C W aka Morse Code is for real and interactive QSOs. FT8, in my opinion, it is some sort of a " Hi, Hello and Bye to your neighbor". Non-quality QSO. BTW, JT65 is barely used, will FT8 goes the same path? Just like fashion, fad or what-is-in(?) type of mode.
Cannot compare these two. apples and oranges. But getting some sleep is sometimes important. But if u have itchy fingers well thats another problem..
FT8 is basically very fast CW....and let's be honest: a lot of CW QSO's are made with help of some sort of computer and are no more than a " Hi, Hello and Bye to your neighbor"....
I'll need to listen; but one or the other will be more efficient in a given situation. That is an objective reality. There is nothing to argue about.
The indication that FT8 can be put into some automatic mode to keep logging contacts is false. It does require the operator to respond to a CQ or to initiate a call. It does not just run and log one call after another. Just to clarify...................
Well, let me clarify a bit more, yes you can run it fully automatic. IE hit a single button and tell it to 'autocall' and you sit back and watch, doing absolutely nothing. Completely legal as long as you are at the station, ie not going to sleep. I won't post the link here, but a quick search will find you the mod of WSJT-X that is available for download. So yes, FT8 can do one call after another without you doing anything at all. Silly in my opinion, but yes it can be done.
CW for me, but the true answer is if you are just looking to make contacts with low signal then FT8 will win hands down. Maybe a good CW op could copy a -10db signal (just guessing) , but no way up to -24db like FT8. FT8 can be fun from time to time, but I like the challenge of CW more myself, still learning.
Big Secret #1: You can do BOTH modes. Big Secret #2: Bands closed? Call CQ. Big Secret #3: If sump'n seems too good to be true, it probably is.
It is by the use of THIRD PARTY MACRO APPS, that is how FT8 auto-robots work. WSJT-X Veterans: Automatic FT8 with free software? | QRZ Forums https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/wsjt-x-veterans-automatic-ft8-with-free-software.636366/
