[Elecraft] FT8: "Magic radio"?

[Rick WA6NHC]

Actually if conditions allow, FT8 (Fox) can 'converse' with ten stations 
at once (5 audio streams at a cost of lower signal strength) raising the 
Q rate and efficiency of the opening(s).  The primary differences from 
RTTY is that it's narrower, better utilizing the band space; it can 
easily work below the noise floor (not a dream of a chance with RTTY) 
and that FT8 is simpler for most folks than RTTY (point, click, connect).

I score it as semi-automatic since an operator must still manage it; the 
signal strengths are more accurate (meaning honest) than the eternal 
'599' (after ten retries) and the largest bonus is that it keeps 
interest alive in the bottom of the cycle AND allows meager stations to 
have an improved shot at improving their DX standings.  It's a breath of 
fresh air to reinvigorate ham radio at some level.

Rick nhc


On 7/3/2018 1:24 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
> How is it any different than the RTTY setups used for DXpeditions that 
> would do essentially the same thing, listen over a wide range and 
> stack the calls heard?  FT8 just allows them to complete 1 to 5 
> contacts at one time.  That to me is pretty amazing!    There is still 
> plenty of skill in working FT8 if the goal is to get in and get out 
> quick just like any more.  Hey if you have all day to work someone 
> chances are you will get them sooner or later.
>
> The cool part about this and the most important part is this mode is 
> allowing people with really marginally poor stations to be able to 
> actually get on Ham Radio and work people and work DX!  It has to be 
> exciting for them!
>
> Try to put yourself in their shoes.  It is a whole new world!  We need 
> more activity, more active hams and maybe FT8 will be a building block 
> to get more people in.  I would hope this is a good thing!
>
> W0MU
>
>
> On 7/3/2018 2:10 PM, ANDY DURBIN wrote:
>> I have been using WSJT-X since before version 1.0 was made 
>> available.  I was also an early adopter of JT9 and FT8.  I have 
>> enjoyed using JT65, JT9, and FT8 for HF and 6 m QSO.  Using 
>> DXpedition mode to work KH1 was a different experience.  I felt that 
>> the operator had been taken much too far "out of the loop".   I'm 
>> glad I made more KH1 QSO using CW than with FT8 and I found them much 
>> more satisfying.
>>
>> FT8 DXPedition mode is certainly not for everyone but if it was the 
>> only way I could make a QSO with KH1 I'd have been glad to have it in 
>> my log.    KH1 was DX 200 worked CW in 4 years.  That was nice and 
>> only the magic of propagation was involved.
>>
>> 73,
>> Andy k3wyc
>>
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