Getting Started with FT8

What is FT8?

FT8 is a digital mode that lets you make contacts when conditions are marginal. It uses your computer to encode and decode messages that are nearly impossible to hear by ear.

Developed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN), FT8 has become incredibly popular because:

• Works with weak signals (-20 dB or worse)
• Fast contacts (about 90 seconds)
• Automatic decoding shows all activity on the band
• Great for DX when bands are poor

What You Need

Hardware

1. HF Radio: Almost any HF transceiver works
2. Computer: Windows, Mac, or Linux
3. Audio Interface: Connects radio to computer

• SignaLink USB (popular, easy)
• Built-in USB audio (IC-7300 and similar)
• DIY cable (possible but can have issues)

4. CAT Cable: For computer control of radio (optional but recommended)

Software

• WSJT-X: The standard FT8 program (free)
• JTDX: Alternative with more features
• GridTracker: Maps your contacts (optional)

Setting Up WSJT-X

Step 1: Install WSJT-X

Download from wsjt.sourceforge.io and install.

Step 2: Configure Audio

• Go to File > Settings > Audio
• Select your sound card input (from radio)
• Select your sound card output (to radio)

Step 3: Configure Radio

• Go to File > Settings > Radio
• Select your radio model
• Set the COM port for CAT control
• Test with "Test CAT" button

Step 4: Set Your Station

• Go to File > Settings > General
• Enter your callsign
• Enter your grid square (4 or 6 characters)

Step 5: Sync Your Clock

FT8 requires accurate time. Use a program like Meinberg NTP or Dimension 4 to sync your computer clock.

FT8 Frequencies

Each band has a standard FT8 frequency:

• 160m: 1.840 MHz
• 80m: 3.573 MHz
• 40m: 7.074 MHz
• 30m: 10.136 MHz
• 20m: 14.074 MHz
• 17m: 18.100 MHz
• 15m: 21.074 MHz
• 12m: 24.915 MHz
• 10m: 28.074 MHz
• 6m: 50.313 MHz

Making Your First Contact

Step 1: Tune to an FT8 Frequency

Set your radio to the appropriate frequency in USB mode. Set power to 20-30 watts to start.

Step 2: Watch the Waterfall

You'll see signals appear as lines on the waterfall display. Decoded messages appear in the left panel.

Step 3: Find Someone to Call

Look for stations calling CQ. Their messages look like: CQ W1ABC FN31

Step 4: Double-Click to Call

Double-click on a CQ message to call that station. WSJT-X will automatically send the appropriate response.

Step 5: Complete the Exchange

A standard FT8 QSO goes:

1. You: Send your call and grid
2. Them: Send your signal report
3. You: Send their signal report
4. Them: Send RR73 or 73
5. You: Send 73

The software handles all of this automatically once you start the exchange.

Tips for New FT8 Operators

Power

• Start with 20-30 watts
• FT8 doesn't need much power
• Too much power is bad manners and can cause interference

Timing

• FT8 messages start on 15-second intervals
• Your computer clock must be within 0.5 seconds of correct
• If nobody responds to you, check your clock first

Frequency

• Don't transmit on top of other signals
• Let WSJT-X pick your TX frequency automatically
• Check "Hold Tx Freq" to stay in one spot

Patience

• Sometimes signals are decoded but not answered
• Keep calling CQ or answering CQs
• Conditions change constantly

Common Problems

No decodes: Check audio levels, clock sync, USB mode (not FM or AM)

Nobody answers me: Check power level, antenna, clock sync

Random characters in my callsign: Audio level too high, turn it down

Program crashes: Make sure you have the latest version

Beyond Basic FT8

Once you're comfortable:

• Try FT4 (faster, for contests)
• Use PSK Reporter to see where you're being heard
• Integrate with logging programs
• Try weak signal modes like JT65 or Q65