I am worried that this great mode is turning into yet another "Zombie mode" by a few who are using the "Ping" facility of the mode to collect grid squares in the same way as FT8, FT4 etc. This practice is using up much of the time on the calling frequency making it very hard, if not impossible to make a real QSO possible.
I am sure I will have opened up a can of worms with this comment, however, for those who are only interested in Zombie mode "QSO"s please use the FT8 etc. modes elsewhere.
Would it be possible to make a modification to the VARAC program to prevent the abuse of the PING facility being used in such a manner?
Perhaps the answer is to have the Ping Mode not work automatically, but rather configure the program to where it be necessary for the point B operator to "ok" each and every Ping, manually. That should keep most of the FT8 zombies in their FT8 sub-bands where they can exchange call signs to their hearts content, and maintain VarAC for its intended use.
KF4HR
I disabled my pings entirely because I got tired of people pinging me just to work me that way. I got VarAC to chat, not to ft8.
I've asked once for a squelch type function and been denied. Having the ability to set thresholds for responses would be one way to avoid level 1 throughputs on the CF.
I predict already from the beginning, that the ping function will bring it to FT8 mentality. Maybe keep it but build in a timer, that ping is so often possible or so. Otherwise it will go more and more in this direction like FT8. Independent from that, i´m very happy that the community with VaraC is growing and i had already a lot of nice QSOs around the world. Also the Broadcast is used very well!
Worse, I have had a few actual QSOs that were just another FT-8 style exchange - CONNECTED, INFO, 73. The beauty of VarAC is its ability to provide error-free conversations with poor conditions, weak signals, noise, and QSB. Although increasing interest and activity for VarAC is great, those operators wanting impersonal computer-to-computer exchanges should stick with FT-8.
The PING option was designed to see if you have a sufficient 2-way path with a station you would like to have a QSO with.
Hello. I agree with you.
The "Ping" mode should be restricted for personal use, when you need to know if you have reached a certain place, not for working grids. The implantation perhaps did not take into account its possible misuse.
Making a QSO is one thing. Trying to deceive yourself with unethical maneuvers is another. I imagine that in the end, morality itself makes the difference.
Personally, the "Ping" mode seems like a great tool, but like everything else, it can be used irregularly by unscrupulous people.
I rarely use the radio, but I find this mode fantastic.
73 Agustín
EA4AOG