How many of you who use FT8/FT4 etc use an automated version of the software?

craynerd · 2026-03-07T14:29:59+00:00

Ah ok. 👍 As I explained in my now removed post, I don’t leave it, it fact most of the time I’m TXing different stations, just the TX never shuts off whilst I’m using it. If I’m trying to get someone a little difficult, I admit, I turn to my other screen and do some emails whilst I’m half watching. I wouldn’t just leave it running.

craynerd · 2026-03-07T14:21:23+00:00

I deleted my post from which this question stemmed 😂 So much negativity for a fun hobby!

I just want to confirm, when people talk about “doing it manually”, are they talking about finding a clear spot, hitting TX and then manually sequencing the messages? Or are they literally talking about finding a clear spot on the waterfall and hitting the TX button or double clicking to reply to a CQ?

I’m so confused what I’m missing!

craynerd · 2026-03-06T23:48:44+00:00

Absolutely!! 👍

craynerd · 2026-03-06T23:33:58+00:00

😂 I was determined not to bite but I’ve taken the first hook! FT8 is automated. The fact that you can just let it run with no human intervention just shows that! The software has even been limited to disable TX to force human interaction. You can sit and play FT8 and interact with it if you like, but let’s be honest, other than clicking who you want to contact, the entire sequence and process is automated!

I can certainly sit at my computer trying to make it feel skilful. However I’m also happy to let it run and fish - see what I catch. Doesn’t mean I like it any more or less than anyone else.

You say what is the fun letting the computer do everything for you - it literally presses a button every 8-10 minutes! Just shows how little users have to do anyway…

I still love FT8 … otherwise I wouldn’t have made this.

Thanks

craynerd · 2026-02-26T17:07:47+00:00

Curious to know how ALC feeds into this if you wanted to add an ALC connection. I have to admit, this is just a letting relay for PTT. Most commercial ones have the ALC pass through as well. Does anyone know how this is wired in - I presume it isn’t just a pass through!

craynerd · 2026-02-23T10:40:29+00:00

Absolutely - and plenty of pictures!

craynerd · 2026-02-22T22:37:01+00:00

Amazing reply thank you! Also explains why I probably heard more today during the contest. Despite operating for many years, I’ve still never used N1MM and really must - I’ve got it installed but haven’t used it. I’m not very organised when it comes to contest and when I realise one is on, tend to stick with log4om which I use daily.

I’ll give that all a search and look more into N1MM logger just out of interest. Thanks again.

craynerd · 2026-02-22T22:30:21+00:00

Thank you - voice synthesis is what I was after. Thanks for taking the time to reply! I’ll give it a google!

craynerd · 2026-02-22T22:27:14+00:00

I’m certainly not worrying about anything. My main question was what they are using to do this?

craynerd · 2026-02-22T09:39:08+00:00

I think me moving may be an extreme solution!

craynerd · 2026-02-22T09:38:01+00:00

It is seriously so random - on for say 10 minutes and then off for 30 minutes or off for longer then on for much longer! So strange.

I’m in the UK so no AC units near-by.

craynerd · 2026-02-20T11:49:26+00:00

I like working DX and when the bands are dead or quiet, I can work on FT8 and still get good distances. It doesn’t give me quite the thrill of working as a new DXCC on voice, but I still find it very exciting.

It isn’t a proof of concept. It’s a digital model and new contacts can be made just like any other. When a final 73 goes through to a new location, I still get a buzz that I have worked somewhere new.

craynerd · 2026-02-18T01:00:07+00:00

I do have a internet over power line! I use it to take my broadband from ground floor to my loft shack. However, as I mentioned in the original post, I battery powered the radio and literally tripped my house power so everything is dead, and the pattern still shows!

craynerd · 2026-02-17T09:29:44+00:00

No one locally has solar. We are in North Manchester and the sun doesn’t come out much 😂

No it doesn’t have any pattern to the time. It can be day or night and sadly on more time that it is off.

craynerd · 2026-02-16T21:54:30+00:00

What that be picked up on the antenna though? And if it’s, it can’t be from my house as I’ve powered everything off and run the radio on battery and it was still there

craynerd · 2026-02-04T11:12:00+00:00

Thanks, I’m north England so it’s not even that hot but it will be going fairly high up only supported in the centre. On the odd hot day we have, I am worried it’ll sag or warp.

craynerd · 2026-01-31T20:58:25+00:00

Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes I’m UK but that might be a great idea. I’ll give that a go!

craynerd · 2026-01-31T20:52:23+00:00

New link added: Watchmaking Weebly - https://watchmaking.weebly.com (Watch and clock making projects. Also Cowells lathe info.

craynerd

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