How to Get on the Air With WSJT-X and FT8

Something I have been eyeing for many years is getting into HAM radio.  Having worked in technology for the better part of 25 years, RF is not something new to me, but radio communications is.  I have always been fascinated with radios from my younger days running around in the yard with $20 walkie talkies to sitting beside my great grandfather while he talked on his HAM radio end even now that I can combine my love for technology with my new found curiosity of radio with digital radio modes like FT8.

What is FT8?

FT8 (short for "Franke-Taylor design, 8-Frequency Shift Keying") is a digital mode used in amateur radio communication. It was developed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN) as part of the **WSJT-X** suite of weak-signal digital modes. FT8 is specifically designed for making efficient, quick, and reliable contacts over long distances, even in very weak signal conditions. It is highly popular due to its ability to complete exchanges in less-than-ideal conditions, such as low-power operations or when propagation is poor.

Key characteristics of FT8 include:

1. **8-Frequency Shift Keying (FSK)**: FT8 uses 8 distinct tones for encoding data.

2. **Short Transmission Cycles**: Each transmission cycle lasts for 15 seconds (12.64 seconds for the data transmission, with short pauses).

3. **Error-Correcting Codes**: FT8 employs strong forward error correction (FEC), making it robust in noisy conditions.

4. **Low Power**: It is highly efficient for low-power (QRP) communication, often allowing for successful contacts with as little as a few watts of power.

5. **Automated Operation**: FT8 is semi-automated, meaning operators typically use software (like WSJT-X) to handle most of the exchange process. 

FT8 has become widely used for DXing (long-distance communication) because of its ability to complete contacts in a short amount of time and under poor signal conditions. It’s often used on the HF bands but can also be utilized on VHF and UHF frequencies.

Getting Started with FT8: A Beginner's Guide

In September, I took the plunge and earned my Amateur Radio Technician license, which opened the door to exploring digital modes like FT8 on the 10-meter band. After some research, I purchased my first HF radio, the Xiegu G90, paired it with a DigiRig Mobile, and set up a home-brewed 10M dipole antenna. It was time to dive into FT8! Here's what I've learned and what I recommend for anyone getting started with HAM radio and FT8.

Essential Hardware

To get started with FT8, you'll need the following:

  • HF Radio
  • Working Antenna
  • PC or Laptop

The beauty of FT8 is that it doesn't demand high-end computing power. I'm running FT8 smoothly on an 8-year-old desktop with Windows 10. The digital mode interface depends on your HF radio. For example, my setup includes the DigiRig Mobile for CAT control and audio, but some radios (like the Icom 7300) come with built-in sound cards and require only a USB cable to interface with your PC. Keep this in mind when selecting your radio.

Software Essentials

There are a few key software applications you'll need for FT8:

  1. WSJT-X
    This is the go-to application for encoding and decoding FT8 signals. While there are other versions, I recommend sticking to the original, WSJT-X, for a smooth experience.

  2. GridTracker
    GridTracker enhances your WSJT-X experience by visualizing signals you're sending and receiving on an interactive map. One underrated feature is its ability to automatically log contacts to various online logbooks like QRZ.com Logbook, ARRL LOTW, and Club Log, saving you the hassle of manual uploads.

  3. (Optional) FLRig
    For radios that don't directly support CAT control in WSJT-X, FLRig acts as an intermediary, providing the necessary control to your rig for seamless FT8 operations.

Logging Setup: Step-by-Step

Logging your contacts (QSOs) is crucial in both traditional and digital HAM operations. Here's how to set up automated logging:

  1. Create an Account
    Start by creating an account on QRZ.com, verifying your call sign, and applying for a logbook. Once your logbook is set up, grab an API key from your QRZ settings (under "QRZ Logbook API").

  2. Integrate with GridTracker
    In GridTracker, head to Settings > Logging and enter your QRZ.com API key.

  3. Prompt QSO Logging in WSJT-X
    To ensure you log each contact, go to WSJT-X > File > Settings > Reporting, and check the box next to "Prompt me to log QSO."

  4. Connect WSJT-X to GridTracker
    In WSJT-X, navigate back to File > Settings > Reporting. Under Network Services, enable PSK Reporting Spotting. Enter your PC’s IP address for UDP Server (use 127.0.0.1 if WSJT-X and GridTracker are on the same machine), then click OK.

Now you're all set! Here's a snapshot of my current setup, running both WSJT-X and GridTracker on the same PC.




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