[ADXA] VP6D - Dennis

[Jay Bromley]

Hi San and Dennis,

While I use FT8 just like Dennis does, what I hate is seeing S9 FT signals, then look on the bandscope and see nothing on CW or SSB unless there is a contest on!  With an FT8 that is S9, the band is open to other modes.

 

I agree with your point with the new guys and have seen it.  They think they don’t need real antenna or technique, aka “work” and that is a real shame in the hobby.  I can think of two guys passing on these urban legends to each other while listening to them today on SSB.

 

What is really weird is when I see S9 signals or more, then see an FOC guy on that mode and makes me wonder why he is not on CW, hi.  Silly me for thinking that.  😊

 

73 de jay/w5jay..

 

From: adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Dennis Schaefer
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2018 1:08 PM
To: Radio (1) <k5yy1 at cox.net>
Cc: ADXA <ADXA at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ADXA] VP6D - Dennis

 

San,

 

I think FT8 is great for new hams or those new to DX'ing because it lets them have some success.  On the other hand, they may get the idea that all those towers and antennas are pointless.  It is also a lifesaver for those in apartments who are limited to very inefficient antennas and have an overwhelming noise level.  For me, it's just another way to work the DX - I still have to get the RF there and back, and watching all the stations in the pileup at once is kinda like having an SDR rig.  I've been helping a couple of hams who are apartment-bound and I have been experimenting with magnetic loop antennas.  Modes like FT8 are good for those situations.  For 'regular' DX'ing, though, it seems almost too easy.  I worked VP6D on 30M FT8 with an end-fed antenna not designed for that band and 30 watts.  

 

My fear is that it might supplant RTTY, which is not only a valuable part of the ham tradition, and uses traditional DX chasing techniques.  You can't wander away to get a cup of coffee while your rig calls and answers the DX on RTTY!  

 

73,

Dennis

 

On Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 10:47 AM HamOP <k5yy1 at cox.net <mailto:k5yy1 at cox.net> > wrote:

Great job, Dennis..  I am just not into FT8 at this point in my DXing life but glad so many of our ADXA members like the hound/fox etc chasing and hearing the weak ones. Just wish when signals are so loud and FT8 not needed, that they would do a couple of more bands on RTTY before leaving in 3 days. Only needed on RTTY and happy to have them in my log. Guess no 60m unfortunately.

Again, congrats on a great job of chasing those band modes. Next VP6D might be in 10+ years, so you can sit back and relax  now. Hi I was gone 3 days and missed 28SSB and 80SSB. No big deal especially since without FT8 I can never catch up with the ‘big dogs’ in the ADXA. LOL

73

San

 

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986>  for Windows 10

 

From: Dennis Schaefer <mailto:dennisw5rz at gmail.com> 
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2018 10:35 AM
To: Joel Harrison <mailto:w5zn at w5zn.org> ; ADXA <mailto:ADXA at mailman.qth.net> 
Subject: Re: [ADXA] VP6D

 

Good VP6D expedition so far:

CW - 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10

SSB - 40, 20, 17, 15, 12

FT8 - 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12

 

Except for 160, I need them on 80 SSB and 10 SSB and FT8.

I heard him once on 80 SSB but not really good enough to call him with the DX contest QRM all around.  I did hear Earl work him, though.

I'm not counting on 80, but keeping a close ear on 10 meters and thinking about a 160 meter antenna for the future!

 

DXA and the VP6D log search show slightly different totals, but that seems to be the result of some FT8 log systems problems.  

I'm not too worried about the FT8 contacts, but all were made quickly with about 30 watts and it is fun to watch the process. 

 

73,

Dennis

 

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