Hi folks Been reading all sayings about FT8/FT4-business . MYSELF I will NEVER ever use FT4 or FT 8. Been active Ham-operator since 1961. I am now 75 years old,and still active,and dx-expeditioner.
I say, this PC to PC business kills the challenge of our hobby. I agree 100% with OK1RR and OK1TN and SP2XF writing.AND others. Of course, IF you like FT 4/FT 8 ,its up to you to use it. If I do NOT like it, it must be acceptable for me to tell other Hams , I feel I do NOT like it. And I will NEVER use it. In Sweden ,I know ,,,a LOT of Hams ( old-timers mainly ,but also new Hams) , that has stopped Ham-radio and sold all their equipment because of this PC to PC play game. WHY. Well, they have always been chasing dx, by looking for hours , and with their own ears finally heard the weak dx, and they called the dx on CW/SSB/RY using their challenge and equipment built during many many years. And when not looking for expeditions, they have made nice chat on CW/SSB/RY with other Hams world-wide, talking and making social connection.Never mind if they have a big or smaller station. How can we say its Ham-radio, when a dx-operator is using FT8/FT 4 and making so called QSO:s on two or even more ( up to 3 bands ) at the same time. YES, its technically super, BUT is this what we want ??? I think ARRL/dxcc should make a separate class for this FT 8/FT 4 business. NOT accept it for BAND/DXCC. It is NOT fair to let it compete with CW/SSB/RY for BAND/DXCC. Finally ,last thing,why I do NOT like it. Before a dx-expedition were on 6 or 160 meters during ALL expedition.NOW they share it with FT8/FT 4 and we have less time to do a real QSO. AND for no expedition, I prefer to make a QSO and exchange information,and try to learn about the other person I work. Not just to click on a yellow line. I will NEVER send a DONATION for a FT8 -expedition. Last outside this FT 8-business. I also must say, that this remote-story is under NO control. YES, of course ,you can build a station less than 150 kilometers or so from your home.PERFECT. BUT build a station in Haiti and sit and operate it from NYC, THATS really killing the pleasure to work a new one. Thanks for letting me give my feelings. I will NOT react on any replies. From MAY until AUGUST I will be around 50098 CW ( ONLY ) looking for dx I can hear in my ears. Last season I worked 7 stations in California ( info for K9YC ).So IF there had been no FT8-business, I am sure I had worked at least 20.One day there was a 4 hours opening to all over USA ,east to west, and I worked 25 stations in 4 hours. IF it had been before all of these Hams were on FT8 ,I had worked 100……... Kind regards SM6CVX ( Since 1961 ) Hans _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector