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To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:21:54 -0400
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Subject: Re: LF: satellites
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I suspect, Nigel, that "modern" RADCOM reflects "modern" amateur radio=20
in many respects. Whilst acknowledging that the magazine/journal would=20
probably not exist without its advertising, that very advertising is a=20
reflection of what amateur radio is to many of its present day=20
adherents - "appliance operating"!
In such an atmosphere and coupled with a younger generation who do not=20
even get a basic grounding in simple workshop techniques and practice=20
is it surprising that the glorious days of articles of quality in home=20
construction no longer appear to suit us "longer-in-the-tooth" types?
Modern housing probably also contributes as it provides little room for=20
a space in which to indulge a little messy chassis-bashing and the=20
smoke detectors widely-fitted tend not to be too sympathetic to solder=20
fumes emanating from the cupboard under the stairs.
I know a number of local amateurs who have never constructed anything=20
and are probably never likely to do so, preferring to invest their time=20
operating expensive boxes and comparing notes about whose is biggest=20
etc.
One in particular was so desperate to work the Antipodes that he just=20
kept on spending until he managed it.
It might be that the "amateur radio industry" finds it a profitable=20
strategy to discourage home construction but then again I might be=20
accused by some of cynicism.


73 de Pat g4gvw
QTH Near FELIXSTOWE, UK

Thought for today:

In the race of life p
ut a few quid on the nag called "Self-Interest" -=20
He'll always be in there trying hard !


-----Original Message-----
From: GandalfG8@aol.com
To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org
Sent: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:38
Subject: Re: LF: satellites
















In a message dated 16/07/2008 21:07:05 GMT Daylight Time,=20
jwgould@iee.org
writes:


I've not got an axe to grind re RadCom,
  but=C2=A0is=C2=A0the lack of major construction projects in RadCom=C2=A0mo=
re
  to do with there being less people doing=C2=A0the larger
  scale=C2=A0design/construction projects as well as=C2=A0being motivated to
  write it up for RadCom?=C2=A0






----------------------


=C2=A0


The use of internet groups to encourage cooperative design, both=20
hardware
and software, has led to a real time project structure that
doesn't=C2=A0necessarily lend itself to the monthly magazine publishing
schedule.


=C2=A0


This of course does not=C2=A0only affect RadCom but, unfortunately, RadCom
as a serious technical publication started to lose credibility when a=20
recent
past editor attempted to turn it into something more akin to=C2=A0Women's
Weekly, with his=C2=A0requesting accounts of radio amateur romances on one
occasion,=C2=A0whilst dwelling more on his own interviews with radio
"personalities" than matters radio, which it would seem he didn't=20
really
understand.


=C2=A0


Whilst I20don't suppose many tears were shed at his departure it doesn't
seem to me the RSGB has done the reputation of RadCom any more favours=20
by
employing Elaine Richards in a similar position.


Especially when=C2=A0one considers that not very long ago she was
suggesting through the pages of her radio comic that reports on any=20
form of
radio activity, legal or otherwise,=C2=A0would be welcomed.


=C2=A0


If RadCom is=C2=A0taken to be the "shop window"=C2=A0for the RSGB in
general, then=C2=A0perhaps it's time to ask what it is they think
they're=C2=A0offering us for our money.


=C2=A0


For=C2=A0RadCom to be seriously considered as a technical=C2=A0publication
again=C2=A0it will be necessary to leave editorial control with those who
have=C2=A0real technical ability and=C2=A0not just scrape the barrel
for=C2=A0anyone with prior magazine experience.


=C2=A0


regards


=C2=A0


Nigel


GM8PZR




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