NexGen Ham Radio

The Next Generation of ham radio operators are busy defining the social cloud. They are producing active web applications such as DXanywhere, PickMyRig, Ham Radio Calendar, and Ham Radio Forum to mention a few. The idea is spearheaded by a group of UK amateur radio operators under the banner of PrettyGoodProjects. The NexGen group described DXanywhere as, "...Social media system which provides tools for keeping in touch with your mates and also advance cluster features." 73 from the shack-a-delic.

Ham Radio's Social Cloud

I need a conceptual framework in order to understand what is happening around me. And the next frontier is the social cloud. Kevin Marks introduced "The Social Cloud" and his video is remarkable. For me, ham radio is no longer a stand alone system of devices and relationships, ham radio is part of an overall system that is, the social cloud.

One may observe the relationship between my blog and ham radio, look at the screenshot RadioSport Nation as a measurement and clouds are forming on different continents. I'm integrated and interconnected with each visitor through the Internet. We have developed a relationship through the router of this blog.

The same social cloud is beginning to form at Twitter as well. I have integrated Twitter with my blog thus expanding my social cloud. On the other hand, ham radio maybe considered the forerunner of the social cloud given the nature of our devices and relationships.

However ham radio as a stand alone system is no longer applicable.

I'm beginning to observe the elegance of the social cloud in relationship to ham radio. In fact, at this very moment Peter, M3PHP and I conversed through Twitter's application. Our transcript is available at Twitter, only if, one is following KA3DRR or M3PHP.

Additionally, Marks discussed the social cloud as it relates to Baby Boomers, the cloud is something outside of me. I remember a time when the Internet did not exist. In contrast, the NexGen relates to the Internet as if it is oxygen that is, they are growing up with it all around them. The Internet is fully integrated into their lifestyle.

Think about this for more than a moment, "The Internet is fully integrated into the NexGen's lifestyle. It is not a stand alone system of devices and relationships."

Ham radio's social cloud is beginning to form.

OH8X Under Construction

One if not the best RadioSport website yet. Forward thought. Innovative. Next level. However OH8X is under construction and this ham radio blogger is patiently waiting. Bookmarked favorite even under construction. Stellar OH8X!

Contest On

Thinking Through Twitter

Twitter's elemental question, "What are you doing?"

On the other hand, I'm going through gyrations figuring out what is relevant, consumable doing and random, irrelevant doing generated by my stream of consciousness. Afterall someone, somewhere will read snippets of my daily activities but what is relevant? Perhaps, the flip of the Twitter coin, what snippets are relevant for me as well?

I produce content and conversation for consumption at zero pricing. Literally, I'm sharing a product called Scot's life for whatever benefit one might derive. Is it much like a message in a bottle thrown into the infinite Internet universe? Perhaps.

At first, I twittered about everything then Jeff Davis, KE9V posted Disturbance In the Force and I was struck by an 18-wheeler transporting a load of introspection. My cognitive filter kicked in and my stream of Twitter consciousness started immediately evolving.

Does one really want to spend time currency reading about having a cup of coffee, the sun is rising in the east, or I'm going too work? Probably not. Then I asked what if I called CQ and another operator answered. Then what makes an interesting QSO beyond the typical exchange? Now I have stepped into ragchewing territory.

I can talk about scores posted on 3830 Score Rumors, propagation, whose is the number one SO LP division leader, developments in the shack, and so forth. I'm striving to reduce the noise and increase my signal while thinking through Twitter. Meanwhile follow KA3DRR on Twitter between blog postings.

73 from the shack.

CQ WPX Blog

CQ WPX gets a blog and takes another step into the future. Is this a first from a major contest sponsor? Stay tuned RadioSport Nation as the fun factor is only getting better. Please endorse the CQ WPX blog with a comment.

Contest on.

Randy Thompson, K5ZD Inducted Into CQ Contest Hall of Fame

RadioSport Nation congratulates Randy, K5ZD on his induction into CQ Contest Hall of Fame. This is an exciting moment following his appointment as CQ WPX Contest Director. Check one's low-power, low-profile log for The Contest Machine. Right on Randy!

The BoX

The BoX is the pinnacle of hours of hard work and dedication. It represents the Best of the Best in RadioSport at any given moment. One will see a CQ WPX CW 2007 screenshot of the top USA scores. Also note the number of entry possibilities as well. The BoX, for me, is a place where the bold, the dedicated, and the tenacious of RadioSport exist. It is a place where operators push the limits of physical endurance, intellectual skill, and technology. Think about the skill one needs to achieve a BoX score. I'm thinking about The BoX as CQ WPX CW 2008 draws near. Each RadioSport athlete represented in the top USA scores started somewhere albeit running 1-watt into a random wire or 100-watts into a flat top dipole. Remember the Best of the Best in RadioSport as Dayton opens its doors. One will certainly get an opportunity to meet and greet an operator from the BoX. Contest on.

Don, AC7FA said "RadioSport will adapt."

Read comment here.

I agree Don and RadioSport will adapt no matter what the outcome. Thanks for joining RadioSport Nation via Twitter as well.

73 from the shack.

Twitter and CQ WPX CW 2008

One might note something new is a foot at KA3DRR Low-Power, Low-Profile RadioSport Contesting @ 50-Watts. I'm now micro-blogging my RadioSport lifestyle in between regular blog postings. The elemental Twitter question is, "What are you doing?" And my hope is too deliver fun, insightful, witty observations. I'm using Google Talk, an instant messenger, as my Twitter delivery service. One can also update from their cell phone or from the web. Twitter is outrageously cool for a NeRK like myself. A NeRK is a hybrid who exists between a GEEK and a NERD. Exciting! And I own my NeRK as well. Additionally, CQ WPX CW is drawing near and I had a Twitter thought about RadioSport and my blog. I'm planning to spot calls and frequencies directly to my blog during CQ WPX CW. One cannot 'click' and 'operate' but one can spin their dial then listen for the spotted call sign during the contest. Think of it as taking the packet network to a granular level while tossing in skill development. Be sure to read the rules regarding assistance of any kind from the Internet during this RadioSport event. Twitter on.