It seems I've nothing else to write except about contests. Not true of course, I'm busy writing about other subjects as well but till now the stories are still concepts because I need to investigate. Time is always a issue...Upcoming weekend there is the first worldwide FT8 roundup contest with certificates for all participants! However you need to install the latest beta version of WSJT-X to be compatible with other contesters. This version isn't compatible with the latest full WSJT-X release! Questions remain since I already noticed the new version does not decode the old WSJT-X version anymore so how to know if it is working? Well you need to find others to test with or wait till the contest begins!
To get more confused. If you're installing the new beta version the configuration will probabely mix with the old version configuration map. Even when you remove the old version first! Be aware of this! It might be wise to make a backup of this map before you remove/install the new WSJT-X.
If you dare to participate in the first real FT8 contest I suggest reading about it here:
https://www.rttycontesting.com/ft8-roundup/
Installing the new software is not enough, you need to do a lot of configuring yourself.
Well, I didn't install the software yet, I'll wait till saturday evening and will try. I'm curious how this contest will evolve and what problems will be encountered (or not!). These days you don't need to be a ham operator with operating practising skills! You need to be a computer nerd and have radio just as a transportation medium, push the button at the right moment and you're in!
Confused? Wait....read AE5X his blogpost here: http://ae5x.blogspot.com/2018/11/two-ft8-contests-this-weekend-one-mock.html#more
5 comments:
Hello Bas,
It's really not that difficult to update to the latest version but you're right - it will not be compatible with v1.9 and earlier versions. Some are calling the newer versions "FT8+" since it allows for contest exchanges and a few other features not possible before.
Look at the frequent updates to FT8Call (now JS8?). This is no more difficult than that and is easier to do than to describe.
K1JT hopes to release the full non-rc version of FT8 sometime around Dec 10.
73 - John
Hello John, tnx for the comment. It is indeed not difficult for us computer nerds ;-). JS8call has a own cofiguration file map. It doesn't mix with WSJT-X. I'll be glad if the full version is out and there is no more confusion anymore. 73, Bas
One for me to keep clear of, then! I am not a contester, computer lover or American digimodes aficionado!
Everyone does their own thing John. I like a contest once and a while just for the fun of it. From a experimental point of view this FT8 contest is very interesting. 73, Bas
Yes, indeed! I am not critical of contests, but they do get in the way of WSPR. Grrr!
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