FT8 version 2.0 and SR8Call

FT8 2.0

FT8+ or FT8 version 2.0 was released yesterday.  

Here's a few of the enhancements
https://www.dxzone.com/wsjt-x-2-0-rc1-new-version-with-enhancements/

The download page is
https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html

It has all the operating systems covered.

I was very surprised to see the uptake on day one and have both version 2.0 and the older 1.9.1 loaded on my machine,  I'll probably swap between them from time to time (as they are not compatible with each other), until 2.0 really takes over, but that may not be too long.

One thing that surprised me with 2.0 is that it seems to work through the noise better than 1.9.1.  By that I mean that with 2.0, I have less repeats on QSOs where one or both parties are weak.  Tonight I had several QSOs where the reported signal was between -20 and -24 and neither party had to repeat. 
That's great and makes for faster QSOs.

Make sure you read Gary's (ZL2iFB) user guide to FT8.  It covers 2.0 and has been significantly updated.
http://www.g4ifb.com/FT8_Hinson_tips_for_HF_DXers.pdf

JS8Call

I have JS8Call, (which I will now call JS8), loaded and I have made a couple of QSOs, the furtherest being to the USA but most are within 1500 miles.

It is verrrrry slow, but it does give you keyboard to keyboard communications.  It is certainly nothing like PSK31.  

Besides the fact that there aren't too many people using it, the other problem is that the software author keeps generating new versions of software, usually once a week, which often are not compatible with previous versions.  

So for now I am going to park JS8 and wait for a month when there hasn't been an update before giving it another go.  I feel I may be waiting a while.

JS8 QSO Party 10 November 2018

I have received the following notification.  Hope to work a couple of stations.

73

Jim

Reminder:

JS8 QSO Party

When:

Saturday, 10 November 2018

Where:

JS8 Mode on All Bands

Organizer:

kn4crd@gmail.com

Description:

The JS8 QSO Party is a chance to get on the air with JS8 and make some contacts every month. Whether you like a quick exchange or a long rag-chew, this event is for you. We have a lot of great, patient operators in the group, so the environment should be very welcoming!

The event will be held monthly on the Second Saturday of the month. Each month will have a theme or goal. 

NOVEMBER 2018: Miles/Kilometers per watt

Try starting your QSO with your normal station RF output and then see if you can dial it down to break 100, 500, or 1000+ miles/kilometers per watt.

Normally, a 50% reduction of your power output should be about 3dB difference, so see if the Sun & ionosphere cooperate and follow that rule of thumb.

Report back to the group with what kind of distance you were able to achieve (for bragging rights). 

Remember, these events are not contests, so all amateur bands are open for use. Now might be the time to break out your 30m delta loop or 17m hamstick or 12m bed springs!

Sticking to the theme is nice, but remember that with JS8 we have the freedom of free-text. So, feel free to QSY to a clear frequency, rag chew and/or talk about anything you want.

I hope to see some of y'all on the air. Let me know if I can help in the meantime!

Cheers!

Best,

Jordan / KN4CRD

The latest version of SR8Call

Here's the latest email from Jordan Sherer :

Happy to announce 0.8 of JS8Call. This is a backwards incompatible release (which is the primary reason for it being released right when 0.7 expired). So, head over to the Download Page to snag your copy: https://groups.io/g/js8call/wiki/Download-Links to enjoy the new features! 

Plenty of big changes included in 0.8, so make sure you check out the documentation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/159S4wqMUVdMA7qBgaSWmU-iDI4C9wd4CuWnetN68O9U/edit?pli=1# Most importantly, there's a new "Getting started" section in the documentation that is very helpful for knowing the important things you should pay attention to when setting up your station.

So, what's new in 0.8?

• First, I fixed a big decode issue, so 0.8 should be much better for decodes where time has drifted between stations. But, because of this and some message format changes, 0.8 is backwards incompatible with 0.7.
• A few directed commands are a little more verbose so they are easier to remember and easier to read. No more "?" vs "@" vs "&" vs "^" vs "*". Those still work for now, but the preferred method is the long-form "SNR?" "QTH?" "QTC?" "GRID?" "STATUS?" because they also correspond to the result ala:   KN4CRD: K0OG SNR -05
• BEACONs are gone. They are called HEARTBEAT now. The functionality is the same, they are just renamed. But, this helps illustrate the intent of them...to signal that your station is alive and on the air.
• The idle watchdog timer now only applies to HEARTBEAT transmissions, so it should help to encourage folks to heartbeat while they are near the station control point and can make a QSO. Plus, the idle timer function bugs are fixed, so it works correctly and correctly reports whether or not the station is active. 
• There's a new Group Callsign feature. It allows you to direct a message to a pre-arranged group name. These callsigns start with an "@" symbol and operate similarly to "@ALLCALL" (notice it also has an "@" sign in front). So, say you want to start or join a group. Head to your settings and add the group name to the group callsigns box. Bingo. You can now direct messages to that group and anybody else who has done the same will receive your messages as if it were an @ALLCALL. 
• The time drift for each station is displayed in the band/call activity lists.
• The "worked before" status is displayed in the call activity list (with a little checkmark next to the callsign). 
• Saved messages now have macro-like functionality where you can replace values in the message. Like:     "TU UR <SNR> into <MYGRID4> HW CPY?" and it'll automatically put in their SNR and your grid. Awesome. 
• Sadly... I removed the stations heard command. It was never incredibly useful since it takes many many transmissions to respond with a list that is relevant. I'll be exploring this again in the future with a better approach. 
• Plus a bunch of bug fixes and tweaks to make the program run smoother. 

I hope you continue to enjoy JS8. I encourage everybody to keep an open mind, but to also send me useful feedback. I'm happy to help any way that I can. 

Cheers!

Best,

Jordan / KN4CRD

JS8Call QSO Party

The first official JS8 QSO Party is now open! If you haven't had an opportunity to make many JS8 QSOs...now is your chance! For more detail: https://groups.io/g/js8call/viewevent?eventid=361585&calstart=2018-10-19

Many stations will be running JOTA on Saturday so keep an eye out for 'em! If you're a JOTA station, feel free to call: "CQ JOTA CQ K" or similar.

Here's how I'll be calling during the weekend: "CQ QSO PARTY CQ K"

If you have any questions, feel free to respond in this thread so everybody can chime in. You can also use the sked chat for announcements: https://groups.io/g/js8call/chat/1422

I've loaded up the latest version (0.75) but haven't managed to find anyone to work, so hope to get someone in the log this weekend.

73

Jim
ZL1LC

FT8 Call is dead. Long Live JS8Call

FT8Call is no longer.  It has morphed into JS8Call.  The JS comes from the creator Jordan Sherer, KN4CRD.

He has released a significantly  upgraded version, version 0.7 which may be found at  https://groups.io/g/js8call/message/1251  

Remember it is not backward compatible with earlier versions such as 0.5.

Look forward to chatting with you.

73

Jim

ZL1LC

FT8CALL Version 0.6

Here's the latest news on FT8Call.  Not that the newest version is not backward compatible with the earlier version.

Another week down and another release of FT8Call on the books. I'm excited to bring you the next development version of FT8Call, version 0.6. Version 0.5 expires on Monday, and 0.6 is backwards incompatible, so you'll need to upgrade as soon as possible. If you want to cut to the chase, head over to the download page to grab the new version: https://groups.io/g/ft8call/wiki/FT8Call-Latest-Release-Download-Links

If you forgot what FT8Call is...not a problem. It's an experimental amateur radio application to test the feasibility of a digital mode with the robustness of FT8, combined with a messaging and network protocol layer for weak signal communication on HF, using keyboard-to-keyboard style interface. And...the experiment is working! There are operators all over the world trying out FT8Call and having success when other modes have not worked for them. I like to say...it's better to communicate slowly than to not be able to communicate at all. 

There's some new stuff included in 0.6 so don't forget to read up on the documentation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/159S4wqMUVdMA7qBgaSWmU-iDI4C9wd4CuWnetN68O9U/edit?usp=sharing

FT8Call version 0.5

Just received this.

Howdy Folks,

I'm excited to bring you the next development version of FT8Call, version 0.5, and boy do I have some fun stuff included in here for you! If you forgot what FT8Call is, no worries... it's an experiment to test the feasibility of message passing over FT8 modulation using a new protocol (but, it has certainly evolved into a lot more than that now!).

If you want to cut to the chase, head over to the download page to grab the new version: https://groups.io/g/ft8call/wiki/FT8Call-Latest-Release-Download-Links

But also, don't forget to read up on the documentation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/159S4wqMUVdMA7qBgaSWmU-iDI4C9wd4CuWnetN68O9U/edit?usp=sharing

There is also a new website: http://ft8call.info/ that you should bookmark. We'll eventually be transitioning documentation and download links over to the new site.

So, without further to do, here are the notable changes in 0.5:

* There's a compiled MacOS version :)

* Directed messages are now the default if you have a callsign selected. You shouldn't have to double click the call for each subsequent message.

* New Frequencies. Sliding down 2kHz for most bands into the JT9 territory. Now, before you grab your pitchforks...the application also is blocking transmitting in the lower 500Hz of the passband. This means that there's enough room for over 25 simultaneous JT9 signals on their frequencies:

160m: 1.842 MHz // 2kHz above FT8

80m: 3.578 MHz // 5kHz above FT8

40m: 7.078 MHz // 4kHz above FT8

30m: 10.130 MHz // 6kHz below FT8

20m: 14.078 MHz // 4kHz above FT8

17m: 18.104 MHz // 4kHz above FT8

15m: 21.078 MHz // 4kHz above FT8

12m: 24.922 MHz // 9kHz above FT8

10m: 28.078 MHz // 4kHz above FT8

6m: 50.318 MHz // 5kHz above FT8

* Added a new GRID directed message that allows grid locators up to 12 characters to be transmitted. For those grids, we now allow spotting to both PSKReporter and APRS-IS! (APRS-IS will receive spots for locators >= 6 chars, and you can configure which APRS-IS server to spot to)

* You can also send and spot raw APRS packets, but that's undocumented for now ;) Email me if you'd like to know how to use it!

* You can now send a query to see if another station has heard a specific station with the "QSO" query. e.g., ALLCALL QSO KN4CRD? This is helpful if you're trying to set up a relay to a specific station.

* The band activity, call activity and rx windows are now restored when switching to and from other bands.

* Added some new generic directed messages.

* Added a "REPLY" button, so there's no more question about how to reply to a CQ. This message is configurable, but it defaults to "HW CPY?" so new users know what to do.

* You can now sort the band activity and call activity windows!

* Improved the usability of the waterfall.

* Removed the PWR command. It wasn't being used frequently. Feel free to put your power level in your QTC message!

* Squashed a ton of bugs!

I hope you enjoy testing this new version! Let me know if you run into anything weird or have any other improvements to the application. Most of these changes above came from feature requests from other operators. Your great idea could be next!

One last thing before I go... the ft8call groups.io is switching from an announcement-only group to a discussion group. If you're not interested in discussion...head over to your preferences https://groups.io/g/ft8call/editsub and select to receive "Special Notices Only" (these emails).

Cheers!

Best,

Jordan / KN4CRD

FT8CALL

Everyone knows FT8 has taken over the bands since it was introduced just over a year ago.  I looked at the 12 hour data on PSKReporter PSK Reporter Band Activity  and it was the mode of choice for 95% of QSO on all modes including SSB and CW.  The problem with FT8 is that it is basically a PC to PC mode and is often called a "zombie" mode, but it gets through in our poor propagation far better than any other mode.

Some smart characters have taken the FT8 concepts and engineered a new mode called FT8CALL, which has the same noise resistant characteristics and transmits a character per second but allows a keyboard to keyboard chat.  It does this by splitting the messages into 15 second bursts, just like FT8, and, by using a different encoding method, allows symbols to represent blocks of text.  Look at the video FT8CALL Video for a good introduction. 

Go to Groups.IO to download the software via the link Groups.IO Download  Unfortunately IOS is not yet supported but it is supported on versions of Linux, Raspberry Pi and Windows 10, so I'm running it on a separate device. 

FT8 and FT8CALL do not work together, and use different frequencies.  

There's a few new smarts in FT8CALL, including one that looks like it has been taken from FSQ, where the transmitting station sends out an All Stations message, and receive replies, including signal reports, from all station that can hear his transmission.

Look forward to working you on this new mode.

73

Jim

ZL1LC

Update  I hear FT8CALL version 0.5 is due out in a few days.  Check the download website on 1 September.

Version 1.9.1 of FT8 now out

I see that there was an updated version of FT8 released at the beginning of the month.

Get the latest download from FT8 Download

It doesn't seem to crash on the Decode button as the 1.9.0 version did.

See you on the bands.

Think about your eyes

We all spend too much time looking at display screens, more so if we are running digital modes.  

Have a look at Blue Light

It will give you some ideas as to how to protect your eyes and make them last a little longer.

FIFA Special Event Station

I have seen a station or two calling R18ARG but have not been able to pick them up. This is a special event station that is operating up to 15 July, so maybe I'll get lucky.

For more information, check out their QRZ.com site.

Good luck.

International Museum Weekend

International Museum Weekend

I stumbled across this annual event which has been turned into an amateur radio special event and is spread over a number of weekends in Jun.  

Looking at the list of participants at http://radio-amateur-events.org/IMW/stations.htm it seems a mainly UK based event, but it is touted as being an international one.  

Maybe some of our ZL museums should have a special event station and call sign.  MOTAT in Auckland is definitely one that comes to mind.  Even our local little Settlers' Museum could be activated.

This is the main story:  http://www.radio-amateur-events.org/IMW/

Here are a couple of sites for the event :
http://www.qsl.net/sz2t/j42ose/j42ose.html

https://donegalgathering.com/june/international-museums-weekends/

https://www.gb0snb.com/2015/06/international-museums-weekends/

http://www.nj2bb.org/museum/

NZ Postage Costs rise again on 1 July 2018

The NZ Postal charges for an international envelope are going up again on 1 July 2018. 

The old "Two Green Stamps" will no longer cover the cost of postage, and really hasn't for the last 18 months. 

I suggest all New Zealand hams update their QRZ.com pages and ask for three green stamps to cover the increased cost of postage.

ARRL Handbook

I recently acquired a new (2018) ARRL Handbook.  It is crammed with facts and figures, but unlike the old handbook that I have, a 2010 one, there are no projects to make.  Projects and additional reading material are mentioned, but you have to download them from the ARRL.  

On the ARRL shop page, it’s another US$49.95, but the handbook contains a code that gives you 100% discount and you get about an 800MB PDF file to download.  

The code in the Handbook can be used only once, so if you ever buy a second hand ARRL Handbook, where there is a code on the second page, make sure you get a copy of the download from whoever is selling it.  The file has an installer, but that's not really essential as all the useful data is in PDF format.

With the combination of the handbook and the download, there is certain a stack of information to keep you busy in the evenings, when the propagation is low.

Ham Speak and the Meaning of Ham Life

Have you ever wondered where the use of 73 or the Q codes came from?

Here's a website where you can spend an hour or two, learning the history of the ham terms that are in common use today.

http://www.ac6v.com/73.htm 

It's only 25 pages, so it worth printing it out to study.  Remember, there will be a test on it on Monday.

73

ZL1LC