Radio and Computers: what are we missing?

There are those who strictly operate their radios without the use of any computers or Internet, there are those who do not operate the radio leaving the computer and modem to do all the work, and there are many shades in between. Let us take a look at the question: to use, or not to use?

Each variation has its benefits which are why they are freely chosen by the radio amateur according to his or her preferences. Some prefer to keep phones, computers and the internet completely out of the shack, many use a combination. This article will take a look at the variations benefits of each.

The Computer Shack

Let us start with the two extremes: the radio shack where there is no Morse key in sight, but plenty of computer screens and a solid Internet connection, and the radio connected, volume off, to a modem and left running on a frequency to work DXCC on FT8 within 48 hours…

This set up is indeed increasingly common, and can be put down to several causes of the effect: rising noise levels that make operating uncomfortable for an increasing number of radio amateurs, little or no time for radio operating, perhaps an already existing love of computers and Internet, if not an outright addiction. In all cases, a digital set up is the likely outcome.

The benefits of such a set up are getting the satisfaction of seeing all the stations that your computer worked while you slept, worked or played, working hard during your absence and showing what the 100W radio and compromised antenna in a compromised environment could produce.

Logging is done exclusively on the computer, and may even be automated, saving time and effort. Moreover, such is easily searchable when required. QSL can also be done electronically, or even automatically. It is even possible to automate everything including band switching according to propagation, calling and responding to CQ, obtaining DXCC, all without the need for the operator.

There is no denying that this set up is satisfying to many, or considered a necessity or best option to others. The downsides of course are a total reliance upon modern technology: if the electricity goes off or the Internet fails, the entire system becomes useless.

For those who opt for this option they might consider preparing for such an eventuality, rather than regretting it after the event and finding that their set up is rendered useless. Such can include learning Morse Code, keeping a key handy, and transferring any important reference materials into print. Think about what you will need, if the computer and/or Internet isn’t usable for some time.

If you do opt to check out CW, please take note of this good advice.

The Radio Only Shack

Is it possible to run an amateur radio station without any use of phones, computers or the Internet at all? Indeed it is! Let us not forget that it wasn’t that long ago where none of these existed. During those days the Radio Amateur had a unique privilege: free, long distance communications.

Even today it is not at all difficult to operate an amateur radio station without the use of any terrestrial systems, whether electrical grid, the Internet, computers, or mobile phones. The operator obviously needs to generally be present during operations, can rely on paper log book and index cards, use IBP Beacons to check propagation conditions, and use a microphone and/or Morse Key.

They can use paper QSL where wanted, and without worrying about the modern fad of blaming the small quantities of wood used to produce the paper, where trees should be planted in return, as compared to the actual cause of the bulk of world wide pollution and climate change: the military pharmaceutical industrial complex.

As with other options the decision not to use computers and the Internet is also a preference, and some such operators even are well versed in modern technologies but simply choose to keep them out of the radio shack. Others still never embraced modern technology and only use it reluctantly, include the mobile phone or Internet.

For those using the “Radio-only” option what might they consider that might benefit them further? The Internet can be a useful tool for downloading information that is not available locally or even for sharing experiences to a wider audience and gathering like minds for common on air purpose.

The Mix: Radio and Computers

While again of course not obligatory, there are a great many, perhaps now the majority, who use amateur radio and computers, Internet and mobile phones into the mix. In such cases, the benefits of easy access to ready-calculated propagation charts, online logging where desired or in addition to paper logs, e-QSL where desired or in addition to paper QSLs, and so forth.

One might consider such use of both traditional amateur radio and modern computing and the Internet to be the “best of both worlds”. Many CW operators, even those who do not use any other mode, not even digital modes, still make extensive use of computers or mobile phones in the shack.

They may make use of the RBN Reverse Beacon Network or the Club RBN, to either watch for activity of friends so they can pounce on the right frequency, or to check their signals when testing antennae. They may make use of the Twente Web SDR or any one of hundreds of Kiwi SDR to listen to their own signals at remote locations for testing or even to carry out QSO that are otherwise not possible due to noise levels of propagation restraints.

The large variety of propagation tools available online are also highly useful, as are QRZ or other pages where radio contacts can learn more about the person and/or stations with which they had a QSO, and reference materials from countless resources on all manner of subjects relating to rigs, antennae, improving CW, operating skills and other knowledge, prove invaluable.

They may have mobile phone alerts set up for when certain stations are spotted online via RBN or DX Spotters, they may use mobile apps for knowing which IBP beacon is transmitting where and when, or to remind them of the next CW Bash. They may use social media for networking among those of similar interests or publishing blogs such as this one to share experiences with others.

Others make us of both analogue radio communication modes such as SSB and CW as well as modern digital modes such as Pactor and Olivia, or affordable access to modes such as SSTV, radio fax modes or the oldest digital modes such as RTTY. Some may use a keyboard for keying CW at high speeds or due to physical impediments whilst decoding the CW only by ear.

So, while it may seem difficult to see how those who use both the worlds of radio and the Internet and computing, can benefit from advice on this topic, let us make an attempt. Perhaps the use of the modern technology has created a lack of exercise in some areas: keeping of a paper log, understanding propagation basics and further studies, without need to rely upon third party tools, and again, let us prepare for what to do if suddenly some or all of this becomes unavailable?

Do we have hard copy publications or print outs of all the Q codes, even advanced ones for emergency use, do we remember how to calculate various essentials without the need for online calculators, can we meet friends without Ham Alert or RBN, for example by informing them about the QSX CW Calling Frequencies? Again, think about what you use and if there is a back up.

Conclusion

Finally, all of us, no matter into which of the above three categories we may fit, could benefit from having a think about what we would do in an emergency. Can we get on air using batteries only, do we even have suitable batteries? Do we have back up equipment and antennae if one or more of them break in a storm or NEMP or TEOTWAWKI event? Do we have a plan for such eventualities?

With all-out war looming in Europe, if not elsewhere, perhaps having paid scant attention to world events that have been trending for a long time, it might be worthy of our consideration.

Put your thoughts in the comments as to what you might consider doing to improve your amateur radio station and experience, and if you found this post interesting consider signing up for more and take a look around the site for further information on any topics of interest.