HF weak signal modes

There are some people who just enjoy chatting. On HF that usually means using SSB although there is some FM on 10m and some AM on less busy or crowded bands.

If, like me, you are more interested in seeing if bands are open, you may want to try weak signal modes. A few years ago WSPR was very popular. These days FT8 is more common.

WSPR signals are usually found in a 200Hz wide chunk. Individual WSPR signals are about 6Hz wide.  FT8 signals occupy usually a 2.5kHz window and are each about 50Hz wide.  FT8 is about 10dB less sensitive than WSPR.

Both concentrate activity in a narrow part of each band. Most monitors can pick up and report to the internet all signals they spot. Both work with signals weaker than SSB or CW. If a band is open, a weak signal mode will usually show it. As spots depend on monitors and internet uploads, I find FT8 more productive.

All software for these modes is free and available on the internet.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/hf-ft8