I have learned to decode FT8 in my head ! Much like learning Morse code, after many hours of listening to the FT8 tones I finally figured out the unique sound for each character. It's fun to just sit back and listen to FT8 !
You underestimate my computer's ability to transmit and decode CW. ~From a ham that hopes to learn CW in the near future
I was saying the same years ago until i had a qso with another ham that was using a BUG, the computer was useless and my memory cw skills was very poor i had to learn cw quickly.
FT8 as well as other data modes gives Hams with a hearing disability a means to communicate and enjoy the hobby. I use FT8 & also CW occasionally. My main interest is SSB live & let live.
What I like about FT8 is that I dont feel like a Cheater for letting the computer copy the data. For CW I use FLDIGI to Verify what I thought I heard in my head. Of course FLDIGI doesn't always get it right all the time either. But when a DX OP is ZOOMING along at 35 WPM, it sounds like a buzz. FT8 sounds like a warble and NO ONE Expects me to copy that by ear (though I would MARVEL at someone who COULD!) But with CW, many Judge you by how fast and accurately you can copy, I do pretty good at 13WPM with a pad of paper and pencil, But after that, I am ground into hamburger! So I really take my hat off to those GIFTED GENIUSs that can zip along at even 25WPM . But then my wife hears English and has to translate it into Chinese to understand what she heard. I think in English and wouldn't have a clue on another language. SO I SUCK AT CW. But I am getting pretty good with FT8. In fact I am going to give a program on it at the next ARC of El Cajon meeting. The Audience of has a Choice! It's either 45 minutes of CAT VIDEOS, or 45 min on FT8!
the CW Whizzes say "all it takes is Practice!" Well, I have been practicing for over 50 years, and I'm not getting any better! In fact I am slowing down. Still think I can copy my Callsign
Being new in this hobby for me personally CW is best from an enjoyment and challenging factor. I enjoy learning and challenging myself and CW fit my personality more then FT8. Also, the legacy and history of CW in HAM radio give it a sense of romance by experiencing what the pioneers where doing in the early days. As for any digital mode like FT8 they have their place and would probably outperform CW in terms of making contact in a certain amount of time I would imagine. That’s my 2 cents
Here's Some food for thought.... My close friend from school is profoundly deaf, he is a radio amateur, He does digi modes, ie FT8, guess why?? HE CANT HERE NOWT!!! so for him CW and SSB is a NO NO!! so everyone gets on their high horse about FT8, well just think, Amateur radio is for everyone, NOT just the able bodied!! Think before the inner keyboard warrior comes out!!
