FT8 6m DX

[VK2CSW]

I tried but failed.

Is anyone able to translate the flow of consciousness post above into English?

I get the feeling it was a general rant about something but I truly have no idea, at all, what that something is.

[VK3OE]

Hello Colin,

If you are interested in long haul 6m DX the posts are saying that some serious DX, read rare, is able to be worked during the summer and winter solstice, even at the now very low sunspot numbers.

Until FT8 and JT65 came along then this was thought to be a possibility from VK2 and 3 via Es, the extra sensitivity of these modes has enabled these long haul Es contacts to be achieved.

Good Luck.

[N3IZN]

"or be content to see n3izn for three summers swl only"

Ha, I thought I felt a disturbance..........

Anyways new setup here, I'm TXing WSPR on 6 at a QRO level and beaming ZL/VK. At the same time monitoring JT65, FT8 and another instance of WSPR
Also monitoring 10 Meter WSPR and FT8
Any other mode that might be worth monitoring?

This setup has been running since early November and I'll keep it pointed your way until the EU starts knocking on the back door around April/May.

If I'm in the shack and see a CQ or some activity I'll switch modes and answer back.

My transmitter is GPS locked and WSPR frequency is set to 50.294505 You can look at N3IZN/R1 for decodes to see what periods I was TXing.

I decode several stations in the SW USA on 6M FT8 calling CQ, so there are others.

73
Chris
N3IZN

[VK4ABW]

There were 10 openings on 6m.
BD4WN 6/15/2018 0845Z 6M FT8 -4 China
VR2VAZ 6/15/2018 0925Z 6M FT8 Hong Kong
VR2VAZ 6/15/2018 0929Z 6M FT8 -13 Hong Kong
SV8RX 6/16/2018 0531Z 6M FT8 4 Greece
SV8CS 6/16/2018 0533Z 6M FT8 8 Greece
SV8RX 6/16/2018 0535Z 6M FT8 Greece
3W3B 6/16/2018 0716Z 6M FT8 10 Viet Nam
UN3GX 6/16/2018 0815Z 6M FT8 13 Kazakhstan
UB7K 6/16/2018 0911Z 6M FT8 -20 European Russia
6M6M 6/16/2018 0914Z 6M FT8 2 Republic of Korea
VR2IL 6/20/2018 0815Z 6M FT8 -6 Hong Kong
SP8AWL 6/20/2018 0826Z 6M FT8 12 Poland
9M2/JG3TTO 7/6/2018 0854Z 6M FT8 -12 West Malaysia
I6WJB 7/7/2018 0721Z 6M FT8 11 Italy
UN6T 7/7/2018 0800Z 6M FT8 9 Kazakhstan
EX9QT 7/14/2018 0429Z 6M FT8 -17 Kyrgyzstan
EX8MLT 7/14/2018 0438Z 6M FT8 12 Kyrgyzstan
SP8MPB 7/15/2018 0628Z 6M FT8 12 Poland
YO3DDZ 7/17/2018 0746Z 6M FT8 10 Romania
DK2EA 7/21/2018 0721Z 6M FT8 14 Federal Republic of Germany
UT2XQ 7/21/2018 0722Z 6M FT8 -3 Ukraine
SP3QDM 7/21/2018 0723Z 6M FT8 -7 Poland
SP3DOI 7/21/2018 0723Z 6M FT8 -11 Poland
SP9HPA 7/21/2018 0835Z 6M FT8 13 Poland
UT9LC 7/21/2018 0840Z 6M FT8 -10 Ukraine
OK2GM 7/21/2018 0851Z 6M FT8 -16 Czech Republic
HS5SRH 7/21/2018 0920Z 6M FT8 15 Thailand
S59A 7/24/2018 0659Z 6M FT8 2 Slovenia
F6FRR 7/24/2018 0702Z 6M FT8 1 France
HA8CE 7/24/2018 0704Z 6M FT8 -4 Hungary
HA8FK 7/24/2018 0711Z 6M FT8 -9 Hungary
YU7EF 7/24/2018 0713Z 6M FT8 -8 Serbia
UT7QF 7/24/2018 0721Z 6M FT8 7 Ukraine
UT5UGR 7/24/2018 0729Z 6M FT8 3 Ukraine
UT7UJ 7/24/2018 0731Z 6M FT8 8 Ukraine
UT3UA 7/24/2018 0732Z 6M FT8 -7 Ukraine
OM3EY 7/24/2018 0741Z 6M FT8 -9 Slovakia
OE3WHC 7/24/2018 0747Z 6M FT8 13 Austria
UT2XQ 7/24/2018 0748Z 6M FT8 10 Ukraine
BA7CK 7/24/2018 0803Z 6M FT8 -1 China

All local/ JA contacts removed in the interest of saving space.

De VK8AW

[VK3ZAZ]

Comparing results from 3000 km away is flawed to say the least
otherwise it could be expected that we would do as well as the kiwis also 3000 km away.
In any measure of performance or success there has to be a set of goal posts, otherwise the data is irrelevant and immaterial.
We were talking about WSPR initially and then JT65.
As for speed dating FT8 time will tell if new version 2 produces the spectacular results on JT65 last summer.
May I remind you that VK3OER worked out nearly as far as the traditional F2 paths on JT65 to set a VK DX record.
And we could all put up our logs online and a string of scalps FWIW.
I don't see any TOP END to SAM over pole nor do I see any VK3 to EU so the comparisons are immaterial.
I see one VK4 has over 3/4 of dxcc on 6M worked in his relatively short stay on 6M and homing in on DXCC far more quickly using data than he would waiting for SSB/CW.
But contacts either end of Australia will have little if any influence over the other end except perhaps to stir the pot up and maybe,
when we see ZL working to the South at 2100 z, it gives us an early warning down sun.

In the mean time summer progresses and a couple VK4s and several ZLs have success to PY LU ZP CX CE
and the rest of us wait and hope for that weak decode on JT65a.
People seem to be observing the protocols and transmitting in the right sequence so as not to qrm the incoming ant trails.
And FT8 is dragging away the instant qso guys leaving 276 free from qrm.

The VE7 DAY JT65 decode from John in VK3/VK5 is the only light in the forest so far this summer.
it gave a big heads up to everyone who was looking the wrong way.

And as for WSPR it just chugs away day after day.

[VK4FP]

http://www.ei5di.com/jt.html?fbclid=IwA ... MzkuitJ_JI

[VK3OE]

Hi Lloyd,,,

It will never be the same again, same was said when cars replaced horses and when AM replaced CW spark.
Good thing is many contacts are being made by FT8 on otherwise dead bands, just goes to show that we do not need a soalr max to have some fun.

73,

[VK7HH]

I use WSPR to establish if there is any possible propagation on 6m (and to check for short paths) in conjunction with FT8 for contacts below the noise level. When signals start to become audible, I then switch to voice. Each to their own, it increases activity in some way at least. It's also probably going to be a fad, so I'm not worried about voices disappearing off the bands

[VK6OX]

I use WSPR to establish if there is any possible propagation on 6m (and to check for short paths) in conjunction with FT8 for contacts below the noise level. When signals start to become audible, I then switch to voice. Each to their own, it increases activity in some way at least. It's also probably going to be a fad, so I'm not worried about voices disappearing off the bands

Not sure FT8 is a fad Hayden, but I do generally agree with your methods.

My interest in 6m has, and always will be, propagation: is there any? / where does it lead? / what mode of prop? / etc. Achieving awards is a low priority, achieving a successful 2-way contact is the aim for me. And if it results in a "good old rag chew", then great!!
To assist with my interest in propagation, I'll use all transmission modes available to me i.e. SSB/CW/JT65/WSPR and yes, FT8!!

YMMV

[VK4WTN]

FT8/ JT65 has been a revelation on 6M. It is a tool in the box that can be used to provide all sorts of DX paths on an otherwise (DX wise) dead 6M band at the bottom of the sunspot cycle. Who would have ever dreamed of working Europe and South America at the bottom of the sunspot cycle. I think that over a few years we will drift back to SSB/CW for more local contacts but for real DX these new modes are simply amazing.
happy Christmas everyone Wayne VK4WTN

[VK4ABW]

The reason for my previous post was to show that there was 10 openings to various areas during the bottom of the cycle. This information is provided to assist other amateurs who may be interested
in the new FT8 digital mode and what signal levels to expect. The positive numbers are a result of using a 100hz wide filter. Sometimes there are indicators....and other times there are none!

I will refrain from any further posting of my log to avoid angst among others.

regards
VK8AW

[VK4TI]

"VK4ABW"]The reason for my previous post was to show that there was 10 openings to various areas during the bottom of the cycle. This information is provided to assist other amateurs who may be interested
in the new FT8 digital mode and what signal levels to expect. The positive numbers are a result of using a 100hz wide filter. Sometimes there are indicators....and other times there are none!

I will refrain from any further posting of my log to avoid angst among others.

regards
VK8AW"
Contribute any time you wish , you have useful information to provide , this link explains a lot about how simple digital cheating is

https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/c ... ng_awards/

I don't suggest anyone has or does use this method but rather having worked 100 countries on digital in a few days return to ssb as it amuses me far more to hear the other ops voice , horses for courses

[VK2CSW]

I am not one who chases awards so that can't be it.

Nor do I get excited about contesting, so cheating there isn't it.

I live in a place where the background noise is usually between 7 and 9+ over pretty much the entire HF spectrum. SSB, AM and FM voice are pretty much a waste of time.

I hadn't used my HF set up for over two years as it was just an exercise in frustration. Ragchewing in the car on repeaters was my only, occasional foray into AR. Hmmm, maybe we are getting somewhere.

I decided to give FT8 a go and have found I am able to use my radio where before it would have sat idle. Yes, that's it. That's why I like FT8, because I can actually use my radio.

If that makes me a lesser operator, then I am a lesser operator. I am not sure who I am cheating but if it makes me a cheat then call me an Australian Cricketer a cheat if it will make you feel better.

By all means have your favourite way to 'do' AR but for crying out loud, understand that others don't think the same way and others find other methods enjoyable.

It is just a hobby. You aren't a bigger man, or a better person because you like to use your radios in a specific way. It simply makes you what everybody else in the hobby is; a poor misguided geek.

[VK4TI]

"VK2CSW"]I am not one who chases awards so that can't be it.

N
I decided to give FT8 a go and have found I am able to use my radio where before it would have sat idle. Yes, that's it. That's why I like FT8, because I can actually use my radio.

If that makes me a lesser operator, then I am a lesser operator. I am not sure who I am cheating but if it makes me a cheat then call me an Australian Cricketer a cheat if it will make you feel better.

By all means have your favourite way to 'do' AR but for crying out loud, understand that others don't think the same way and others find other methods enjoyable.

It is just a hobby. You aren't a bigger man, or a better person because you like to use your radios in a specific way. It simply makes you what everybody else in the hobby is; a poor misguided geek."

The point is Colin as hams we have diversity of action and opinion so how about you continue as you wish and those of us with an alternative opinion will continue to post without feeling obligated (or pressured)to use a mode we are not interested in , the cheating link was qualified so please don't take it personally , I prefer phone with good reason , has something to do with boat floating .

[ZL3MH]

FT8 craze

Well I obtained my Amateur license in 1976. VHF homebrew AM Transmitters
where all but gone and SSB commercial Transceivers and Transverters were
available . FM transceivers and Repeaters on nearly every hill came in.
Everyone brought a 2m handheld. Next was Packet radio before internet.
In between there was the high orbit AO-10 and 13 satellites and slow scan
TV made an appearance .

Now we have FT8. For the last 15 years nearly all HF transceivers sold have 6m
but the numbers on 6m had not increased. Now with FT8 the numbers in Christchurch
area has doubled. The few kc of FT8 on 6m is alive. SSB on 50.110 MHz has declined
markedly. JT65 and MSK144 and WSPR are available too.

Murray ZL3MH

[VK3ZAZ]

JT65a is not FT8 nor is it WSPR.
And today JT 65 revealed what it can do on the magic band with a bit of magic itself
to the edge of Antarctica in FD66.
That magic first revealed itself in summer of 1993 when VK3LK VK5NC and self made world first over the path to Antarctica.

Its not a contest against each other its us against the elements.
I dont work the stuff I do to intimidate anyone,
do it for myself and the theme of this thread was about JT65 and its potential.
today LU2XP for some reason got out of sequence which was put right by a simple dx summit post and he went to evens and the four individuals were able to stop transmitting on evens giving themselves a hope of hearing the stuff they were transmitting over on the right sequence.

[VK3MEG]

i have noticed the ft8 fad has faded a bit in that people aren't completely glued to the pc and the mouse.( like last year) cause reworking every one in ft8 isnt much fun its more about probing the band checking for openings etc then coming down to ssb or cw or what ever. for dx its useful but not perfect jt65 works well but has issues as well as its too long a 30 second over could be enough. its great when you cant be in the shack and you want to see whats happening.
any way i'm happy to see more people on ssb and cw for the E's this year. i've worked people deep into vk4 on verticals etc in ssb
ft8 is also bringing more ops to the band which is a good thing they are starting small with basic antennas then finding they want more we need more people on the band this means more dx will look our way cause there is more chance of working someone and it gives us more chance to work the dx if we are afk at the time.
ft8 is not the end its a tool and it works well. without it i wouldn't have du7/pa0hip in my log same for many others.
enjoy i hope all of you are using version 2.0 cause as they say the rest is history
jtdx just released a version 2.0 which is 77 bit
i use wsjt-x

[VK3ZAZ]

I tried but failed.

Is anyone able to translate the flow of consciousness post above into English?

I get the feeling it was a general rant about something but I truly have no idea, at all, what that something is.

Try harder.

At least we contribute to the diatribe

[VK3OE]

The two way heard VK3ZL to EI3KD at 17,375 using FT8 on Wed 24 July 2019 is a fantastic achievement and was almost certainly nEs and nothing else. I make this claim on the basis that my backscatter radar work (See DUBUS.ORG and download the sample copy, article pp29-38) clearly shows nEs transiting the equator, Fig 5. at around 6,000 to 7000km. The nEs mode is apparent at the summer and winter solstices in both hemispheres. I currently hold the VK 6m digital record 2 way confirmed with JT65 at 15,740km to N8JX. The signals being heard from Europe and N/S America on 6m using FT8 just go to show what is possible in the future, more awareness and planning will surley see many more nEs 6m long distance contacts.

For more information on the development of the backscatter radar see http://vklogger.com/viewtopic.php?f=89&t=9002

Andrew.
VK3OE/VK3OER

[VK4GHZ]

FYI...

The ARRL has a free article from the September 2019 issue of "QST" available for download:

Enjoy FT8 from almost anywhere

http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST/This ... Witmer.pdf