[VHFcontesting] Fwd: [PNWVHFS] FT8 frequencies for 2m and 70cm --tentative decision

[N6Ze]

This was just proposed at PNWVHFS annual. Conference.  

Any comments??

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Brett KG7GDB <bkpopovich at gmail.com>
> Date: October 14, 2017 at 18:00:39 PDT
> To: PNWVHFS <pnwvhfs at googlegroups.com>
> Subject: [PNWVHFS] FT8 frequencies for 2m and 70cm --tentative decision
> Reply-To: bkpopovich at gmail.com
> 
> The FT-8 digital mode is extremely popular now. Part of the success lies in built in frequencies for HF through 6m. (For example 50.313 MHz is used on 6m, and is selected via a pull down menu on WSJT-X.) 
> A similar menu frequency choice isn't provided for 2m and 70 cm, but can be tuned manually.
> We discussed the need to have a common operating frequency which meets ITU Region 2 band plans for CW, Digital, and SSB operations.
> 
> After some discussion at the conference, we will be testing 144.174 MHz USB for VHF club contacts, contesting and weak signal FT-8 work. 
> We will also try 432.500 MHz USB for UHF weak signal and contest work.
> 
> These frequencies are within the Region 2 band plan for SSB,CW, and DM allocations, and shouldn't interfere with EME, beacons, or other common amateur uses.
> Please test the feasibility of using FT8 on these frequencies. If we can provide a "watering holes" for this mode, it should facilate unscheduled contacts, and may help us make better use of sporadic and tropospheric openings.
> 
> You may want to try 5-100 watts power at first to see how well you do.
> On HF, it is possible to send and receive to -23 dB with no errors.
> 
> Using PSKreporter and self-spotting you will see other receiving stations mapped with signal reports. Use this to help understand your antenna pattern, reach, etc. Try leaving you rig tuned to the frequencies and just receive other stations for several hours to catch openings.
> 
> Any ideas or feedback on the use of these frequencies for FT8 are helpful. 
> Thanks in advance for you input.
> 
> Brett
> KG7GDB
> Salem, OR CN84ku
> 
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