Guide to Getting Started with FT8 and QuickStart

[@f.allenrisler5303]

This old geezer appreciates what you just taught me, something a lot of the other videos failed to do. Thank you for your presentation on the basics of setting up the software and how to operate it. The wonderful thing about this hobby is that anyone can pursue whatever interests them. You do what ever you like and have fun. Sharing what you have learned and encouraging others is what it all about!

[@JFM1170]

He did explain it well better the any other videos. Most of the other videos are just a waste of time they tell you nothing on how to send and receive. This is the problem with most Ham's they always think you are at their level and it is killing the hobby.

[@rickzabrodski5767]

I have been a ham for 50 years and having you as a young virtual "Elmer" has been a delight. Just got the FT8 set up on my rig and this was a great intro. Don't worry about what is old or new. Just have fun and enjoy YOUR journey! 73 VE6GK

[@ModernHam]

Thanks for your input. I'm very glad I can offer some help with this new age of digital technology. 73 kn4mkb

[@jaxforrest4151]

i know it's quite off topic but do anyone know a good place to stream new tv shows online?

[@jamesroland3629]

@Jax Forrest Try flixzone. Just search on google for it =)

[@gideonfinley3018]

@James Roland Definitely, have been using FlixZone for since april myself =)

[@jaxforrest4151]

@James Roland thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it!

[@mikewalsh511]

Good instructors don't assume prior knowledge about the subject is possessed by anyone being instructed, and with that in mind you are an EXCELLENT instructor! Thank you.

[@ModernHam]

I know it's a little dated now. I need to make a new one. But I'm glad you found value in it.

[@mikewalsh511]

I never used any of this stuff and your video got me up and running perfectly fine so it's not bad at all. Thanks again!

[@sonnyhancock574]

Thumbs up from an "OLD Gieser" who's trying to learn new stuff. We all keep learning until we die. Regards.

[@ModernHam]

That's all we can do. Thank you.

[@wa6ati]

Nice presentation. Im 67 and really want to try this mode. Sort of tired of phone stuff on HF, VHF, & UHF. I laughed at your comment about the bladder infection. I agree with you that ham radio is suffering a drop in members. Your generation and this digital modes will help stimulate intrest in the hobby. Dennis WA6ATI

[@raydiocat]

Like the writer below, I've been a long time ham, (phone) only. Your tutorial was excellent. I had limited to no knowledge of FT8, but your video spelled it out in easy, understandable steps and has helped me immensely! Today will be my first attempt on this new venture of digital amateur radio! I wanted to thank you for your knowledge and assistance helping others! 73...

[@johnmaslowski7625]

Enjoyed the video. Was able to get FT8 up and running along with WSJT-X and GridTracker. Thanks for the tutorial. BTW I'm 70 years old, just got my ham license 3 months ago and my General yesterday and hope to get my Extra within the next 3 months. Kinda made me laugh about the old geezer part. Some of us old folks can't accept the fact that were really that old though.

[@ModernHam]

Glad you have a sense of humor and i could help! Good luck with the contacts!

[@hoenerje]

Great! This is the only WSJT-X video I've watched that cuts the rambling and gets right to the point about how to use it! I don't want to talk to some old geezer about his bladder infection for 30 minutes, either -- so FT8 works great for me, too! Thanks!

[@briantwaster5084]

Hi hi! 73

[@TVPrism]

great job on the video. I have had the rig ready for ft8 for a year and until your video came along now I am up and running thanks KB4QA Joe

[@ModernHam]

Glad to hear you got it working!

[@jtr1227]

Ham Radio must go with the times going digital to stay relevant and yet at times we can always throwback to nostalgic moments when the hobby was enjoyed with hands-on tinkerings and ingenuity.

[@Larrymar07]

Thanks for the tour. I started learning CW but gave up because I could not keep up with the speed. I love digital modes but hope the CW stays alive.

[@KRBusna87]

Old Geezer here and Ham since 1978. Brand new to the digital modes and learned a lot here. Thank you. Now, about my bladder infection.......

[@ModernHam]

I'm glad you have a sense of humor. Glad I could help!

[@Henviggdbgjt]

Thank you for introducing me to this mode. It looks interesting. -KL0T

[@michaeldunn9018]

Thanks for the great video! Just got started with ft8 this weekend and this was a huge help.

[@paulrendeiro725]

I’m one of those old hams from the 80s and I think you young guys are the best. Ham radio is all about experiments and improving the hobby keep it up. I find this fascinating and I’m getting into it myself

[@timbrusky1]

Just got into FT8, yesterday being a ham since 2005, it’s another mode. At times I get mic fright and can key up the PTT, this hopes will help me, see how easy it will later to get more involved in the nets I belong too. Than you for the video.

[@michaeld9585]

I love FT8 and your video!!! When I go home I’ll download grid tracker!!! Very nicely done!!!! AC2OY

[@randybost3876]

Good presentation. Very informative. I was 100% onboard with you right up to the 17 minute marker. You talked about how critical older or more experienced hams might feel toward the younger generations coming on board with what you like to do and then start criticizing "us old geezers" about what we discuss on the air. If you climb off your throne and talk to some of us old geezers you might find out that not everyone thinks of younger people getting into the hobby as invaders but rather that we might appreciate some of the innovations that you bring to the hobby. I am not super sensitive about being referred to as an old geezer or being criticized. What I do take issue with are hypocrites. don't be one.

[@ModernHam]

Ok Boomer.

[@N6DNPaul]

I’ve been licensed since ‘61 and never liked hearing about bladder infections either. I found cw to be a good way to maximize my dx with poor antennas while minimizing my exposure to mindless rag chewing. Thanks to CC&Rs I now find myself relegated to using a hamstick on my car. Yes, it is still fun to push the paddles and copy in my head, but everything changes and I think this sounds like a real kick, particularly given most modern ham’s limitations on antennas. Ham radio has always been about discovery, innovation and exploration. This is the most recent example of a new paradyme and I welcome it. It is particularly valuable for those of us who can’t get access to great antennas and power. Vive FT8! 73- Paul, N6DN

[@ernietech-101]

Hey Billy, good work on this video. You're absolutely right, some videos seem to think we're all experienced with WSJT-X and gloss over a lot of important elements. Sure this video is a couple of years old, but it's been helpful. 73!

[@alcampbell]

I`ve been a ham since 1988 and now i am at the point where I dont know what the hell these young hams are talking about. Yes . I am lost. LOL. Good job explaining all that stuff young man. 73`s

[@LaTortueAnarchiste]

Thank you for those explanations! I'ma also a young opperator (20 y/o) and I've started HF since around 1 or two month now, and, as a person that is more in the "old" style of radio, FT8 really bored me. Like I don't mount my 22[m] dipole after getting 20 minutes of bus, carrying my 12Ah lead-acid battery, attaching the things on trees, to just do "clic clic" on my computer (I do it all the day at work...). And, yes, I am also a bit like just wanting to do lots of contacts, dreaming of awards and big DX (even with my little 20W), but this way of working just remove all the fun I can find. With FT8, I probably won't be as happy to do Azores (from europe) than I was when I did it in SSB. And of course that voice modulations is allredy way more easyer to do that CW, but that increased the human contact that you have, by hearing the voice, the heat of the other OM that you opperate with. FT8 I feel remove that human-contact that you have by doing radio. I thing that digital is not a bad thing, but would be way beter to use for automatic stations (like using DTMF to send informations to, for exqample, a SSTV transmitter), adding possibilities instead of removing difficulties. But I can understand that some people don't care about "the true spirit of ham radio" and just want to do it like that, even some awards encourage to use ham radio like that (like the grid2 or US Counties Award, that is as I feel really long and not so interesting to do). Best 73 and sorry for my aproximate english HB9GZB

[@outnaboot]

Great video..I'm with you..I love ham radio and love the digital modes....SSB is great, CW is old school, did that in the army and hated it...but FT8 is amazing. Great job

[@gypsysoul1719]

Thanks for the video. I learned several new things - just starting in digital after a lifetime in ham radio. I hope many young folks will be attracted to ham radio through digital modes. Perhaps some will move on to building hardware and modes where there is more human interaction.

[@ModernHam]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derekreuther865]

Fantastic video! Saving the hobby = saving spectrum. Well done!

[@Geronimo-sn1pc]

Good video. Helped this real old "newbie to ft8" understand the Auto Sequence along with some other items. Time well spent by me watching/listening. Tnx.

[@bkj242]

I like your session on the use of this format. Very good and best wishes, I’ll have my Technician license in just over two weeks. Will keep this for reference and QSO later 73’s to ya!

[@beyondphoto507]

Thanks for the info. I got my first license in 1957 so I'm a geezer for sure but I'll be on FT8 for sure. I'm attracted to FT8 because it is a way to enjoy the part of the hobby that has to do with an understanding of propagation and the setup of my equipment. But I also like CW and SSB because it is interactive. . .there are some great conversationalists out there like the guy in Chile describing the view from his shack as the sun set in the Andes or the one on Prince Edward Island telling me about the winter storms or the Aussie in Adelaide that I worked on 10 meters am with 5 watts from a CB I had modified. Different strokes dude, different strokes.

[@Ron_pd3ron]

Thanks for the tip, for using gridtracker next to Ft8👍🏻👍🏻

[@kevinshieldsw1kps785]

Can’t wait to get my Hf antenna up so I can get this up and running! I’ll be using your video when I get started. -73- W1KPS

[@richardwilley7453]

Good job. I am an old guy, but I appreciate your video. Keep it up.

[@Ktmoney123]

Thanks for the video, looking to get FT8 setup soon!

[@LtColUSAF33]

Nice video--Don't apologize to us "old-geezers"--I'm 70 years old and I really want to get into FT8. I think learning morse code is easy compared to setting up FT8. I runs great once setup but, I cannot understand how to set it all up. The challenge of working a PC plus the software Apps seems impossible to me. I would gladly pay you to come to my QTH and setup FT8 on my FTDX101MP. Every video or "setup guide" I've read assumes I know how to get into my PC and setup drivers and ports--I HAVE NO IDEA how to do that. Great to have you in HAM radio--please continue to enjoy the hobby and share your obvious intellect. Peace be with you!

[@ModernHam]

I hope the video was still helpful. I may make an "intro to digital" video in the future the break down some of the concepts.

[@andygee873]

I’m an old man and have just got my Foundation license. Forty odd years ago I was a Radio Operator in the R.N. so the Morse is not a problem. Like yourself, I don’t want to talk to old farts either, so FT8 is a godsend. Great vid, very informative, thanks. Anyway, about my bladder.......

[@SilentGloves]

"I'm not really interested in talking about your bladder infection for 20 or 30 minutes." 😂 My god, that's so true. Scanning around the bands, most guys can speak for 20 minutes and not say anything. I'm lucky to live in Dayton, Ohio, so our local repeaters are active, and the conversations are genuinely engaging most of the time, but HF is another story.

[@tomsmall2479]

I'm new to FT8 - your presentation was very helpful ..73

[@lifestylehealthwealthhappiness]

Great intro to FT8, this old guy appreciates it very much.

[@ModernHam]

Glad you like it!

[@timbit7845]

thanks for the videos. recently got licensed and they have been helpful

[@TheAcidTag]

Can't wait for a video on using the Callable Roster in GridTracker where you can initiate QSOs! -N0TTL

[@wshockey]

FT8 shouldn't be controversial. It is just a mode within a wide range of technical avenues within the amateur radio hobby. The hobby has always been a hotbed of technological innovation and I'm glad to see young people getting involved in something that expands their knowledge of the underlying technology rather than playing video games or spending hours in twitter, facebook, texting or instagram, which I think are the modern day equivalent of "rag-chewing".

[@ve7vie]

I don't think it is a matter of age, but just being motivated to adopt new technology, what ham radio is all about. I am 76, was licensed in 1957, just when SSB was the new thing, good for me because I never liked CW! But ham radio is also about fellowship, on and off the air and FT8 doesn't contribute much to that. But I still like it! But don't stop there. Never stop learning and COMMUNICATING.

[@mikejosephidou9201]

Great information thanks. I agree with your sentiment the hobby must evolve like anything else 👍

[@RobertMacCready]

Been out of HR for many years. It's these types of modes that got me re-interested. So, I'm coming back to AR to do things like this. Could have used a bit more detail on setting up the WSJT-X software and I got lost with FT8 and how that relates to WSJT-X. (My 1st video on this stuff) And if it were not for the guys that came before you, then you'd probably have 2 cans and a piece of string. As an old guy once told me..."if you don't show respect, you won't get any"!

[@coderdojoAN]

Nice work dude!!! Looking forward to the next video.

[@bradmitchell1980]

Thanks for the Help, I've been calling cq on 15 with CW off and on for the last year and not much action.. so I went to the dark side and tried FT8 for the second time..Your video was very good to remember how to run the software. I had to laugh though when you were talking for quite a while about not wanting to talk to some old geiser about his bladder..anyway, I think we hams all talk a lot.. ,perhaps in different ways.. I'm an old geiser, and like cw and ssb, and won't share too much on youtube, instagram twitter etc.. but the generations behind me tell their whole life online.., keep up the good work, gotta try the grid square software you have. 73

[@M0KNM-Amateur-Radio]

Hi im new to ft8 i have a ft840 i have it connected to my pc via cat cable how do i get audio back into the radio to transmit ?

[@WW5RM]

You really need a Sound Card interface. For receive you can just run a cable from the radio speaker to the input jack on the PC sound card. But for TX it needs to be run through a audio isolation transformer. Which a Sound Card Interface has. Take a SignaLink USB for example it has its own built in sound device. This way no computer sounds go to the radio during TX. In the WSJT-X software in the audio tab under sound card it will have a option for USB Audio CODEC. Basically a external sound card. This way only the sounds from WSJT-X go to the radio. Good luck! WW5RM

[@glenc4173]

Well now I know that FT8 is used for. It will be fun seeing where I can reach with my NVIS dipole.

[@normanlemons2895]

Good basic overview for explanation on what this is ...

[@techguy9023]

Good explanation. Does anyone do PSK31 anymore? Is there a keyboard to keyboard chat program using a modulation format like the newer modes? Been away from radio for awhile

[@ModernHam]

I still do PSK31 and enjoy it quite a bit!

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

I know what you mean by "chewing the rag". I don't personally like to ragchew, but you don't have to do that. All I do is call CQ DX Europe on 20m during the daytime in the morning on a remote station and get a 200 station pileup. Pretty simple. You can work 50 guys in 10 minutes without waiting 15s to get a reply. Contesting is the same way. It is like FT8, but the contact only last 3-5 seconds. I like FT8 when there is a coronal mass ejection. Makes it a lot of fun on those days. 73 de W0AAE

[@CoHamGuy]

thanks for the great video - question 7,074.000 frequency, but in the graph you control clicked to find an open frequency??? confusing because I never saw the frequency on your radio or on the main WSJT-X window change. I'm confused??

[@LCSRacing]

Thank you for the content. Qq on that last ITA attempted contact, how long will you let the ft8 keep calling? Do you simply disable the TX button? Thanks again

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Super helpful dude

[@ModernHam]

Glad to hear it!

[@iK0NiK]

How do you configure WSTJT to show the station's country on the decode window?

[@CharlotteCaniac]

Hello. Just set up FT8 with everything but my dialogue boxes are empty. Should they be pre-filled by the application or do I need to manually configure them? Thanks

[@denniscarslake3153]

I have found your ft 8 video a great help as I am now getting started. Can you please advise on the most suitable antenna please. I have restricted garden space. Thanks

[@Francois_Dupont]

somebody could help me? i am in north america and it looks like most people are sending FT8 on 40m 7.076mhz and not 7.074mhz as in the pre-set. is it normal?

[@w0sdjhijodejuan198]

Great video as its helped me get set up and make 20 contacts this weekend. I'm struggling to figure out how to adjust the meter in the lower left corner. Any advice would be very appreciated. My meter never goes over 50,

[@Stepclimb]

I’m a relatively new ham. I’ve figured out PSK-31 and this video is very helpful to get FT-8 up and running. My question is: Does anyone use FT-8 to have a conversation? Or is it only limited to exchanging signal reports?

[@jermanoid]

FT8 isn't just for HF, It works on VHF/UHF as well. It's included on the ICOM IC9700. I'm not sure how widely it's used yet, I just know it's there.

[@rick2194]

Great video. Can you explain how you set the Digivox level on your transceiver? Thanks, Rick

[@donh5794]

Nice video. Is there a situation when the transmit frequency is offset from receive? I read an instruction that simplex with no offset could cause some problem.

[@dirkderemojr.3316]

Thanks for the clear and too the point presentation bro. Some of the more "popular" ham channels with the cringe thumbnail get too autistic and off track with this stuff and don't actually explain anything.

[@FrancoDX]

Haha, did you say ‘bladder infection’? 😅 I’m in my 50’s and only just started using FT8, didn’t think I’d like it but it’s addictive. Agree with what you said and most of the comments, it’s just another mode and is a good way for people to communicate especially that live in restricting conditions. Simplex Gateways on VHF/UHF also get some stick as being “not proper radio” but again, some guy living in a tower block that cannot install yagis, wires and verticals can talk around the world. How that can be a bad thing I do not know but a minority of people have a massive ego in this hobby. Anyway, enjoy yourself and thanks for the informative video. 73

[@ModernHam]

Wish we had more people like you around. Thanks for your comment. I was a little younger when I made this, some of my views have changed. But in the end it's just another way for people to play radio.

[@paulhastings3109]

Have not used did tracker need to check it out.

[@yungerallenelectricalcontr6415]

Love your videos man! I personally prefer Psk!

[@eswnl1]

I used to do a lot of PSK31, never used macros and always typed messages live. Most users were not into chatting which I can understand when your first language is not English and hence macros were more convenient.

[@tony2wheelz408]

ya know what sucks? Yaesu (I have a dx 10) isn't an option to ask for assistance. I clearly have something wrong in the settings. You've been helpful but cant help me. I have the cat cable and am unable to get any sort of band activity. any help would be helpful. Thanks

[@sptvids]

Good video, I'm new to HAM but enjoy FT8, I think its a great addition to HAM & if you wana chat about bladders, the option is there too. 73

[@rpgiuliani]

I'll give it a try after 40 years.

[@Chiefarndt]

Thank you for the effort and video!! Somewhat of an old guy but not old enough to bitch about my bladder... 😂 just new to ham. For the auto messages the tx1 through tx6 what is the ‘format’ to type in? Thanks and cheers 🍺🍺

[@fr.timothyhall3082]

excellent content man!

[@timhostetler5458]

Nicely done.

[@gbamck]

Looking forward to watching this when KZbin sorts itself out! How are things going with the HF wire to the tree?

[@ModernHam]

After getting it up in the top, it's working well. The tree tends to move some when the wind is blowing, making is loose or tight sometimes, but nothing too bad. Hope you enjoy the video. Lots of digital stuff coming up.

[@gbamck]

@@ModernHam good to hear. Cheers for the videos 👍

[@GunsandRadios]

Thanks for the video I find the personal part is looking at the contacts log or qsl card. Have you ever tried doing a multi cast with HRCC ?

[@akeem11h]

Great work, keep it going

[@pgrundle]

Awesome video, rookie question. Where does the software log the qso's too?

[@ModernHam]

To a adi file lcoated in C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\WSJT-X

[@pgrundle]

@@ModernHam Thank you!

[@markh1938]

A video of the settings on the ft450d would be really helpful, I’m lost in the sauce trying to get interface cable or signalink working.

[@ModernHam]

I think I can swing this. This video here covers a lot of it, but I can make something more in-depth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpKxaadtlrCjpdE

[@michaelsatterfield6541]

Thank you for sharing!

[@kd5aj]

This is well done.. however, it is a bit dated.. alot of changes have happened.. I suggest you update this video for new hams to learn this mode of operation. Great Job.. on the video!!

[@ModernHam]

Yeah I think it's due an update as well. Might get around to it here soon. Thanks

[@ParanormalBiker]

can you run the program without a radio? just to see how things work. I dont have an HF rig yet.

[@georgelocations8097]

NO

[@Sky1]

I have been doing digital modes for years, they tend to bore me after about an hour. CW never bored me ever.

[@kd9pbq660]

Funny comments toward the end. Not all of us older guys are rag chewers and as someone who is just starting out in amateur radio I find it difficult to learn Morse code particularly in our digital world. Hope to work you sometime and tell you about my bladder infection-HA! Thanks for the video.

[@mateuszdrab]

I am also a relatively young a new HAM. Young in this context is that I'm 28 but hey I did pick up my interest in ham radio 5 years ago. Anyways, I do feel you about the controversy, IMHO, it's just the evolution of the hobby. Some could say that packet radio is pointless. The reality is that HAM radio is pointless to many young people who grow up with mobile phones from day one. As one said, amateur radio is a hobby of hobbies and it's about finding what works for you. I'm also not very interested in talking being naturally a listener type but the idea of FT8 or even SSTV happening passively next to me whilst I am working is what interests me. Shall we make an ft8 contact? 😊

[@rachmielbenberel]

The matter which disturbs a number of old time operators is not the fact that FT8 is a digital mode (FT8 encryption can be used for op to op manual qsos by means of JS8CALL, allowing for very efficient, secure, low power operation with message forwarding, message storage, and other useful features--very important in emergency comms). The issue arises, however, when the satisfaction from operating is degraded to merely one of a high tech version of digital voyeurism. Granted, low power digital is very useful for discovering propagation, comparing antennas, and so on. But one cannot compare the skill required for a QSO via FT8 to that of a 35 WPM QSO in CW--with the only encryption/decryption tools being a Vibroplex bug and the operator's brain. Admittedly, if one prefers to operate via data mode only--allowing the radio and the computer to have all the fun--its their right to do so. Nonetheless, others might think of it as merely digital masturbation.

[@creepingmee]

How's the 'ol bladder doing?

[@rachmielbenberel]

@@creepingmee A lot better than your brain is!

[@stigtheghost]

I love ham radio I don't like to talk on the phone or RADIO at all so PSK-31 or FT8 is what I want to do but I like analog to digital its fun!

[@paulhastings3109]

Just watch your video. Good content and what it does. tnxs KQ4CD Paul

[@dougtaylor7724]

The ultimate social distancing tool.

[@charlesgreen6184]

NICE KEEP UP THE HOBBY

[@SuperJV4x]

is it just making contacts or do people share content?

[@ModernHam]

Really, just making contacts with a few exceptions.

[@jaywardjulian6163]

Really nice tutorials video I'm just newly with Ft8. Can you kindly teach me on how to transmit and send? And also your message format from 1 to 6 on the lower right of the screen, what are the samples that I can put in there? I would really appreciate it 73 kh2zz

[@mikekoffler7312]

Enjoy FT8!

[@WW5RM]

Yeah its guys who say computers are not Ham Radio or real radio. Well a real radio back in the day was a spark gap transmitter! Who has used one of those in the last 100 years? NO ONE! All of these modern Transceivers have a computer chip! I think most rigs have had a computer chip for a couple decades now. So are they not real radios either? lol Ham Radio is supposed to be about "Advancement of the radio art"! Its on the exam! Honestly I hate the fact CW was removed from the exams because there is no longer a hands on proficiency part of the exam. But its just a sign of the times I guess. Some countries you use to have to build a transceiver to pass certain exams. I suck at CW! I passed my 5wpm but never have been able to get above 10wpm over the years even after practice, practice practice so here I am. I think FT8 is an awesome QRP mode for portable. It just requires that you carry more equipment. I have a PSK31 app on my phone and used it a few years ago but PSK31 seems dead. Hopefully they will make a FT8 app soon. WW5RM

[@Greywolf3]

Great video! w0xs

[@CocolinoFan]

What do you mean "contacts", "getting contacts", I don't get it. I see numbers, I see call1, call2, what's the point of all of this?

[@CocolinoFan]

Ok, again, whats the point? If you send a guy "hello, this is the strength of your signal to me" and he does the same, and then what? WHAT IS THE POINT?

[@CocolinoFan]

But you only send a handful of predetermined messages. Your not communicating. I don't understand.

[@pietrogazzera5733]

Good vid! No need to such a justification. A mode is a mode. The same said someone when voice was added to morse code! 73 de IU0EUI (fmr IK0RKR)

[@donaldsmith3048]

If all you do is just log calls there isn't much. Sending messages is what many want to do. Can you send me a message? If all you do is just log contacts to get an award you haven't done anyone any good. Can you handle traffic from a disaster zone to help someone in need? I want to have fun but I also want to be able to help when someone needs a massage relayed from a disaster! I am new and your information helps me learn so I can set up my radio, so I can help relay traffic for a disaster! I just set up winlink. I will do what I can to relay messages for others. There is a way to send a message to one station that can it to another station, if there system is set up to automatic!

[@ModernHam]

If you are looking for disaster relief you will probably want to use a more local frequency such as 2m. In those events 2m repeaters are usually setup to relay messages and you can use aprs to show geo location and send messages as well. Winlink os a good option, which is also avaliable on 2m. But I would steer clear of ft8 in a disaster relief scenario if it were me.

[@donaldsmith3048]

@@ModernHam 2M will not work Puerto Rico, Bahamas or Haiti to the US. The last Hurricane I was in the power was out for some time. I can run my radio from batteries and recharge with my truck not sure about the repeaters. Can you send messages with that or just get points?

[@sergiodantas5127]

This is not easy for a beginner. If you don't have a helping hand it w'ont work. That's areal challenge today in amateur radio: learning FT8!! . FT8 is not really easy to start! 73

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

Like it! 73 de KE0STO

[@paulhastings3109]

Can I add I been off the air for 20 plus years and the digital modes are a big curve. Computers and I don't like each other lol