Comparison of FT8 with SSB/CW

As a person interested in new technologies, I could not avoid the current trend of using the FT8 mod. I tried to avoid him for a long time, but when I found out, that I need some DXCC, which only broadcast on FT8, I had no choice. I had to have this one “mode” to try, and since working with computers is not a problem for me, I installed WSJT-X, linked it to my logging program, which I think is the best (private opinion) – Rumlog, although it is intended only for Apple computers. I also installed GridTracker and everything works perfectly together. I got into the world, where many radio amateurs work, although I am still investigating the reasons. However, it is important not to judge anything without careful examination. Let's look at the FT8 from different perspectives.

What is FT8?

I'll start with that, what FT8 actually is. FT8 (short for Franke-Taylor design, 8-FSK modulation) is a digital mode of radio communication using frequency shift. It was developed by Joe Taylor, K1JT, a Steve Franke, K9AN. Currently, it is the most used digital mode on HF bands. I still fondly remember PSK31, SSTV a RTTY. Yes, these mods are still in use, but really minimal, with RTTY prevailing in competitions.

FT8 includes 77-bit blocks of messages transmitted at regular 15-second intervals, consisting of 12,64 seconds of transfer time and 2,36 seconds of decoding time, resulting in a digital data rate 6,09 bits per second. Source encoding provides an efficient message transfer equivalent to approx 5 words per minute. The desired signal-to-noise ratio in the bandwidth 2500 Hz is −21 dB, so the corresponding Eb/N0 is 10 log10(2500/6,09) = 26,1 dB greater, or −21 dB + 26,1 = 5,1 dB.

From my point of view as an IT expert, I appreciate it, that the software can handle the differences between RX and TX almost up to two seconds. This distinguishes FT mode from others, as this error correction helps achieve reliable communication. When I used PSK or RTTY, not always everything was decoded to 100%, often had to be manually interpreted and repeated, however, this is taken care of in FT modes.

Impersonal FT8

From this point of view, it looks really interesting. Back to my research. I must say with some regret, that although I know, that for many of you FT mode is the main mode used, this digital mode overshadowed SSB and CW. Why regret? I personally like it, when “I hear” the other side, I can hear the other operator even in the deep noise, I can hear his accent, I hear, as it tries to establish a connection, even if the conditions are not ideal. In competitions, although it is only a brand and 599, each party must also strive, to capture and write down everything correctly, to be as fast and efficient as possible. The same goes for CW. And not, I'm not a CW operator, although this year I have more CW connections than SSB, I'm just learning telegraphy, but that doesn't mean, that I didn't like this mode. On the contrary. I can already tell the difference even in a pileup, which DX station is that?, which I need, according to, as it broadcasts, at what speed, what is the sound/tone, how he behaves, what is the broadcast style, what he prefers, when it goes split.

Template connections

What about FT8? This mode cannot be listened to, because it would get on one's nerves. It is, after all, just a set of zeros and ones sent through the computer and your TRCV. You only see decoded connections in the software, which have a certain form: either someone calls CQ, exchange reports, or ends with 73/RR73 and nothing more. You cannot wish the other party a good day, much health, to tell her, what's the weather like, what are you using… nothing personal. It's clean, too much “clean,” and you still have a locator there. It's a very impersonal mode. Actually, I don't even know, what to add to that. None of that, which is natural in SSB and CW, not valid for FT8.

Automatic FT8

After spending countless hours with this mod, I noticed, how people respond to challenges, respectively how they work with this mod. I can say it directly: in my opinion, more than 80 % people using FT mods have them set automatically. I.e, that the software automatically calls CQ or responds to CQ, so the operator basically doesn't have to do anything. An effective filter can be set, to call and answer with only that, which you need, and you can ignore other stations. The software can be set up like this, to watch, which states in the US or which GRIDs you need. The entire operation can therefore be automated. The remaining percentage of people are trying, they even call you or try to keep in touch, especially when the signals are not the strongest, for the connection to be made successfully. Many may object, that it is not so, that they honestly sit at the computer and click on every challenge or answer. But the reality is often different…

Stopping above FT8

But I will stop here, as I am comparing FT8 and SSB/CW operation. I ask myself, where we got to, when we no longer even want to hear the other side - one of the main reasons, why we became radio amateurs? We are really that lazy? Maybe that's a harsh word. I'm a bit defensive about that, that I understand, that there are such among us, who cannot speak or have other health problems, and for them a mode like FT is much more suitable.

Yesterday I wrote to my good friend Vili, that I will do 300+ countries on SSB, CW aj DIGI. But I will consider DXCC "done" and confirmed only then, when I have her on SSB and CW, and only then will I personally accept my DIGI connections. Otherwise not. And here I come to the most important thing, to my private opinion, which may be damned today and most will not agree with it. However, we live in a democratic society and have freedom of expression, which I will now make full use of. I will try to summarize it in a few simple points:

FT8 and its role in amateur radio

Combined use for DXCC: FT8 and its derivatives should only be usable for DXCC in combination with an additional CW or SSB connection to a given DXCC entity.

Identification key for the software: The software used for FT mods should include a special key, which would identify the operator and the software, similarly as it is already established for DX-peditions, which could be installed with asymmetrical oblique elements, that it is not an automated form of software and connection. The key would be issued similar to how it works with LOTW.

The purpose of FT modes: FT mods should primarily be used to investigate promotion, opening, directions. They shouldn't be mods, which are exclusively used and accepted for all possible diplomas and awards. Only in combination with CW and SSB.

In recent weeks I have managed to establish connections on FT8 with DXCC, which I don't even have on SSB, nor on the CW, and I follow these operators, but exclusively work only on FT8. We have really become such introverts, that we don't want to talk or learn telegraphy? Yes, I'm glad, that I have these connections, but I see them superficially, they don't have as much value to me as connections on SSB and CW. When I establish a connection with the operator using another mode and then FT8, I'm glad.

I think we should really think about it, how we rate FT connections compared to SSB and CW. They should only supplement our operation on the HF bands, not be a primary part of it. In my opinion, it is not correct to label digital fashions, such as FT8, as useless and we should not use them. I already noticed, that the connection to FT can be established even then, when conditions are really poor and SSB/CW just wouldn't go through. This is a big advantage of this mode.

But how do you all feel about it? You are really happy, that you have established a connection with RARE DXCC? A few weeks ago I was at an international HAM meeting, where one operator boasted, that he made the connection with KH5 – Palmyra & Jarvis Island with only five watts. I said to myself, how clever he is and I almost shook his hand. Then he added, that it was on FT8. From Central Europe, especially where I come from, that is, OM, but also OK, is the route to KH5 one of the most difficult. So any connection in that direction is extremely difficult for us. I had to try very hard and it still took me a long time, while I made one connection on CW and one on SSB, both with ace 500 W and 3-element turn signal. FT mode has that advantage, that you don't need high-end equipment for such connections; wire and QRP are really enough to connect to the whole world. And that's what I really like about this mod. As I write, I do not condemn this mod, just a way, how we approach it. I would even say, that it should only be used with QRP powers, but the question is, how to control it. That's simply not possible.

I want all of us “to wake up” and I don't want to lose the chance to hear you, whether your voice, or that, how you work with the CW key. I think that has power. FT mode really lags behind in this. If we allow, for FT8 to overpower it, what we built here and how we worked for decades, in a few decades, the entire operation will only be via DIGI mode and people will not even say good morning to each other anymore, they don't laugh, they won't tell each other, how the weather is and how happy they are, that they have a wife/husband. We will lose all of this.

DXpeditions are also starting to overdo it, where FT mode prevails over all others. I have an opinion, that yes, DIGI should be included, but not the main one. In my opinion, we should fund DXpeditions only on condition, that DIGI can be maximum 1/3 from all connections, the rest must be CW/SSB. DIGI is happening, as many have already pointed out, quick earnings for such groups of people, because they can establish a large number of connections in a relatively short time even in very poor conditions.

Let's start saying no, so we don't lose it, what are we losing anyway. Just look at the cluster, few SSB and CW spots and many FT. We really want to grow into the situation, when we shoot with the VFO and hear nothing on the bands, only “weird” sounds, which our brain cannot decipher by itself?

Let's face it sensibly, let's also use DIGI modes, they are great. As for their validity, since most of it is done automatically, is “dry,” impersonal, they can be used for diplomas, The purpose of the race, WAS and similar only with additional connections on CW/SSB. If you have WAS CW or SSB and want WAS DIGI/FT8, super, you can… you have a beautiful diploma here. If you don't have, so try and then even the DIGI diploma will be of much greater value to you.

well thank you.

 

Oliver OM0RX