The end of the year is an excellent opportunity to take stock. One has the feeling that one period ends and another begins. He makes New Year's resolutions. 2007 is no exception. My view can be an example. Two people can have different views on the same thing, so I warn you in advance that this is a purely subjective assessment.
In 2007, the issue of changing the Permitting Conditions resonated the most among radio amateurs. Many radio amateurs took this personally - so much so that "hamspirit" disappeared for a while. Several intervened at the Telecommunications Office. Based on the pressure that developed, the SZR and TÚ SR modified the original proposal, which came into effect on August 15.
It meant a certain recovery for KV, certainly not the disaster predicted by some. Quite the opposite – it seems to have sparked an interest in the technique as well as the operation. I often found questions about KV antennas in my email inbox. Those Novices who are most interested in the possibilities of the Extra class are already preparing for the exams, which should be held in January. According to available reports, interest is high.
It will have an impact on VHF? Yes, it probably will. The mountainous terrain of Slovakia plays an important role. It would be interesting to solve the connection through the hills, which gives the opportunity to develop the linking of the converters. VKV DX operation will depend on the location. Some QTH they are more suitable, others less so, nothing can be done about it. Racing, probably the most interesting area of VKV (along with technology), will struggle with a lack of odds. Securing a quota five years ago was incomparably easier than today, moreover, some quotas are practically unavailable.
More unconventional types of VHF operation (MS, EME, SAT) could represent a chance. However, it requires the agility of more experienced radio amateurs in the field of spreading experience and knowledge.
Several swallows on the Internet have already appeared. The quality of website processing has increased, many times the content is also very good.
It is very gratifying that the greatest interest is in technology and various connections. It indicates that radio amateurs are interested in self-education and development of their station. The largest radio amateur meeting in the Tatras fulfills more of a social and commercial function. The question is how long it will be the biggest, because the meeting in Borovce is gaining more and more popularity.
Many radio amateurs were pleased with the new Permit Conditions CEPT assignment. It has certainly been used by many abroad. Slovak expeditions (C5 and E4) also went abroad and did very well.
Osobne bol rok 2007 dosť vyčerpávajúci – petícia, VHF contestové výjazdy, rozsiahle zmeny v hamshacku, zreparovanie staršieho koncového stupňa a viacerých zariadení (nie mojich, hi), výroba sekvencera a podobnej rádioamatérskej bižutérie, CQ WW,…
…. by 2008, I would like to be able to devote myself only to the more pleasant areas of the amateur radio hobby.
I want to thank many people - they made the previous year more enjoyable - Jano, Mišo, Gabo, Maco, Števo, Martin, Igor, Rob, Chris, Ant, Charles. Special thanks to Oliver and Lucka for their incredible dedication.
I also want to partially apologize to the visitors of www.cq.sk - this year's articles had a slightly different character than in previous years. This was caused by the circumstances of 2007, but on the other hand, it means that many interesting topics are still waiting to be processed.
All the best for 2008!