[OKDXA] Fwd: [tdxs-list] FT8 Variations Used by DX Stations

[N5OK]

This helps explain some of the strange FT8 happenings with DX stations.

Coy
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Robie Elms <ruler55 at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 5, 2019 at 7:51 PM
Subject: [tdxs-list] FT8 Variations Used by DX Stations
To: <n5ok at arrl.net>
Cc: <tdxs-list at tdxs.net>



All,

The developers of WSJTX and its associated weak signal digital protocols
made their source code public.  One of the things this means is that others
can utilize the code to develop their own versions of the programs.  These
versions can be almost identical to the WSJTX program or can be very
different. The area of greatest differentiation is the operator interface
i.e. main page of the program.  The variants created by other authors feel
there is an advantage to their approach.

WSJTX in the FT8 Mode has a special feature designed for use by DX Stations
(actually DXpedition stations) to increase QSO rates.  This helps us get
that new one we desperately desire!  This feature is called the DXpedition
mode or often called the Fox/Hound mode.  This is the most common mode used
by DXpeditions and other DX stations.

We are beginning to see another, somewhat simpler method to increase QSO
rate on the bands.  One of the variant software packages was developed by
LZ2HV (and others).  This package is called MSHV.  Link to the software
home page   http://lz2hv.org/mshv

MSHV uses a feature called Multi Answering Protocol.  This feature allows
the DXstation to transmit up to 5 signals at the same time, potentially
working 5 stations at once. With the MSHV software *the non DXpediton
stations do not have to be in any special mode! *Pretty cool feature.  You
can recognize a station using this software by his simultaneous
transmission of 2 or more reports/exchanges to different stations at the
same time.

I first encountered this while working a V31.  I could not believe what I
was seeing as he was transmitting my report and the report for a K0 at the
same time.  After my QSO was completed I monitored him for about 30 mins.
I'd see him work single stations, and sometimes 2, 3 or 4 at once.
Finally, I found his e-mail address on QRZ and asked him how he was
accomplishing this.  He responded with a short note and a link to MSHV!

Be aware that there are other packages as well:  The most popular are:

WSJTX

JTDX

MSHV

I have not made a tabulation of others.

Each of these has its own benefits/drawbacks depending upon your
perspective.  They are well worth investigating


Robie - AJ4F
*.*
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-- 
Coy C Day, N5OK
20685 SW 29
Union City, OK 73090
H(405) 483-5632 C(405) 448-2368
n5ok at arrl.net