[Elecraft] KX2/AX1 WSPR vs FT8

[Mike Parkes]

Bret/N4SRN,
I am running a KX3 indoors into a mag loop for 40-30-20 and I get plenty of
wspr spots on my signal at 1 watt or less, and can hear others too.
FT8 needs more signal though, the packets are 1/8 as long (15 seconds
compared to wspr 2 minutes) and is still trying to push similar amounts of
data in a much shorter amount of time. So it is a lot more of a challenge
to make a two way contact. If you are being heard in single minus digits
that is pretty good, my signal is usually in the twenties. I think I made
like one or two FT8 contacts when I first tried out WSJT-x, but lately my
attempts to make an ft8 contact have been unsuccessful. I would say just
keep trying, and eventually you'll make ft8 contacts. I mostly stay with 40
meters though, seems to be the best overall band these days for me. I am
looking forward to the 40 meter add-on for the AX1!
73's, Mike AB7RU / Spokane WA