[Elecraft] [KX3] FT8 Here's My Comparison of FT8 and Regular Modes

[Carl Jón Denbow]

Right on, Jim.  You said it all.  I don’t understand complaining about a mode you obviously have never used.  As someone else said, FT8 has its positives and negatives.  What I don’t like are the ops running a gallon or more.  I consider QRO for the JT modes and PSK to be 100 Watts.  I’ve only gone that high a few times to bag a difficult one.  I usually use about 35 watts, which some purists will say is way too much.  I’ve worked stations around the world who report they were using 1 watt or less.  If properly used, these weak signal modes are truly amazing!

73,

Carl

Sent from my iPhone
===========================
Carl Jón Denbow, N8VZ
17 Coventry Lane
Athens, Ohio 45701-3718
 
carl at n8vz.com
www.n8vz.com
EM89wh
 
IRLP 4533   Echolink 116070
 
PSK and JT65 Forever!
===========================

On Jul 4, 2018, at 3:36 PM, Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:

>> First, I haven't read through this entire thread.
>> 
>> I've been a RTTY guy for a long time and am in the #1 spot on the RTTY DXCC
>> Honor Roll.  That said, I don't get FT8 at all.  Turn on your radio and
>> computer, come back an hour later and see what you worked - really?
> 
> NOT really. An exaggeration by those who don't want to use the mode and discredit those who do.
> 
> What do I know -- I'm one of the younger guys -- only licensed since 1955, Extra only since 1959, primarily worked CW all my life except for contributing to our club score for contests. I do a lot of RTTY contesting, but I have yet to meet anyone who can copy RTTY with their two ears.
> 
> And radio is FAR more than pushing buttons, yelling in to a mic, or doing CW. It also includes maximizing your station and understanding propagation, antennas, transmission lines, noise suppression, and operating skill. It is totally false that WSJT modes require no operating skills. Knowing where to place your signal in the waterfall, what to do when QRM causes problems, understanding that you can call a station when he's having difficulty with another QSO (the equivalent of "tail-ending" with other modes) and so on, are also a factor.
> 
> If you don't like a mode (or don't want to learn it) don't use it, but don't disparage it by saying things about it that aren't correct.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
> 
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