How to Be Less of a Lid on FT8 - Part 1

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

TEN HUNDRED FIFTY likes and we'll do an FT8 stream! My Audio gate was messed up... Audio will be fixed for part 2.

[@ozone385]

Thanks HAM RADIO DUDE, great video. Yes FT* can be a pain when in a QSO with one station another calls you and you have not finished the first one. Time sync is important, i had a station email me to sync my time once.

[@super66craig]

Good video. I can tell at a glance with a group of stations all 1/3 spaced on the band that guys are all over top of each other. I always set time first, set power and tune well out of ft8 range to get shy of overdriving ALC and then find an open spot away from the guys on top of each other to CQ. More people need to watch this or have it taught as basic protocol for digital modes. Its like setting up 1 mhz down from an active QSO on SSB for guys that dont understand the rudeness of what really is interfering with others ft8 qso.

[@dadsrcworkbench1322]

Great tips. I have been called a LID for chasing DX expiditions and not understand fox and hound well. Back to the drawing board and have made QSOs without issue.

[@jakebumbstead]

DUDE you’ve got your lid on backwards, turn it around. Haha couldn’t help that. Good points for FT8. I find that mostly people are aren’t trying to line up in columns of the waterfall rather just dropping into an empty space. Sometimes it’s so busy you can’t fit into a 50hz column. I just try to do the best I can.

[@jameski5oeb668]

I heard on a podcast today two things that will help WSJT-x: 1) make sure your split mode is set correctly for your specific radio. 2) make sure that your TX frequency is on hold. (Reader email from HRCC w/Leah and Josh) I don’t know if my split mode is correct on each radio, but I do already hold TX and like you I find a blank spot on the bands before starting transmit. Thank you Dude!

[@aandpman]

I agree with setting your audio frequency on "Hold TX Freq". it ensures that you aren't jumping around on top of others, once you've found a clear spot to park. You can tell when others don't have it set that way, because if they answer you, they're doing it where YOU are. When your QSO is finished with them, many times they will start transmitting again right where you've been parked.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Great words of wisdom lessons that I’ve also learned. Another one is use the hold transmit option

[@Vapethoven]

Great video, I’ve been on FT8 for about 2 years on and off and yesterday got on and forgot to sync my time and didn’t have much fun, as well great point about the bandwidth, thanks!

[@opsecchief8184]

Check that Hold TX. So many that end up taking over their last contacts spot by not doing this.

[@N8ESP]

I like to set my RX frequency to match my proposed TX frequency and watch for decodes for a few passes. It's entirely possible that the frequency looks blank to me because I can only decode one of the two stations involved. This is always a risk on any band where long path skips are a thing, but taking a few minutes to check doesn't hurt.

[@ChrisRobinsonKF6NFW]

This is good practice to use. Its also the same one I use. listen first before TX. its the same basic thing done on any other mode, and should be done here on FT8 as well. Why so many are failing this, I do not know. I think many are thinking the PC will do all the work for them and they are just not listening to anything, they literally have the sound turned off and aren't even looking at the waterfall in many situations. I think FT8 has been the single most disruptive mode to amateur radio in the last 40 yrs., because of these habits it has introduce. There is nothing wrong with the mode, just the operators habits. Many new hams have no real experience in PHONE operations, and have gone strictly digital, and thus have no real awareness of how to handle such interactions. Elmers do not teach and explain that it doesn't matter the mode that you desire to operate, the listen first and asking if frequency is in use is always the best practice. With FT8 asking isn't a real option but listening and looking at the waterfall is, and thats why it exists as well in to help assist in locating or getting out of the way. However, while you and I may understand and practice this, I am afraid this generally falls on deaf ears for most.

[@johnatilanoii1075]

Great video. I have found the easiest and fastest way to stay on the 00 and 50 freqs is to just type it in. It’s a PITA to try and line up the mouse.

[@ChrisRobinsonKF6NFW]

oh such a commendable fight you have. I have always operated by these standards, and yet see few that believe in these methods, besides the timing. Most dont care where they TX. as long as they TX. I have had so many walk over the top of me and kill contacts because of basic rudeness. I have mostly given up on FT8 and found it pointless and useless because of these issues. Until operators are more involved and actually are paying attention to the process more and not leaving it just to the PC to work out, I am afraid this will get worse.

[@misteraon]

That pretty much covers the RX side. On the TX side you should use the tune feature to send a tone to adjust your audio interface and check the ALC to ensure that you are not over modulating or clipping. Also, don’t be a LID and run 100W. That causes splatter and blanks out everyone else trying to make contacts. 10-20W is usually ideal. I might push 30W on a compromise antenna.

[@brandonporter4227]

I think they're good tips, but I don't think not following them really makes you a lid. Except for maybe the last one about 50Hz. That's a good one. If everyone treated the bands as being more channelized, it'd be easier to find clear space to operate and maximize their usage.

[@robertmeyer4744]

Nice tips. I use GPS dongle for time sync when no internet. or station WWV and manually set clock. Also setting your TX level with ALC meter on radio is important. if to high the ALC will clip and make splatter on the band . That you have to set to the needs of radio. And when the band is good don't blast power over someone to make contact. With poor band like 10 meters the past month or so. need 500 watt FT8 to make contact. I don't run long at high power to save my tubes . And I don't want to interfere with someone I can not hear. Like when having a S5 to S7 noise floor. That how 10 meters is for me this summer. but the past few days the noise dropped to S3 . and some skip and lot of QSB . but making contacts . FT8 . 73

[@socallars3748]

I bought a few cheap GPS dongles dirt cheap on Aliexpress, they work fine and I'm no longer dependent on Internet connectivity for timing and grid square information. They are a great add-on to any portable setup that utilizes a computer.

[@unclemikeyplays]

I'll admit I had not thought about trying to keep my TX to the 50s. It makes sense. I kind of wish JT had actually channelized FT8 to start with. Too late now, I suppose.

[@Tommy_Boy.]

Great video, practices and very good info Sean! 👍📻🙏WA7FLY

[@patthesoundguy]

I haven't quite gotten FT8 working, other than seeing what's going on so no one can call me a lid yet lol

[@matthew.tamasco]

My biggest worry is that I am interfering with a dx station I can't hear? I sometimes see a dozen people trying to work a big dx station that is in a dead spot on my dipole. Sometimes I wonder if that clear spot on the scope is the station I can't hear...

[@ae4xo]

I got that LID comment when I was calling cq for 3 hours during my 13 colonies event. I was out of the way and minding my own business

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Well, we can't fix all the "YoUrE A LiD" types.... but hey, this video helps some new guys understand how to operate better and also to know it's okay to make mistakes.. Cheers

[@LB4FH]

Nice video

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks

[@davepickering997]

What is a "lid"? (For the UK English folk)

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

So interesting, I didn't realize that expression wasn't Ham wide! - Here in the US, a lid is basically an operator who’s messing up, usually without meaning to. Calling someone a "lid" is typically done by more experienced operators who are noticing someone making common mistakes on the air. It’s usually said in a light-hearted or joking manner, but it can sometimes come across as a bit critical, especially if the person being called a lid is new to the hobby.

[@KC1PSK]

Do you need time sync on a Mac?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You do. I do not have a mac, but I think this should get you in the ballpark of syncing your time: . Use Mac's Built-in Time Sync (NTP) Step 1: Open System Settings. Step 2: Go to Date & Time. Step 3: Make sure the option "Set date and time automatically" is enabled. This uses Apple's NTP servers to keep your time accurate. Step 4: If your time isn't syncing properly, try selecting a different time server or manually entering an NTP server like time.apple.com or pool.ntp.org.

[@Rusted_Link]

What's a Lid? Besides an ounce of pot. I reckon watching would reveal the answer but I'm not that interested.

[@ripnlips-KF0NNA]

00:00 "Are you tired of being called a lid on ft8?" Can you show me how to do this?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Show you how to be a lid on FT8?

[@StealthGTI]

@@HAMRADIODUDE - I think they meant how to call someone a lid within FT8. ;-)

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@StealthGTI Haha Good call.. Yeah you just input it in the standard messages.. Thanks for the clarification!

[@n0vty873]

what the scary part is, that you have to explain it

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm happy to explain it.

[@ChrisRobinsonKF6NFW]

why is this scary? Some new guys dont know. I wish more things would be explained instead of assumed that its common knowledge. I have been licensed near 30 yrs, I am a VE, I teach some of this stuff as well to my club. I like explaining things, and I still dont know everything, so i dont mind some things being explained to me as well.

[@mrradio2187]

I'm not hearing any stations because my hearing aid batteries died....

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Your best bet is to QSY to a pharmacy or home where they can help you with that.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

@@HAMRADIODUDEI hear them with my eyes when my hearing aid battery dies 😊

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Lid???... What???...

[@truckinguy92]

I don’t have that problem. No FT8 here. FT8/4= 🤮 If I wanted my computer to make my contacts I’d just text random phone numbers on my iPhone.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

There he is.........

[@truckinguy92]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I’m sorry I just don’t see any excitement of watching a computer make contacts for me. It’s so much extra crap to haul into the field. I just plug my mic/headset in and call CQ. I akin FT8 to watching paint dry. Just plain boring.

[@socallars3748]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Sad ham alert!! 😁

[@socallars3748]

@@truckinguy92 The computer is not "making contacts" any more than a microphone or key is. The operator is still in control of the QSO, the only truly automatic part is the logging of contacts and that's a good thing, IMO. These modes broaden DX opportunities for so many people who have modest stations or are not comfortable conversing in a language they don't speak well. So often, FT8/4 is the only thing heard on an otherwise dead band, that speaks volumes about the popularity and robustness of these weak signal modes. For me, the "excitement" involves routinely working DX entities that I've never even heard in 30 years of working SSB and CW.

[@truckinguy92]

@@socallars3748 so you’re telling me you can decode FT8/4 just by listening to it? Like I said the computer makes the contact not you. So often the only thing heard on the bands because everyone’s on FT8/4 and not calling CQ on SSB/CW. You mean excitement over your computer working the DX? Once again you can’t decode FT8/4 just by listening to it. In certain circumstances FT8/4 is OK, maybe for someone that’s totally deaf.

[@miker7962]

Another awesome video 😎 de WE0H ..

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

🤙