[VHFcontesting] 902 & 1296 FT8?

[nosigma at aol.com]

I need to break out of FM Only.  It's time to run with the little dogs instead of kicking puppies.

I am a phone only operator.  I failed at learning CW in Jr high, I failed at learning CW in high school decades ago.  Still trying but not there yet.

So now I want to add SSB and Digital and move to SOLP.  MSK will be an important tool.  FT8 will be invaluable when there is no propogation on the low bands.

What about the high bands? First up is 902 and 1296. Stability, freq lock and no drift is essential for FT8.  Is there enough activity on 902 and 1296  as we qsy up but find that phone is impossible to make FT8 (or FT4) worthwhile.  Should I select components that allow FT8/4 on the high bands, is this even possible?

I want to buy and build once, not twice.  Suggestions on 902 and 1296 gear for phone and Ft8 desired.  Experience doing this is invaluable.  Been there done that comments are treasured.

73
John
KM4KMU