I've sampled a number of modes, the normal PSK routines, RTTY, Olivia, phone (of course), and the JT modes. Of those I've tried, JT was easily the most boring, though perhaps most productive in terms of volume, but not quality of entities. In fact, I just took a look at hamspots and the rarest entity currently listed for JT modes is Turkey - woohoo.
During the recent CW contest, I endeavored to participate even though I have a horrible ear for it. Knowing that I can send it fine, I relied on my transceivers CW decoding feature to help me along. Through the course of a night, I learned to pick out my callsign and the normal exchange, making me less dependent on the decoding of my transceiver.
I have to say, it's added a new element of pleasure to the hobby for me. Let's face it, we're going to see many more rare ones working CW than we will something along the lines of JT65 or 9, and CW is more interactive and skill based, rather than pressing a series of buttons over the course of a single six minute exchange. Please don't think I'm attacking the JT modes. I think they're great for what they are.
I would encourage any of you who are timid of CW to learn a few basics, as I have, to get you started. It's actually quite enjoyable and challenging.
During the recent CW contest, I endeavored to participate even though I have a horrible ear for it. Knowing that I can send it fine, I relied on my transceivers CW decoding feature to help me along. Through the course of a night, I learned to pick out my callsign and the normal exchange, making me less dependent on the decoding of my transceiver.
I have to say, it's added a new element of pleasure to the hobby for me. Let's face it, we're going to see many more rare ones working CW than we will something along the lines of JT65 or 9, and CW is more interactive and skill based, rather than pressing a series of buttons over the course of a single six minute exchange. Please don't think I'm attacking the JT modes. I think they're great for what they are.
I would encourage any of you who are timid of CW to learn a few basics, as I have, to get you started. It's actually quite enjoyable and challenging.