Topband: FT-8

[daraymond at iowatelecom.net]

There is simply no substitute for the real, direct, visceral connection one 
has with the person on the other end with either CW or SSB modes.  I'll be 
in charge of the QSO, thank you.   Not my computer.

73. . . Dave, W0FLS

-----Original Message----- 
From: cqtestk4xs--- via Topband
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2019 3:59 PM
To: topband at contesting.com
Subject: Topband: FT-8

This thread has been addressed on various reflectors.
I've tried it, made around 400 contacts or so, and found the mode pretty 
boring.  Even with my pileups on FT-8 the mode left me cold.  I felt the 
same way with RTTY...tried it and found it boring.  Why?  With CW SSB/AM I 
felt a connection with the other person, someone sending with a key or a 
person speaking to me.  With RTTY and especially FT-8 my machine is decoding 
your machine.  Oh yeah, I know my XCVR is a machine and so is yours, but for 
me it's not the same.
I understand why guys get all hot and bothered about the new mode, it gives 
the guys who don't know CW a chance to work DX on a mode other than SSB and 
gives the weaker signal guys a chance to work DX.  For the guys with bigger 
stations it gives them a chance to work the rarer ones on tough bands like, 
160 or 6.  Maybe that's why I'm not into FT-8, I've got a big station, and 
can work CW.  Also, I've never been really into putting the new one in the 
log as much as many guys are...I'm more of a contester.
If you want to work your pileups and/or work 300 countries on FT-8, that's 
fine with me.  I'm not going to look down my nose at you but please don't 
condescendingly  tell me I'm a dinosaur or refuse to accept new technology. 
I'm accepting it, I just don't want to be part of it.  No hard feelings.
Bill KH7XS/KH7B/K4XS
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