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 g3zyy@uksmg.org or use the comments form below.

Last updated: 17 June 2020

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: 11
 		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 Bob, G8HGN on 26 Apr : 17:43
Registered: 05 Aug : 10:03
Comments: 2
 		Why on earth did you choose 1st period when all other MGM modes follow the IARU MS procedure, which uses 2nd period when beaming to EU. No research done? I couldn't fathom out why all the newcomers were TXing 1st to EU when ES was about. Really bad choice.

Bob G8HGN

Posted by Bruno, ON6AB on 14 May : 07:54
Registered: 06 Jun : 07:18
Comments: 1
 		Bob, I'm afraid you're proposing the exact same thing as the UKSMG.
2nd TO EU is 1st FROM EU.

Posted by Bob, G8HGN on 14 May : 18:24
Registered: 05 Aug : 10:03
Comments: 2
 		Hi Bruno,

Sorry I don't understand. how can it be both? I am explicitly talking about 50.313 NOT 50.323. The JA's messed that up already.
Beam West 1st & East 2nd is what I am saying. No matter where in the world you are. Simple. 73 Bob G8HGN

Posted by Trev, EA5ISZ on 10 Jun : 07:10

Comments: 11
 		The trouble is its not simple when referring to operation on 313. For example I'm in Spain, which period do I use to work UK and vice versa? It only becomes sensible to specify periods based upon direction when contacts within your own continent are not an option. On that basis, general agreement for 323 is EU transmits 00/30 and US/Asia 15/45. Of course there are combinations of other countries which will mean its impossible to stick to this, but for the vast majority of QSOs that take place, it will ensure minimial interference from stations within your own continent. This system has now been running for a few years and is generally working well.

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

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