On 3/3/2018 4:43 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:
I won't count any QSO that requires the software to have prior knowledge of the two station calls or could not be copied by an uninterested third party.
Misconception alert: WSJT modes do NOT require prior knowledge of any part of the message sent or received. For some modes, WSJT CAN be set to consult a database for what they call a "deep search" function that can reach a dB or two deeper into the noise. I don't know details, but it's my impression that it's used on EME (moonbounce) and for weak signal VHF work.
WSJT modes are much like RTTY in signals can be copied by anyone using software that decodes these modes, and like CW, in that they can be copied by anyone with CW skills. :)
On 3/3/2018 3:57 PM, William Levy wrote:
FT8 changes the game. No more rag chews. So this is what DX has become. No big power, no big antennas.
What passes for ragchewing on HF and VHF/UHF FM bores me to tears (and often turns me off). FWIW, ham radio was never about rag chewing -- rather it IS about radios and antennas and electronics and networks. And on the operating side, I enjoy challenging myself with contesting.
YOU may have big antennas (I do now, deep into retirement, but for my first 50 years in ham radio I didn't). Many hams live in cities, towns, and housing developments where they cannot have anything visible. Many hams are surrounded by electronically generated noise. WSJT modes allow us to work 10-20 dB deeper into the noise floor than a very good CW op, giving a ham mired in noise and with limited antennas a chance at playing radio. I see nothing at all wrong with that!
73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
