From RTTY to FT8 there is a whatsapp group and more!
JS8 have a monthly activity day, FT4 has contests, and of course there are plenty of contests held around the world for various digital modes.
More about RTTY…
FT8—What Is It and How Can I Get Started?
FT8 is one of the many digital modes often referred to as sound card modes (SCM) because they utilize a computer’s sound card to bring in audio from your radio to be processed by software to decode the information embedded in the signal. Conversely, when you want to transmit, the software encodes your message into audio tones that are sent out via your sound card to your radio’s audio or Mic input.
For years there have been a variety of these new software modes including Phase-shift keying (PSK31 & PSK 65), Hellschreiber, Olivia, Pactor, etc. and even older hardware-based modes such as RTTY that we now use our computers to encode and decode. FT8 is one of a group of Multiple Frequency-Shift Keying (MFSK) modes that include JT9, JT65 and MSK144 created by Joe Taylor, K1JT and co-developers.
Why would I want to operate FT8?
FT8 is designed to maximize communication even when signals are very weak (as low as -24dB). This means that even low-powered stations and stations with sub-optimal antennas can make contacts worldwide. With its popularity, quickly working DXCC or WAS with FT8 is easily within reach of almost any station. With FT8, activity is limited to a narrow band of frequencies.
WSPR
Weak Signal Propagation Report
Are you into digital modes of any sort? Perhaps you can help us with content! Contact Dave, ZS2DH by email to om@zs2dh.co.za to find out how you can help us deliver great content!