For a time FT8 seemed pointless to simply log the minimum for a contact in an automated way and move on, the social side and having a chat getting to know someone, and share ideas is removed from the equation.
I always did see FT8's good points and purpose, its a weak signal mode, efficient, and gets the job done neat and tidy.
Ideal for contesting, special events, or working a DX-Pedition for example to get that rare one in the log where all that is happening is exchanging of callsigns and signal reports anyway. FT8 simply took that function, and made it efficient. No problem with that.
But I was being a Curmudgeon, so back in April this year I tried out FT8 to at least figure out how to drive it. With a busy summer out of the way and fall around the corner I decided time to get a little more serious and start using logging software and maybe work towards getting awards, and QSL cards to stick on the wall.
The result was MacLoggerDX, WSJT-X, JS8Call, Fldigi and Flrig Integration. MacLoggerDX does the right things, and once configured makes rig control, and logging contacts with WSJT-X, JS8Call, and Fldigi seamless, couple mouse clicks and its all done. Now there is no excuse, the tools are in-front me to get to work.
Now it makes sense, a lot of sense. Most FT8 ops upload logs to LoTW, which is appreciated if like me you want them to also count towards awards for example. After a few weeks I had logged and confirmed contacts all over the world, and sent and received a number of QSL cards.
This reminded me how much I enjoyed sending and receiving paper QSL cards too. Today when everything is electronic and instant, it's nice to receive a physical object from somewhere that took a journey.
This mode also spurred me to upgrade my antenna systems. The OCFD was replaced with 130 ft doublet fed with 600 ohm line into a remote auto tuner which is interfaced to the rigs ATU port. This makes band changes seamless, and enables me to operate on all bands 160-10m. I finally assembled the 6m 3 element LFA Yagi I had bought, which then blew down in strong winds a few weeks later, and since tediously unbent with a vice, straight edge and a mallet. See Thats the end of Six meters for a while..
Maybe the spark gap ops didn't like the new kids running vacuum tubes at the time either. It's just an evolution of technology that enables us to set the bar higher. DXCC is easier, so we get that then set the next goal and keep going, and/or set goals with friends and compete.
For example, KL2R and I set the goal of a clean sweep, logging and confirming a contact on every band. This turned out to be quite fun.
I've also logged contacts with friends I've since not heard from in a long time, and follow ups via email sometimes result which is a nice surprise.
All the same I enjoy text chats on JS8, PSK31, and talking to people on voice modes just like always. Remember to stop and smell the roses.
I've simply added an additional mode I can use for awards and other goals, and to get some of those nice QSL cards that would otherwise be much harder or if not impossible to get.
100 countries confirmed in LoTW under three months - I started on September 10th, and 100th country was confirmed on December 1 by E75C. Simply from putting in a consistent effort with a modest station - a single wire antenna, 80W, sometimes 350W when needed.
Time for a break from chasing DX, work on some other projects and think about the next goal..
