[amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators

[Thomas Schaefer]

Absolutely true. I too appreciate the complexity of the task that SatPC32 is trying to do well, But we do it and everyone that uses it a disservice to treat it as a sacred cow above suggestions for improvement. The concept of going to a text file and manually editing it to add a new satellite in a Windows program is 2020 is mind-boggling. That is certainly not any definition of user-friendly. While Erich tries to make it easy to find it by using the menus to open the text files, focusing on a decent editor rather than a new radio would be a boon to user the user experience. 

No doubt I will be flamed immediately for daring to write this, and people are welcome to use a different program (MacDoppler,etc), let’s not jump all over a newer (and not so new) user for having the temerity to question if this is as good as it gets to manually edit text files. No doubt I will soon be banished to the realm of those that dare to criticize anything related to SatPC32, but let’s be honest. 

Before I am accused of not thanking Erich for his donation of SatPC32, I do appreciate it. And while I could say think of all the new operators that would have a better experience if SatPC32 was just a little bit easier to use, I am also cognizant that adding new users may not be in the best interest of some—especially those that immediately jump upon any user for the first mistake they make (calling them a LID, bad mounting them on this reflector and social media, etc).

Go ahead..let me have it.

Regards,

Tom Schaefer, NY4I
Blog: www.ny4i.com
Madeira Beach, FL (Grid: EL87ot)




> On Jun 8, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org> wrote:
> 
> Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend
> you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user.
> 
> I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most  know what I do).
> 
> I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and
> all education levels.   Most new hams do not have the technical background
> they some of us have and they need some very basic information and
> mentoring to get over the hump.  This is a confusing hobby for new hams.
> AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users.  They want to have
> fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand.
> 
> Some learn well from reading.  Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1
> coaching on the phone so they can ask questions.
> 
> I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new
> operator is difficult.  I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me in
> technology and integration.    This is why I did the intro video on YouTube
> on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how
> it get them out of 1st gear.  Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the
> video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32.   So, I
> do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did
> not having a licensed copy.  What a friendly bunch.
> 
> I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller and
> antennas.  Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want
> to help.  No wonder the hobby is dying.
> 
> Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what it
> does amazingly.  My rant is not about the software it is about those that
> don't like the simple questions.
> 
> Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do not
> understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a
> QSO.
> 
> Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the
> instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional
> when it came out.  And, yes, I read the manual.  A LOT.  The manual expects
> you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator.
> 
> For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all
> your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions.
> 
> For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you to
> get out of 1st gear.  RTFM doesn't work for everyone.    In fact, it has
> the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away.
> 
> *** Remember, there is no stupid question. ***
> 
> Mike va3mw
> 
> 
> 
>> 
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