FT4 activity on RS-44 has been increasing. FT4 can be heard just about
everywhere in the passband and this can create problems for SSB and CW
users. I have heard FT4 around 435668, 64x,639 and 620. The HF bands
are divided into mode segments so CW,SSB and Digital are not in the same
areas. On RS-44 there are no segments so it is all modes everywhere.
Several days ago I listened to WB9YIG trying to work N1DM around 435639,
but every time N1DM would give his callsign a FT4 signal would be on top
of him. They finally gave up. I doubt if it was intentional. The FT4
computer was just doing what it was programmed to do. The operator may
have not even been listening (not a good idea on sats). Also keep in
mind that a FT4 signal is key down continuous carrier, much more
demanding on satellite power than SSB or to some extent CW. The beauty
of FT4 is supposed to be that you don't need a strong signal to decode,
so flea power should work well.
It would be good if all the FT4 operations would move to one area on the
transponder. I suggest 435610-435620 because it is the least used area.
The top end has become very crowded lately due to some rovers operating
in that area. This has encouraged others to operate there as well.
Maybe some others have a better suggestion.
FT4 is not the only issue on RS-44. CW activity has been increasing as
well. CW and SSB can co-exist, however, CW ops cannot be using CW
filters and expect not to interfere with SSB stations. Again we don't
have a CW segment so using CW filters are not going to be appropriate.
Please use a SSB RX filter when operating CW and make sure you don't
hear SSB in your passband before starting up. Same for SSB stations.
Don't start up if you hear CW in your passband. Just move to a clear
spot.
If you are not computer conrtolled for doppler, you are going to be
moving in the passband. And you are likely going to slide into another
QSO, especially now that RS-44 activity has increased. Please try to
keep your position in the passband stable. If your radio can be
computer controlled, please take advantage of that so that you don't
move. You never have to send dits, whistle or blow into the mic when
you are computer controlled. And you won't be transmitting on top of
somebody.
Just my opinion of course.
73, John K8YSE
