Everybody's Trying the New FT8! (

FT8 is the newest weak-signal mode from Joe Taylor, K1JT, and friends. It operates very much like JT65 but is four times faster and more automated. Learn a little about the history of digital modes and conversational vs bare essential modes! Two sample QSOs!

[@graywoulf]

Dave, your videos are so informative and I really appreciate them. You have taught me so much in the last 6 months. You provide us with a quality video with clear sound and that is purely a class act in my book. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge with the world.

[@hdctx]

Just stumbled across one of your videos. Finally I've found someone who explains all these complex subjects in a way a new ham can digest. Thank you SO much!

[@gmcjetpilot]

David I love your explanations, especially your detailed asides to explain some detail or odd confusing fact people gloss over. You do it in a way that does not get bogged down, that is a talent. GNU... for max confusion... Ha ha.

[@johnadams6569]

Thanks so much for the enlightening digital lecture.

[@herrwabbaloo937]

Hi Dave, I just started doing FT8 last week and really like it. Thank you for the great history of digital modes, it's good to have that context in which FT8 was created. I also like how you term digital modes as first generation and second generation.

[@danabell6667]

Great background on various digital modes. I have been using FT8 for more than a year, mostly dx, but also go qrp for USA contacts. It’s always fun to look at the PSK map and see how far you signal has traveled. Sure there something missing without the ability carry out a conversation, but I can now work 160 without having to be “invited” into the 160 fraternity, and I have been able to work Europe on 160 to boot! Thanks for the history lesson, well done.

[@edwardkerns5202]

Excellent overview. Thanks for quickly getting us up to speed on all these topics. N1EK

[@brian.7966]

Well done David, great as always regards from the UK.

[@hb9zcf476]

Great video session. Will try this FT-8 mode next weekend. Thanks a lot.

[@thormusique]

Terrific primer on FT-8, thanks!

[@JonathanCreaser]

Great video as always Dave, thank you. I was an early user of FT8 and have found it an invaluable tool to enable distant contacts even when HF band conditions are poor. I mix this with using SSB but found it's much easier to operate with FT8 when sitting on the sofa next to the XYL whilst she's watching television! :-)

[@N82SV]

Fantastic overview. Thanks!

[@barryburge8537]

Thanks Dave! Great job as always. I have just started getting acquainted with "digital modes". I will put FT8 on my list of "things to do". 73! KD4MCB

[@PhilDYouTube]

I'm not sure if FT8 will be for me Dave, but that presentation of yours is a tour de force. Thanks. 73, M0AYB

[@mnpd3]

Thanks... I've been a ham for over forty years and beyond RTTY knew nothing of digital modes. Now I'm up-to-date in practice anyway. :)

[@brianhind6149]

Hello Dave: Thanks for the in depth info of the digital modes. I am licensed continuously for 65 years, & do not use digital modes, although I am not averse to trying them. I may have a go at doing so after watching your video. I watch a lot of your videos, simply because there are NO "ums, err's, you knows, audio level shifts , nor egregious grammar or syntax errors. Sometimes when I try to watch a video, I feel like the referee at a Sanskrit spelling bee !. Beautiful elocution, & wonderful knowledge of what you are trying to teach. You are a great asset to the hobby IMHO. Cheers ! Dave, Brian VE6XX

[@benzeitz6806]

Wow, another wealth of knowledge. Excellent use of my time

[@billmoran3812]

As a 66 yr OM, I van understand why some think FT-8 isn't real Ham Radio, but I remember when they said that about RTTY. Ham radio is about two things. Communications and furthering the art of radio/ communications. CW existed for so many years because it offered economy, narrow bandwidth and could support communications when no other mode could get through. Most terrestrial communications today is computer to computer. It's not the world, of big antennas, and glowing glass tubes anymore. Don't Ingrid more with less ( power and bandwidth) is the new frontier. I enjoy seeing the future, and while I can, I'll keep the old, inefficient past (AM phone) still alive. 73

[@stickycricket2]

FT8 isn't furthering the art of radio, it's just automating getting WAS and DXCC overnight. It's just a propagation beacon that gives you awards.

[@raulgongora2077]

Twaskyou sr for all. Information Blessing.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

This has been a really helpful video for me! I have yet to use digital modes so I don’t know much about them and all the differences.

[@danabell6667]

Great history of digital modes, well done.

[@kingttx]

That part helped me since I went inactive right about the time Pactor was coming up, before AMTOR was edged out. Imagine my surprise when I started listening to digital again a few years ago and heard nothing like I did a couple decades ago. Sure, I shouldn't have been surprised but I was completely lost!

[@joshuaharlow4241]

Thank you for the "recap" of the various digital modes. Your timeline gave me a better idea of where each mode fits in the schedule. I came to hear about FT8 but discovered that I will start with PSK31 for the rag chew aspect. We will see how I make out with 15 watts and many compromises... Speaking of compromises, I think that there are a lot of Hams with limitations of all kinds that see modes like JT-x and FT8 as a way to be active when they otherwise could not. (This ham is no good with the spelling) 73, W0TBD

[@davecasler]

I can remember when PSK-31 was as jammed as FT-8 is now. I'm with you: I prefer the ragchewing modes.

[@zman4150]

Thank you David for this video & a little bit of history behind the mode. While I too enjoy good old-fashioned SSB QSO's, there are many DX stations whom are using FT-8 instead of SSB. My chances are better of making that contact amongst the "alligators" since you can call just about anywhere within the 2KHz with my marginal station. I didn't want to join the digital crowd either, but have since found it worthwhile & actually fun to contact DX which I would never have a chance to work. 73

[@py4mab]

Your video is great. Thank´s for explanations

[@davecasler]

Thank you!

[@f.allenrisler5303]

Nice history lesson on digital modes, but what a new operator needs is an instructional video on how to install, configure and operate the software. Assume the student has never used any digital modes and wants to try FT8 for the first time.

[@normk7nwf323]

Been using FT8 mode for sometime now, lots of fun. Looking forward to the new FT8 call being released. Have tried the beta version, mixture of FT8 and PSK 31 which is great to carry on a short QSO. Hope you will do a video on this new mode Dave.

[@davecasler]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will dig into the new FT8 more and put something together.

[@DucatiMTS1200]

Super explanation Dave as always. Happy Xmas, stay safe, stay happy, and also best wishes for 2021. 73, GI8WFA.

[@AirwavesAmateurRadio]

Nice historical buildup on the digital modes!

[@jroysdon]

Yup, as a newish ham and totally new to digital modes, I found that really helpful. 73 KG6H

[@douglaswilliams6834]

Great video! I'm just getting back into amateur radio after a long absence and am eager to try some of these new digital modes while working on getting my code speed back up. I installed WSJT-X yesterday and immediately started decoding many signals on 20 meters. Perhaps I'll try making a contact today. Like yourself, I learned to type in high school, using the old IBM Selectric typewriter. I got pretty fast back then, but my speed really improved once I started playing MMOs on the internet. Back in the early days of MMOs, all communication was done via keyboard, not voice. 73 de WB4DW (Typing this on my IBM type M, the greatest keyboard ever made, IMO.)

[@pnadk]

The GNU license is actually one of several open source licenses. Very informative video.

[@myleswilliamson5177]

Big thanks Dave. This was a big help. Love your KZbin channel. If and when I am allowed back to work as of on long term sick will make a donation, take care, 73s from MM0MYL Myles

[@davecasler]

Myles, sorry to hear about the extended disability. I hope things work out soon. Thanks for the kind words about my channel, and I hope it continues to prove useful and entertaining.

[@jroysdon]

As I am sure you cover or will cover in a future video, the new JS8 mode and JS8Call (initially known as FT8 Call, but not FT8 compatible, but based on the same code). JS8Call is basically FT8 efficiency with keyboard to keyboard. Best of both worlds for those who want to rag chew.

[@chrisscott1547]

Good job. You're smart enough to use a prompter.

[@RichMcCabe]

Nice Video David. It's a very efficient mode of operation but I have never found anything more boring than FT8 in my 35 years of ham radio. I tried it. Just cant do it. As you mentioned it depends on if you can type. I can type so will stick to other modes. Thank you.

[@zazugee]

i know right, but it was mostly like a child of WSPR, because people thought the same algo used for WSPR beacons could be used to make QSO's and win contests

[@adelarsen9776]

Dave I'm the inventor of the all new analogue SSB mode Yak 3. It's proprietary and really special. It's super efficient and audible.

[@davecasler]

Hi Ade, good to hear from you.

[@adelarsen9776]

Don't you want to know how Yak works ?

[@Alex-tt9jx]

Dave, as usual another great video to learn from, thank you. I have an suggestion for future a/d video. Explain field Day for newbies and what logging software you use.

[@davecasler]

There is a video on Field Day. Re logging software, I've changed from using HRD to using N3FJP Amateur Contact Log. Easier to use.

[@bobcrunch]

I've read the history of K1JT's accomplishments in astrophysics and communications technology, and it gives us mortals a glimpse of what it must be like to be super smart.

[@frankmooney7282]

NOT ME. if you can't have a conversation, it's not a qso. If I can't qso you with 100 watts and one of my wires with my 25 year old Alinco dx70, we just won't make contact. I don't even try to fight 800-1500 watt pile ups. Today its all about a brief contact on a computer just for points and wall paper, no matter what mode. Maybe its because I m a new ham in old age, I enjoy having a real conversation with real people. Paper logs in spiral notebook. I started out logging on QRZ, but have double or triple that in notebook. Close as I get to contesting is a few special events. But that's the great thing about ham radio, its inclusive. There is a mode for everyone and all can enjoy. My next challenge is relearning cw. It's been 40 years since I started learning the first time. It's just my opinion, for whatever it's worth. By the way Dave, I will say I have enjoyed watching and learning from your videos. Thanks for the time and effort you put into them. 73 Frank KI7MJU in Arizona.

[@RamLaska]

How does FSQ compare to the modes mentioned in the video? I'm using FSQ on 2m (there's a 2m freq decided on in the Dallas area-145.670, and several stations are on FSQ 24/7)

[@3oo3tube2020]

Dave, the GNU license is about as open as you can get en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_General_Public_License the GNU License was created to help protect the rights of folks who wanted to share their work, and keep peolpe from using it in closed proprietary software. Ask anyone who uses Linux, or for some out there GNU/Linux, if it weren't for the GPL we wouldn't have our operating system. Again a great show, I am always learning something new, and really appreciate all you do.

[@zazugee]

yes, but some people would say preventing other's from using your code under a license isn't as opensource as it get, but i understand what GNU is about, to fight against closed sourcing, nowadays we have different opensource licenses besides GNU, like MIT, Berkeley ..etc

[@rfmonkey4942]

"When triodes are glowing electrons are flowing"

[@AntonioBarba_TheKaneB]

Thanks for all the info, I think I will stay away from those highly automated modes. I like talking to people :)

[@erintaylor5856]

Amen

[@oa7817]

Will this mean that digital ham radio can be tracked just like GPS in mobile phones that have WiFi access?

[@jedgarmcdermott1450]

I’ve played with FT-8 and enjoyed its capabilities. I feel that probably the best use for it is DXpeditions. How many times have you tried to work a rare one and get it in the log with 100 to 200 watts only to discover you just can’t breach the pileup? FT-8 pulls the out of the noise floor and allows for rapid exchange and logging. As for contesting, I’m of a mixed mind on this. It should be it’s own contest format, like RTTY.

[@bq9926]

Great video Dave. You touched on a really interesting point. I also think someone will come along (and soon) who will fully automate FT8, or some digital mode. It's inevitable! Just think... an amateur will be able to turn on their equipment, then come back later in the day, week, or month, year, (or perhaps at the end of a contest?) to see what states, countries, and awards they.... I mean their equipment has accomplished. I question whether this can be considered "fun" but I'm sure some will. If filling ones logbook with contacts is the main goal I guess this is ok but I'm 100% sure the same thing could be accomplished by a talented programmer using Skype or some internet service... and without the need for amateur equipment at all. Not bitchin'... just sayin'. Perhaps the best part of FT8 is, there's more clear spectrum now for PSK31, RTTY, and other real QSO modes to take place. I'm very thankful FT8 has a narrow bandwidth and it is not being used in the same bandwidth areas as PSK31.

[@davecasler]

Automated QSOs can also be made with JT65 and even PSK-31. But, like you, I like to talk with a person, not a machine!

[@markhadley1545]

What option would you suggest for someone that wishes to make QRP QSOs in a conversation digital mode?

[@kennyesau9900]

Thanks Dave, I am configuring my FT 991 to do digital , Great video on FT8

[@HamRadioDX]

Kenny Esau FT991 a great rig for digital modes 👍

[@tackleberry5402]

Dave I was thinking about your channel this afternoon, mostly because I’ve seen how lots of KZbin channels have been demonetized [for absolutely arbitrary reasons] and I was hoping folks were throwing funds into your tip jar because I highly value your vids on antennas designs. Cool to see a mention of RTTY. I use a version of TTY almost daily. (I’m a network engineer. Telnet and a lot of my Linux tools are based on TTY, as I’m sure you are well aware of, you mentioned GNU after all). Consider doing some random content on CW, maybe just for fun.

[@adelarsen9776]

CW is great but you have to be cautious.

[@davecasler]

My QCX CW transceiver should be in the mail shortly. So in the future I'll be doing some videos about that, including another video on CW. It is a much neglected mode.

[@ta4mso889]

Every video has great info for me i've learnt much from you, thanks for these efforts. I have a question i have icom 737 and i connected the rig with aux cable for receiving FT8 and works fine. I have CI-V Usb Cable for transmitting i have connected it between pc (usb) and the rig (icom 737). I have already checked baudrate and etc. but unfortunately i couldn't make it happen to communicate between rig and pc. I wonder if icom 737 is able to work with FT8 (if so how ?) or am i wasting my time :( Any ideas (by the way my friend also built me an hardware interface - i tried with that too but no result (it works with other rigs). Hope you can help or give advice to me. Thanks in advance. 73 !

[@davecasler]

I'm not familiar with the 737, but you might look to see if it has a separate input on the back for audio tones for digital work. If so, you might have to tell the radio, perhaps through a menu setting, to use that input. My old TenTec is like that. Persevere!

[@mikesmuseum]

Dave, I've never tried any digital mode ever. (Yes, that is quite sad, I know!) I'd like to try a mode that I can converse and type a lot on the keyboard, as I am also around 60wpm. Would I use JT65 or PSK31? 73, Mike

[@davecasler]

PSK-31 or RTTY

[@joemartinez8322]

Thank you for all the information. I'm new to this HAM radio stuff, yet to get my license. I'm still a little confused about being about to use my Baofeng and only staying on HAM frequencies once I get my license. Will I get into any trouble with the law if I were to use my Baofeng and stay with in frequencies?

[@davecasler]

I very much doubt you would get in trouble. Anything is possible but it is highly improbable.

[@Sam-cp6so]

It makes sense to use voice-to-text for digital modes for operators without touch typing inside cities who have very little listening distance on SSB

[@davecasler]

Good point.

[@feorr1]

ok so I also have n3fjp and am getting into digital modes with out having to look or search thru all you videos do you have one showing how to link them all together thanks 73 K5FEO

[@eddy2561]

k6sdw: I got bored with FT8 so back to A1A continuous wave mode, my first introduction to ham radio

[@alaskankare]

lol actually this video reinforced to me that I dont wany to use FT8. have they come out with a more modern version of psk31? i'm interested in that!

[@Scott_AI5EF]

Using HRD as rig control and a Signalink for an interface, I can get the WSJT-X software to go green on Cat and engage the transmit on my Kenwood TS-570D(G), with both the PTT and Tune buttons. No matter what configuration I use, I can't get any power out, even though the radio goes into transmit. After a month of trying, I've given up on any mode the uses WSJT-X.

[@davecasler]

Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you. That can be very frustrating. I had that problem for a while. I finally figured it out as an audio problem in the radio due to a misconfiguration. Make sure that your radio is taking audio from the data port instead of the microphone port while digital. You must be getting audio to the SignaLink because the push to talk is operating. So it's a question of where the audio goes from there. Good luck!

[@Scott_AI5EF]

David Casler That gives me a little bit more of an understanding of how the audio works. Thanks Dave. I'll try it again. I keep telling myself, it's something simple, but I was eaten by the frustration monster.

[@zazugee]

As someone who just got into the hobby, digital modes, specially last gen ones, allow people a lowe barrier of entry to the hobby, i can't afford a radio shack gear, because my country is as suffocating as it gets to get a license plus radio gear isn't that available and cost twice as much as overseas, so with only a 30usd dongle (i had to pay double the price, bc to exchange money i used the black market, sucks my country's money isn't free traded) i could hear people from across the Mediterranean sea from here in Sahara, then later WSJT allowed me to get pick contacts from south america, japan and australia for cheap, well, for now i can't do TX, but in future hopefully, so i'm just a SWL for now.

[@stephentoons]

is it communication if you just click and make a contact... is there a practical application of that?

[@davecasler]

Generally a contact is considered valid if callsigns and signal reports are exchanged plus one other item of information such as names, locations, etc. In the case of FT8, that's all that's exchanged.

[@oa7817]

Will this mean that digital ham radio can be tracked just like GPS in mobile phones that have WiFi access?

[@DongFang2019]

what software do you use?

[@johnlaurin7022]

Dave: Thanks for another outstanding video. Maybe you could better describe the bridge you use between WSJT-X JTAlert and N3FJP. Are you using two cables or some type of "virtual hub" software to control the CAT interface? I can't seem to get around the issue of one program connecting to one com port. Thanks again for all your hard work and support to the Ham community. 73 John KG7SHC

[@davecasler]

Hi John, It doesn't seem to matter which order I start them. I usually start WSJT-X, then JTAlert, then N3FJP. The logging software whines about not having the CAT connection, yet JTAlert seems to send it everything it needs.

[@johnlaurin7022]

Thanks Dave. Much appreciated. I will give that a try and keep my fingers crossed. Again thanks for all your hard work and support of the community.

[@jasonquick794]

The digital modes have been great for me lately. I share my shack with the XYL's home office, and she's been working from home for months due to covid. Can't do voice modes while she's on the phone with customers so digital gives me another option. Still prefer voice QSOs but no reason not to do both.

[@PaulStrickland]

They are not digital modes they are data modes!

[@Roddy1965]

21 thumbs down = 21 people who can't recognize an awesome teacher and a well produced video.

[@warplanner8852]

..now 22..

[@ajameslee]

I must have missed the reason for doing it. Can you send a short text such as in an emergency area regarding services needed?

[@charlcon1]

Could you please tell me what kind of camera and software you use for your professional looking videos? Thanks very much. Charlie KC1JA

[@davecasler]

Camera: Panasonic DMC-G7, Software: CyberLink PowerDirector. Audio: Rode mic. I have other equipment for special purposes.

[@charlcon1]

Thank you for your response, David!

[@arrrgoyle5695]

What does your physical hookup look like? How do you connect your rig to your computer?

[@davecasler]

My windows laptop attaches to my Yaesu FTDX3000 by way of a standard USB cable. That's it--just the one cable.

[@michaelcox436]

Great video, but I think I'll just wait for the next cycle.

[@jchidley]

The GPL is explicitly about making things permanently free and open and ensuring that the thing (in this case software) and all derivatives remain free and open forever

[@ctbcubed]

I've been a ham for 55 years and a lot has changed over that time. Your review of the digital modes was very good and summed things up quite well. CW was OK, but like texting on a smartphone it lacks the human touch. I liked voice modes because you get more conversational cues than from dits and dahs and 1s and 0s. Like when you get an email and can't tell if the person who wrote it is angry, kidding, sarcastic, serious or just pulling your chain. When I started out, the best part of the hobby, for me anyway, was building my own equipment. VHF bands were nice, before FM repeaters, because it was a challenge to make the equipment and use it to make long distance (1000 mile+) contacts on 2M SSB. But it was also nice to meet so many talented hams in your own local area. I've kind of lost interest over the years as most of ham radio seems to be dominated by appliance operators. A typical QSO today revolves around who has the latest Japanese rig or the biggest amplifier and "wow, you're 40 over here". The polarized nature of our country is evident too as you hear heated debates about politics. And then there are the idiots who like to just get on a frequency and raise hell. Once in awhile I'll come across an interesting technical QSO, but they are fewer and further between these days. With video chat internet services like Skype, Zoom, Google Chat, etc, it seems like ham radio may soon be irrelevant. The technical accomplishment to make FT-8 possible is impressive, but clicking a mouse to exchange such a short structured message with somebody half way around the world doesn't really seem to do much to advance humankind. Soon you'll be able to go to bed and check your log in the morning to see how many "QSOs" you had while you slept. The quality of your video is very good and clearly explains this mode in such a way that any viewer will come away ready to jump into FT-8 or pass on it.

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

G'day Chuck and although I do, at least in part agree with you... I'm only a newly licenced ham, in my 50's. I tried once in my 20's but it was a long dark walk to the college which held nightclasses and the Morse Code squared me off as much as the walk home at night. I just got licenced recently after hearing the CW test was gone. However I am glad that cheaper options of pre-made radios are now available. I started with a tiny Baofeng, which even with our dollars here in New Zealand (South Pacific) was under $50. (our dollar being about 60 USA cents at the moment, but hey, free healthcare). Since then for less than NZ $ 200 I got a higher power "car" VHF/UHF radio, mains power adaptor and a large car magnet base aerial, which is located inside my rental home, on a table up against the window. This gets me into all the local repeaters , although even the Baofeng walkytalky with the basic aerial does that anyway I have recently ordered a cheap FM VHF/UHF DMR walkytalky radio at just over NZ $100. As I understand it, DMR uses what started off as a Motorola system, it allows people to talk all around the world if using an internet linked repeater (we have one in my local city here) and it also allows text messaging as well, I think. When I was in my teens and twenties I constructed several crystal set diode detector radios and some one and two transistor boosted radio circuits but my soldering was always crap. So I'd never been able to make my own rig up from scratch "home brew" style as they call it here. I am glad that cheap Chinese radios have become available so more people can share in Ham Radio. I do not yet have an HF rig or suitable antenna but they will hopefully come in time. I live in the innder city so QRM is likely to be a major issue. cheerio

[@robholly7715]

Hi Dave, Thanks for the great help. How about a show on Echolink?

[@davecasler]

Good idea. I'll have to research it.

[@BobDiaz123]

Great overview of the different digital modes. Personally FT8 seems like less fun for me., I'd rather have the text chat capability found on PSK31.

[@indridcold8433]

I know nothing of FT8. How is the computer attached to the transceiver? Does one just make an adapter for the sound card on your computer and attach it to the microphone jack? Can FT8 be used on any band? I enjoyed the history on the digital modes. It was interesting that it was borrowed from commercial radio services and then improved.

[@davecasler]

I have other videos on how to connect the radio to the computer. Look at the list of Ask Dave videos at www.ke0og.net/ask-dave and scroll down past the form.

[@itperdition]

GNU 3 license states that if you use the software in your program, you have to release the complete source of your own software. That is why other Gen 2 apps have not incorporated it into their applications. The more you know....

[@softwarephil1709]

“Haven’t heard Pactor on the air in years.” Seriously?! There are hundreds of Winlink Pactor gateway stations (RMS) around the world passing thousands of messages every month. Winlink-Pactor is the standard emergency mode in many countries, and almost every state EOC supports Pactor message systems. So does the American Red Cross and other responders. ARES recognizes Winlink-Pactor as one of the standard EmComm systems.

[@angelscomputers]

Awesome explanation, I can't wait until someone makes FT9 or some similar mode where you can chat/type at least 2 lines of conversation, I don't like the full automation. I still enjoy PSK31 more, where rarely can find activity because unfortunately is pretty dead thanks to the new kid on the block FT8

[@davecasler]

I've been told to check out JS8call. I've heard it has a more conversational feel.

[@angelscomputers]

@@davecasler I have to look at it because I am currently building my new QRP station for this summer. Xiegu x5105 with a SurfacePro3 and a coil vertial portable antena. 73 from Colorado Springs, KB0AP

[@jchidley]

WSJT-X is free software: you may redistribute and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

[@demizer1968]

We used RTTY aboard ship into the 90's before we used up all the replacement parts, and the fleet changed over to PC type RTTY. I'll bet there is still a teletype or three being used in the fleet. They're just too reliable.

[@davecasler]

I used to have a Model 15. Noisy, smelly, and big. I thought it was totally cool. Wish I still had it.

[@3DJunkie]

great video ,,, do you if i can RX with WSJT etc on WebSdr some how ??

[@davecasler]

I would think so if you can get the audio and somehow feed it to the input side of your soundcard.

[@LavaKimo]

If there is no interaction other than exchanging fixed information and it is almost totally automated, I don't see the fun in it. I am new to Ham radio and interacting with real people from all over is the draw to me. Just collecting call signs and grid squares seems pointless. Just my opinion.

[@davecasler]

Yeah, it's not for everybody. But it sure is popular!

[@AlGritzmacher]

Not only that, but a signal report and QTH is useless for emergency communications.

[@Radi0activeBen]

That is the great thing about ham radio. There is something for everyone.

[@dasy2k1]

Yeh, by the time I get to having kit that can do this sort of thing I think I will stick to the 2nd gen stuff like Olivia

[@oa7817]

Will this mean that digital ham radio can be tracked just like GPS in mobile phones that have WiFi access?

[@ebear1ca]

If I can't do it by ear I'm not interested. Otherwise I think you take the ham out of ham radio! VE6AMR

[@butch3715]

YES! You said it right Dave! Why not connect your microphone and actually talk to someone? (Especially when the bands are open.)

[@BastHoen]

Very good video! Tnx PA5BAS

[@ImageJPEG]

GNU stands for GNU’s Not Unix. If it’s licensed under GPL 3, it should be open sourced. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU

[@kk6aw]

I have used, packet, amtor, pactor, rtty, Psk and CW. My main digital mode is cw, the rest are history. Don’t even use voice anymore.

[@pupeno]

The GPLv3 is completely open source, it's listed here for more details: opensource.org/licenses It is a copyleft license, which means, if you use that source code, your source code will be GPLv3, ensuring derivative works remain open source.

[@davecasler]

I would presume that HRD or fldigi could implement the algorithms with different code, but I hear that the algorithms themselves are copyrighted. Perhaps some of the free software, such as fldigi, will work out something with Joe Taylor et al. I don't mind running several different software products personally.

[@parochial2356]

Jump to about 12:50 to hear the FT8 part begin

[@darrelldrake6251]

Nice informative video. However, in your sign-off, seventy-three is a no-no amongst the OT's. It's seven three! 7-3 de Darrell, VE3DDG!

[@davecasler]

I guess that I must not be old!

[@TeddyD802]

What states are you missing Dave? De Kg6ajh/1 , VT

[@davecasler]

The states I am missing are Maine, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The other 44 states are all confirmed in LOTW.

[@Satchmoeddie]

RTTY is still used for caller ID. RTTY tears the daylights out of my linear amp in more ways than just TX RX relay switching. RTTY and other digital mode use is also known to melt the solder right out of the pins of the transmitting tubes. I still use FL Digi sometimes. Digipan is so old it's almost orphaned by now. I can't afford a modern rig, but I have one, it's just not all that great, and NO it's not a Beofeng.

[@davecasler]

Digipan never upgraded beyond using RS-232 for rig control. Too bad. It was great product. I would suggest using QRP for digital modes. RTTY would be an exception because of the lack of error correction, so higher signal strength can help. The amp owners manual always lays out the limitations for 100% duty cycle modes.

[@SWRadioConcepts]

You shouldn't need to use an amp with digital modes?

[@M0WFC]

No David. GNU has nothing to do with the animal, it is GNU (GNU is Not Unix) Acronym = G=GNU, N=Not, U=Unix.

[@jkowalcz]

Dang, I missed the Video of my QSO by couple minutes... KD2BYA 18:52!

[@davecasler]

It's possible that I did video your QSO. I see you in the logbook about that time. What I put in the video was only a short segment of what I captured off the air. Thanks for the QSO and 73!

[@420bakersarmy]

I tried FT8 for the first time tonight. While it is interesting and has amazing capability, I just don't get it. It feels so disingenuous and doesn't feel like "radio" to me. What am I missing, everyone seems to love it?

[@herrwabbaloo937]

I just started using it last week, and was thinking the same thing as you, but then I remembered that people are using Gridtracker along with WSJTX, so I did that and it made it much more fun. I don’t do FT8 for too long at a stretch, though, don’t want to get burned out or anything. I still do phone and the other digital modes, so it’s not like FT8 is ruining ham radio for me, it’s just another mode. Jeff, KF5KWO :-)

[@raymondlewis2055]

Hi Dave. Once again you produced an excellent video. I have used FT-8 and find that it is indeed a faster mode than JT-65. In fact, the first time I used it, with AUTO checked as it should be, I logged 4 contacts before I found the HALT transmit button. I recently read a post where an amateur sent a CQ on 6 meters, did not get a response so he left to get a cup of coffee and when he returned, he found that someone several minutes later answered his CQ and the program completed the exchange. Is this a legal contact? I thought you were supposed to be in control of your rig during transmission. To me, that QSO is not a legal contact and the transmission on his part was illegal. The next thing we will see is JT Alert being programmed as to the stations you need and you just leaving your radio/computer on and letting the WSJT-X and JT Alert earn all the awards for you. 73, Ray AA4EZ

[@davecasler]

I know what you mean. It's a bit too automatic for me, but given its speed one almost has to. And I agree. For a QSO, one should be at the controls. I suppose someone could say that there's a time lag between the "control" and the "QSO," but we'll just have to see how it plays out.

[@billmoran3812]

You are correct in the interpretation of the operating rules. I'm believe the rules need to be updated to reflect more modern modes and equipment that does not need constant attendance. Big data, is the way of the future. In a widespread crisis, hams may be called upon to move a lot of non-verbal information efficiently. Modes like this are essential to meeting that need.

[@PaulStrickland]

Every FT-8 video I have seen states that FT-8 is a digital mode, no it is not! It is a data mode that sends its signal via USB, it does not send a signal in binary format it uses tones

[@Seeker43]

JT and FT is about as exciting as watching paint dry. It appears to only appeal to non-operating operators. There is however a variation of that mode called JS8 that has conversational abilities and you can have a digital qso. Its still a bit slow and the info comes in 15 second bursts, however conversation and useful data/info can be passed in difficult conditions. Its a much better variation of the original software and its usefulness would be emerg comms when only low power is available.

[@davecasler]

I need to try it--haven't yet.

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

I'm new and had the exact same reaction as Jim Huntley, and many others, below. What is the point, other than racking up QSOs as quickly and easily as possible. Kind of sad in a way - that would be like getting a 'hamburger' which appears like a real hamburger, but has nothing inside - just decorated bread on the outside. Thanks for 'edumecating' us on this.

[@davecasler]

Different people like different modes. And digital modes go in and out of fashion. As for me, I prefer ragchewing on SSB.

[@peterrod5239]

FT8 has its place in ham radio. those with limited power or antenna restrictions . but it does becomes boring because the computer seems to be having all the fun. to give you an idea you know those start qso's with the guy that is opening the qso about the weather report! well with FT8 you will miss that very much. i thought i will never miss that, after my 2,069 ft8 contact i lost complete interest. if i make a contact is because nobody else is heard in any mode and the only commotion heard is on FT8.

[@stickycricket2]

It's place is a propogation beacon. There should be no awards for FT8 use, But our friendly overlords at the ARRL don't give a shit, they'll call anything a QSO just to get some money from a new member. They are pushing for techs to have all HF bands, why? Get some new techs licensed and get subscriptions from them.

[@zazugee]

Dave saying some funny joke about GNU. Dave need to watch one vid of "Ask RMS about GNU".

[@BrightBlueJim]

I can understand being excited about making PSK31 contacts, but FT8 just sounds like "hey look, my computer just made a contact with another computer." Even if you still have to click a mouse button, it does not seem like any kind of human contact.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Great info. The last digital mode (not counting CW) that I used was PSK31. I might have to check FT-8 out. Did Ham Radio Deluxe ever "stabilize"? K9AN chimes on on the Google forum "thingy" fairly often. Here's a link to a building tip that I gave the group: groups.io/g/QRPLabs/topic/6257775#17535) for QRP Labs. The new QCX transmitter kit from QRP Labs has been a huge success. It's a $49.00 single band, CW transceiver kit. It's not too hard to build. 73 NE5U Mike

[@davecasler]

Michael, good to hear from you. My QCX transceiver should be arriving any day now. I'm really looking forward to it. And your building tip is an excellent one and I intend to use it.

[@MichaelLloyd]

I'm glad that you ordered one. They are pretty easy to build and just a wonder of design. The most tedious (but not unpleasant) thing about the build was bending the resistor leads and winding T1. The directions for winding T1 are very clear but I chose 80m as my first kit (no idea why I did that) and of course that has the most turns on it. If you're on the groups.io site then you probably know this but Hans just created a modifications page on the QRP Labs site. Some people had problems and their fixes are on the mods page. I don't know if I'm going to mod as I build or wait and see if it works without the mods. Han's original version works and that's what the kits are based on. I'll be on the way to Farmington in a bit. I may be up around your neck of the woods this weekend, I'll be working in Farmington most of next week. Depends on the drive. 73 NE5U Mike

[@ultfire]

Dave after all the hype about FT8 I decided to download WSJT-X and give it a go - well after playing with it for a while I was extremely disappointed in the poor sensitivity of FT8. Compared to JT65 the sensitivity is dreadful. I have worked the world on JT65 in a very short time with 15 watts and a wire antenna on 20m. With FT8 I can see heaps of stations in many countries but I am very lucky to work stations no more than 600km or so away, even though I have tried adjusting my O/P from 5 watts up to 25 watts - I am on the same wire antenna, same rig, same SCU-17 modem as I use for JT65 but the sensitivity of FT8 is disappointing POOR.

[@davecasler]

There are two reasons for this. One is that FT-8 is about 2 dB less sensitive than JT-65. However, the real reason is that there are so doggoned many people on FT-8 that everyone is stepping on everyone else. JT-65 does pretty well in crowded bands. I'm not sure FT-8 can handle the overlaps as well.

[@ultfire]

Thanks for the reply Dave - well I decided to go for an FT8 program that will tell me if I have worked a station before like JT65-HF HB9HQX Edition dose, so I found JTDX V18.1.0.67 - it looks great when I booted it up but I ran into a problem straight away with the FT8 mode. When this JTDX program decodes the incoming signals it triggers my transceiver for half a second, and this happens every time the program decodes incoming FT8 signals. I am using the same set up as I use for SSTV, KG-STV, PSK31, JT65 which all work fine - but not with this JTDX program. By the way, WSJT-X also works fine with my set up but unfortunately it wont advise me of the previous stations I have worked . cheers Dave. Rob.