2m FT8

Before lunch I QSYed to 2m FT8. I called CQ (2.5W to the big-wheel omni) and was spotted by 4 stations with best being EI2FG (565km).

On 2m FT8 RX 19 stations in 5 countries spotted with best DX spotted being  DK6JU (529km).

By using FT8 I think my range has more than doubled. This is possible at any time.

Stations so far spotted today on 2m FT8 RX
with the FT817ND and big-wheel omni to 1445z

UPDATE 1414z: 26 stations in 5 countries so far spotted on 2m FT8 RX with best DX spotted DF7IW (612km).  On 2m FT8 TX 6 stations have spotted my 2.5W CQs so far.

UPDATE 1416z:  FT8 has totally changed 2m for me!  DX that would once have seemed impossible is there every single day whether conditions are up or not. Even my 2.5W to the big-wheel seems to be quite enough. Amazing is an understatement.

UPDATE 1445z:  So far today, my 2.5W 2m QRP to the big-wheel omni has been spotted by 9 stations in 3 countries on 2m FT8 TX.

UPDATE 1811:  Now 71 stations in 7 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX today. Best DX is DL6IAK (669km).

UPDATE 1918z:  Now QRT on 2m FT8 RX. In the end, 77 stations in 7 countries spotted with best DX DL2AKT (761km). QSYed to MF WSPR.