[CQ-Contest] FT4 *is* a contesting mode. Was: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc6

[Dan Violette]

FT4 will be disabled in the software for June VHF and FD.  Time will tell if it can beat out FT8.  But FT8 only for June VHF (+ the "normal' modes).  FT4 is improved in the latest release but still be tweaked.  Dan KI6X

-----Original Message-----
From: CQ-Contest <cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Jeff Clarke
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 1:22 PM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] FT4 *is* a contesting mode. Was: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc6

I was on 6 meters last night for the first time this season. The band was open really good from here in Georgia to the east coast of the US. 
Unfortunately there wasn't much activity on either CW or SSB.  I made about 20 QSO's but in the pre-FT8 days I would have had a pileup and made over a hundred. Tuned up to 50313 and heard a bunch of the tones that identify a FT8 signal. I guess FT8 is now the new mode of choice on
6 meters. I always thought it was just a mode to go to when signals were below the noise level when the band appeared to be dead.

I suppose I will have to hookup FT8 again to make many QSO's in the June VHF Contest this weekend.  Or do I need to upgrade to FT4 to make QSO's?  I experienced the same thing as W5TD in last year's June VHF contest. Lots of signals on FT8 but only worked maybe half the people I called. I'm running 500 watts and a 5 element yagi so I would've thought I might have had  a better result. FT8 has been advertised as a mode to go to when you don't have a big station but I really haven't found that to be the case. You still need to have a decent antenna and running more than 100 watts definitely helps. Personally I wish the ARRL and CQ wouldn't allow FT8 in it's VHF contests.

Hopefully people will operate some CW and SSB in the contest this weekend.

Jeff