It might be interesting if a station receiving a Beacon "message" automatically returned a simple receipt message with call sign and S/N ratio? Perhaps the receipt is only sent when the "away" flag is set at the receiving station?
This would provide stations feedback re: propagation from their station.
Txs for the feedback.
Hi @W1IZZ-Larry
there are 2 obstacles to make your suggestion a reality :
VaraHF does not provide S/N though a TNC command. I asked Jose. for now he said no. but I'll keep nagging like we did with CQ :) the closest thing is when VaraHF write to its own logfile the average S/N leve but only after you disconnect from some one. not while connected and certainly not in a CQ/BEACON.
the CQFRAME Packet of VARA-HF is built only as a CQ packet. no way to encode other things except your own callsign.
For those 2 reason - this idea, as good as it may sound - is currently not feasible.
73
Irad
I don't disagree. The msg would be very short.
I also think we should adopt a best practice to use calling frequencies to establish a connection and then immediately QSY to an operating frequency, without being prompted.
It's a good idea IF it only happens when a operator requested the S/N report. I think automated exchanges should be kept to a minimum to allow live chats priority.