I wanted to add that FT8 also has lead to and should lead to more, variations on the mode. There is a version that allows you to hold full QSO’s. It’s kind of like a slow version of PSK31.
FT8 also allowed me to play HF when I was in a condo and only allowed a rain gutter downspout as an antenna. There was a constant S9+ noise level making it impossible to use SSB and PSK31 also had issues with that noise level. FT8 heard a LOT and was able to get me quite a few DX contacts on aprox 30 watts. I am SURE it will expand the hobby as the mode branches out due to innovation and invention. Mike – KG4NDS From: BVARC <bvarc-boun...@bvarc.org> On Behalf Of Jeffery MacMillian via BVARC Sent: Friday, December 29, 2023 1:29 PM To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc@bvarc.org> Cc: Jeffery MacMillian <twi...@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Interesting article about FT8 I find it interesting that we are still having philosophical discussions about FT8. I run all modes and what I love best about FT8 is that it works even when SSB or CW will not. It allows me to make contacts well below the noise floor. It also concentrates many hams in a3k block on each band. I think it is a silly notion that it is destroying Ham Radio. It seems to be a natural evolution of the hobby. I often work FT8 with a group on zoom and it stirs up excitement to see rare DX or expeditions show up in the waterfall. I hear that it takes no skill to operate digital modes, but at the same time we often have to help people get onboard. This would imply that it takes a different set of skills. There are also several different operating schemes that can be deployed in order to make a successful contact. What I don't hear much from the guys that run digital are things like CW or SSB are ruining the hobby. The entire concept of a mode of operation ruining the hobby sounds just as silly in this context as it does for FT8. Did FT8 save the hobby? That is just as silly as the other side of the discussion. I do believe it enhanced the hobby and it allowed many hams to enjoy the airwaves during the low point of the solar cycle. The internet is destroying the world, but not Ham Radio. If you Facebook Twitter, Tick Tock, or engage in misleading propaganda with Email, well that is where the real danger thrives. They used to say " Don't Believe Everything You Read" For some strange reason no one seems to apply any critical thinking skills to the internet. There is certainly some entertainment value to Anti-Social Media, but it certainly should not be elevated to an official news source or guiding authority over people's lives. They have been very effective at stirring the pot of humanity and motivating people to think and feel a certain way using propaganda as a source. I am an all band all mode sort of ham. There are so many aspects to this hobby and I find new ways to enjoy them all. I could see the FCC, ARRL, or other organization that could destroy ham radio, but I don't see that coming from an operation mode. If you haven't experienced FT8 or any of the digital modes, then I encourage you to do so. It is a great part of the hobby. If you don't find a way to enjoy FT8, you can always get your money back. :) CW and SSB will always be there when you need it. Have Fun, Jeff KC5TT On Wed, Dec 27, 2023 at 8:54 PM Jimmy Vance via BVARC <bvarc@bvarc.org<mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote: What does the Internet have to do with FT8? On 12/27/2023 8:43 PM, rodney martinez via BVARC wrote: I am Non-FT8. If I want to communicate using internet, I will simply email. Antennae required. No disrespect to all the FT8's though. 73's, Rod NK5Q Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android<https://go.onelink.me/107872968?pid=InProduct&c=Global_Internal_YGrowth_AndroidEmailSig__AndroidUsers&af_wl=ym&af_sub1=Internal&af_sub2=Global_YGrowth&af_sub3=EmailSignature> On Wed, Dec 27, 2023 at 18:33, K5BOU via BVARC <bvarc@bvarc.org><mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org> wrote: FT8: Saving or Destroying Ham Radio? (onallbands.com)<https://www.onallbands.com/ft8-saving-or-destroying-ham-radio/> K5BOU-PhilippeBoucaumont Houston|Texas|USA| https://mccrarymeadowsweather.com/ #77940 ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org<mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org<mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/ ________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list BVARC@bvarc.org<mailto:BVARC@bvarc.org> http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/
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