📡 What is FT8?
FT8 (short for “Franke-Taylor 8”) is a digital mode used in amateur radio communications. It was developed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN) and released in 2017 as part of the WSJT-X software suite. The name reflects both the developers’ initials and the 8-tone frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation it uses.
🔍 What Makes FT8 Special?
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Extremely weak signal capability: FT8 can decode signals as weak as –24 dB below the noise floor.
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Short transmission cycles: Each transmission lasts only 15 seconds, making contacts efficient and fast.
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Highly automated QSOs: Minimal user interaction is needed once a contact begins.
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Time synchronization: All stations must keep accurate system time (within 1–2 seconds) for FT8 to work correctly. Most users rely on NTP (network time protocol) to stay synced.
🧰 What is FT8 Useful For?
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Working DX (long-distance contacts) with low power (QRP) and small antennas.
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Contesting and award hunting, especially in poor band conditions.
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Portable operations, including Parks on the Air (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA).
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Operating during solar minimum, when voice and CW contacts are more difficult.
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Digital mode experimentation, propagation studies, and antenna testing.
⚙️ What Do You Need to Use FT8?
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A computer with WSJT-X (or similar software like JTDX).
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A transceiver capable of sideband operation on HF (and optionally VHF/UHF).
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An audio interface or sound card to connect radio to computer.
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Accurate computer clock — use a tool like Meinberg NTP (Windows) or chrony/ntpd (Linux/macOS).
✅ Things to Know
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FT8 is not a conversational mode — it’s designed for brief, structured exchanges (callsign, grid locator, signal report).
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Signal reports are SNR-based, not traditional S-meters (e.g., –12 dB rather than 59).
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It’s not ideal for emergency comms or detailed information transfer.
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FT8 activity can be monitored in real-time via sites like PSKReporter.