[PaQSO] Need your input on PSK31, RTTY, 2+6M - thanks

[Mark Wheeler]

As the winner of the Top PSK31 Score in both the 2016 and 2017 PA QSO Party I feel I have some standing to write the following about Digital modes in the PAQP…

PSK31 and RTTY were noticeably absent this year in the PAQP.  I know… I was searching… and calling… mostly in vain… for stations with either of these modes in nearly every band.  And other digital modes as well.  Simply wasn't happening.  I don’t blame this on lack of interest… I think many hams are confused about the vast and rapidly changing digital modes and techniques in ham radio.

One thing is abundantly clear:  the digital mode called FT8, which is part of the WSJT-X software by Joe Taylor K1JT…. is THE most popular digital mode in amateur radio worldwide right now.  It’s where all the DX has gone… and most of the QSOs when propagation is challenging.  FT8 gets through when other modes don’t.  Just take a look at http://PSKReporter.info and filter for RTTY or PSK.  Then filter the results to show FT8… and get ready to be knocked off your chair.

In case you haven’t heard, FT8 is evolving into a “version 2.0” early next year.  And it’s going to support things like contest exchanges… the lack of which at present has kept it out of PAQP usage.

PREDICTION:  By this time next year FT8 will be the dominant Digital mode… and possibly THE dominant mode… in the PAQP.

- Mark KZ3MW
2016 & 2017 PAQP Top PSK31 Scorer

> On Oct 16, 2018, at 4:24 PM, Matthew Steger <n3ntj at embarqmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Personally, I did not operate nor have any interest in using 2m, 6m, nor
> RTTY or PSK31 during the QSO Party. I always stick to traditional modes of
> CW and phone on 160m ~ 10m.
> 
> 73
> N3NTJ
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net> <paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net>> On
> Behalf Of Paul Lusardi
> Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2018 12:55 PM
> To: paqso at mailman.qth.net <mailto:paqso at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [PaQSO] Need your input on PSK31, RTTY, 2+6M - thanks
> 
> Howdy all,
> 
> Our operations had to bail on RTTY and PSK31 modes at the last minute - can
> anyone give feedback on their use of these modes, was it worth the effort to
> focus on these modes? Or better spent on traditional modes such as CW and
> SSB?
> 
> Also any reports on 2/6M as well - worth the effort was it just a few
> contacts?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Paul, N0VLR (N3ZK team)
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