FT8 – Tipping Point for Ham Radio?

"...what will ultimately kill amateur radio is not FT8. To the contrary FT8 is an example of what will keep it alive and relevant."

Read what FlexRadio Systems CEO has to say about FT8 and what it means for the future of Ham Radio...

https://www.flexradio.com/ft8-tipping-point-for-ham-radio/

 

I am eager to change my ham rdio category so i can used FT8

 

I attended a local ham club presentation last night and as a ham with absolutely no digital experience I was both over and under whelmed. I was impressed with the propagation tool it possesses and not impressed with the amount of data conveyed. Now I'm not dead set against digital (hell I'm even thinking about joining in!), but I am not really convinced that this communication mode has much relevance. The one thing that was noted was the number of times questions were answered with "that's all taken care of in the Software!" To me it's more of a software hobby with very little radio involvement. Maybe I'll change my mind after I try digital modes.

 

"True, it is mostly automated. True, it reduces the skill required to make DX contacts. True, it removes conversation from the QSO the same as is true of most DX chasing contacts on any mode. True, it removes some of the human factor."
Let's see, automated, no skill, no conversation, no human factor. Right . . . 10-4 good buddy. Why not just pick up a cell phone? Sure has changed from the 1960s. I really miss the good old days when technical competence, experimentation, and, Heaven forbid, CW was the norm.

 

I enjoy the challenge of working DX stations in FT8 - it's not boring to me at all - at times it is intense; adjusting my power settings (sometimes lowering power gets thru), monitoring my rig's ALC, pouncing at the end of a previous QSO my 'target' is completing, working new bands, testing new software versions. I've been running FT8 as my primary mode for over 12 months - no fading here - it actually encourages me to improve my antenna, improve my feedlines, get better meters, improve my shack, etc.

FT8 has been the catalyst for me trying other modes such as CW, FeldHell, MSK144 and others. FT8 is the 'gateway' mode for many new hams and a rejuvenation for many experienced hams.

For me, if all there was for modes was ANY SINGLE MODE, my radio would be for sale right now.

I always read your posts Dave and appreciate your insight. My response in no way is meant to belittle or criticize your thoughts and feelings on this matter.

 

How many modes have we seen? Remember packet in the late 80s, talking about cutting edge. Like all the other ones, time will move on to something else. As long as it keeps interest going, I may not participate but Im all in.

Im a cw guy. I really enjoy it but have an uneasy feeling there may be few to converse with in the future..

 

FT8 is "news?"

 

Not sure what big changes in FT8 have happened in the last 6 months or last year for that matter not exactly "breaking news". JS8Call is fairly new but that's a somewhat different subject. If you participate in a hobby that is technical in nature you can expect changes to occur over time some will come with more impact than others. AM/SSB anyone?

 

If that happens again, just ask HOW do you operate FT 8 manually.
Yes, it can be manually operated

 

Whatever floats your boat.

I was heavy into RTTY (Model 35 ASR) back in the late 70s and enjoyed it very much. After a long hiatus away from hamming I'm back! Enjoy nets, rag chewing and digital modes, especially digital. I do like conversational digital but FT8 is okay as well. The important aspect here is people getting on the air using our frequency spectrum - that's a winner.

 

That's it, Dave. If DXing, regardless of mode, was the main goal for you, especially with a 'basic' station, FT8 would likely have a place in your operating routine.

Nothing wrong with your choices, I want to emphasize, before one of 'God's gift to hamradio' jumps in to 'excommunicate' me.

I agree with KD2NOM, it may actually make people try other modes after they get bored with FT8.

I also kind of agree with AG4GQ. For a good conversation, nothing beats an eyeball QSO. If that's not possible, an unlimited cellphone plan is a close second.

I'm actually very surprised how much repetition we have on this topic in general. One would think the case for or against would have been settled already, with each side maintaining their original position.

 

You have to remember that many people read these threads at different points in time....that's why they seem to go on forever. Nothing wrong with keeping the conversation going!