Hi Jim... VE9XX here... Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to hear my station from the other side of the continent. One thing that I have never anticipated was being subject of a video entitled "Art of the QSO!" I love DXing and pileups and I also like contesting. Probably spend more time on CW than phone, but when I do want a QSO and not run pileups or try to bust them, I love to dig in and have a chat. Given our respective histories and common interests, there are a few more hours needed to fully establish our parallels! I have been quite invigorated recently by rebuilding my station, putting up some new antennas and getting on the air. Ham radio has always been there for me for the last 40 years, but at times has taken the back seat to education, raising a family, career, etc. etc.. When and where are we going to pick this QSO up again...? ;) Looking forward to the next time our paths cross and again thanks for the superb job of recording. Thanks too, to the others who have provided comments on here. 73 Don VE9XX PS: I too developed the habit years ago of "pseudo-voxing" (I think I just invented a ham radio term!) By this, I mean unkeying the microphone in between sentences or comments (periodically). I think I developed it years ago when in a rapid fire round table with a group of guys. Its particularly beneficial when the quick witted raconteurs I have hung with over the years have gathered to warm up a frequency with good willed banter and DX lies.
Indeed! I like the term 'pseudo voxing'. I will use that. Thanks. I did talk with with John. I am looking forward to a 3 way conversation. John's quick wit and humor is so much fun. He is good medicine for me. Thanks Don. I hope to hear you soon again on 20 meters or perhaps another way. 73, Jim W6LG
What a great QSO, so. much nicer than 59, 73 & move on. And you both learn stuff from each other about your equipment . I agree with you Jim the audio on Don's K3 sounds that little bit brighter than the than the FT2000. Congratulations Jim on another fantastic video showcasing how much fun can be had working DX on the HF bands. 73 Tom M6ONV.
Thanks Tom! I do chase DX. Many of my contacts are fast. So, it is nice to slow down and engage in a meaningful conversation as I did with Don. He was very friendly, willing to exchange information and as it turned out, we had a lot in common. Thanks again Tom! 73, Jim
Jim, Great video. Audio for the both of you was excellent. I also agree when Don switched to the K3 it was slightly better. When Don mentioned he was an operator for the VE100VIMY event, that operator went QRT just when I found him as was going to try for the contact. 73 WB3BJU
Thanks for saying that. Getting the equalizer in the transceiver to right spots is very important. I will be talking about that very soon. I have recorded some guys on the air. Some with great audio and others....no so much. Thanks again & 73, Jim
Good job there, Jim, am enjoying your videos. keep them coming. Never a boring one yet. Been a ham 4+ years and just started an indoor shack about 2 months ago. Was mostly mobile before then. For now, I have a Kenwood TS 140S and have a homemade 40 meter inverted V wire dipole at 35 feet or so and have more planned in summer. I live relatively high, about 1950 ft. elev., so am getting out there pretty well. Perhaps we will get the chance to QSO soon. 73, KC3BXZ Joe
learning a lot watching your videos ... I actually heard you today on 14.240 it was a real treat for me (I only have a solarcon a99 which works on 10 and 17) to listen in!
Thanks for the signal report. Glad that you could hear me. I don't know why that antenna would tune on 17. I thought it was a CB antenna. In any case, glad that you are tuning the bands. Thanks Stephen! 73, Jim
my FT-450D auto-tuner was able to match it on 17M, I am currently researching HF multi-band verticals ... I have issues erecting antennas where I live. ... Anyway thanks for the reply Jim, 73, K3STG
Very new to all this - foundation exam in the UK on the 26 March 2021. I get the whole idea of DX and move on (to get the log filled out)l, but this video is really what I am looking for.... at least some of the time. A really cool conversation !
Thanks again for another great video Jim. I was going to ask if you are using VOX but I can see you have already answered this question.PS; your audio is fantastic mate.... Regards Glenn VK2VAE.
Is there any reason you switch off of the TX between sentences? Is it just habit, or is there an actual reason for it? I've found myself doing it as well, but it's a habit for me and I don't know where I picked it up from over the years. 73 de K8GLX
I am not using VOX. You are right, I am using PTT. It is a habit. It is a carryover from the days of running a homebrew amp and giving it a chance to cool down a little. The amp is shut off when the PTT is in standby. So, it is a habit. 73, Jim
Thanks for the reply, now I've gotta figure out where I got the habit from since I haven't used a homebrew amp before. I've done it since the days of CB and really don't know why :)
I have talked to every country. I and others like me, can talk to Europe and Africa going the long way around the planet. This morning I talked with friends in Germany and the UK. This afternoon I had a fast contact with a woman on the west coast of Africa. Google ham radio skip, or ham radio gray line. Hams also do moon bounce, use satellites and remote transceivers; just to name a few ways of doing long distances. Regards, Jim
This time of year, this part of the sunspot cycle, after sunrise and during sunset, 20 meters would be a good choice. For later and earlier in the day, 40 meters would be good. Look at dxheat.com to see what is being posted. Also look at wsprnet.org and change the map to 20 meters to see who is being heard and where. 73, Jim
Thank you sir....Watched a few of your videos and really enjoyed them...gained a new sub here............New ham here will be hopefully taking the test in a few weeks.....I look forward to trying to contact you sometime in the future over here from the east coast about 1 1/2 hours north of Philadelphia
Very interesting and informative, but I was expecting you guys to give your call signs at least once in the middle of that long QSO. Maybe you did and it was edited out.
"every year" Not true in most cases. I have been building my station for almost 60 years. You do not need the newest equipment. For $1000 to $2000, you can build a nice station with some new equipment. Or, with less money buy equipment at estate sales. 73, Jim
I’ve worked VE9XX before….I thought I recognized the call! I’ve been enjoying going through your videos lately and hope your health continues to improve! -Kory N3ZKI