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[K0UA]

Hello James,
 Yes, you are correct, I have never made a contact on FT8. The reason is that I like to talk on HF on sideband. It seems like FT8 is just a computer game for the people who are really into computers. I have a computer and use it for emails and watching and reading some web sights . I am not  computer wiz and doing ham radio on a computer is not really for me. If I tried it I may like it but I really doubt it. I just like SSB for now, thats good enough for me.
    Take care and 73. Jim W5JJG

But how do you "know" you would not like it?  Do you like competing with others scrambling for a DX entity? Do you like collecting things ?  Do you still get a thrill when you low power signal is heard  halfway across the world and someone actually heard you?  Maybe, maybe not but you will never know unless you try.

  And if getting it all set up and working is a issue, I stand ready at just a phone call away in helping you get it set up and working, and I will spend time with you until you understand the nuances of working FT8.  It isn't just something you just install and go get a mint julep and let it work for you.  A lot of sour old men have said such things, but it isn't true. Heck I have had guys call me a dozen times until they "get it" and understand how to really operate and learn the "tips and tricks" of getting it going. Of course some take off and go the first time.

I am not saying SSB "bad" FT8 "good". Not at all. I like a nice conversation on phone as much as the next guy, and yes FT8 is VERY limiting as compared to that, but it does have some thrills of its own.  There are some DX entities that will take a lot of skill and timing to get. Oh sure, you can start working Europeans right away and knock them out in a hurry, but some Asian stations and Middle Eastern ones will be hard.

So if you change your mind and want to step off of the FT8 cliff, just contact me and I will help you get going.

[SWMAN]

Hi James,
 Thank you so much for all of the good info about FT8 and letting me know how it really works. I think you talked me into at least giving it a try. And thanks also for offering me your help and time in getting set up for this new mode. I will keep your info on hand and take you up on your offer if needed.
 Thanks again and 73. Jim W5JJG in Texas.      I like your QRZ page

[K0UA]

Hi James,
 Thank you so much for all of the good info about FT8 and letting me know how it really works. I think you talked me into at least giving it a try. And thanks also for offering me your help and time in getting set up for this new mode. I will keep your info on hand and take you up on your offer if needed.
 Thanks again and 73. Jim W5JJG in Texas.      I like your QRZ page

No problem Jim, You have my contact information, Just pop me an email or PM here and I will give you my cell number, and we can get you going. You may not need my help, but if you do, I will happily help you.

I personally think there will be less and less FT8 activity as time goes on and the sunspots re-appear and SSB will be more effective.  But in the meantime, FT8 is providing a lot of for for a lot of people.

[SWMAN]

 Thanks again James, I really appreciate all you do.   Jim

[W7XTV]

For some reason, 20 was only open to Japan a bit ago, but 17 and 15 were gangbusters all over Asia from Arizona. 

I even made my first FT8 contacts on 12 this afternoon.  I didn't even know my antenna would work on that band.  I knew it would tune, but I'd never heard anything on 12, so I'd never transmitted on it.

[KD6VXI]

LUF and MUF.

Nuff said.

--Shane
KD6VXI

[KD2HU]

Don't let 'em fool ya. Sunspots don't cause propagation - CONTESTS cause propagation. Were you on for the CQ WW contest that just wrapped up? At 2359Z on Oct 23, 20m was deader than a hammer; but from 0000Z on the 24th until 2359 on the 25th it was really rockin'.

True, "59, 04, Thanks" isn't really talking, but it's nice to know that 100w and a wire can reach Europe, Africa, South America, and more.

Then at 0000Z on the 26th, 20m went back into hibernation.