Topband: FT8

[Ian_Wade_G3NRW]

I just stumbled across this thread, and I understand many of the 
opinions expressed here.

But one point that I don't think anyone has mentioned: the OP lives in 
the middle of nowhere in Western Australia, where noise problems are 
probably virtually non-existent. In contrast, I live in the south of 
England, where electronic smog from every kind of internet device, tv 
etc etc makes top-band virtually unusable these days. Noise levels are 
S9 at times, even in the early hours of the morning when DX is around. I 
use FT8 because there is a chance it will get through, even if I can't 
hear the signal in the cans.

Like many here I suspect, I'm now well over 70, and have been licensed 
since 1959. I started on top band with home-built tube equipment, and 
enjoyed it for many years. But I also enjoy trying new modes like FT8 
whenever they appear, and will probably always do so.

In my book there's room for everyone with all kinds of interests. We're 
all in this together, and if you don't like the new-fangled whizz-bang 
(silent digital) modes I have no issue with that.

-- 
73
Ian, G3NRW
g3nrw at g3nrw.net

***** Editor: TS-590 Family Resources Page: http://g3nrw.net/TS-590

On 25/10/2017 15:34, Tree wrote:
> Great post Steve - you put into words a concern that I am sure many of us
> share.
>
> First off - as manager of this fine list - let's all be careful and not let
> the discussion get out of hand.  Respect other people's opinion.  This is a
> hot topic for sure and there is not going to be some kind of resolution
> here.  It is kind of a social experiment happening in real time.
>
> For me - the magic of radio happens between the headphones.  I can still
> remember hearing my first echo off the moon - on six meters.  I nearly fell
> out of my chair. Same thing when I found ZS8 CQing away on 160 meters when
> no other signals were being heard.
>
> >From my perspective - there are two areas where the "tones" have taken over
> weak signal.  The first was mentioned already - 2 meter EME.  I have 80
> elements out in the bone pile - hoping to put it up some day - but I have
> to admit that the shift to using tones instead of CW has left me less
> motivated.
>
> The other area is the new 600 Meter band.  This small slice of noisy
> spectrum is predicted to be populated with tones for serious DX work
> instead of CW.  This might drive me to try it - or perhaps I will be there
> on CW - being a dinosaur.
>
> The comparison to RTTY is certainly a fair one - although the new tones are
> much better with weak signals.  RTTY contesting is the biggest growing
> segment by far.  It's only time now until the tones establish themselves
> there as well.
>
> However, any activity is good activity.  The fact we often can tune the
> band and see nothing on the bandscope except some tones is better than not
> seeing anything.  People who don't have good systems for 160 meters are now
> able to make some QSOs and even work a little DX.
>
> Probably the telling thing will be what the choices are by the major DX
> peditions.   If the only way to work a new country is with tones - that
> will either push me to adopt it - or go find something else to do with my
> time and energy.
>
> Tree N6TR
> _________________
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