Getting started with FT8

Getting started with FT8
WSJT-X download: physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/...
FT8 manual:www.physics.princeton.edu/pul...
If you are shopping for electronic components, test gear or consumables please consider visiting my Amazon shop @ www.amazon.com/shop/learnelec....
Please check out www.patreon.com/learnelectronics and pledge a dollar if you can. It will go a long way to keeping the channel alive. It costs a bit of money to buy all the items and produce these videos. You help is appriciated.
Or....if you'd like to send a one-time donation you can use this link: paypal.me/learnelectronics
FAQ:
Me: Paul, 49 from USA
Education: United States Navy, University of California at San Diego B.S. E.E., University of Pittsburgh M.S. E.E.
Experience: United States Navy STS, Bayer Intnl Process Engineer, C.C.A.C AP of EE
Current: Retired
Health: BAD (Congestive Heart Failure)
Hobbies: Electronics, flying, amateur radio, music (classic rock)
Low cost, professional PCB's: www.pcbway.com

[@TheRadiogeek]

Very interesting! Thanks for showing us how it works. Happy DX.

[@learnelectronics]

Thanks

[@thienv4843]

888888i8888888

[@thienv4843]

888888i8888888

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thank-you so much for this! As you say, there are plenty of vids telling you how great FT8 is but few telling you how do it....and this one does, superbly!

[@alaska3333]

Very well and to the point explained! I'm still learning the ins and outs of FT8 and your instruction was very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@keeterp7522]

best explanation I have seen...Even though it was prepared 5 years ago it's perfect. Thank you

[@SOGGadget]

Probably the best ft8 video out. Covers items the others I watched didn't. Thanks for the thourogh instruction video.

[@cutpow]

I've spent a couple of days viewing KZbin vids on ft8 ( I thought my eyes were gonna glaze over). While most of the videos have some useful information, I found this one to be the best one of the lot. Thanks for posting.

[@JohnBairBirch]

Best video I have found using FT8 for new operators. Thanks for understanding your target audience beginners. Now going to look and see if you have any RTTY videos or HRD videos. Thanks for putting this together.

[@paulburrell1062]

Thank you for sharing! I’ve been off HF since the early 90s and this is all new to me. I am approaching retirement and decided to get set back up with all new equipment. Less than a month ago I connected a Raspberry Pi to my FT991a and scratched my head a bit. This video helped me begin to make contacts. One other thing that is wonderful about this: I have hearing problems now and FT8 let’s me work stations that are out there. I still prefer a rag chew but for getting DX under my belt this is the way to go. 73s-WA4HTG

[@reefcyclist]

I'm very new to FT8 and I've watched a few videos. This by far the best so far..thanks!

[@JeffHochberg]

Undoubtedly the best video I’ve seen thus far on how FT8 works and how to use WSJT-X! Thank you so much for putting together such a great video!

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you.

[@briancheshire1113]

This is one of the best videos I've seen on how to use FT8 .... thanks

[@JimHoward]

This video was exceptionally helpful to me in setting up WSJX-X with my new Icom 7100! So much discussion of FT-8 talks about how to design and manufacture the car. I just wanted to turn the key and go down the street. You did that for me! 73 de KE5WAN

[@brian.7966]

This has to be the best tutorial on jt8 yet thank you regards from the UK>

[@bradwelton5399]

Really helpful vid on FT8. I am brand new to using my 7300 with FT8 and WSJT-X, and hv only made 2 contacts. I can't wait to get back to my shack armed with your info from this great video.

[@rachmielbenberel]

One of the better videos explaining how to communicate via FT8 after everything is all connected and set up. Much better than some others promoting "and then a miracle occurs" approach.

[@memorgan1]

Excellent video, greatly appreciated. Exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it !

[@Veetheoneandonly]

Very good tutorial. Just getting started. Anxious to get on the air and do this! Still learning how to set up my FTDX-101D for FT8. I've subscribed to you channel. You are a good teacher! Thanks for this informative tutorial. Vee W7IBB Utah

[@DavidAllen682]

Really good explanation and tutorial for ft8 use, this is a must view for anyone interested in using it, thanks

[@alanjones3873]

Exactly what I needed on my first try after loading and setting up, Thanks

[@dyginn]

Thanks, very helpful video. Having learned by watching other hams, this filled in the gaps nicely.

[@snugs4911]

Thanks for a great tutorial for those of us just getting started in FT8!

[@supremetalentco]

Thank you. Just started running FT8 and didn't know a lot of operational things you talked about. 73

[@timpastor3054]

Outstanding video! You're right, most posts on ft8 are of little value to a greenhorn on ft8 like me. This video was direct to the point and very easy to follow! Thanks much. 73. Tim, N8HUS.

[@learnelectronics]

73 WW8PR

[@stevenharris4151]

Excellent vid - explained a lot that I was struggling with - thanks!

[@robertroche4220]

Thanks very much - I was really unclear about how the automated macros worked and how to enable them etc. Yours is by far the clearest video showing the steps through a QSO. I will give it a go. I have returned to the hobby after 30 years qrt, and am finding all the new modes and operating practices very interesting. Hope to work you down the log. 73 Rob G1VXD

[@n2viewing]

Very good video. I am late to getting into the FT8 mode and your video was very informative.

[@bevo65]

Nice tutorial. You're right -- lots of videos don't give you the nuts and bolts.

[@douggrace8887]

Very well explained. Best to date. Thank you. I saved your video for future viewings.

[@quadcathippiedrone9282]

Fairly new to HF less than a year. I am interested in the digital modes. This gives me a much better idea of what ft8 is. Very interesting thank you, 73.

[@learnelectronics]

I'm new as well.

[@dans4786]

Excellent video. Very clear, easy to understand. Thank you.

[@dannyandrews6100]

Thanks for sharing. I'm about to get started in ft8, so this really helped a lot. Greatly Appreciative!!!!! 73

[@TheBrforsberg]

Thanks for the great video. Made my first FT8 contact during watching your video.

[@learnelectronics]

Awesome! Congrats

[@chrisotc]

Very cool info showing the reporter website helped me figure i was getting out pretty good tbough no qso. Yet. Thanks

[@patluvsvettes]

Thanks for the video! Waiting for my Signalink to arrive so I can get on the digital modes with my FT-818.

[@TASCvideos]

Really helpful video for someone who is just starting like me.

[@statesideqsod]

This is very good. Thanks for posting.

[@ChrisDP1644]

One of the BEST videos to watch WSJT-X Many Tks G0MRR

[@cdkilo77]

Great video! I'm plenty familiar with the digital modes on fldigi but with the horrible conditions out there I decided it was time to give ft8 a try. Its definitely a little different from the older digital modes and I was having some issues but your video was a big help. Thank you de KC3FNG.

[@learnelectronics]

Glad I could help!

[@georgewashington7444]

Thanks man! Exactly what I need from a fellow Ohioan (NorthEastern) my goal is to make some FT8 QSOs with the iC705 tomorrow!

[@RobertMacCready]

I have found that the biggest hurtle to get to FT8, is the setup. I went from a Yaesu FT DX10 to an FT 710 and they are both a nightmare to setup. If you know a local ham that's been there and done that with a radio just like yours, then you "might" have a chance to get your system set up in a week or 2. But if you're a com port and computer geek, you just might get it to work.

[@jaescalantel2]

Hi , Jose EA4IL, I´ve been researching with a rx problem and I discover with your video the Key about the syn of the hour !!! thanks

[@jarmstrong2843]

Great Explanation on WSJT-X and its use.

[@DJChrisArgueta]

Great video tutorial. I need to adjust my ALC.

[@gartmorn]

This is really interesting Paul. I think it's important to emphasise the historical importance of amateur radio and how it got to where it is today. It's also worth pointing out that Ham operators do actually converse and this is just one flavour in the radio operators repertoire! I know from my dxing days that it's a bit like climbing mountains - because it's there!

[@learnelectronics]

Yes indeed. Ham radio has something for everyone. There's the electronics aspect of building and maintaining your open gear. The thrill of talking with someone on the other side of the world. The challenge of learning CW. The EmComm aspect of bring able to communicate during a crisis and the fun of all of it. But right now we are at the bottom of solar cycle 25 and the bands are not great. So a week signal mode like FT8 let's folks not versed in CW get out there until things pick back up. And for those that say digital modes aren't real ham radio, I would counter that CW is the original digital mode and voice comms didn't come until much later.

[@gregsaiter3768]

Hi Paul, Thanks again for all your help. I have watched this video about 20 times now. Now that I have made a few contacts everything makes a lot more sense. Greg...

[@davecunningham4861]

Thanks for the informative video. As a ham of over 20 years, I dont get how you can spend hours trading grid squares and signal reports. I guess I prefer the freeform conversational modes. But I appreciate how well you displayed how the mode works. 73

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video. I am new to the channel and a new HAM. I just passed my Technician and General Test’s at the Cowtown HAMFest. 73

[@learnelectronics]

Awesome, welcome to the club

[@EnochianBorg]

This is great for figuring out how far out your signals can get but what about actually communicating messages with the other stations other than the radio data and signal etc... ??? The whole point of communicating with others is to talk to them mostly...

[@learnelectronics]

Then you want JS8. FT8 is signal ex only.

[@richardfearn2723]

Great explanation for beginners like me for FT8

[@RobertMacCready]

Well done. Thanks! Sub'd and liked. Ordered my 7300 and now for a wire antenna and some of this interesting software.

[@NitroGuyJH]

I’m not a HAM operator but I still enjoy this type of content.

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you.

[@woopteedeewoopteedye]

I'm about to step back out to my plastic tent with a small electric heater within a yet uninsulated bigger ham shack on top of a freezing windy mountaintop. My setup is ready to go, saw wsjtx and ic7300 receiving properly. I only recently made my very first contact and second on 20m ssb. My third has to be through FT8. Thanks!!!

[@Rick-se5qm]

Very helpful, thanks for your effort.

[@learnelectronics]

Welcome. I'm making about 30 contacts a day.

[@snowdiddley4634]

Thank you,awesome video!

[@Ham-Radio-3945]

Thank You! Great instructional video

[@jaywardjulian6163]

Thanks for the great explanation about using FT8 I'm a newly and definitely can and learned a lot already. Thank you much and 73 from the beautiful island of Guam. KH2ZZ

[@rafaelbouet5157]

Thanks for the video!

[@WN8HGZ]

very well done finally a teaching video thank you de wb8idy in swansboro nc

[@Liberty4Ever]

You for that excellent introduction to FT8.

[@learnelectronics]

Welcome

[@davethedaemon9024]

Thanks. Wannabe ham here. It's on my bucket list. Just letting you know this is still helping someone over a year later. Finally got this working with my new SDRPlay RSPdx thanks to you. For time sync, I've used "Dimension 4" for over 10 years now. www.thinkman.com/dimension4/ Once configured to point to an NTP server, it works automatically in the background. I've checked it against WWV and CHU Canada and it's always spot on. Thanks again. Your vids are always informative.

[@flightsimnutuk9068]

Best tutorial thanks dude

[@dcrodwell]

OK...I'm hooked. Got excited a few years ago SDR, bought some cool gear but found it fraught with peril. I fiddled farted around for months with no success. I have a Kenwood TS 570...ancient by some standards but I remember we used to have radios with valves as the Brits say! My challenge will be to see what is possible with what I already own...but since QRP sounds like a great option, getting a new tiny QRP rig with whatever sound card/other geewhiz gadgetry it needed. Thanks for a super informative video! 73 DE: David WB0QOA K

[@djMikeMas]

Great Video on FT8 very intuitive and I learned a few things thank you Mike N2mdx 73's

[@learnelectronics]

Thank you. Im still learning it myself.

[@djMikeMas]

@@learnelectronics the hobby that keeps giving lol

[@maxpi11]

Good video, kudos!! I watched a half dozen self aggrandizers, idiots [one guy pointed to the left pane and said it was the right and vice versa], and two or three that talked at length about everything EXCEPT how to make a contact.... this video is perfect for content: just what you want to know to make a contact. I made my first contact only after watching this video and the internet owes me about an hour of time back wasted on junk videos...

[@learnelectronics]

Awesome

[@Aussat]

Thanks Paul, this explains it well, your right very little show how so good on you, Been out portable ans was a little lost until I re visited your video, Thanks again 73 ZL1MY

[@da1443sta]

Excellent for a new user. thanks.

[@learnelectronics]

Most welcome.

[@timcarnahan3391]

Very informative video on FT-8

[@learnelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@WH6FQE]

It’s a Weak Signal program, not a weak power program. You can still operate at the legal limit without blasting if your station is set up properly.

[@msmolly3082]

Great help!

[@NavyFE]

Outstanding info,thanks for making it! 73’s

[@jrlawrencelaw]

Fantastic! The most informative video on FT8 I found. Thanks.

[@boblukens6253]

Thankyou very much Helped me tremendously.. Great vid.. 73'

[@learnelectronics]

Welcome 73!

[@ve1dac819]

Very nice video!

[@robdf9024]

Thanks for clearing my doubts. I used it for the first time on Thrusday last week and got lost with the colors. I just need now to understand a bit better the waterfalls and adapt them to my screen so I can see better the graphs. 73 de Rob 9J2RD

[@jsollowsphotography]

Great information!!

[@paulhastings3109]

Tnxs now I might get this digital mode. If not I'll be back with questions 73 Paul

[@blainecolbry3192]

Best instructional video I've seen on FT8. I would be interested to know how to sync my clock to time.is though. Mine shows 1.5 sec fast.

[@learnelectronics]

Hi Blaine, I just use an app called NetTime 3.14 go to www.timesynctool.com

[@johnbenitz3209]

Thanks for the video. If helped. Noticed the East Liverpool on the slide I am from Wellsville. Thanks again 73 AC8JB

[@learnelectronics]

Cool, I'm in Toronto.

[@donh5794]

Very helpful video. When does the decode button need to be pressed? Also, are the messages automatically generated or does the generate message button need to be pressed the first time? After opening and setting up the program, only the cq message there.

[@michaelsavage9493]

A brilliant video Sir,Thankyou. 73 ,2I0MGK. Hillsborough. N.Ireland.

[@adriansalt4521]

Just wanted to say this is for sure the best WSJT-X tutorial out there. You really explain things properly and clearly. If you don't mind, may I ask why your transmit and receive must be on different frequencies? And also, is there a way to allow WSJT-X to receive signals from other people and upload them to PSK reporter automatically? Just one other question, my set up seems to work, I.e. I can get WSJT-X to transmit fine BUT when I press the 'test' button in the radio interface tab, it does nothing - it doesn't turn green or red. Is that OK? I am using an FT-891 with Raspberry Pi3b+.

[@learnelectronics]

They don't strictly have to be on separate frequencies but it is a best practice. If you're transmitting at the same time somebody trying to transmit to you you won't be heard.

[@borisdorofeev5602]

Not really into HAM radio but it looks interesting. Ill have to learn a little more about it first. Just one minor suggestion; You sould use OBS screen recorder to make videos dealing with programs. It's just that the footage of your monitor comes out pixelated. Great video as always though.

[@learnelectronics]

Obs crashes my laptop

[@borisdorofeev5602]

Yea, sometimes that software does weird things. Regardless, thank you for the video since it has piqued my interest in communications and HAM radio. I'm not required to take a comm. course for my degree, but I think I'll try to learn as much as I can on my own and go from there. I already have the wikipedia page on amateur radio open to get a rough view of the topic. Thanks again, and I'll be looking forward for new videos regarding this subject.

[@g33z3rhd]

Thanks for the video, really cleared a LOT of things up. One area I am still a bit confused on is the messages. Do those populate automatically or is that something you have to configure? I assume you have to configure those but I am fuzzy on that front. Again, thanks for the video!

[@learnelectronics]

Its 100% automated

[@g33z3rhd]

@@learnelectronics Thank you! I have made 20 contacts in a couple of hours and everything is working perfectly!

[@CripSkillz]

Thx good vid

[@recumbentogiro26]

I'm new and have yet to get all my equipment. This video is most helpful as I figure out which way I'm going first. Have you had any experience with FT8 Call?

[@learnelectronics]

I have not. But I do plan to try it soon. As of the time I write this, it is now called JS8Call. There seems to be some rumbling between Joe Taylor (creator of WSJT-X) and this new format.

[@nikprice2067]

I'll keep an eye out for your callsign appearing on my screen here in the UK. I've crossed the pond regularly on 20m, but I don't think I've managed in on 40 with FT8. I have with WSPR though using 2W. 73 de M1DOX.

[@learnelectronics]

I'll look for yours as well

[@goodcitizen]

lol Mr. Obvious, Great Video....got me on the air with FT-8 thx 73

[@hamout227]

Could you do a video on the Icom 7300 setup for FT8?

[@beaulacer1161]

I'm still having trouble, I'm using a Ft450D using a audio cable and I cant seem to get anyone to answer me.

[@MrPenguin098]

Our local college is now offering first entry level ham radio class. Plus you get a baofeng radio for $35, text book n exam. 5 week course. (Hope I spelled that radio correctly). Of course I'm enrolling.

[@learnelectronics]

That's a good price for everything. And don't listen to what the old fuddy-duddy's say about Baofengs. They are just pissed off they paid $200 for their Kenwood or Yaesu or Icomm handheld. You should learn this in your course but if you don't, remember this one thing: it doesn't matter how many watts you push or how much you spend on your rig. The most important thing in your setup is the antenna. Without a good antenna your signal isn't going anywhere.

[@BrianJ00]

Great video, sowed me where I was going wrong. 73

[@Cooldaddycars1]

So are you still connected with just an audio cable or are you using a different interface? 73!

[@gregsaiter3768]

A very interesting video. How did you learn all of that stuff? I have a few questions but first: I have an IC-7300. I have WSJT-X all set-up. 1. How do you set up the power and audio settings and ALC so that you are not over driving anything. 2. The signal strength report looks cryptic. +07, -.03. I don't get it. 3. In settings I have baud rate set to 11520,you have 4800?? 4. In the green scale on the left you mention making adjustments to avoid overdriving. How are the adjustments made?? Thanks for you help!! Greg, KO8A

[@learnelectronics]

Hi Greg, I learned most of that stuff simply by experimenting with what works and what does not work. The power and audio settings are under the connections menu and are the USB mod levels. The signal reports as far as I understand refer to the level above and below the noise floor. I think I read somewhere that ft 8 is good 2 - 24 below the noise floor but -24 what I don't exactly know. If you have any more questions feel free to email me and I'll try and help... [e-mail]

[@johnzorella4700]

Does the FT8 program engaged your antenna tuner, to keep your swr in check? Thanks

[@resiggy13]

So is the point simply to have a semi-automated way to see how far away you can send and receive a digital packet a sort of health check for your ham shack and antenna system? Not sure I see the interest in letting a piece of SW carry on a limited data exchange while the operator sits back and watches the screen. Maybe I'm missing something?

[@patluvsvettes]

Using WSJT-X tonight, I noticed that it has the date one day ahead of my correct date. For example, it shows the date as 2022 Feb 15, even though it's really Feb 14 where I live. I know the time is in UTC, so is that normal? Do I need to change it to the correct date when I log a contact?

[@tglenn3121]

Thanks for the video. One thing I'm puzzled about is that the 'Auto Seq' box is checked, but the actual steps don't seem to be happening. I keep having to manually switch from one step to the next. Any ideas why that might be happening?

[@learnelectronics]

No. I would delete and reinstall WSJT-X.

[@JP-rt1to]

Awesome content but the title is misleading... it jumps right into using the installed program, not how to set it up for the 7300 you referenced. Great content though, I'm going to look for a getting started version of this. Thanks!

[@learnelectronics]

Sorry to dissapoint

[@user-hx2me8bg8e]

I want to know the software for design electronic circuit.

[@old-timeangler5356]

This mode is new to me, how are the macro's set up and is answering automatic with the software??