...I think it's pointless... I've checked it about five times now at different times of day/night. Without exception, only one station is listed (https://www.qrz.com/db/AC1RH). One of the programmers? Or was it activated and forgotten?
The participation level is zero.................Yet another one of those things in life which sounds good on paper.
I don't think that will help. I suspect that it will then be filled with fake data from a lot of "playful calves"...
I do think that the map should be visible without having to log in. I suggested it, but the QRZ management seemed uncomfortable with the idea for reasons that I really did not understand. A validated account should be necessary before you can post sessions into the server. I don't think RTQM is ever going to be a high throughput system - and I hope that it is not cancelled because if that. I strongly believe that it fills a very important need for a small number of hams - those that either use obscure modes or want to ragchew rather than exchange contest style signal and location reports before moving on to the next "QSO". I am in both of those categories - and trying to start a QSO by calling CQ can be a very soul-destroying job! The reason is that so much of ham radio has transitioned to quick-fire contest style exchanges and modes like FT8. RTQM is not very relevant to that style of operation - and that will limit its takeup. But I would really value it, if QRZ keep it running. I have posted a session every time that I've been on-air since it launched - all three occasions. And that says it all - I think I'm a good example of the type of user that will benefit from it, but that is a type of user who is not very active. Martin (G8FXC)
Once you log in it should forever remember your computer or device. No additional log ins needed. Should be on QRZ header or it will not be used.
Hi, I just tried to use the widget. I entered everything as described. I replaced the "X" with my callsign and got this:
Translation Very good... I'm trying it.. Great idea! OK Let us know how it works for you as it will never be for me
I agree but this service should be for registered users only. Sad to say, there is a "CB Mentality" to Amateur Radio now. Radio, Antenna, Watts, Range, etc. I want to understand and enjoy the conversation of who I am speaking with and the area/culture in which they live. If I can hear them and vice versa, that's good enough for me. A signal report, once established, is always welcome but not being the sole content of the QSO. Same idea for station operating equipment. What can be done with RTQM to foster this mindset, is to set a preference. Select from QSO only, Contact Report or both. This way you know what to expect right from the start and target appropriately.
@KF7WIS That could be reversed! I would suggest that QRZ purchase DX Heat and/or DX Watch. Then slowly integrate the two. Once done, build both formats into QRZ for registered members and make slow and careful embellishments. Another idea is to bring in QSOMap or Log Analyzer to further augment the above and integrate appropriately. All easier said than done. However, they are basically complete and "off the shelf". Patience.
I am with you and I concur with you Brian KF2ZZ, and also with you Jamie KF7WIS. But to you, Brian... imagine this. Yes, you and I want to breathe above the waters of the "CB mentality" that's seems rampart in our fraternity and to raise our heads above these flood waters to engage in real, substantial QSOs. I find very often that when I call "CQ for a casual QSO" I am inundated with requests for signal report exchanges. Do I ignore them? No. Do you, Brian, ignore them? No. We are well-seasoned and kindly amateur radio operators with a wealth of experiential knowledge to share with these newcomers and we will not ignore their requests for simple signal report exchanges, but wouldn't it be grand if we had some type of online notification that, hell0.... we're on frequency for a REAL, casual, and let's get-to know-one-another QSO ? Here's a point in case... I would like to initiate a QSO with a fellow Advanced Class Licensee perhaps like you, Brian, KF2ZZ. Oh, I would certainly chat with anyone who is not afraid of the mic, but I would especially like to reminisce with a fellow "dinosaur" Advanced Class Licensee. RTQM enables you, Brian and me to post our intentions on the RTQM map and to include in our session comment, "CQ fellow Advanced Class Licensees." Now, once your comment is spotted on the RTQM, John, W3IPD (my dear friend, SK) who had been randomly monitoring 40 meters SSB sees your request on 20 meters and by no luck of his having twisted the dial and finding your call on 20 meters amidst a multitude of signal report exchange requests actually sees a notification that there is an Advanced Class licensee looking for a QSO with a brother Advanced Class amateur.... Well Hello! RTQM can do this, once popularized. I have found the same to work up on 10 meters FM. There is of course the calling frequency of 29.60 MHz, but all too often the newcomers to 10m FM will establish a contact there and continue using this frequency as a rag chew frequency with no regard to others patiently listening and waiting their turn to place a global call on the calling frequency. Enter RTQM. Spot yourself as calling and listening on a 10 meter FM simplex frequency of let's say 29.35 MHz and perhaps someone will find you via RTQM on 29.35 MHz well outside of the bandwidth limits of their of their band/scope/waterfall (should they have such). How else will they find you there, but by sheer luck. I vote for RTQM! Yes, Brian. Target appropriately, select a preference, and expect the best. I dare say that when this utility becomes popular we'll have a utility equal to what the digital folks have with PSKreporter, and HAMAlert, and DXMaps, and etc., etc., etc. Until now, us phone guys and users of specialized modes other than the FT8-computer-to-computer-signal-report-exchange-scripts have only good luck and nimble fingers at the dial to find their targets, with emphasis on the word, "luck". I'd rather exchange the four-letter word, "luck" for "RTQM". Jamie... do what you can do to help us, please. Thanks, Joe (WA3JR)
A good argument so far, .... but from my perspective, the argument contains a few things that really rub me the wrong way. You're talking about a "CB mentality" here, and generally devaluing and discriminating against CB radio, and thus also other free radio services like FreeNet. People often forget, especially among "old OMs," that it's precisely the free radio services like CB that are still nurturing new talent in amateur radio. Portraying CB/FreeNet users as second-class "radio operators" really gets on my nerves You're also arguing that old OMs feel harassed by beginners because they hog call frequencies and/or are solely interested in getting a report. At the same time, however, this very behavior is encouraged because the "old hands" stand by and watch without being challenged, instead of speaking up and showing the beginners the way. And by the way: Who generated this hype after contests? The so-called "beginners" certainly weren't... On the one hand, the old hands turn up their noses at beginners and potential future HAM operators. At the same time, however, they're too good to take beginners by the hand and teach them the appropriate rules of conduct, and they even support this negative development by fulfilling the so-called beginners' every wish at any time. And then this self-created problem is supposed to be circumvented by even more external online technology? Really? I simply think that's the wrong approach, which will further widen the gap between beginners and experienced OMs, just as it will widen the gap between CB/FN users and licensed users. So... Now feel free to stone me, or, if you can, refute my point of view with concrete arguments...
