Monday, October 21, 2019

The remarkable rise of FT8

I came across a news item recently with a chart showing the remarkable rise of FT8.


The data for this chart came from the ClubLog system which is used by thousands of people so I would assume it gives a reasonably representative picture.

3 comments:

Photon said...

I wonder if the future trend will see a return to 'heritage' modes? I've definitely turned a corner due to FT8, going back to more SSB.

FT8 has its uses, notably in encouraging 2m band use, but it is ultimately just points-gathering. An SSB, or even CW QSO can make your day a lot better, infused as they are with the human element. FT8 just can't do that.

John, EI7GL said...

I suspect that SSB won't make a resurgence. New digital modes will probably come along in time and replace FT8.

Jan, OZ9QV said...

I think there will be a resurgence of SSB. Some people will get tired of "mechanized" QSOs.
Don't get me wrong. I think FT8 or similar modes are here to stay, but they will be a part of the options we have.
Also, at the moment many people think of FT8 s a panacea for all kinds of propagation, but like I discovered with JT65 on 6m, FT8 has a similar problem with sporadic E propagation on 2m: Too long TRX sequences. There will be openings far too short, but with strong enough signals" for a quick SSB/CW QSO, and some people will recognize that.
Also, the HF propagation is likely to improve, making it easier to use non-weak-signal modes again.
I am cautiously optimistic.
Vy 73 de Jan, OZ9QV.