[600MRG] JT9 and split - food for thought?

[Larry]

I agree with Paul, the "calling split" has caused me some heartache as 
well for some of the same reasons.

I will always position myself (when calling CQ) in a locally clear spot. 
Callers off frequency run the risk of being right on a SMPS spur and 
might not get decoded or even seen on the waterfall.

Some call offset because they think they have a better chance if there 
are multiple callers. Possibly, but probably not. The software WILL 
decode several signals on virtually the same frequency. The software 
will USUALLY decode a weak signal buried in the spurs but not always. 
Depends on the actual spur.

A big part of this is that the software GUI has been tweaked to optimize 
FT8 contest operations much to the detriment of JT9 true weak signal 
work. A simple double click does not always move your TX frequency to 
where you think it should be or even where it's supposed to be.

73,

Larry - W7IUV

On 11/20/2018 4:20 AM, N1BUG wrote:
> Last night I thought I was getting very few replies to my CQ
> (considering I am somewhat rare, LOL) but noticed what appeared to
> be an increase in activity on the band during the times I was
> calling CQ. This morning it was pointed out that I had several
> people calling me whom I did not respond to. They were operating
> split and I never decoded them.
> 
> I realize operating split is the fad these days and it may alleviate
> collisions between callers. In theory, it's a great idea. Especially
> so if I am somewhat sought after and not just delusional... ;-)
> 
> HOWEVER...
> 
> Thanks to motor speed controllers, switch mode power supplies and
> other assorted RF renegades, I had just two or three roughly 40 to
> 50 Hz windows that were clear last night. When calling CQ I tried to
> center myself in one of them and hope for the best. Some who called
> split probably ended up buried in/under the pollution. In fact I did
> see many JT9 signals so positioned that did not decode.
> 
> I don't have a solution, just saying...
> 
> Maybe if you don't get a reply after a few cycles, try moving?
> 
> It appears I will be on for at least a few more nights, hoping to
> catch some more new states and hand out Maine to those who need it.
> 
> 73,
> Paul N1BUG
> FN55mf
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