FT8

[xrunner]

Anyone using the new FT8 mode on HF? It's a lot faster than JT65 / JT9. It uses 15 second TX/RX intervals. It's also an automated QSO. It seems to have taken the bands by storm ... 

[denverpilot]

Had heard of it but not tried it out yet. JT65 was always extremely slow because it needed to be to achieve performance in an incredibly low SNR.

I assume... just because of the usual "tradeoffs" of how these modes work, that FT8 can't quite go that far into a weak single if it's operating faster?

Will have to add it to the reading list... and download software for it and try it out on-air.

I always found for "fast easy copy" type DX work, the vast majority of foreign and domestic stations were operating PSK31.

JT65 and other variants of WSJT were what was used for insanely weak signal work with skeds, and I didn't find myself trolling around looking for that sort of signal much. It was the go-to tool for a skeduled contact that I knew shouldn't really be possible but it might be able to successfully copy well down into the noise floor.

Fun stuff. Will check this out.

[OldDogSleeping]

yes, been using FT8, but I think I prefer JT65.

my license ( UK Foundation) limits me to 10W, and when trying to work DX I find it a fair bit easier with JT65. FT8 works for me when it's quiet, but when it gets busier, I get very few contacts.