PSK Macros..

[N8HHU]

I am new to the PSK modes... I have noticed a lot of macro use... I do appreciate a good macro... but it seems very impersonal.. Is that just the way that mode is? Impersonal and just informative? Out of the ~50 contacts Ive made Ive had 2 "real" conversations. I do appreciate the contacts and love the mode and seeing how far I can get out.. Maybe we could make it less macro based and talk more?

Thanks

Chad

[W8MRL]

Chad,
I see it analogous with typical DX HF work. Many are looking for just the contact and some want to ragchew. If you want to do more chatting, you can forgo the macros and manually type in the text. I have found that many people will chat if you engage them first. Give it a try.

Rob
W8MRL

[N5CEY]

It all depends on what your and the other op's goals are. I work a lot of psk-31, and have had rag chews that lasted 30 minutes, and qso's that lasted 30 seconds start to finish.
You can pretty well tell what the other op is in the mood for in the first or second transmission. Most dx wants to get in and out and on to the next one, a lot of stateside ops are chasing WAS, DXCC, or other awards, but some are in the mood for a nice long chat. for the hurry up qso's, the macros work great. For the rag chew, just talk like you normally would. The other op will either hang in there with you or give a quick 73 and move on. That's the beauty of the hobby, there is something for everyone. It would be unfair to expect everyone to follow a set format for every qso. Enjoy the hobby.

[KF5FEI]

I have modified the macros from their original form to seem more personalized. It inserts the other ops name, and on the RST I have one macro for when I send the RST first, and another when I reply to their RST and request for same.

I also have a rag-chew macro that inserts the opening and closing statements, and leaves a couple of spaces in between so I can type my reply as they are sending whatever to me.

As far as the equipment macro, I just give basics in a humorous manner -- I don't describe every dust particle and mouse turd in the shack. I don't use the standard 73, good luck, PSK #whatever closing. I just say thanks, 73 and hope to see you down the waterfall.

[K7MEM]

I don't describe every dust particle and mouse turd in the shack.

I can relate to that. I keep my equipment macros simple and only describe the equipment I am using. Yet it seems to be quite common for people to build "one size fits all" macros for their equipment. I am interested in the other persons rig, antenna, computer, and software package. However, I don't need a list of every rig and antenna they have, and the minute details of their PC. I can usually find that info when I look them up on QRZ.com. I have been a ham for over 40 years. If I listed everything I have, I would be afraid that the other guy would fall asleep from boredom.

If we talk about the other stuff later in the QSO, that's great. I am always up for a good lengthy QSO.

[G0GQK]

Why not tell your contact that you like to do some rag chewing. Are you OK at typing because there is nothing more tiring than waiting for someone to peck out information which you know is going to be sent five minutes before it arrives.

Macro's needn't be impersonal, write them as you would speak to the person, use everyday words and make the macro like a short note to a friend. If you have contacts into Europe 99% of them will be using a macro

Mel G0GQK

[K0BAM]

When you call CQ, make a call with "CQ Ragchew CQ Ragchew". I think there's a lot of micro use because it's a mode to make a lot of fast contacts, and some folks are not good at typing.

[KF5FEI]

When you call CQ, make a call with "CQ Ragchew CQ Ragchew". I think there's a lot of micro use because it's a mode to make a lot of fast contacts, and some folks are not good at typing.

+1. Or CQ with ragchew only, no drive-bys please.

[K6ABZ]

I'm also a bit frustrated with the "contest" nature of digital contacts. I also like to ragchew, but I have a hard time finding things in common with people I don't know at all.

I also like the idea of calling CQ RAGCHEW or even just CQ CHAT (since it's shorter). Leave the macros to the contesters.

That reminds me: i need to get HRD set up on my laptop for Field Day...

[K3ROJ]

Yes Chad, I agree. It's like operating a robot station with no actual personal interaction. Nowadays most people are adept at typing on a keyboard thanks to using computers. The only Macros I use are name, grid square and rig. I have had some good long winded contacts using a keyboard which makes it more fun.