Topband: FT8 Usage or CW QRM

[Michael Walker]

The beauty of any mode, not just FT8, is that no makes you use it.

If you don't like it, that is fine.  Don't.

However, this is many a night, even recently, where there are a bunch of
guys on FT8 including good DX and only 1 guy on CW if that.

For all you complaining about not liking it, that is fine.  However, ask
yourself how often to you get on on a Tuesday night and just call CQ for a
few hours.  I know some of you do, but if I did a poll on this list, I bet
80% don't.  And, that is ok.

The hobby has many many options.  Don't knock those that like what they get
out of it.

Carry on... :)

Mike va3mw




On Thu, Nov 30, 2017 at 6:37 AM, Bill Cromwell <wrcromwell at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Ed,
>
> On 160 meters (as well as other bands) there are the gentlemen's
> agreements that do depend on gentlemen. As long as the FT* folks are
> behaving in a civilized manner I say they should just get on the air and
> take their chances like everybody else.
>
> Personally I am completely unimpressed by FT*anything*.*! Callsign, QTH,
> signal report are *NOT* a QSO at my radio shack. I have also been known to
> handle some formal message traffic. The FT type modes won't accommodate me.
> My decision to shun those modes is based on known reasons that I cannot
> ignore. But those ops don't have to be shunned or denigrated. If they have
> a window I can avoid them. But when contests or DX pileups occur then all
> bets are off. That's when I usually turn the radio off and pickup musical
> instruments or take the dog for a walk or perhaps (not least) visit the XYL
> and help her with some of her interests. Contesters and FTers can duke it
> out without me. It's just a hobby that once in a great while turns a little
> more serious (emergency communications).
>
> 73,
>
> Bill  KU8H
>
>
> On 11/30/2017 06:05 AM, Ed Sawyer wrote:
>
>> The more I hear and learn about FT8, the more amazingly bad this mode
>> sounds.
>>
>>
>>
>> There is a simple way to solve the 1840 problem.  Just "update the app" to
>> default to 1980 and the whole 2.5khz crowd will move up there.  Amazingly,
>> most won't even know they moved, they will just wonder why their 160M
>> antenna "isn't working the way it used to".  But then hit the tuner button
>> and call it a day.
>>
>>
>>
>> This is essentially the same dialog the automotive industry is having on
>> autonomous vehicles.  When "normal life" interferes with efficient driving
>> algorithm, the answer is to eliminate normal life (ie - special lanes on
>> highways).  Sounds like FT8 just needs its own spectrum spice to be
>> sanctioned legally be the Region Bandplans.  And because IT is the one
>> needing the special treatment, it can adopt to whatever spot is decided
>> for
>> it.  For 160M - clearly 2000 - 1980 would provide the necessary 10
>> "channels" it requires for future growth.
>>
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>>
>>
>> Ed N1UR
>>
>> _________________
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>>
>>
> --
> bark less - wag more
>
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