For the record, here's the "Most important advice for Hounds" that I
posted to wsjtgroup yesterday:
1. Read the FT8 DXpedition Mode User Guide. Read it all!
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/FT8_DXpedition_Mode.pdf
2. You must select Hound mode.
3. The *Tx even/1st* box (grayed out) must NOT be checked. (It's
supposed to be impossible for this to happen, but several have claimed
that it can. If you find the box is checked: exit Hound mode, clear the
box, then re-enter Hound mode.) [Also see below.]
4. Enter the full call, KH1/KH7Z, in the *DX Call* box. Although it's
not necessary, you may also enter "AJ10" in the *DX Grid* box. [Then
you'll see the short-path azimuth and know where to point your beam.]
5. Do not call the Fox if you are not copying him. However, it is NOT
necessary to wait until you copy his CQ. They are not calling CQ very
often. [Also see below.]
6. Pick a clear Tx frequency above 1000 Hz, and go ahead and call.
Good luck to all for working KH1/KH7Z on as many bands as possible!
Notes added today:
1. Several of us have recognized that "Tx even/1st" can become checked
in Hound mode if you double-click on a decode in the odd/2nd sequence.
Of course, there's no good reason for a Hound to do this; but we all
make mistakes. The program should not permit this to happen, and we'll
fix this defect. Meanwhile, don't do it!
2. There are VERY GOOD reasons why you should not call the Fox "blind".
If you are not copying Fox's transmissions, DO NOT call him. Doing so
only creates QRM.
However...
3. If you are copying Fox's transmissions, there is NO good reason to
refrain from calling until you copy his CQ. Fox expects Hounds to be
calling all the time, on open propagation paths. Most QSOs are made
this way.
And fiinally...
4. If you copy Fox's CQ but copy few if any other transmissions from
Fox, your chances of a QSO are probably not very good. CQs from Fox are
generally sent in single-slot mode, so they are 6 to 14 dB stronger than
most of his other transmissions.
-- 73, Joe, K1JT
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