Get Started with FT8 - An Introduction for Beginners | WSJT-X Ham Radio

[@oscarb9139]

Inherited a radio (FT-891) that was left behind by my worker when he left. Jammed for 3 days and took the Tech test. I finally set up the radio, but discovered that everyone else seems to have the General license and i cant jump into the conversation. My buddy keeps talking about FT8, so i landed here. Started studying for my General yesterday and I am ready for the test. My dual band radio got dropped on the porch today, so when I finish my work week, i am going to go set it up and start making contacts. Setting up FT8 will be my next project.

[@richardjones7984]

I'm in the same boat. Loud signals everywhere and nobody seems to hear me. I did get one contact in Italy from the UK but I was very faint and he had an awesome rig. I wonder if my transmitter is working properly and so FT8 should let me find out.

[@brentsecord3016]

New to WSJT-X and FT-8 Your videos are great for us newbies to digital. Keep 'em coming!👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks, will do!

[@noelmoore4474]

Back to the hobby fairly recently after about 30 years. I was wondering what this was and now I know. Thanks.

[@mikeh8416]

THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!! Not a ham, but have been interested in radio for YEARS... Started LISTENING to shortwave back in the early 80's, and haven't been in it since the 90's. Thought MANY times about getting my license, but life happens. Recently I got back into listening when I picked up an SDR dongle. THINGS HAVE CHANGED since the 80's 🙂 I'm LEARNING as I go, and am enjoying every minute of it, but I get frustrated when I can't figure things out. FT8 was one of those things, and you explained it PERFECTLY!! GridTracker is AWESOME!! I'm semi-retired (meaning I'm working more hours now than I did), but if I had time, I'd be working towards my ticket. I have the electronics down, but just never took the time to get it... Maybe someday, but I expect to be working even MORE hours when I retire completely 🙂 Next project, figuring out packet radio... Again THANKS and 73's !!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thank you for watching and for your comments 👍

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

Wow, this is the best video I've seen to date explaining wsjt and ft8 operating. Thank you times 100!

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it helped and thank you!

[@sockeatinggolden8316]

Awesome presentation. I also encourage everyone on FT8 to check the box for hold TX FREQ. That way you can switch from calling cq to answering CQ calls while staying on your preselected freq that you saw was clear. Also if no one is answering you. Stop tx for a few cycles and see if anyone is tx a strong signal over you.

[@goldennomad1022]

I wish more people did this. Great comment.

[@gregmihran8616]

Nicholas, I completely agree! I have been using FT8 for almost a year and have always clicked 'Hold TX Freq' on a clear audio frequency in the waterfall. I will keep it there as long as it stays relatively open compared to others to ensure my TX signal has less interference whether I'm calling CQ or responding. 73 KJ6ER

[@peterwei]

As a Foundation, I've found that 10W with my IC-705 is really good. I've worked all of Europe, the US, Canada & Sth America as well as all of Asia. Thanks for the video Hadyn. Much appreciated. Peter W. VK1PDW

[@HamRadioDX]

Awesome stuff Peter! As Cycle 25 starts to increase it will get even better!

[@richardjones7984]

This is great. Thank you for giving such clear instructions and advice. Also thank you for your calm delivery.

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marshallmcdonald7309]

Good morning! I've recently started using FT8. My setup is pretty basic as far as antenna goes, so this mode is good for me. I'm using a 706MKIIG, an Alpha-Delta Outpost tripod & an Opek HVT-600 antenna. I'm using a DigiRig with a CAT cable. I've got trees, a house, a garage & a neighbors metal garage all around me. Not the optimum conditions. Even though some may say this is computer to computer comms, you cannot do it without a radio & antenna. I wasn't getting much traffic input until i realized wsjt-x kept putting the radio on LSB when it switched bands. Switched it to USB. BOOM BAP POW! There it was! Made 4 qsos on 40 in a couple of minutes before work. Your videos have really helped me line things out. TNX 73s! N9PWW

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

Many newcomers don’t get confused at 17:15 of so. When he says “I’m sending him”. The computer is automatically doing this for you. The computer goes thru this 1 minute (4-15 second transmissions-by itself.) Think of it as once you double click on a CQ’ing station, your computer is connected to another computer in a digital “handshake” of responses back and forth. You personally are not “pushing” individual buttons responding. Just wanted to add that clarification.

[@MrJimmy440]

Thank you for this FT8, WSJT tutorial video. I have been looking for this info in detail which you just gave. I learned more here in 20 + minutes than from any other video in the past two weeks. One of my first contacts was that station from Ukraine that was on the list of stations in the beginning of your presentation. I also gave 30M a go tonight on a whim, and made contact with 2 stations. Thanks again. Jim K2WPA

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jim.Hummel]

SUPERB! Thanks for this, Hayden. You've simplified a rather complex topic...not just the "here's what it is" but the "how?" & "why?" part. The actual operation isn't so difficult...if you've set everything up properly! And I really don't know why some people grouse about the digital modes. It's still a human using radio waves to communicate with another human; it's not an automatic beacon.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Jim, you're welcome and I'm glad it helped. FT8 is good fun, in fact it was open to Europe on 10m last night from VK! The bands are hotting up. 73

[@noelfarmer4858]

This is certainly the best presentation with simple explanations for new users of FT-8 that I have seen on KZbin. Well done Hayden.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Noel, really appreciate the comment

[@Utahforrest]

Just got my FT-991A all configured with FT8 tonight before I really knew anything about it. This video got me excited to give it a go! Thanks!

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad I could help!

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Last night around 1am I made my 1st ever QSO ! HyEndFed EFHW set up as a sloper, 20m, FT8, WSJT-X, QRP, Yaesu FT-817 w/Signalink USB, 4,599 mi!!! Flatwoods Ky to Bologna Italy !!! Had a rough time getting set up due to Rig Failures and Hamlib Errors ?!?!

[@HamRadioDX]

Awesome work!

[@ernietech-101]

This is one of the better FT8 tutorials. Well done!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks ErnieTech 👍

[@alexandernevalainen]

Great video! I'm currently studying for my license and I immediately got hooked on FT8 even by only being able to listen, i have then experimented with antennas to get as strong signals into my radio as possible since starting this adventure.

[@larrydobby]

I congratulate you on your excellent presentation ...Keep up the good work all the best from Montreal Canada

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks!

[@andy2E0JIU]

Cheers hayden,after watching just 3 of your videos iam up n running on ft8 and iam terrible with computers!! Thanks loads n keep up the great work 👍

[@jdm361psu]

Thank you. Just installed WSJT-X. Your timing could not have bee better!

[@HamRadioDX]

Haha great! Have fun!

[@tonywalker2372]

Your video has helped me to understand WSJT-X much better. Thankyou.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Tony, glad it helped 👍

[@DavidVine-DOCVIDPRO]

A really excellent tutorial video. Great voice and audio quality too, lighting is perfect. You are really a pro at this and I learned a lot about FT-8 watching your work.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful and thanks for the feedback

[@W0KNI]

Thanks Hayden! One of the best descriptions, how-to videos about FT8 I've watched. Keep up the great work!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Stephen, I’m glad that it helped!

[@nyworker]

As an old timer of 55 yrs in HR, the higher power evolved when hams with money living in the urban areas and suburbs on small lots could not afford high and huge antennas. The triband beam on a roof at 30 ft running a kw was common especially for snagging dx. The evolution of receiver technology and digital modes has made power less of a factor for casual operating.

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Awesome video, I'm just getting started with FT8 and it's just what I needed.

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad I could help! Thanks

[@davidmackenzie5332]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks David for the super thanks, appreciate it and glad you found value in the video.

[@TeamYankee2]

I'm getting back into the hobby after several years and this is a brilliant video!!

[@HamRadioDX]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad it helped and welcome back!

[@johnlapham9062]

Thanks for a very clear and simple example of a WSJT-X QSO!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks John, glad it was helpful

[@Bartok_J]

Fantastic! About ten minutes later, I made my first FT8 QSO. I had just built a QDX digital transceiver kit from QRP Labs, and this made setting up the WSJT-X so much easier. First QSO was only from UK to Spain on 20 metres, so not massive DX, but I'm sure that greater distances will soon happen. Best 73, Mark G0OIW

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Mark! Glad it helped you get on the air quick and easy. 73

[@d.jensen5153]

Hopefully I'm just a few weeks behind you, Mark. QDX on its way.

[@Bartok_J]

@@d.jensen5153 You'll like it. Winding the coils is a bit fiddly, but otherwise it's reasonably straightforward to build, especially if you've constructed other kits from Hans Summers (in my case, the U3 WSPR beacon and all three versions of the QCX CW transceivers).

[@MaxlineMr]

Really nice and verry informative video, many thanks. In the right hand side of the receiving panel theres country names, how do you get those to be there.

[@Rocky-eu3ru]

Excellent video!! Big fan of FT8. I use it to evaluate my HF vertical antenna and propagation at various bands. Also fun to QSO with stations I would have zero chance of contacting from DN70 with my HOA antenna limitations on conventional HF modes. Not only is the presentation accessible with useful information, but very professionally done. Thanks!! WC0R.

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for the kind comments and good to hear you're enjoying FT8. It really is a pretty cool mode, I enjoy from the propagation aspect of things too

[@thuff3207]

I am not a JT8 fan but grid tracker is awesome makes it more fun. Thank you for sharing.

[@HamRadioDX]

No problem 👍

[@tekdragon]

this video helped me so much. i was only able to copy a handful of stations despite seeing tons of stuff on the waterfall and then i heard you say "computer time syncronization is really important for this". i went into windows settings and did a manual time sync AND BOOM!! station callsigns are scrolling passed faster than I can read :D that was a huge pro tip. thanks alot. 73

[@HamRadioDX]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Make sure you download NetTime or Dimension 4 to keep your clock up to date

[@radiorob]

Thanks for the great presentation. I found your suggested settings for the waterfall display most helpful.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Rob!

[@K1STG-Fred]

Great video, I'll be setting up on FT8 for my first time this weekend. Looking forward to it.

[@HamRadioDX]

Good one Fred! Look forward to hearing you how go

[@esoxlucius2649]

Brilliant mate, just a note to anyone using some older radios like my Icom 706 MK1. The audio auxiliary input doesn't quite have the same input audio frequency response. So anything under 500hz and over 2400 hz, you'll notice that your power output is down, as it is attenuated. Cheers Al M0UTA.

[@ronjones4069]

Thanks you. You saved me hours in trial and error and embarrassing myself on the air. Hope to see you on the air. 73

[@HamRadioDX]

You’re welcome

[@ianmc6501]

What a brilliant video , completely new to FT8 , and now I feel armed to give it a try :)

[@HamRadioDX]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes 👍

[@Geospatial_Guru]

Can I use HackRF one with FT8 , can you please make a video about SDR and Ft8?

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Hayden, Great demo of WSJT-X. When you first noticed Isreal I'm saying to myself, make the contact. Luckily you did later in the video. I need to give Grid Tracker a try. I have already downloaded it, just need to stop sitting on my hands and install it. :-) You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Don! Yes he popped up and was very strong. Glad I could work him. 73 mate

[@mharrison557]

I've really boosted my logbook thanks to FT8.. worked various countries with my lowly 10 Watts 😞👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Nice work!

[@kwilde1131]

This video is a great help in getting my 7300 working on FT8. Thanks for producing and posting it.

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it helped!

[@Triumph_Explorer]

Great video. I’ve been on ft8 this evening. For the first time. Vid is helpful on clearing up some of my ‘what’s this & that’ do. Cheers M7AHE. 73

[@pasixty6510]

Nice introduction. Thank you. One thing should be mentioned: Before starting to transmit, listen to the current traffic and watch the waterfall. Find a frequency slot of 50 Hertz that‘s not in use and set your TX frequency there (input the TX frequency or set it by -clicking there. In FT8 it is important to have your ‚own’ frequency, not only when you call CQ. FT8 is designed to have all operators work split. Otherwise it is very probable that you interfere with someone else’s signal in the frequency slot and neither signal can be decoded. Operating simplex might help to get heard by a rare station. You will find out, what those opportunities are. WSJT-X operates split automatically (it’s recommended setting is ‚fake it‘ for good reasons). Whenever you doubleclick a call, the RX frequency shifts there while your TX frequency stays the same. The software does the rest of the magic for you, hitting the right frequency and the 8 right tones.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Yes. Operating split is always the best approach and one that many operators seem to be unaware of. Especially, problematic when a desirable DX station appears. Without fail, many operators will start calling on the DX station's TX "slot". End result is, as you say, most of them will not even be copied by the DX station because they are all transmitting on top of each other.

[@ronbean8684]

Outstanding video. Used WSJT-X several years ago, but have been away from the hobby for 5 years due to health issues. Now I'm back on the radio and this video really gave me a great refresher for setting up and working FT8 with the software. Well done! See you on the waterfall. 73, Ron - KJ5XX

[@HamRadioDX]

Cheers and thanks Ron. See you on the bands!

[@dangermandave67]

FT8 is useful for confirming that the system is working, so that I can then switch over to JS8. I find JS8 much more interesting, but the lack of operators on this mode is a drawback and makes it difficult to know whether you've got everything set up properly.

[@TruthVSLies]

Exactly. JS8Call is actually useful. FT8 has very little purpose.

[@dangermandave67]

@@TruthVSLies It depends on your interest. If you just want to log contacts, for instance on a SOTA or POTA activation, and are not interested in having an actual conversation, FT8 is fine. Most of my SOTA QSOs are a quick exchange of signal reports anyway. The chasers are often piled up and I don't want to keep people waiting while I chat. But I like to have the option to chat.

[@toddpagliarulo753]

¹

[@radioguy19510]

Is there a way to get the countries in the message bar? I can see their grid swuare and call sign etc but not the coutries... Great video, thanks!

[@davidmackenzie5332]

Great video Just love your level-headed explanation of power needs towards the end.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thank you!

[@mikeaustin4749]

Thank you for this! I'm just waiting on my FT8 hardware to arrive for my new (and first) rig! Looking forward to getting on the air, and it will make a lot more sense now.

[@nativetexan9776]

How much has all of this hardware prep for FT8 cost you? Be honest.

[@HamRadioDX]

No problem Mike 👍 hope to see you on the air soon

[@CharlesHarpolek4vud]

How to adjust the signal link product for good transmission of data from the radio to the computer settings are ideal for this little box?

[@martindrury9740]

Thanks for the video. I've been using FT8 since getting my licence last year. You have highlighted some things I never knew. As a UK M7 I am restricted to 10W but I have worked Japan and Australia. 73 M7MGD

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it was helpful and awesome working Japan and Australia on 10W! Great stuff, more good openings to come. 73

[@judd_s5643]

Excellent, clearly stated and exactly what a new user needs.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks!

[@pale_2111]

I've been doing FT8 since the tail end of August 2021 with my IC-705 using a USB cable and Ferrite Torrids. Made more than 100 contacts from Ukraine to the west coast of Australia, just running 10w. Got a few QSL cards in the mail since then. Great mode to work if one is looking for DX, grid squares, counties and such. I use it with Grid Tracker software to see where my propagation is going and where the stations are located. It does get boring at times, but I sure do get a kick at seeing all those call signs coming across my screen. Being a QRPp operator, it's a great mode to work and make contacts. Working SSB is a bit of a challenge at times, but FT8 isn't too much of a challenge. Thanks for the video and hope to work you someday on FT8. 73, W4ISB.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks mate! Great stuff, glad you're having fun and enjoying it

[@Awannabestylist]

I thought I would let you know about a glitch I ran into. A recent Windows 10 update really screwed-up my audio levels in Windows and turned-on AGC. The AGC would not allow me to adjust down the received audio. It was maxed-out in WSJT X and was red and clipping. It also would not allow me to adjust the audio output power. (which limited the rig output to like 25 Watts) The "Fix" for TX Power out is to right-click the speaker icon on bottom right taskbar click Sounds Click Playback Double click Speakers 4 USB Audio Device Click levels, and adjust the slider to adjust for power out. I set mine so the top of the scale is full power on the HF rig. Click O.K. The "Fix" for the Maxed-out received audio, which shows up as Red and not green on the left bar graph of the WSJT-X software window is: Right click the speaker icon on the bottom right of the taskbar Click Sounds Click Recording Under Microphone (4-USB Audio Device- default device Double click "Custom" tab Unclick AGC You will then be able to adjust the level on the device. Set it so the left bar graph on WSJT-X is at about 70 dB on peaks of received audio. Mine is at about -4.7 dB) Click OK Attached is a listing of the Windows update number.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Great overview Hayden!! It was a big help, I just setup a separate laptop on the FT991A

[@HamRadioDX]

You’re welcome Chuck!

[@bryanw4sce]

Thank you Hayden. Great walkthrough even for someone who has used WSJT-X for several months, always learn something new from each video I watch and yours is no different. Would love a couple of videos on a Gridtracker and how you have yours configured. 73

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it was helpful Bryan. Gridtracker did take me a little while to get it how I like it, so I might just do that!

[@MrTommy001]

New to HF and love SSB voice (phone). I guess that's Old Fashioned ham radio - but I love it. I came here to see what all the hubbub is about with FT-8. So far, I'm unimpressed. I don't see the fun in this. I would miss the human voice contact which to me, is what ham radio is all about. I'm not a CW fan either. Just an old stick-in-the-mud guy I guess. No interest in PSK either.

[@mattmcconnell4814]

An excellent explanation, very concise.

[@fieldofscreams]

Finally, the video I needed. Very nice!

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad I could help!

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

Good intro 👍. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@HamRadioDX]

No problem 👍 Glad you enjoyed it

[@mdblack98]

You don't disconnect the antenna for the 30dB measurement -- that gets rid of all the noise. You just tune down or up 4KHz to find a quiet spot.

[@Markste-in]

Thanks already for the first 5 seconds! You taught me something I didn't know yet! :)

[@RedNeckSurgeyTech]

What can you communicate with ft8? Are you limited to so many words or letters?

[@TheAlchaemist]

Nothing really just the grid and report. In theory you can also send 13 chars custom msgs (useless because that includes the callsigns) . But it is quite difficult and people normally ignore them.

[@K7AGE]

Very good video. Enjoyed it. You covered everything except for Hold TxFreq and selecting an open area to operate split. 73, Randy

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Randy 👍

[@petersavage3339]

Thanks for your help with FT8 all up and running your Utube FT8 introduction for beginers WSJT-X was fantastic and very helpful . .Is there a video on grid Tracker Peter VK6YV

[@HamRadioDX]

Great to hear! Yes, we did one on GridTracker here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbXdHuClpqlhKM

[@JasonYoung-q9y]

Great work as always

[@jonathansharp5817]

Awesome video - hope to have a go at getting this setup.

[@HamRadioDX]

No worries at all! Thanks

[@mattmattb421]

Awesome stuff as always mate.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Matt

[@DavidKerr-t2u]

Can you explain the FT-8 signal report system?

[@weshowe51]

This was the key I needed to get my engine started. I find a lot of DX on both FT4 & FT8 modes, I'm wondering if that might be that this mode has helped break the language barriers for some foreign Hams. I can't speak for them, but it is an interesting question. I appreciate the work you put into this. Your seeds fell on fertile ground. - Wes

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Wes!

[@NateGeeBee]

One of the best things about using FT8 is, I don't have to deal with a conversation. I don't really want to have a long and drawn out conversation with people, I am in this hobby to make as many contacts as possible, primarily with exotic DX stations, just to see if I can do it - the science of it all as it were. I am not here to make friends over the air, although that sometimes happens. Personally, I don't need a social outlet, some do. That's their choice and I respect that and would never deter someone from using ham radio for such. FT* is the PERFECT mode for my interests in the hobby, as I suspect it is the same for many licensed amateur operators.

[@WarrenPostma]

It's taken me a few days of thinking to grasp what FT8 is trying to be. To get realtime propagation data, to make two way confirmed contacts, and have a log of those is interesting to me just because it's proof, actual data, that a certain band was open, on a certain time, and because of FT8's technical capabilities, my random wire can work the world on only 10 watts. That's fascinating. They don't want to have the stations do everything fully automatically (computer to computer without user involvement). This does leave a human in the loop, I think, and that's the other half of the puzzle solved. The creators of Ft8 aren't actually wanting a way for the computers to build a full topology of the current propagation, but rather to let amateurs make pro-forma QSOs that contain exactly and only the required minimal information. What I still don't get is if the signal reports are meaningful or automated defaults that mean nothing.

[@MrToymod]

@@WarrenPostmaI do like to have a gas on the radio , I’m interested like you with propagation etc . I think I would miss chatting after a while.

[@NateGeeBee]

@@MrToymod I spent a little time during last week's band openings working SSB dx and it made me remember why I prefer digital, the sheer number of lids that do not follow the DX Code of Conduct drove me batty. It's unreal the number of people that lack a modicum of radio etiquette. Digital eliminates (mostly) this problem.

[@Berzdex]

Thanks for posting. My question: How do you get the software to show country names? Mine does not and I can't find that option.

[@grahamjones5885]

Excellent presentation. Just a suggestion for another presentation: show how PSK Reporter works in concert with FT-8. I keep Grid Tracker on one monitor with PSK Reporter tabs for received and transmitted indications. WSJT-X runs on a main laptop screen. W5AAG

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for the great idea mate!

[@georgealbertacanadaeh1038]

Got everything connected ok I am so fascinated with this technology, so interesting. Thanks brother! George Alberta Canada 27 Jan 2022 +5c beginning to sweat!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks George!

[@ammocraft]

Also worth noting for changing frequencies with the mouse, that whilst CTL-drag changes TX and RX, Shift-drag will do TX only.

[@full_metal2452]

Does this go along with RTTY decode on the ic-705? Or is RTTY different?

[@o2bnov0307]

Will QRP be adequate? I see that the new QRP-Labs' QMX has digital capability. But, max is 5 watts.

[@kg5pte]

How about setting up an Icom 7300 using ham radio deluxe. Someone said with HRD you let that control the com port and not the radio. Thanks

[@stephenwade8093]

Its also a propagation check, and a good test of your antenna, to see how well its working,

[@HamRadioDX]

Yes 100% Stephen. Thanks for watching

[@tonybarnett508]

Hayden finally got the radio I was after just wondering with the computer control via USB which lead do I need from Radio the RS 232c TO USB, that plugs into GPS/Cat plug at the rear of Radio or the RT systems USB- 62C or the other USB that looks like a printer USB cable that has the larger square like end that plugs into the back of Radio?

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi Tony, what radio do you have mate?

[@tonybarnett508]

@@HamRadioDX Sorry I thought I put it in it is a Yaesu FT 991A

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi Tony, the only cable you will need is the printer USB cable in the back of the radio for control 👍

[@jamesknotts1546]

Great video very informative and helpful thanks

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@macbee6780]

Great and yes very inspiring content watching here from Niagara Falls Ny. This is W2YM

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnallen4751]

Thoroughly enjoy your videos. Theyre well done and very helpful. I got my ham licence in 1967, ZL3DTW, restricted to VHF and above because I didnt do Morse. I let ham radio go because I was doing electrical engineering at University. Now, at 75, I'm retired. NZ changed the morse rules so a year ago I got an HF call sign ZL3JRA. However, I have been captivated by FT8. I have an IC-7610 and an IC-9700. The issue is just now that I only have a 700mm whip on the back of the 7610 and I live in a geographical basin, surrounded by hills and mountains to a height of 1,800m. However, whilst I am not transmitting (no antenna), I have discovered that I can receive!! My question is: am I able to show the stations that I can see on the WSJT software on the GridTracker software (map of the world)? If so, how do I do that? Btw, I dont mean to be pedantic, but WSJT translates RR as "reading received". I suppose the other question I have is if I see a station on WSJT screen and one party is in Belgium and the other in Australia, is little old me in Fairlie on my whip actualling receiving RF directly from Belgium? If that's the case, FT8+whip is an amazing technology. 73s. John.

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi John. To answer your first question - yes you can. Gridtracker has a manual and installation guide in how to set this up with WSJT-X. I've yet to do a video on it yet. Also you can tell who you're receiving on the WSJT-X screen as the callsign that is displayed in the list last is the station you're hearing directly. Example VK7ABC VK7HH -11 would be VK7HH that you're hearing. 73

[@johnallen4751]

@@HamRadioDX Many thanks. Appreciate you getting mack to me.

[@peredavi]

Great content. I’ve been FT8 curious. Going to use this tutorial to jump in. 73

[@HamRadioDX]

Thank you 👍

[@barrystamper528]

Nice video but I was hoping to also see the hardware setup. How do you get the data from your radio to your computer?

[@tony2wheelz408]

This video got me to pass the CAT test, still don't get any band activity. My audio settings are correct on computer and app. thanks for your help.

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Synchronize your clock on your PC

[@tonyridlen]

Great video about FT8 KC9QVE Marion,Indiana

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Tony 👍

[@dave.ka7abb56]

Great videos on wsjt-x, thanks. I recently moved to win11 computer after successful operation with ft8 on win10. Now I get error where it’s running multiple instances, gives some options which don’t help then shuts down. Any idea what’s wrong. Also, for some reason it dumped my standard messages and won’t respond to attempts to reset them. Any idea what’s causing this and suggested fix?

[@HamRadioDX]

Hey mate, I haven't tested on Windows 11 yet, as I haven't upgraded my PC's to it. The doco on WSJT-X simple seems to say "Windows 7 or later". The multiple instances issue I have come across, sometimes they don't shut down properly. A restart of your PC will clear them all. What version WSJT-X are you running?

[@DontM8-__-]

can tech tx on their CW HF zones or only where they are allowed to tx data?

[@_N1PHR_]

100's of videos, websites etc, cannot ever get ft-8 running on my FT-710. All i get is rig control error. Once the signal was green, but now always orange or red.

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

Excellent basic walk thru.

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad you liked it and it was helpful, thanks!

[@tangoseal1]

I love FT8 - use it on my IC705 all the time and now I have a Flex 6400 so I will be using it on that. However, in response to you comment about using as little power as possible, I agree since that is the main goal of amateur radio, but FT8 is a weak signal but not a weak power mode. Though I tend to start at 10w and work my way up to 100 but I will not be ashamed to admit I have used 500 watts for those really far away and hard to reach stations. But only for that contact then I dial back down.

[@HamRadioDX]

Hi Eric, Yes as I mentioned sometimes you need to run extra power to get those contacts, but not all the time. Cheers!

[@s6a6n6d6m6a6n]

Thanks for a great instructional video, everything works as expected for me using the same setup, i however do not get the countries listed next to the Rx call. What settings can i tweak to make that work? (it shows NA where it shows country for you)

[@yobuddi]

Great explanation and demo. Thanks!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks, good to hear it was helpful

[@colinrotchell95]

hi, thanks for the info, I was running ver 2.6.pre release, i downloaded 2.5.4. and installed it but it would not run puzzling back om 2.6 for now keep the videos coming great....

[@MrZerohour1967]

Thanks for the help with this Video. One thing I cant work out, when you click on the waterfall to move your freq up to 2500Hz in the video, both the TX and RX move. When click on mine only the RX moves. Any idea why? A setting perhaps?

[@HamRadioDX]

On windows hold down the control key whilst clicking will move both. Might be the same on Mac 👍

[@MrZerohour1967]

@@HamRadioDX thank you so much, works perfect... Windows here, no idea on the mac ;)

[@nsoter1]

Thanks for a great video, I am just getting started in FT8, one question please, how do I log QSO's directly into DX labs (DX Keeper), I notice Grid tracker has this listed with a standard IP. Any help here would be great. Thank you.

[@HamRadioDX]

I'm not familiar with DX Labs (DX Keeper). Gridtracker listens on the local machine (127.0.0.1) using a specific port for WSJT-X to output data to. The software you're using may work the same?

[@jose-medero7746]

Thanks for your video!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

[@edwardmathes4559]

New Tech. Thank you so much for this video. It was extremely helpful. I've watched it a few times and am ready for my first FZT8 QSO. N2RQO

[@HamRadioDX]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks

[@jptrade8575]

Question. Can FT-8 be used in emergency conditions without the internet ?

[@HamRadioDX]

I wouldn't rely on FT8 for emergency communications. JS8Call is a free text version of FT8, that might be better