160 Meter FT8 Questions

Mark Griffin

Hi Guys, this is my radio setting for WSJT-X. I read you should use these settings for FT8 with the flexradio. As you can see when I hit Tune the difference in the SmartSDR Screen for my Inverted L antenna and when I have it set for my RX Antenna. There seems to be stations that are running Fox Mode that are constantly sending me messages on WSJT that my audio level is really bad. And yet, a majority of the time I don't. I have my TX Gain on DAX set to 45 and my RX Stream RX Gain set at 35. I don't get any complaints from any other band that I am operating FT8 on. Are there special settings that I need for FT8 on 160 or what?

Thanks!

Mark Griffin, KB3Z

km9r.mike

I do not see photo for SSDR "phone control panel" that shows the level bar meter while transmitting. Assuming a Dax level of 45 is a good setting that results in an audio input level of less than 0 db which it probably does and I am assuming that you have had zero complaints on all other bands about your audio level , then I am thinking you are getting transmit RF back into your system causing the audio issue. 160 can be a bear wrt RFI issues so that is my guess. I am not 100% certain but I would explore that possibility.

Mark Griffin

Ok, I did put WSJT-X into tune mode and I noticed that when I reduced the Power slider on the right side the transmit line on the right became much straighter. But it reduced the power output significantly, which I don't feel is the solution to the problem. Here is another picture for the group to look at.

Mark KB3Z

Erik Carling EI4KF

"There seems to be stations that are running Fox Mode that are constantly sending me messages on WSJT"

• it seems bizarre, considering that the Hounds are calling the Fox in the same period that you are which means that they cannot hear / see your signal, that some are complaining
• I frequently see you on 160m FT8 with good signals and without a trace of any over-driving of the audio
• there are one or more locals to you who disagree with your apparent unattended FT8 operations and I see them call you with your callsign thus starting a lengthy sequence of KB3Z calling KB3Z. This makes me wonder if the complainants are false accusers
• notwithstanding Mike's sensible advice, together with the obvious checks that you seem to have already made, maybe do not worry too much especially as FT modes are afflicted by some moronic operators

Mark Griffin

Erik,

Thanks for your observations. There could be some so called "Bad Eggs" who are making the complaints. I do get this on 6 meters from time to time. I operate CW during the 160 Contests, with no complaints at all. One thing I do notice is that I try to limit my Output Power to about 1K or it starts setting off my ADT Alarm System. There may be some RF Problems, but not as severe as what these complainer's are saying.

Mark Griffin

Erik,

It also seems to happen before 9:00 PM EST. Which it doesn't necessarily mean that it may be someone from the EU. I have a feeling I know who the individual is. And he is just a "bad egg" from the word go. Thanks for giving me that information. I have forwarded these pictures to the Gentlemen who does antenna work for me and perhaps he can give me some advice on letting me know if there is a problem or not.

Mark KB3Z