[IRCA] QRSS: A idea for future DX Tests.....

["Les Rayburn" <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Russ's point is valid, of course---but I think also short sighted. Facing
the challenge of IBOC, crowded channels, and great distances we must
adopt new techniques if the hobby is going to continue. 

Amateur radio DX'ers typically go to much greater lengths than
medium wave DX'ers in attempting to put new ones into the log. 

The technique that Brandon is endorsing uses freeware that is easy
to set up and use. Requires minimal computer power and inexpensive
sound cards, and only fairly accurate receivers. Can you pull this off
with a DX-398 at your bedside? No...but it's certainly an option that
is inexpensive and technically unchallenging. Most DX'ers don't use
phasers, but that doesn't mean that no one should use them. 

And I'm not aware of any other technique that might make it possible
for DX'ers in California to log Vermont or Rhode Island. At the end
of the day, the question is "how bad do you want the logging?" If you
want it bad enough then you spend the money, and learn the technique. 

We could still include the traditional elements of the DX Test, including
sweep tones, Morse and voice IDs...but if time permits, I think including
QRSS during a portion of the test makes a lot of sense. 

I'm experimenting with the WinMorse software and Sound Forge now to
figure out an easy way to generate the .wav or .mp3 files that would
be required. 

Let's move this hobby into the 21st century and instead of resisting new
techniques, let's encourage experimentation and development. Any station
owners or broadcasters out there who might be willing to try this during
your next maintenance period? It would require about a two hour commitment
to demonstrate "proof of concept". 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
NRC/IRCA Broadcast Test Coordinator
Please call anytime 24/7 if your transmitter
will be off the air for maintenance. 
(205) 253-4867


>> *** I think that perhaps what you suggest above is going to be
>> impossible for the many and doable for the few. Whether the gating
>> factor is technical proficiency, or in dollars, I believe we have to
>> weigh the possibility of creating DX Tests which fewer people can
>> hear/report rather than more.
>> 
>> And I have yet to try a Spectrunm analyzer program which I could
>> operate. As it is I still have an old Heathkit SB-620 modified for MW
>> by Bob Foxworth.
>> 
>> Russ Edmunds
>> Blue Bell, PA ( 360' ASL )

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