New, faster contest digital mode

Just when we were getting a handle on FT8 contest mode (and wishing it was faster)–

http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/FT4_Protocol.pdf

“FT4 is a special-purpose mode designed for rapid-fire
contest QSOs. ” If you listened to my rants on the topic, I predicted there would be a 5-second cycle time version of FT8 within a year or two. I was only off by a second! Now my next crystal ball prediction–This will take HF by storm, never mind the slight sacrifice of sensitivity. I’ll be checking it out–
Dave K1SX

One comment on “New, faster contest digital mode

  1. TNX for the heads up on this, Dave. I already heard some talk about this this morning on 40 meter SSB. I can’t help but be concerned about the long-term viability of CW and SSB contesting — not to mention daily DXing — with such technological advances. Will technology phase out traditional modes from existence? Maybe a repeat of spark-to-CW and AM-to-SSB? — John, W1XX

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