My attempts to get FT8 working

[M7DVQ]

After a couple of weeks trying to get the CAT control to work with my FT450, I have been told by three other Hams that I don't need it when using WSJTX as that will send PTT to radio!  

So far I can't seem to get the correct settings in WSJTX although lots of signals are popping up on screen, as for TX it shows as sending CQ but the radio does not appear to transmit. Having said that I have GridTracker installed and it seems to indicate that I made FT8 contact with LU6DTJ in Argentina yesterday, can that be right or am I not reading it properly?

So confused, but thats not difficult! I will continue this topic if/when I have it sorted out.

   

[Phil]

Hi Tony, No that is not a QSO! as there isn't any signal (db) sent or received. I hope to be able to get you up & running soon if Tony doesn't show we could use Zoom?... Speak soon. 73 Phil.

[M7DVQ]

I can see that now Phil, but when I saw the (1) QSO as in the top attached Pic I was confused dot com.

Zoom is possible as it could save a trip for 'The Worthing area crew'. I would only have to transfer Zoom onto another PC then all would be good.

Tony

[M7DVQ]

After about 5 weeks of trying to get my cheapie setup with a borrowed CAT cable (Thanks Tony G7TXU) and a made up Data cable I gave up with this method.

I took delivery of a SCU-17 Yaesu Interface unit yesterday 10/02/23, today completed setting up PC, radio and WSJT-X and within about 5 minutes had my first FT8 QSO into Romania!

Now a very happy bunny. lol

   

[M7DVQ]

Got my first eQSL cards.

[M0XYF]

Is this you smashing up the world on 10m?

Well done mate. The first time you see the planet light up like this is a special moment. Just look at all the countries you could work!

On the right day, 10m and 15m are wide open right now. The next couple of years will see us hit the top of the solar cycle when anything is possible. See how fast you can get to 100 countries.

Congratulations, and keep going!

M0XYF

[M7DVQ]

Is this you smashing up the world on 10m?

Well done mate. The first time you see the planet light up like this is a special moment. Just look at all the countries you could work!

On the right day, 10m and 15m are wide open right now. The next couple of years will see us hit the top of the solar cycle when anything is possible. See how fast you can get to 100 countries.

Congratulations, and keep going!

M0XYF

Thanks Barney, I am amazed what can be achieved with 10W, an ancient radio & a 11/10M vertical antenna.
It was a very special moment seeing the amount of spots, a great encouragement for me to keep at it.
As for 100 countries, Mmmmm I'll try.  

[M7DVQ]

I have managed qso's with some countries I could only dream about before Digi modes, here is just one. As it was special to me I looked up the QRZ page of the operator concerned (Jan in South Africa) and my mind was blown with his station, check it out here: ZS4JAN qrz page

See how fast you can get to 100 countries.

M0XYF

I am trying honest guv! 

[M0XYF]

Fantastic. I'm glad you're having so much fun    I see your reports pop up on a regular basis.

The RSGB are currently looking to expand the available band allocation for digital modes due to their ever-increasing popularity, so we'll hopefully have a bit more elbow room and experience a bit less QRM.

40 countries already? Good stuff! The closer you get to 100, the harder it gets of course, but it only took me a few months without spending endless hours. Getting much over 100 is hard work I've found, but then I only do it for a bit of fun. Using as many bands as possible also bumps up your success rate, as does trying different times of the day. Chasing the greyline can be pretty rewarding.

As you've probably discovered, you can set up most software, including WSJTX, to highlight 'new' countries in a different colour, to make them easier to pounce on.

If there are any SWL's reading this that want to get involved, you can set up the same software to just listen for incoming signals, and automatically report them to the PSK reporter website, or to WSPRnet.

Enjoy your radio.

[M7DVQ]

Good news re: possible extra allocation!

At present I can only tune 10, 12 & 15M so hopefully with the new long wire next week it will speed things up for some more. Then 100 countries should be a tad easier.

Yep I rely on the colours in wsjt-x to spot new possibilities, I just try for them even if my signal isn't spotted anywhere near.

Off topic) Is it usual practice to reciprocate to qsl cards from swl'ers as I have received a couple?

[M0XYF]

Off topic) Is it usual practice to reciprocate to qsl cards from swl'ers as I have received a couple?

I never send or receive any, so I've never come across that, but it makes no sense to me to send one in response, as it's a one way contact. On the other hand, I suppose it's an acknowledgement of receipt of their card. Your choice!

[M7DVQ]

Off topic) Is it usual practice to reciprocate to qsl cards from swl'ers as I have received a couple?

(Just noticed that both were from the same guy but different times and contacts he spotted).

Thanks Berni, I will confirm as it is a signal check for me and he took the time to send the e-cards. He also stated who I was in contact with, the callsign's and time's.

[M7DVQ]

I'm currently at 57 Countries Still 43 for the 100. Oh well maybe by the end of the year.

[M7DVQ]

I can't be trying hard enough, still only at 64 out of the hundred that Barney mentioned.

The closer you get to 100, the harder it gets of course, but it only took me a few months without spending endless hours.

But I got my 'Master of Radio Communication of Europe' award today!  

[M7DVQ]

An update, well I'm still a long way from the 100 Countries mentioned as of today 21/07/23 my count is 69! I must spend more time on this and I guess it would help if I got my backside into gear to get the end-fed antenna sorted for 20 & 40M, but Rome wasn't......................

To date my best contacts IMHO are two Indonesian stations, and a station from Trinidad & Tobago. An M7 station 10 miles west of me took 18 months to to bag T & T but I got mine within 4 weeks of my FT8 journey.