For those that think there is a real operator on the FT8 computer answering every incoming call manually at any DXpedition these days.
https://youtu.be/ku4WfaJ-LvM?t=615
It still is a bit controversial but get down to earth, this is the future of digimodes during DXpeditioning. The technology is available, why shouldn't we use it.
17 comments:
This is why i will never work DXpedition on FT8 or any data modes, why bother 🤔
amateur radio is like music - there are lots of different genres, tunes, styles, instruments that in the right combination can make anyone happy - all you need to do is choose your set and appreciate that others will have a different selection. There is no "correct" answer as it is an individual choice. being negative about others choices is your right but is not in any way representative of the spirit of ham radio
Different minds, different choices Robbie. The demand for FT8 contacts during a DXpedtion is very high. And all what counts is a high amount of QSOs. 73, Bas
I'm not really being negative Matty. I've been experimenting with FT8 robots myself. And wrote about the use of robots during DXpedtion long time ago before it was even possible. But many are just starting to discover FT8 or even this hobby and have no idea what is going on. You said it very well in your comment. Everyone can make their own choices what suit them best in this great hobby. Live and let live! 73, Bas
Hi Bas,
I've always been in favor of robotic FT8 operation for DXpeditions. It is an inherently impersonal mode and the inclusion of someone to click a mouse does not add a "human element" since that person's presence can't be discerned by the other station.
Having said that, I'll also admit to not regarding FT8 contacts to the same level of esteem that I hold CW. I have a separate log for FT8 so that those contacts don't pollute my DXCC totals on a band or mode. Last winter I worked Ukraine on 160m FT8 - a new entity for on that band. But I don't feel like claiming it as a new one on 160 since it was made with a made with a canned, PC-PC mode.
73,
John
Good morning Bas, as they say technology is always changing and ham radio is not exempt from that. There are those who would say "in the day you had to spin the VFO and find CW contacts" Now you can see all of them on the waterfall and point and click. FT8 is just another step in our hobby, and it keeps the bands alive and hopping.
73,
Mike
VE9KK
Why bother? So you can get that sweet DX QSL. Doesn't matter if it's a robot or not, if it's a station on a rock in the Pacific, hams will work it.
Dear Bas, I don't think we can qualify the DXpedition on the basis of these seven seconds in the video. It may be a deliberate joke in the video, with which the makers want to show how relaxed the atmosphere was in the team.
Hello Hartmut, of course it is a joke, I've seen the smiley in the comment. However, so many people take this hobby far too serious. The DXpedtioners in this video did a great job! If they used a FT8 robot or not, no one will know if don't tell. I don't think most of the stations contacting them will care. 73, Bas
Tnx for the comment John. I think it is fun starting a FT8 debate. Everyone has different thoughts about it, that's what I like. You don't see a FT8 contact as counting for your DXCC total. While I would not care about it. For me every DXCC counts whatever mode I used to contact it. Everyone has to decide for their own. We are all different people. I'm also in favor of robotic FT8 operation for DXpeditions, the technology is already there so why not using it. 73, Bas
That's right Mike, technology is changing. But everyone is free to experience the hobby as they like. There is also something like D-star and other digital modulation, even with messaging possebilities. I still have to find what it is but at the moment I'm not really interested. Others are however and find all kind of interesting applications for it. Others will keep their radio experiments to restoring old valve equipment and make their QSOs on AM. By the way, seeing all those stations on the waterfall is nice but indeed is a complete other experience as turning the dail to find the DX. 73, Bas
Exactly...73, Bas
Dear Bas, yes with your provocative article you have lured many people out of their reserve. It's good to know that you don't really think so badly of the DXpeditons... :D
I’ve not used any ‘bots’ to operate my FT8 yet, but I’m certainly not closed to the idea. I’m thinking along the idea that unmanned FT8 ops is not a whole lot different to running a WSPR beacon to see how far your station can reach, but with the very worthwhile addition of replies with signal reports both ways. Just another facet of ham radio to be explored by open minds.
73, Tom, M7MCQ.
Hello Tom, a bit off topic since it is about bots in a DXpedition operation. But have used a FT8 robot a while ago on 10m to see what is possible during some days of low propagation. I was really surprised about the amount of contacts the bot made. 73, Bas
Hi Bas, you don't need to have their confirmation about FT8 bots use during these DXpeditions... look at the screens of the amplifiers which pass in TX (10.19 --> 10.20 in the video).
73, Dimitri F4DSK
I know Dimitri, they sure used bots. This is the future. Really, why should DXpeditions not use bots. It is all about making QSOs and technology is available. Not many will notice they had a QSO with a robot FT8 station. And actually I don't think the average station would care. 73, Bas
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