FT8 Intercontinental DX Code of Practice
50.323 MHz

During the Northern Hemisphere Summer Es season the use of 50.313 MHz for FT8 contacts has become very congested, and stations are now using 50.323 MHz for Intercontinental DX working.  In order to not cause QRM to each other and permit the most efficient use of FT8 for weak signal DX working, it is highly desirable for all stations to operate in the same transmit windows.  The UKSMG has prepared these guidelines for the use of 50.323 MHz.
 
  1. European stations to transmit in the “even” periods.  That is 00, and 30 seconds past each minute.
  2. Asian, and North American stations to transmit in the odd periods.  That is 15, and 45 seconds past each minute.
  3. Do not use 50.323 MHz for working stations within your continent.  Europeans working other Europeans are strongly discouraged.
  4. Familiarise yourself with the excellent FT8 operating guide by ZL2IFB http://www.g4ifb.com/FT8_Hinson_tips_for_HF_DXers.pdf
 
 50323-FT8.png
 
Please note that this code of practice is a work in progress, but the UKSMG feels it is important to publish at this time as we are approaching the peak Summer Es season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Any comments or suggestions please email to g3zss@uksmg.org or use the comments form below.

Last updated: 13 June 2018

Comments

Posted by Mario, K2ZD on 13 Jun : 23:29
Registered: 18 Mar : 19:43
Comments: 2
 		UKSMG, Very glad that the group has taken the lead in to facilitate a greater chance of working DX on these new digital modes. Looking forward to everyone working a new one this E season, 73 Mario K2ZD

Posted by mm0hvu on 03 Aug : 09:56
Registered: 03 Aug : 09:47
Comments: 1
 		Hi, I hope things are good there, can you please confirm the EU Tx "evens" and AS and NA "odd" is intended for Dx operation on 50.323 only. thank you and have a great weekend David

Posted by Trev, EA5ISZ on 12 May : 08:25

Comments: 10
 		Hi David, yes, the sequence is intended for DX use on 50.323. 50.313 is used for contacts within your own continent as well as DX so at least one half of the contact has to be using the opposite sequence. If calling CQ on 50.313 it would make sense to stick to transmit 'evens' in Europe which would at least give you the opportunity to pick up some DX as well as the 'local' traffic.

Posted by Tony , EI7BMB on 28 May : 17:30
Registered: 18 Mar : 16:00
Comments: 3
 		May I echo what Mario said above, great to see a debate on this

You must be logged in to make comments on this site - please log in, or if you are not registered click here to signup