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
