[ADXA] HK0/HK3X 12M FT8

Mon Aug 9 19:21:32 EDT 2021

Yep another thing that can screw up the signal-to-noise reporting is using an attenuator or having the radios preamps turned on. I don't know how many times I have called a guy in the plus S/N region and did get a response. Even more interesting I can't even see their signal on the waterfall while at the same time I can see weaker signal-to-noise stations. The WSJT-X waterfall is one of the most sensitive waterfalls I've ever seen.Like so many other things in ham radio there is a very good online help file explaining what Joel was describing. 73 JaySent from my Galaxy
-------- Original message --------From: w5zn at w5zn.org Date: 8/9/21  5:31 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: ADXA List <adxa at mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [ADXA] HK0/HK3X 12M FT8 
OK folks.....let's all understand what the "dB" SNR reading on an FT8 signal means. It means NOTHING...absolutely NOTHING!!!. It is a signal to noise ratio however it takes in to account the signal compared to the noise of the entire bandwidth your radio is set to plus all of the other signals in that bandwidth.
You can actually change that number on your radio and make it extremely higher if you want to brag (DX'ers brag???) about how strong someone is at your station by running a simple test to prove the point. The next time you see a signal that is -15 to -20 dB, reduce your bandwidth to 500 Hz or so and center it on the station you are copying. For example, if the station has a DF of 1250 Hz, reduce the filter bandwidth and then center it at 1250 Hz and see what happens!!! That "dB" number will jump up to 0 or plus something. Its simple math and the reason we reduce our filter bandwidths on CW.
So, it is a meaningless number. If a station is at 0 dB  you may hear the signal or you may not. Don't hang your hat on that number. In fact, completely IGNORE it!!!
Why doesn't that station go down to CW or SSB?? Several reasons that may include:
1. They don't know CW and don't care to learn it (and never will) but love amateur radio and want to get on the air.
2. On SSB they "could" work more stations if the op was good and the pileup were tame. Most likely it won't be and the op doesn't want to attempt to manage an unruly pileup on SSB. On FT8 the op can easily manage it as he/she wants. Not all DX ops are good pileup managers.
FT8 is good for amateur radio. All of us "old dogs" like me can complain all we want but the reason there is so much activity on FT8 is it is an easy mode to learn and to get on the air with. That means more activity and more DX.
I personally know of three hams right here in Arkansas that never had any interest in HF and DX but they tried FT8, actually got on the air somewhere other than a 2 meter repeater or the 75 meter morning medical grumbling frequency and have now completed a DXCC. Two of them are joining ADXA.....another PLUS!!!! They're consumed with HF and DX'ing now.
Enough of my sermon for the day.......the ADXA offering plate will be passed shortly !!!!
You all know what to do, regardless of the mode or band........GET IN THERE AND WORK 'EM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
73 Joel W5ZN
CW Forever, DX Forever and ANY MODE forever if I can use it to work a new one and beat out N5ZM in a pileup!!

On 2021-08-09 16:00, Sandy Hutson wrote:

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You do have to wait when he is in the 0 to +++ dB range of audio and still not going to SSB or CW where he could be easily heard and worked. Sorry for those not on FT8 who have to wonder when he will change modes, if he does. 12m band would be an ATNO for many ADXA members.
Stay safe and cool this week!
San YY

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: John McKinnieSent: Monday, August 9, 2021 4:46 PMTo: ADXA ListSubject: [ADXA] HK0/HK3X 12M FT8

HK0/HK3X is on 12 M FT8.  He is about +5 to +7 here.

No real waiting to work him.

John

KT4AC

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