HAM RADIO - Best Mode? What is the best mode to use for Ham Radio?
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Viewers of this channel ask me from time to time what modes i use when i am portable or on DXpedition.
Have a look and then comment on what modes you use....... i would be interested in what modes you use, under what circumstances and why.......
The best mode is, for any one moment, the one you have the equipment and skills to operate that will complete the QSO. If there's more than one that fits the bill then the one you personally enjoy is the "best" - because this is a hobby and modes are tools, not goals. The goal is to have fun!
True... though ticking all the bixes can become very obsessive..... cheers
Nice respectful video. For me when portable I tend to enjoy having the radio becoming part of the ambience so listening to DX stations while they work pile ups with the occasional QSO during a relaxing trip out. I do like to run FT8 as a tool for checking props or an antenna set up rather than a means to increase my contacts, I would let it collect decodes and then analyse the collection. I would say I'm more of a casual operator rather than competitive operator so the choice of modes reflect that.
Fascinating what Ham Radio means to others... It really is a great hobby.... cheers
Hi Roly,
CW and SSB are the easiest when out in the field. With Chris up on the snow covered SOTA, SSB would be easier but CW would punch through better. Like your style of videos. When my reverse mortgage closes, going to get my CW to a respectable and copyable speed. Also will get out for POTA. Have quite a collection of Hamsticks and Hustler Resonators to use with a mag mount on roof of van as a start. With the van, can bring all the equipment needed for digital. First new piece of equipment after the reverse mortgage closes will be an FTDX10 that can double for use at home and POTA. You and Gail stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Sounds like a great plan Don.... good luck on your ventures...cheers
I never really saw you using a microphone so I figured your favourite mode is CW! Thx for another nice video, Roly! Have a nice evening, 73's de Your Friend Uncle Guenter
I have been known to use a microphone from time to time. I just find CW very relaxing and quite soothing really..... cheers
Hi Roly! Nice video this morning. I’m finding FT-8 my favorite mode as I have difficulty hearing phone contacts. I’m listening to Morse, but have trouble distinguishing dits and dahs. I’m getting better at it. The musical rhythm is what I seem to focus on.
Have a good day.
Fred W2FTR
Well i really encorage you to persevere with the morse, the rewards are well worth it. Beleive it or not, i don't actually hear individual dits and dahs now days. I actually hear combination patterns, that is why you see me just listening as though i am listening to a conversation rather than furiously writing down everything letter by letter.... Cheers
I love your laid back, friendly, chat style Roly. Keep,up the good work. 73 de KG6ECW
Thank you kindly Mike, it is always fun just to have a little chat....cheers
Love your channel you seem like a realy nice happy chappie.
73 de 2E0LIG
I enjoy life Nathan and try to live it to the full.... 😀... cheers
Next to commode my favorite mode is SSB DX. Cheers Roly!
I have even heard of these two "modes" being combined at times.........😳..cheers
@@ZL1BQDRoly LMAO!
What is that urban area in back ground? Agree, use the mode you like.
That is looking back over the city of Auckland towards the west Keith....cheers
Hi thanks for the video. I came across this after searching Ham Modes, I was hoping someone with the experience would define the various old school modes, what sets them apart, and their various advantages and purposes over one another. If there is such a video can someone please drop the link, or please consider doing an in depth analysis of modes. This video was just a general view only explaining there are modes. I do basically understand side band on my 27mhz rig, which does have AM and that I get signals from further afield on AM but don't know why exactly. So I guess if you get a signal from a DXer or local signal that you have to match the mode before can read the signal. I have a fairly good understanding of bands and wavelengths. I'm still trying to get my head round SWR and other Ham fundamentals. So I'm hoping to learn the A-Z of modes from the days of Marconi testing the first radios till now. Did Ammeters invent the modes or Marconi et al, and other entrapenerial inventors of the 20th centuary. Thanks and happy days
Great subject for a video... I will put something together shortly...cheers
@@ZL1BQDRoly Awesome. I'm subscribed so hope to see more of you're videos. From over the ditch, 73's
All of the modes is the best mode... Except CW.
Come on toughen up...... cheers 😜
@@ZL1BQDRoly I'm The No Code Tech, if I learn code, I'll have to change my name. lol.
Cheers Mate.
Personally my favorite modes are CW and SSB (Phone). Digital modes come next, but I definitely am not a fan of the time synchronized modes like FT8… I find it so boring… almost zero operating skill required and it takes the communication element almost out of the equation…that’s not ham radio in my book…
Well said Andy. One of the redeeming factors of FT8 etc is that it has kept some semblance of activity going through the sun spot minimum(s).
Let's hope that as the Bands improve folks will be encouraged to try out other modes and enjoy the art of one to one communication... cheers
Roly what ever mode you choose. If at your QTH, POTA, SOTA or Portable etc. Don't be like that Bonehead trying to do a SOTA activation and sending CW on the phone portion of the 60 meter band !! 73 Joe
He's never going live that one down is he Joseph...... 😀...cheers
@@ZL1BQDRoly Never :) 73 Joe
I am afraid these days Roly, it's all the lazy route of FT8.
What will it be like in a few years time, I don't know but as we are approaching peak of SunSpot cycle 25, bands are in great shape, it is the computer that is making the contact.
Very disheartening, as the challenge is gone out of Ham Radio, I can work North America on 6M FT8 in a few seconds, no more waiting around chasing DX.
It is a big disappointment that ARRL allows claims for country worked in these modes for their DXCC-mixed certificate.
Well said, all of the above is what makes our hobby such an interesting one... cheers
I guess one of the reasons for putting up this video is to try and encourage folks to explore the other modes / bands.
Yes, it is easy just letting a computer churn away and make QSO's(?) on FT8 etc but maybe, just maybe, someone may be encouraged to try another mode after watching this and other videos... cheers, thanks for the great inout.