[Elecraft] Too Much Power

[Richard]

> The reality is the introduction of those who run high power has changed the weak signal FT-8 ecosphere, and for the worse. Sadly high power has become the new normal.

Yes, very sad. Either they don’t realize or don’t care that their huge splattering signals make it difficult and unpleasant for those who are trying to be true to Joe Taylor’s vision.

> On the bright side last night I worked ZL4TT from EN63 (8395 miles) and OK2ZU (4524 miles) using an abusive 15 watts from the KX3 and a Butternut HF-9V vertical.

>  Joe N9JR  


Outstanding! Those are the moments that are made possible with skill, patience, and perseverance, not just fat checkbooks. A few nights ago, with my hex beam literally on the ground (for adjustments), I worked India on 20 meter FT8 using 50 watts. I jumped for joy when that guy came back through the “pileup” to my call! 8720 miles! My report wasn’t stellar, but who cares?

Unless the FCC imposes power restrictions on FT8 and other weak signal modes, it will just get worse and become a battle of bludgeoning titans. I see no end to it, alas. Somehow, it reminds me of the poem “Ozymandias.” 

Richard —  W4KBX

 
> 
> 
>> On May 25, 2018, at 6:15 PM, Richard <FlatHat at comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> “I have a couple of FT8 contacts in my log -- with a DU and a JA -- reporting me at -24 dB where I WAS OPERATING AT 800 WATTS. YMMV.”
>> 
>> Why do you think you need 800 watts in a weak signal mode? Do you have any idea what that does to other operators? I’ve made several 10,000+ mile contacts with 50 watts, as have others who are following the “rules.” 
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>