From the new WSJT-X beta release-notes:
...For those looking even farther ahead: We are well along in the
development of two new modes designed for the LF and MF bands. One
mode is for WSPR-like activity and one for making 2-way QSOs. Both
use Low-density Parity Check (LDPC) codes, 4-GFSK modulation, and
two-minute T/R sequences. The QSO mode reaches threshold SNR
sensitivity around -31 dB on the AWGN channel, and the WSPR-like mode
better than -32 dB...
Interesting it is still possible to develop even more sensitive modes. Wish FT8/FT4 digimodes were not invented. JT65A and JT9 are so much better....
But we can't stand still, we have to go with the flow...
8 comments:
Hmmm ...
"Wish FT8/FT4 digimodes were not invented"
Surprised to hear you say that Bas. I guess SQ9FVE will be busy soon ;-)
73 - John
You have seen the light, Bas! I am only joking. FT8/4 have their uses. FT4 is really useful for special events and working /P, where the fast turnaround is very helpful, though not very enjoyable.
Interesting that they have spent time on the less-used bands. WA2ZKD told me the other day that there is now a huge competition going on with multi-channel WSPR receivers (Kiwi/Red Pitaya), all vying for the top position in the listening challenge. Maybe that's why there's a new WSPR-like mode offered?
I make use of FT8 and FT4 but don't really like it. No one is working JT65/JT9 anymore on HF and only a little PSK is heard, what else can we do then go with the flow! I agree that the modes are useful for some events. But it doesn't beat the sensitivity we had pre-FT8. I worked 100 DXCC in 79 days QRP back in 2016 and a lot of QSOs I made then are not possible now with FT8 for shure. I like that listening challenge btw, listening is far more important then transmitting. 73, Bas
Hi Bas, "listening is far more important then transmitting" maar... als niemand meer zend dan valt er ook niets te horen. ;-) Toevallig vandaag WSPRLite gestart. Alleen maar zenden... maar wel handig. 73 Paul
Hallo Paul, nou dat gaat vast meevallen. Er zijn altijd nog meer WSPR stations die zenden. 73, Bas
After having tried JT65 on 6m in the E-season, and not having great results, mostly due to QSB being too fast to finish a QSO (1 minute periods), the 15 second periods of FT8 used the year after suddenly made QSOs much easier.
Having said that, using FT8 on 2m in the Es season has the same problem as JT65 on 6m. The signals may be strong for 20 seconds, enough to make a fast CW QSO or an even faster SSB QSO.
So for me it's a matter of using the right tool for the situation.
Having said that, I love using FT8 as a propagation monitor.
Just my 2 cents.
Tnx for the comment Jan, nice to see you can make good use of FT8. I think most amateurs are happy with the mode since it is faster as JT65. But actually I look back at the JT65/JT9 as a relaxing mode. Most QSOs did go well even with QRP power. You can't say that about FT8. Everything has its pro and cons. 73, Bas
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