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[AA6YQ]

While  it does not support interactive QSOs ...

WSJT-X is not designed for interactive QSOs.  But FT8 itself is a digital mode, completely separate from the WSJT app, that (on a completely clear frequency, not in the busy watering hole) can exchange 13 characters of free text, duplex every 30 seconds.  So FT8 does support QSOs, in 13 character chunks, that is if you don't let WSJT-X force you into using only contest exchange pre-built macros.

13 characters of free-form text every 30 seconds does not constitute an real-time interactive QSO.

[VE3VEE]

13 characters of free-form text every 30 seconds does not constitute an real-time interactive QSO.

Some slow CW operators could argue that statement 

Marvin VE3VEE

[VA3VF]

13 characters of free-form text every 30 seconds does not constitute an real-time interactive QSO.

I for one would not be upset if K1JT did away with the free-form text option. The thing is misused big time, and does not add any value to the mode or its use.

Let JS8Call be used for QSOs and other assorted 'silliness'.

[VA3VF]

PSK31 is narrow enough to enable panoramic reception, first exploited by Skip KH6TY in Digipan.

Panoramic reception was a tremendous development, but I think it only became practical when PC soundcards were used for the AD/DA conversion. Whoever first envisaged using soundcards deserves a lot of credit as well.

The one other development that I think "revolutionized" radio reception was the "discovery" that a cheap USB TV tuner, the RTL-SDR based 'stick', could be used as a very affordable SDR.

[AA6YQ]

PSK31 is narrow enough to enable panoramic reception, first exploited by Skip KH6TY in Digipan.

Panoramic reception was a tremendous development, but I think it only became practical when PC soundcards were used for the AD/DA conversion. Whoever first envisaged using soundcards deserves a lot of credit as well.

+ Initial implementations of PSK31 required dedicated hardware, and so didn't attract broad attention. My recollection is that Peter G3PLX was the first to provide a PC-hosted implementation of PSK31 that employed a soundcard for A/D and D/A conversion. Peter's implementation did not provide panoramic reception.

+ I am certain that Digipan, developed by Skip KH6TY, was the first PC-hosted PSK31 application to employ a soundcard for A/D and D/A conversion and provide panoramic reception.

+ Later, Peter gave his source code to Moe AE4JY, who packaged it into PSKCORE.dll. Several developers (including me) built panoramic PSK31 applications around PSKCORE.dll

[N6YWU]

I for one would not be upset if K1JT did away with the free-form text option.

Not an issue.  FT8 free text is a documented (see QEX article) encoding and modulation scheme that can be implemented without WSJT-X or using any of K1JT's software.  The FT8 free text speed is about the same as the original Novice License CW speed (5 WPM).  So not for QRQ speed-demons.

If this might bother people doing only FT8 contest exchanges, one can just choose another open frequency well outside the generic 4 or 8 kHz wide contest exchange segment (similar to operating CW).

[WO7R]

If you want the efficiency of FT8 and the free form of a QSO, JS8 (JSCALL, whatever the name now is) is the way to go.

Force-fitting WSJT-X to be a free format QSO machine really isn't going to work -- hams don't expect it and don't really respond that way.   You can do it, but good luck trying to find people to talk to.

I personally would go with PSK31 in such a situation except (as AA6YQ has noted) the prevalence of macros (aka "brag tapes") have pretty well destroyed its utility in that mode.  Still, you can scratch that itch with PSK31.

The rise of FT8 has proved that hams aren't much for conversation and never were.  And, why should we be?  How much do most of us have to say to total strangers?  It thins out pretty fast after the weather and the rig, doubly so if you're an actual DXer and are "talking" to someone whose native language isn't English.

Before FT8, Clublog's data showed that we had 8 to 1 as many QSOs on the weekend as the weekdays.  Conversation was never our strong suit.

I've known lots of hams who spend enormous time on a very good station -- and do nothing but make 599 TU QSOs every contest weekend.  The wonder station sit idle the rest of the time.

FT8 is winning because it is designed for us where we really live.  What we most of us really care about is some sort of radio analogy of a catch-and-release fishing contest.

FT8 is spectrally efficient.

It positively discourages actual conversation.

It maximizes the ability to gain award-worthy QSOs.

It creates a wonderful "water hole" effect where everyone camps out.  Most of the time (e.g. when Bouvet isn't on), that's a powerful and good thing.

Of course it's a big hit.  Don't work it if you don't like it.  But opposing it is the very definition of spitting into the wind.

[WO7R]

W4HIJ -- if you're still around -- just work FT8 (if you like it) and ignore the haters.

You came in and asked about "programs to dive in with" and got a bunch of "nooooo work CWWWWW."

It's like they didn't even read your post.

Pick what you like and work what you like.  Ignore the old farts.  They're the same guys who opposed SSB and thought spark should have ruled forever.

[K0UA]

If you want the efficiency of FT8 and the free form of a QSO, JS8 (JSCALL, whatever the name now is) is the way to go.

Force-fitting WSJT-X to be a free format QSO machine really isn't going to work -- hams don't expect it and don't really respond that way.   You can do it, but good luck trying to find people to talk to.

I personally would go with PSK31 in such a situation except (as AA6YQ has noted) the prevalence of macros (aka "brag tapes") have pretty well destroyed its utility in that mode.  Still, you can scratch that itch with PSK31.

The rise of FT8 has proved that hams aren't much for conversation and never were.  And, why should we be?  How much do most of us have to say to total strangers?  It thins out pretty fast after the weather and the rig, doubly so if you're an actual DXer and are "talking" to someone whose native language isn't English.

Before FT8, Clublog's data showed that we had 8 to 1 as many QSOs on the weekend as the weekdays.  Conversation was never our strong suit.

I've known lots of hams who spend enormous time on a very good station -- and do nothing but make 599 TU QSOs every contest weekend.  The wonder station sit idle the rest of the time.

FT8 is winning because it is designed for us where we really live.  What we most of us really care about is some sort of radio analogy of a catch-and-release fishing contest.

FT8 is spectrally efficient.

It positively discourages actual conversation.

It maximizes the ability to gain award-worthy QSOs.

It creates a wonderful "water hole" effect where everyone camps out.  Most of the time (e.g. when Bouvet isn't on), that's a powerful and good thing.

Of course it's a big hit.  Don't work it if you don't like it.  But opposing it is the very definition of spitting into the wind.

^^ a very good and factual post!

[W6BP]

WO7R: Your two posts are spot-on.

[AA6YQ]

The rise of FT8 has proved that hams aren't much for conversation and never were.  And, why should we be?  How much do most of us have to say to total strangers?  It thins out pretty fast after the weather and the rig, doubly so if you're an actual DXer and are "talking" to someone whose native language isn't English.

Before FT8, Clublog's data showed that we had 8 to 1 as many QSOs on the weekend as the weekdays.  Conversation was never our strong suit.

A few people are born conversationalists, but most of us have to work at it. It's a desirable skill to possess, and amateur radio provides a unique opportunity to practice -- and thereby improve -- that skill. It's a skill that can help you with life outside amateur radio.

To get started, remind yourself that you're not in a hurry, and then ask your QSO partner this question: "what do you do when you're not on the radio?". Listen carefully, and then ask a follow-up question or two. Be prepared to reciprocate.

Being able to greet your QSO partner in their native tongue is another good ice-breaker - even in CW! "Good morning", "good afternoon", "good evening", and "good night" will get you started. Google Translate can do this in real time; you'll be surprised at how rapidly you begin recalling the translations automatically.

[W4HIJ]

Wow, I didn't even realize this thread had developed into what it did. I actually got sidetracked again by some station and antenna issues and didn't do much work on anything over the summer because it was too hot.
 Just to kind of address the different things having been discussed, I'm not much of a CW op anymore, that was always more my Fathers thing. He was the original W4HIJ. Before my hiatus I had mostly settled in working JT-65HF on my little QRP SDR rig. Occasionally I would fire up a little 50 watt homebrew amp and "work at" contest on SSB just for fun, mostly doing search and pounce and seeing who I could get to answer. I submit logs but it's not anything I'm serious about. I'm not much of a radio conversationalist either although I've been known to enjoy an occasional PSK chat, brag tapes and all.
Sounds like what I want to do now is just continue that same pattern except use WJST-X and FT-8 rather than JT65HF
73,
Michael, W4HIJ

[K0UA]

Wow, I didn't even realize this thread had developed into what it did. I actually got sidetracked again by some station and antenna issues and didn't do much work on anything over the summer because it was too hot.
 Just to kind of address the different things having been discussed, I'm not much of a CW op anymore, that was always more my Fathers thing. He was the original W4HIJ. Before my hiatus I had mostly settled in working JT-65HF on my little QRP SDR rig. Occasionally I would fire up a little 50 watt homebrew amp and "work at" contest on SSB just for fun, mostly doing search and pounce and seeing who I could get to answer. I submit logs but it's not anything I'm serious about. I'm not much of a radio conversationalist either although I've been known to enjoy an occasional PSK chat, brag tapes and all.
Sounds like what I want to do now is just continue that same pattern except use WJST-X and FT-8 rather than JT65HF
73,
Michael, W4HIJ

You are right on target Michael, Yes FT8 is the successor to JT65. And to a smaller extent FT4 is also used. It is faster but wont go down as far into the noise and its bandwidth is wider. I have been playing with a new conversational mode called VARA-AC for a couple of days. It is complex and is structured similar to JS8call. But as I said some time ago FT8 outnumbers ALL other modes put together by probably 10 to 1. And it is easy to install and get working and fairly easy to understand and use. Although there are many nuances to learn as you become more skilled at using it.  Good luck, and if you need any assistance of have questions, don't hesitate to contact me, I will be happy to help.

[K1VSK]

So RTTY isn't "real radio"?

de AA6YQ

Why don't you explain why FT8 has exploded as the mode of choice for DX & RTTY never did?

Not sure it’s the “mode of choice” whatever that means but the answer to your question is simple - it’s easier. You don’t even need to be in the room if you don’t want to… and it’s easier to look a a screen than talk or send Morse code.

[W4HIJ]

RTTY is something I've actually never done but would like to because it has a special bit of nostalgia to me. My Dad had a friend who had old time RTTY machines and the tuning scope. Later, I helped my Dad set up a C-64 and an MFJ 1278 to run it. I had to write him out the step by step instructions to boot and run everything because he wasn't computer savvy like I was. He kept that system till the day he died in 1995 and still used that checklist I wrote him for years.
Michael, W4HIJ