Search

Title

Author

Article Body

Manager


Manager - AB7RG
Manager Notes

FT8 and Contests

Created by on 2021-11-30

Being as FT8 digital mode has become enormously popular and some are using it during contests, I  am of the opinion that it might be time for a separate set of frequencies to be used during contests. 

 

What made it abundantly clear to me is the VHF contest this weekend. There were a lot of us on 50.313 this weekend who were just operating non-contest, hoping to snag a few DX.  I was getting called constantly where the station was sending a contest-style report whereas I was just giving out the usual signal report. 

 

To my mind, it would seem that separate frequencies for contest and non-contest could be mutually beneficial to all concerned.  For example, say all non-contest operating takes place on 50.313 and contesters chase each other on 50.318. 

 

It's just food for thought.  I am going to send Joe Taylor, K1JT, author of WSJT-X an email and propose that he consider this. It may get consideration or be rejected as unnecessary but, either way, I feel like it's worth mentioning to him. 

 

73 to all, Gene W5LE

 

K2WH2022-01-08
Re: FT8 and Contests
Hey Bob, Bill here, WA2AEH or K2WH Now. See you at Sussex 2022.
Reply to a comment by : WA2AAR on 2021-12-18

go to 1296 good freq
KF4HR2022-01-07
Re: FT8 and Contests
Go to 50.125 and change your mode to SSB.

Problem solved.

Luv it!
Reply to a comment by : K2WH on 2021-12-06

Go to 50.125 and change your mode to SSB. Problem solved. K2WH
W3WN2021-12-30
FT8 and Contests
*sigh*
KK2DOG2021-12-28
Re: FT8 and Contests
50.323 is like a DX Window frequency that's used for continent to continent contacts only.
Reply to a comment by : KK9H on 2021-12-08

I thought 50.323 was somewhat of a "spillover" band for when 50.313 gets too busy. Why not just designate that for contests.
WA2AAR2021-12-18
FT8 and Contests
go to 1296 good freq
KK9H2021-12-08
FT8 and Contests
I thought 50.323 was somewhat of a "spillover" band for when 50.313 gets too busy. Why not just designate that for contests.
K2WH2021-12-06
FT8 and Contests
Go to 50.125 and change your mode to SSB.

Problem solved.

K2WH
K0UA2021-12-06
FT8 and Contests
Hello Gene, I think you have your answer.
KV1P2021-12-05
Re: FT8 and Contests
That has to be the dumbest suggestion!!!
Reply to a comment by : W4KVW on 2021-12-02

Easy fix.Just do away with FT8 & Contests.Both are a Waste of band space so it is a quick fix for both.This goes for All Bands not just a few.
WC4R2021-12-03
Re: FT8 and Contests
Do away with FT8? HA HA. Now that is a dumb reply.
Reply to a comment by : W4KVW on 2021-12-02

Easy fix.Just do away with FT8 & Contests.Both are a Waste of band space so it is a quick fix for both.This goes for All Bands not just a few.
K6UJ2021-12-03
Re: FT8 and Contests
I don't get the point either. This has been hashed over many times for all modes and won't be changed. Silly question....................
Reply to a comment by : KD1JT on 2021-11-30

What makes FT8 any different from any other mode in a contest situation? I don't get your point.
KD2HCU2021-12-03
Re: FT8 and Contests
It would be nice if the contest organizers agreed that they would keep their contests within a certain portion of each band. Perhaps they could leave about 25% of the band for non-contesters.
Reply to a comment by : W4KVW on 2021-12-02

Easy fix.Just do away with FT8 & Contests.Both are a Waste of band space so it is a quick fix for both.This goes for All Bands not just a few.
W4KVW2021-12-02
FT8 and Contests
Easy fix.Just do away with FT8 & Contests.Both are a Waste of band space so it is a quick fix for both.This goes for All Bands not just a few.
WR8Y2021-12-01
FT8 and Contests
I've been licenses since 1974 and this has to be the 50th time someone has come up with the idea "lets' have contests limited to certain bands/segments".

Some topics never go away - and are never resolved, either.
AE5SB2021-12-01
Re: FT8 and Contests
I don't get the point either.
For most contests I like to make contacts as that's the some stations are on.
There is room for everybody.
Reply to a comment by : KD1JT on 2021-11-30

What makes FT8 any different from any other mode in a contest situation? I don't get your point.
KD1JT2021-11-30
FT8 and Contests
What makes FT8 any different from any other mode in a contest situation? I don't get your point.