FT8 and Compound Calls

27 June 2025

I’ve appreciated all the feedback regarding FT8 activity this week. The most common comment I’ve received is about failed connections. For reasons I haven’t quite pinned down yet (but I’m sure the answer is out there), WSJT-X in Fox/Hound and Super Fox modes only sends out my full compound call sign some of the time. I suspect it’s trying to save bits and shortens to just my regular call sign for certain transmissions.

The danger in that? If someone stumbles upon the pileup sees all the activity and clicks only on “KH7AL” instead of my full “KH7AL/KH9” call sign, they’ll get ignored when they attempt to call. My Fox station is specifically listening for the full call sign to decode. The result? More interference for other stations and wasted time for the Hounds.

A kind ham recently let me know that you can’t manually edit the Fox information once it’s double-clicked from the list (at least in WSTJ-X). That means you must click on the correct call sign (KH7AL/KH9) from the start.

To help with this, I’ll be selecting the “More CQs” option going forward to broadcast my full call sign more regularly.

We’re learning together here, and I truly appreciate everyone’s patience. FT8 is a technically amazing system—whether you’re on WSJT-X or MSHV. My SK father would be blown away by how far ham radio and digital modes have come. Let’s keep the spirit alive, support each other, and enjoy the ride.

Quick Recap from Yesterday’s 20m FT8 Session:

The 380 contacts in the log definitely made my 4 AM wake-up call worth it! I was especially happy to connect with so many EU stations—and quite a few from NA as well. Around 6 AM, a massive downpour hit. The air was thick with spray enven under a roof, and I had to scramble to cover my radio and computer. Luckily, I stayed on the air. Within five minutes, the rain stopped, leaving behind air so thick with humidity it felt like soup.

Thanks again to everyone—and 73!

—Allen (KH7AL/KH9)