CQ, that's not the point. We have a new ham starting out and as I see it, it's far more practical (and financially sound) to start with a common and easy to use, easy to program analog product for him to learn on. Nothing says he cannot upgrade his radio as his budget permits.
Although there may be digital capable repeaters in his area, we all know the directories list "ghost" repeaters and those not entirely fully operational. I love 6 meters and see there are many listed in Pittsburgh, but apparently they are off the air. Get the picture??? For all I know, there may be many users on that machine embracing digital or there may not be???
So why bother throwing the money into a Ferrari when the Ford gets the job done??? If the man starts out simple and can justify the additional expense of a higher priced additional function rig, then so be it. Like many of us, he'll now have a backup radio.
Me personally, I see no immediate need to upgrade into a digital radio. I cannot justify it, nor do I want one. But that is my choice. I've lost much interest in the hobby and prefer to monitor HF utilities and odd vuhf government and satellite comms. Just don't get enthused much of the repeaters, since my divorce several years back, much of the wind has left the old man's sail.
Perhaps when and if the day ever returns, maybe I will purchase the Ferrari, but for now my Fords and Chevys sit fine with me.
My best wishes for the new ham and looking forward to a keyboard qso with him sometime.
ed
