I haven't yet used FT8, but 15-years use of JT65 on 2m-em (and 6m & 23cm eme).
FT8 and JT65 plus other variants are for making basic contacts where
one exchanges call signs and signal reports (and grid squares for
some contests).
Not really designed for any conversation. This satisfies DXer's and
contesters, grid chasers, etc.
Note: deep-search is used with marginally weak signals to speed up
decoding (adds about 2-3 dB sensitivity). Basically is a listing of
all eme stations worldwide so the software does not have to look for
all random possibilities of call signs. Some feel this is a kind of
cheating and have deep-search off during contests.
QRA is a new digital mode that is purportedly more sensitive without
use of the call sign list. I agree that contests should require
operator interface real-time (no auto contesting). Contesting is
supposed to be a test of station capability and the operator's skill.
But I enjoy a nice chat on phone on occasion and only RTTY and psk-31
have sufficed as digital equivalent.
There are some digital modes that work like e-mail but are not
real-time exchange.
A new mode is being explored called WSQ which may offer a digital
alternative to CW/phone. Quite a bit of its use on 630m!
My 630m antenna is hung up at this point so cannot fully raise
it. Having sat-TV guy out soon and might convince him to get wires
cleared on the roof if he needs to adjust the dish. I'm not allowed
to climb anymore.
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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