#6 FT8 swamped by Dxpedition FT8WW

[GLENN WILLIAMS]

This is my first use of this means to write an opinion and I hope my entire paragraph is permitted.
The demand for Crozet FT8WW in 2022 is crushing the capabilities
of FT8 / MSHV to fulfill the dreams of thousands of amateur radio
operators. Unlike older modes (CW, SSB) where the DX station can only
decode a few signals at a time by ear, it is easy to believe that
a whole waterfall full of callers have their call signs repetitively
displayed twice a minute in the Band Activity window. But many of those
operators will never called back by FT8WW because at best only two or three
completions can be handled per minute and propagation effects will lower
the average rate. This is also a preview of what could happen with Bouvet
later this month. It is probably too late for any major improvements that will
assist in generating higher QSO rates before the end of Crozet or Bouvet. But the
problem should still be studied. Possible improvements could be a generous increase
in the number of streams transmitted by the DXpedition at the risk of dealing with
complaints about band-hogging and fair use. Of course, with MSHV being available for
installation by just about any FT8 operator, there would be the inevitable
concern for legitimate DXpedition use and preventing abuse by home operators.