ft8.gr

DxPedition Mode

Working a rare DXpedition on FT8 is different from an ordinary contact. Many expeditions use the special Fox and Hound mode of WSJT-X, and knowing how it works before you call saves time and frustration.

Theory

On DXpeditions the rarity of the station attracts many "hunters", and since FT8 needs at least 45 seconds for every QSO, a way had to be found to speed the process up. In addition, the crowd of hunters causes congestion on the frequency, so it would be very hard for a station to complete a QSO among so many callers. For this reason Fox/Hound was invented.

The DX is the FOX and everyone else is a HOUND. In this mode the DX station transmits several signals at once (up to 4 by the original description) with one radio, below 1000 Hz of the passband, usually below 500 Hz. All the hunters call above 1000 Hz. The DX stores the calling stations and answers them several at a time. The hunter then automatically jumps to a new frequency below 1000 Hz of the passband and completes the QSO. The jump below 1000 Hz is made because the frequency there is clear, so the QSO is completed quickly without retries.

Setup

Keep in mind that Fox/Hound takes place on frequencies outside the usual FT8 ones, for example on 14.086 or 14.090 instead of 14.074.

  1. 1

    From the File/Settings menu choose the last tab, [Advanced].

  2. 2

    There, check [Special operating activity] and then select [Hound].

  3. 3

    Now choose a clear frequency above 1000 Hz and start calling the DX station.

Don't be discouraged: it will call you, and the QSO will be completed automatically and very quickly.

Tips for Hounds

  • Check the announced frequency of the expedition before you start, since it is not the usual FT8 frequency.
  • Call only when you can decode the Fox yourself; calling a station you cannot hear only adds to the crowd.
  • Leave the area below 1000 Hz to the Fox, and let the software move you there when you are answered.
  • Switch Hound mode off again when the expedition is in the log, so normal FT8 contacts work as usual.

Questions and Answers

Why does my call not move below 1000 Hz?

The software moves you only when the Fox answers you. Until then you keep calling from your chosen frequency above 1000 Hz.

Can I use Hound mode for ordinary contacts?

No. It is meant only for working a station in Fox mode; for everyday FT8 the special operating activity should be switched off.