Topband: A view of FT-8 on 160m from a DX perspective

[Steve Ireland]

G’day

It has been interesting to read the recent debate about the use of FT-8 on 160m. I think we have been considering its use in purely technical terms – and its growth really isn’t quite that simple.

Why do people use FT-8 – to work more DX. If more stations from relatively rare parts of the world with small amateur populations – such as VK6/Zone 29 - use FT-8 then more stations from the more populous regions of the world will use it to improve their DXCC count.

However, if sought-after DX stations choose not to use FT-8, then less stations who chase DX will use FT-8.  The more of us DX that starts using it, the more it will get used – it is as simple as that. 

Neither VK6GX or myself – the most active 160m DX ops here - use FT-8, so if you need VK6/Zone 29, then CW (or occasionally, SSB) is your best hope of a QSO. 

Now, the elephant in the room.  As we all know, amateur radio is not always quite amateur radio – and has always been this way.

Some stations from relatively rare, poor parts of the world where large amounts of contacts and the subsequent revenue from QSLing is important to their lives/lifestyle may choose to use FT-8 to increase their contact rates – a perfectly legitimate choice. 

Some stations from relatively rare, wealthier parts of the world where large amounts of contacts and the subsequent revenue from QSLing/QSLing is not important to their lives/lifestyle may choose not to use FT-8 – a perfectly legitimate choice also.

When the sunspots increase and working long distances becomes easier again, FT-8 may become part of the general digital landscape again – but only if those stations from rarer countries do not continue to use it in increasing numbers.

Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ

PS I never look at what is going on on 1840 because I don’t care. ;-) 


 

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