Hello Again Dave
FT8 is the "flavor of the year" for digital modes, last year it was JT65, who knows what it will be next year? There is still some PSK and quite a lot of RTTY. The rest of the modes tend to be used by smaller dedicated groups. As you have picked up on, FT8 is easy to use and effective but like JT65, a bit robot-like and soulless, but it is keeping the bands active during this time poor conditions and identifying some surprising propagation paths and band openings on both on HF and VHF. I find it useful to look at the FT8 signal reports and when they are reasonably high, try CW or SSB.
You don't have to have the PC directly connected to the transceiver to run digital unless you are using modes like Echolink (lot of fun) where the net is part of the signal path, but a direct connection does allow easy setting of accurate PC time that is essential for digital operations. Having said that, I find that an accurate mobile phone works well enough to set the time. You are going to need an interface between the transceiver and the PC. Probably the most common one in use, and the easiest one to use IMO is the "Signalink USB."
Having said all that about digital stuff, I agree that the VHF scene could do with a big stir-up so see what you can stir up down there. Hams are still wanting to learn CW. Maybe you could get some together for a tutorial net on 2m (but not on 144.1 ).
How to work you on 2m during the summer E season, yep will do CW but a bit slow these days.
FT8 is the "flavor of the year" for digital modes, last year it was JT65, who knows what it will be next year? There is still some PSK and quite a lot of RTTY. The rest of the modes tend to be used by smaller dedicated groups. As you have picked up on, FT8 is easy to use and effective but like JT65, a bit robot-like and soulless, but it is keeping the bands active during this time poor conditions and identifying some surprising propagation paths and band openings on both on HF and VHF. I find it useful to look at the FT8 signal reports and when they are reasonably high, try CW or SSB.
You don't have to have the PC directly connected to the transceiver to run digital unless you are using modes like Echolink (lot of fun) where the net is part of the signal path, but a direct connection does allow easy setting of accurate PC time that is essential for digital operations. Having said that, I find that an accurate mobile phone works well enough to set the time. You are going to need an interface between the transceiver and the PC. Probably the most common one in use, and the easiest one to use IMO is the "Signalink USB."
Having said all that about digital stuff, I agree that the VHF scene could do with a big stir-up so see what you can stir up down there. Hams are still wanting to learn CW. Maybe you could get some together for a tutorial net on 2m (but not on 144.1 ).
How to work you on 2m during the summer E season, yep will do CW but a bit slow these days.