Hints for FT8 operators

For beginners and those that really don't have any clue...

Hints for FT8 operators (by DL5RDQ)

1.   Listen/watch the band before transmitting and see where other operators are.  We were all born with two eyes and two ears and only one mouth.  We need to use them in that order.
 A special note for those internet trolls, who have very small minds - This is analogy!
 It really means Watch the waterfall for a minute or more and then pick a spot to transmit.  This ensures you aren’t transmitting on top of someone and they are not transmitting on top of you.

2.   If I am calling CQ and you answer me, please move off my frequency before you start calling CQ.  Otherwise, you may notice your ears reddening as I discuss your parentage and operating skills with the Gods of the Ether.

3.   The bands are tough, so please don't make them tougher.  If I am already working a station, please DO NOT come onto my transmit channel and blast all over him.

4.    If I ask for you to “Work Split"  I mean that you should move your transmit frequency away from my transmit frequency.  It’s easy to do,  You simply Shift Click on the waterfall to move your TX frequency (in JTDX hold CTRL + click on the waterfall).  Then I can clear the station I am working and come to work you or the next in line.

5.   If you are Local or strong station, and I am working, feel free to transmit close to me as long as you transmit when I transmit.  It stops our signals blocking each other when we are in the receive mode.  Listening before transmitting, and checking or unchecking the Tx Even/1st box easily solves this issue.

6.   FT8 is not a QRP mode but you don't need to run a kilowatt either.  Adjust your transmit power so that you get consistent signal reports around -10dB.  If you get a signal report over +00dB, then back off your transmit power.  It will vary on the path that you are working.

Please have a look at a very good guide on FT8 which can be found at
 http://www.g4ifb.com/FT8_Hinson_tips_for_HF_DXers.pdf

When we meet on the air, I hope that we are both working split and can have a quick and efficient QSO.  If I’m already working someone, keep calling, off my transmit frequency.  I will see you and get to you in order.  It’s not uncommon for me to have three or more stations stacked up, waiting to work them so patience is often essential.😉

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I would like to add one hint that many are not aware about....

7. Open up your filters. Try to set it as wide as possible. Small filters are useless in JT modes. Stations can reply or call you everywhere in the waterfall which can be from 2500-4000Hz wide.