WHAT IS IT ABOUT FT8?

 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I enjoy computers, I like to connect my radio to a computer to simplify logging etc.  I have nothing against technology in general.  I have been in communications and IT for years, professionally.

It's not that I am against data modes.  I just don't understand the draw of FT8. 

I have tried it and I guess it's OK but it seems that the whole world and its canine companion is using FT8.  It's even invading VHF currently.  Looking at the waterfall, some people are using incredible amounts of power as well!

As a low signal mode, I can see the interest from  a propagation point of view.  It's like a 2 way version of WSPR I guess but other than that I fail to see the enjoyment.  I know people who have blown the finals on their radios by running them at full chat on FT8!  Why?  I mean, just why?  Where is the challenge?

What about running it at 1W, or maybe 100mW?  Of course, you might struggle at times to be heard through all the high power stations using double the bandwidth of everyone else, but at least it would be a challenge.  I just do not get it.  Linda used FT8 for 3 months on 20-30W and achieved DXCC without any difficulty.  It's all too easy.

This year, I am concentrating on CW, from home at least and trying to get contacts is a nightmare.  Now I appreciate that conditions are bad but getting contacts on SSB or CW is difficult.  It sometimes seems that every band is open with FT8 but nobody is listening on any other mode.

I put calls out for ages on several bands and I can see that the bands are open by the RBN reports on CW but I get very few responses.  In contrast, the FT8 frequencies are bouncing.  Does nobody want to chat anymore?  Are we becoming a hobby of computers talking to each other with us interacting occasionally?

Why not accept the challenge of SSB or CW on the HF bands?  If you can't get an aerial out at home, go mobile.  You can use a cheap end fed aerial and a battery, it doesn't have to cost a fortune.  Portable radio can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a friend to go with.  It's much more fun than watching a screen as well!

I am sorry if this came over as a bit of a rant and maybe it is the Grumpy Old Man starting to appear in me?  Maybe it is just me, I don't know.

I hope to work you on SSB/CW very soon and have a good chat :)

73 Ian

CALLSIGNS, WHO AM I?

OK, this is a bit of a rant I guess.  I will try to be objective and start with basic stuff :)

The idea of a callsign is to identify the station transmitting.  To this end, we have a protocol that makes sense.

Always Give Your Own Callsign Last!

 

So, if you are in a QSO and passing the transmission and wish to give both callsigns, the format is 'To You From Me'

Therefore, if I was passing transmission to my dear wife, I would say

G0YLM, from G0VGS

I might even simplify it further by simply saying 

G0YLM, G0VGS.

She might then say, 

G0VGS, G0YLM

This confirms the owner of both callsigns.  I am G0VGS and she is G0YLM.  Simple and intuitive.  Think of it as a greetings card.  

To Ian, Happy Birthday, from Linda.

Of course, the only callsign you are required to give is your own.  In a net though, especially a 'round robin' style net, passing the transmission ensures that it is going to a specific station.

While we are on the subject of nets, ALWAYS pass it to a specific station!  If you are not sure who to pass it to, pass it to net control, or at least to the last person you heard.  NEVER throw it up in the air!  This only causes confusion and people start doubling with each other with the best intentions.

These are simple little 'rules' that can only help improve operating practices.

<rant>

OK, here goes!  Deep breath!

Something I have noticed recently and is really starting to annoy me are incomplete handovers.  People give your callsign and completely omit theirs!  Anyone listening will be totally confused by this!  I hear this on the start of an over and at the end too!

For example.  I pass it over to G7RXM..

G7RXM, G0VGS

He then says..

G0VGS

then carries on with his over.  So who is G0VGS?  Is it me or him?  I hear it at the end too.  G7RXM is passing it to G0VGS..

Over to you Ian, G0VGS...

I then reply

G7RXM, G0VGS

Again, who owns what callsign????  This is simply lazy and confusing.  Protocols are there for a reason and we should, for good operating practice, try to be as professional as possible.  It is truly annoying!!

</rant>

Maybe it is just me but it is only a simple little thing that can cause real confusion.  You would actually fail some professional exams for this kind of error.  Knowing who owns which callsign is a fundamental part of our hobby.  

73 de G0VGS