First - before any comment: I thoroughly tested FT8. Trying to "be on"
since the very first steps of FT8. Made some ~3000 QSO with 150
countries DXCC. Studied the protocol into depth to understand what does
the tricks to resolve very weak signal. Using the best available sound
card - the Asus Xonar U7 with its famous Burr-Brown AD and DA
converters. All works in Linux, no gimmicks here. Also compiled the
sources by myself, the deb packages are made for Ubuntu but my Debian 10
does not like them. No problem, I am very experienced Linux user, also
former computer-pro. That's testing bench here.
Without separation of the meat from the bones: the software is an
excellent example how should be it done! It is a real masterpiece, hat
off to the authors team!
Anyway, the FT8 main principle is "confirmation of expectable". This
overcomes the unnecessary redundancy, but at the cost that no QSO except
the "precooked" one is possible. You should note that the first versions
of WSJT had problems with unusual calls, I was unable to air my special
call OL100R.
The cost paid for "weak signal" functionality is simply too high. The
operator can't do anything other than clicking to station wanted to QSO.
There is some split needed but the choice of split "deviation" is all
what the op can do. Thus, a QSO can be never a fully featured chat, in
contrary to RTTY, PSK31 or others where is possible to say hello.
All such features are highly attractive to the new operators who does
not know the code, who never learned the adventures with weak SSB
signals. These guys are not comparable with us, they are different from
us, they are NOT HAMS, they are just radio users. I don't care if
someone finds my words offensive. Everybody can learn the code (yes,
there are some 7% who can't, due to health reasons), who can't learn the
code is probably able to speak so he can operate SSB. The main reason to
become "FT8 only" is the LAZINESS which I find unacceptable. Period.
I am ham because it's hard, not because it's easy. See the True Blue DX
club and its motto (https://www.tbdxc.net/). I am founder member, #4.
Again, I am NOT biased against any mode. Do you like it? Do it! Do you
count this as old dog's new trick? Well, do it, go ahead! (BTW there are
more old dogs, some of them are happy to do old tricks in the same way
as they did 50 years ago. As Vern Kaspar, W9FAM did! They still going
strong, some of them unfortunately only in my mind, in my memories)...
But I never accept/take part in a bicycle race where some participants
using motor bikes. Now you know why I dislike FT8. My attitude to this
mode is NEUTRAL, I HATE "FT8 only" radio users promoting themselves as
hams (radio amateurs).
73,
Martin, OK1RR
https://www.qrz.com/db/OK1RR
Dne 10. 03. 21 v 17:11 Glenn Wyant napsal(a):
Sorry to offend you Doug....and Martin
However when another ham tries to tell me what I should or should not
Operate, well I take offense.
In this case Martin does not like FT8
Thats fine, however when he starts saying it should not count for dxcc waz was
etc
For dxcc was waz etc , which would affect myself a lot of other hams,
I find it offensive that he would agree to remove those awards from me.
Martin came on the reflector and basically degraded all those
who use ft8. I found it offensive and told him his summary
of our operating is not needed there. I did not ask that he be
Banished, as was his claim.
I believe a hams personal operating preference is his option.
We don’t need to judge others based on our own personal beliefs.
If I have offended anyone here , I apoligize.
Glenn
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Doug Renwick
Sent: March 10, 2021 9:40 AM
To: 'Glenn Wyant'; martin@ok1rr.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: RE: *****SPAM***** Re: Topband: CQ Zones
And Tree continues to let a$$holes like VA3DX to post here. I should look at
changing my callsign to show no similarity to Glenn's.
Doug/VA5DX
Free Climbing - The ultimate test of strength and technique.
-----Original Message-----
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+ve5ra=sasktel.net@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Glenn Wyant
Sent: March-09-21 7:46 PM
To: martin@ok1rr.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: *****SPAM***** Re: Topband: CQ Zones
And you decide whether any of us deserve to follow our own preferences!
We don't need you as a dumb ass wanna be leader.
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 9, 2021, at 18:25, Martin Kratoska <martin@ok1rr.com> wrote:
Glenn (VA3DX),
BRAVO, I applaud!
So you claim the privilege to decide who should leave and who is allowed
to stay. And you will do it for ALL members of the list. You are a brilliant
character. The life with you must be a marvel.
Stay safe, 73
Martin, OK1RR
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