so, which ones? Please comment below. Also, if you believe that these "internet" modes are "not ham radio" please take this opportunity to present your side of the story and comment below.
Ultimately, Amateur Radio is a science hobby. So, go ahead and science the heck out of it!
Have a good one and 73,
Don KC7ZXY
KC7ZXY on QRZ.com - https://www.qrz.com/db/KC7ZXY
No comments:
Post a Comment