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With all the "extras" that the Internet can provide, some examples being call-sign look-ups, DX clusters, propagation predictions and online logging, do you regard being "on-line" essential when you're "on-the-air" these days?
Posted: Apr 03, 2008 (1989 votes, 40 comments) by VK5LA

Survey Results

Absolutely! - I use the internet a lot when I operate...	41% (824)
Especially when contesting...	3% (56)
Not essential. - I use the internet occassionally when I'm on the air...	37% (745)
No. - I don't use the internet when I operate.	13% (267)
No internet connection in the shack...	4% (77)
I only operate portable..	1% (20)

Survey Comments

Helpful, not essential
FD was a perfect example. Never knew how much noise the charger for my Thinkpad made until I took it out to the lake. At home all the other RF sources drown it out. Paper logged and had a blast. Posted by KQ9J on July 4, 2008
Internet / VOIP /IRLP/EchoLink/Skype
Greatest innovation and resource since Sliced bread for the Majority of people :) KH6/G3SEA Posted by G3SEA on May 14, 2008

I like to operate portable from the back patio with a cold beverage. I do have a laptop with a wireless card that I can connect to the net with but don't bother with it as it is an old slow machine. I will probably start using it more as a logger once I get started on HF. Right now I only run 2m/70cm and have been just listening on HF while I get my Elecraft K2 setup built. Kerry KE5OFO Posted by KE5OFO on April 29, 2008
great but don't get overly reliant!
The net is a great resource for ham info especially mods to rigs and propagation + advise from groups but I learned a long time ago that you shouldn't get overly reliant on a single source of data, use all the resources out there including your ears!! Back in '79 I was contesting and consulting the predictions, 10M was closed.. forget it I said; but we had a listen anyway... What the ??? 10m was alive and busy!! Likewise you can get too reliant on clusters which means you can spend a lot of time at the bottom of that barrel of crabs we call a pileup. Carefully tuning around and listening can sometimes turn up a juicy DX morsel calling CQ ... Its so easy to work them when you're the only station that replies.... then enter your contact on the cluster, sit back, fill in the QSL card and enjoy the circus! Posted by G8UBJ on April 29, 2008
Lookups
I like to use net for QRZ lookups and the occasional DX cluster spotting. That is it. Posted by K3DC on April 26, 2008
Very valuable aid
I use it to keep an eye on clusters for propagation conditions rather than actual qsos. Its also useful for the regular DK0WCY updates for the same reason. Also when running the WSPR low power beason mode its essential to be able to upload your spots to the database, check how others are receiving you and also what else they are spotting. Gerry/EI9FV I miss it a lot when it goes down! Finally, its useful to poll the callsign databases for details of other stations. Posted by EI9FV on April 20, 2008
Regarding DX spots
DX spots are a 'mixed blessing' for some of us running 'barefoot' or with restricted or simpler antennas. Sure we get to find out where the good DX is, but so do thousands of others! In the older days, I could work the rarer DX easier, because when I stumbled upon the station with no computer aid, the crowd was MUCH thinner. Just an observation. Posted by W8KQE on April 20, 2008
Just another communications medium
The internet is just another way to connect and communicate - no better and no worse than any other - with advantages and disadvantages - features and dangers. As soon as we get over the hype of being connected to "the net" then we will see it is just another evolving communications medium - those of us that can remember when Frequency Modulation came alive will see the point. Posted by VK3XIL on April 15, 2008
VOIP
For some amateurs. Internet based amateur radio is the only radio we have do to antenna restrictions. Programs like Ui-View32 and Echolink are our main amateur radio fix. Posted by W8BAD on April 13, 2008
Internet
The internet is an absolute for my research and purchasing parts/equipment for my ham radio hobby. However the computer makes too much interfering noise (as does the TV) in all my receivers. When "on the air" the PC and the TV is OFF !. Posted by WA1MIU on April 13, 2008

Generally speaking, if I'm at home I'm online, whether I'm using the radio or not. That said, the extent of radio-related activities ends with qrz callsign lookups and browsing qrz.com forums and, to a lesser extent, eham. I'm usually doing several other things with the computer (browsing several non-radio-related websites, and playing freeciv) while spinning the dial. I've even taught myself to mouse left-handed so I can spin the dial with my right. Posted by KC0YPV on April 11, 2008
Web Junkies
Although the web (QRZ, E-ham and others) is useful for many applications, I see hams actually replacing direct communication modes with internet links. ?????? Why not just use your cell phone and get it over with dude? Hey, knock yourself out but as much as I love my computers, ipod, GPS, and all my other wonderful high tech stuff they will never be a replacement for 'real' ham radio. OK,OK, I'm current on the 'if it aint CW it aint radio' and all that other dribble but I draw a line at using the internet to communicate and pretend that it's actually radio. 73, Dan Posted by WZ1P on April 11, 2008

Not chasing DX any more. So there isn't any reason to be on the internet while having fun palying radio. Posted by W7ETA on April 10, 2008
Cluster Pounce
I use CommCat logging software connected to telnet packet cluster to lock in and pounce on DX spots when I can, and I tune the bands when I'm not getting spots. It's a real essential to DXing these days, but others would say that's not sporting. Posted by WO5I on April 10, 2008
No Internet In The Shack
While I have a PC located in the shack (for digital mode interfacing etc.) I have no desire to have the "web" there at the present time. I don't consider the "web" to be a part of my actual radio communication activities. I consider the internet and amateur radio to be seperate communication entities in my mind. Although, I sometimes admit having the net located in the shack would come in handy at times for things like QRZ lookups, satellite tracking updates or the usual, "Hey Chuck, did you get the email I just sent you" type of activities. My Best. Charles - KC8VWM Posted by KC8VWM on April 9, 2008
Not connected
My laptop in the basement is not coneected to the Internet. I use it for logging and looking up DX prefixes that don't come to mind off the top of my head. I really should tap into the phone line, though ..... then I could just buy a Callbook subscription instead of buying the CDs every year. Sometimes I'll run upstairs to check out DX Summit; but I'd say 95% of the time I just scan the bands by twiddling the tuning knob. Posted by W2LJ on April 9, 2008
Operating and Internet
I have to have the 'Net' on. With my new, very noisy QTH, I had to install the entire HF station as a remote base using Ham Radio Deluxe. So, now I have a Zero noise floor most of the time with the radios installed 160km's NE of my home. Even better is that if I move my home QTH again, I don't have to move the entire HF station. Mike VA3MW Posted by VA3MW on April 9, 2008
My Handy Reference Tool
I must admit that I also operaate a Pair of Computers, each connected via LAN to DSL. I like QRZ.com to look up whom I am in QSO with, and I am using Ham radio Deluxe so that also allows me to auto log with EQSL. And yes the HRD Spot network lets me keep my eye out for a working DX goodie, that I may not have worked. Times sure have changed from the days of paper reference and with "Google" doing research, is made so much easier. Posted by N5JFJ on April 9, 2008
I use it
I find having the net on when I'm on the radio very useful but I wouldn't say it is essential. The DX cluster via telnet seems delayed and is clogged up with comments about lids like a certain IT9 station being a pratt. So using QRZ.com etc is certainly handy. I quite often look at fellow hams web sites whilst talking to them from the details I got from QRZ. Again getting info on QSL managers can also be quite handy too and theirs severalsites that do that. So not 100% essential but certainly very handy Gary G7USC Posted by G7USC on April 9, 2008
Lets all get it together
If hams would look who is on the air, dx station working split would be able to conduct business with no problems, and not some dummy right in the middle of the split. Posted by K7RNV on April 6, 2008
Tools
I see the internet as a tool but not essential. I do not see VoIP as a true form of radio. The two can work together, in many cases, to do a more complete job but the basic radio remains the truest example of our ham hobby, not the internet. Additionally, the internet is open to many forms of performance corruption and degradation such that contact may be whimsical, at best. Posted by KA0SOH on April 4, 2008
When contesting......
Man I live on it when ever I am serious about winning any of the unassisted catagories!!! Yeah you pal! You know who I'm talking about!!!!! No one wins any unassisted catagory without it! Posted by N0AH on April 4, 2008
vhf/uhf
I use the loggers for ATV contacts.I have used the logger to make a 70 cm video contact when it was impossible coordinate voice on 2 meters.Sometimes 70 is up when 2 is down.It's not really cheating,it's just a great way to bring us amateur television operators together.As far as HF,there's always someone to link up with.Some ATVer's are camstreaming.I can shoot video at them and see how well their receiving me on the internet.Way too cool.Take care,Dave NR8TV Posted by NR8TV on April 4, 2008
I Keep 'Em Seperate
My radioing is devoted to getting to know PEOPLE! The Inter-Net and Digital Modes have no place in my Ham Shack. I realize the majority now days think I'm a dinosaur. That's okay, I've always been kind of a Cave Man. You do your thing, and I'll do mine. Posted by K4SFC on April 4, 2008
Internet Logging
I wrote my own logging program in a Lotus spread sheet, and have intergraded it with QRZ to use as my logging program Posted by KA5ROW on April 4, 2008

fortunately the computer & the radio room are in different parts of the house. BUT, i WILL run to the computer to check on a call-to see if i 'know' the other station, check QTH, etc. i check the DX cluster spots & tropo forecasts BEFORE i turn on the radio-to see what band i'll get the most out of. Posted by ONLYON6METERS on April 4, 2008
I don't.
I have two PCs in the shack, and they're both up to date and have wideband connections to the web; yet, I don't use either of them at all when I'm on the air. I tend to operate in a darkened room and mostly with my eyes closed, to relax. Watching a monitor isn't relaxing. Rather than do callsign lookups, I ask the other operator his name, location, and other data about himself. Rather than use the DX Cluster, I enjoy searching for DX -- it's one of the most fun parts of the hobby for me. I'll use the cluster in a M/M contest station but that's about it. WB2WIK/6 Posted by WB2WIK on April 4, 2008
Building Stuff?
Best research tool I've ever used. It sure beats going to the library. Want to build (if you can) a piece of gear? It's all on the net. A user since 1984. 73 de Walt - K2WK Posted by K2WK on April 4, 2008
DX spotting
I think that the proliferation of packet cluster spotting via the internet has just about ruined DXing as it should be. Now, all one has to do is “look”, and everything is posted. Can’t copy the callsign? A glance at the tube tells you what it is. Oh, he’s operating split? It’s all right there. A lot of the skill has gone out of operating, but it’s a sign of the times I guess. Posted by K1ZF on April 4, 2008
Thank you
To Al gore for inventing the internet. And Global warming. And voter chads. And.. well, thanks. Frank Posted by KL7IPV on April 3, 2008
RE: It's a fad
"The internet is just a passing fad - something interesting to play with for a season but soon boring and pointless." I would like to know the motivation for making a statement like this. Since owning my first computer 15 years ago, I have seen online service go from a couple local dial-up bulletin boards to dozens of ISP's providing high speed access to millions of websites. The internet's impact on ham radio has been significant. Just navigate this website and you're only touching the "tip of the iceberg" on amateur radio. I find it far from being boring and pointless. Just my opinion. 73 Ken KK4BH Posted by KK4BH on April 3, 2008

No computer in the shack. However, after operating, I will usually get on the e-QSL site and send one off. If a QRP QSO, I look up the QTH and get a paper card out in the mail to the other op. Posted by N2UGB on April 3, 2008
Internet & the Ham
To be fully on the air, your mind has to be on the air, not half on the internet. Nevertheless, while waiting for a contact, the internet can be convenient from time to time to look on QRZ.com. All other uses of the internet for ham radio can be done before or after ham operation, so that you can be fully "on the air." Transmitting and receiving deserve full attention. What's your take on it? Posted by AI2IA on April 3, 2008
It's a fad..
The internet is just a passing fad - something interesting to play with for a season but soon boring and pointless. It will never replace radio. Posted by KB1GKN on April 3, 2008
It's All About Your Software
The Internet provides access to a mass of information which can be overwhelming to some. It's no longer just about Callsign Lookups or DX Spots. Propagation info, Google Earth views of another station's QTH (during the QSO), Satellite Tracking, On-Line Logbooks, E-mailing off the air Audio Reports, real-time eQSL uploading, Browsing the Web, and much more are now very common. It's all about the Software you choose to integrate with your HAM Station Operations. For me, there's nothing that can touch Ham Radio Deluxe and its included Digital Master 780. Very 73 to all!! Posted by AA6A on April 3, 2008
A Good Tool
The Internet is useful on occasion but I use it rarely during operations. Still it is good to have it available for modes such as EchoLink and D-Star which are becoming very popular locally. Ham-related applications such as log uploads and toy searches are very efficient using the Internet and as time goes by there will be even more uses. 73 Bill Posted by KW4J on April 3, 2008
A Good Tool
The Internet is useful on occasion but I use it rarely during operations. Still it is good to have it available for modes such as EchoLink and D-Star which are becoming very popular locally. Ham-related applications such as log uploads and toy searches are very efficient using the Internet and as time goes by there will be even more uses. 73 Bill Posted by KW4J on April 3, 2008
Great For Station Locating
I find using the internet while operating a good way to get a fairly close location on a station of interest. This would be very helpful when pursuing WAS, counties or grids. Now that the vanity call system will let you get any call available regardless of your geographical location, much time can be saved by not having to work them to learn their location. I can safely say that I don't rely on the internet while operating, but is does make things easier. Like you too Andy, I find paper logging while portable enjoyable. It reminds me of the way it used to be done. 73 Ken KK4BH Posted by KK4BH on April 3, 2008
I use it, but...
I use the Internet probably more than I realize. Sometimes I wonder how well we would cope if the Internet wasn't available for an extended period of time. I figure the old(er) timers that use the Internet now, would find it easier to operate without a connection. Posted by N9GXA on April 3, 2008
The 'net Rocks...
Having a good fast internet connection just makes ham radio that much more enjoyable for me...Real-time DX spots, propagation, upload QSO's straight to eqsl and Qrz look-ups are great. Having said that, I still enjoy going portable with a paper log...work 'em first and look-'em-up later! Andy - VK5LA Posted by VK5LA on April 3, 2008

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