[Elecraft] FT 8

[Jim Brown]

On 3/3/2018 4:43 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:
> I won't count any QSO that requires the software to have prior 
> knowledge of the two station calls or could not be copied by an 
> uninterested third party.

Misconception alert: WSJT modes do NOT require prior knowledge of any 
part of the message sent or received. For some modes, WSJT CAN be set to 
consult a database for what they call a "deep search" function that can 
reach a dB or two deeper into the noise. I don't know details, but it's 
my impression that it's used on EME (moonbounce) and for weak signal VHF 
work.

WSJT modes are much like RTTY in signals can be copied by anyone using 
software that decodes these modes, and like CW, in that they can be 
copied by anyone with CW skills. :)

On 3/3/2018 3:57 PM, William Levy wrote:
> FT8 changes the game. No more rag chews. So this is what DX has become. No big power, no big antennas.

What passes for ragchewing on HF and VHF/UHF FM bores me to tears (and 
often turns me off). FWIW, ham radio was never about rag chewing -- 
rather it IS about radios and antennas and electronics and networks. And 
on the operating side, I enjoy challenging myself with contesting.

YOU may have big antennas (I do now, deep into retirement, but for my 
first 50 years in ham radio I didn't). Many hams live in cities, towns, 
and housing developments where they cannot have anything visible. Many 
hams are surrounded by electronically generated noise. WSJT modes allow 
us to work 10-20 dB deeper into the noise floor than a very good CW op, 
giving a ham mired in noise and with limited antennas a chance at 
playing radio. I see nothing at all wrong with that!

73, Jim K9YC