ChatGPT doesn’t really live up to its hype BY DAN KB6NU

 The hype around ChatGPT, the latest artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot  has gotten intense in the last couple of weeks. CNET says that it’s “mindblowing.” Lifehacker called it the “coolest (and most terrifying) tech of 2022.”

All this hype made me curious as to how useful it might be to me in writing blog posts about amateur radio. So, I asked it a couple of questions. Here’s what ChatGPT generated:

Question #1: What’s the best antenna for 2-meter fm amateur radio operation?

For 2-meter FM amateur radio operation, a Yagi antenna or a vertical antenna may be a good choice.

Yagi antennas are directional antennas that can provide good gain and performance on the 2-meter band, making them suitable for long-distance communication or for reaching distant repeaters. They consist of a driven element and several parasitic elements arranged in a line, and they are relatively easy to build and tune. However, Yagi antennas can be more complex and require more space than other types of antennas, and they may not be suitable for portable or stealthy operation.

Vertical antennas are antennas that are installed upright, with the radiating element extending vertically from the ground. They can be used for a wide range of frequencies, including the 2-meter band, and are suitable for local and regional communication. Vertical antennas can be simple or complex, and they may require a ground plane or radials for proper operation. They are relatively easy to install and tune, and they can be used indoors or outdoors. However, vertical antennas may not provide as much gain as Yagi antennas, and they may not be as suitable for long-distance communication.

Ultimately, the best antenna for 2-meter FM amateur radio operation will depend on the specific needs and goals of the operator. Experimenting with different antennas and trying out different configurations can be a rewarding aspect of the hobby.

Question #2: What are the advantages of software defined radio (SDR)?

Software defined radio (SDR) is a type of radio communication system that uses software to perform the functions of a traditional hardware-based radio. SDR technology offers a number of advantages over traditional radio systems, including:

• Flexibility: SDR allows you to change the operating frequency, mode, and other parameters of the radio simply by changing the software, rather than replacing hardware components. This makes it easy to adapt the radio to different communication needs and to use it for multiple purposes.
• Cost-effectiveness: SDR can be less expensive than traditional radio systems because it requires fewer hardware components and can be implemented using off-the-shelf computer hardware.
• Compact size: SDR systems can be smaller and lighter than traditional radio systems because they don’t require as many hardware components. This makes them more portable and easier to use in a variety of environments.
• Upgradability: SDR systems can be easily upgraded and expanded by adding new software or hardware components, allowing them to keep pace with the latest technology and applications.
• Performance: SDR systems can offer improved performance compared to traditional radio systems because they can take advantage of the processing power and flexibility of software to optimize the radio’s performance for a particular application.

Overall, SDR technology offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for a wide range of radio communication applications. It is being used in a variety of settings, including amateur radio, military communications, and public safety, as well as in research and development.

Definite limitations

After reading these results, I breathed a sigh of relief. While these results aren’t bad, they only go so far. For example, in the response about 2-meter FM antennas, there’s no distinction between quarter-wave verticals and 5/8-wave verticals. The response to the second question is also pretty generic.

I doubt that ChatGPT is going to replace me or any other ham radio blogger. At least not any time soon. Who knows how good these chatbots will get in the next five to ten years?