[TVARC] FT8

[Frank M]

Nice write up for FT8.
I would like to add my comments for those not familiar with FT8.
Be prepared for some unintentional as well as intentional poor operating practices. Not everyone but still enough to definitely notice.
In order to transmit on a frequency, one SHOULD listen for at least two cycles to ensure nobody is on that freq. I suggest two cycles because, sometimes a person may be on there talking to another ham who is transmitting on a different freq. Or, they are sending CQ’s without anyone answering which means they send on one cycle, listen on next, send on next etc. Or, you can not hear the other person. Two cycles does not always prevent transmitting on someone’s freq but it reduces the probability such that it is unintentional.
Additionally, and this applies to all modes, DO NOT START A CQ on a freq where you just answered another ham’s CQ until you are sure they are not sending another CQ - it is their freq unless they stop CQing (from a courtesy point of view). In addition, someone may be waiting to the end to give that station a call. 
As a frequent user of FT8, I find the above operating practices abused often. Of course, you might think a freq is available and conditions change. So be it. It is not intentional and this happens. I think the most annoying practice is calling CQ right after you complete a contact with a ham where you answered their CQ (can not think of an easier way to write this :)). 
If we try to use good operating practices, maybe some of it will rub off on others (I doubt it but it is worth the try).
These are my personal comments and do not reflect anything other than my approach to ham radio.

BTW, FT8 is fun, BUT it is like continuously operating pile ups - quick exchanges and no hello-how are you!!

73’s
Frank KA1AF 


> On Jan 16, 2018, at 12:43 PM, Charles Theisen <k9ia at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Now, I am aware that many already know this but for those who don’t.
> If you are a wall paper chaser guy. If you like to chase countries, states or whatever. If you like to fill your log with all that Stufff. Get yourself on FT8. Ant then, get yourself an LOTW account and have at it.
> Last evening the bands were a bit quiet after all the weekend hubbub. I set myself up on FT8. Worked 10 stations in 20 minutes, submitted them to LOTW as I worked them and ---- BEHOLD ---- 6 out of the 10 were confirmed this morning when I brought up the LOTW website.
> And you don’t need no power. And you don’t need no fancy antennas. Just get on there and call CQ. Like flies to flypaper.
> Now --- Like the Car salesman says   ---- “You can’t do better than that – Now Can you?”
> Who says you can’t play radio in The Villages?
> Lots of folks are doing this and lots of folks are happy to help. Takes a bit of doing to get up and running. And, setting up LOTW ain’t no waltz in the park either. But once set up ---- all works great.
> So sorry ---- Exuberant Me.  J
> K9IA
>  
>  
>  
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