Very informative video and very well done! I have been absent from HAM radio for the past 9-10 years and I am just now re-entering the hobby. I have a lot of catching up to do concerning the digital modes. This video was a tremendous help and much appreciated. I too prefer good ole' CW and was previously not a fan of the digital modes. But I live in an HOA community with restrictions and my antennas will be compromised in the 20'x20' garage attic...lol! So making low power contacts in noisy conditions will be of interest to me.
Hi Cliff, thanks for the well produced and paced video. New to FT8 so wanted a clear and concise video with practical examples and found it here. 73's Darrin
Hey Cliff. I had it installed and ready to go but I just needed someone to take me through a couple of contacts. You video hit the spot, exactly what I needed and thank you. It's funny what a difference 5 months make though, all the talk seems to be about FT8-CALL now.
Thanks Cliff! I’ve been sitting around for a week waiting for a CAT cable for my FT -827nd and you showed me I really don’t need it. I had mistakenly selected the Yaesu FT-817 for CAT control assuming my SignaLink would do it but it doesn’t. I set CAT control to NONE and just made my first dozen QSOs! 10 states on 20m plus Cuba on 17m. 5w to a Cushcraft R-5. 72!
I'm a computer network engineer by profession and I deal with global data routing and switching issues at work and when I get home, the last thing I want to inter-act with more digital type driven devices...call me old fashion but for me, nothing replaces the good old human interaction QSOs and CW included...I got out of this hobby some 30 years ago and got involved with digital stuff, just got my licensed renewed this year and so much as changed since I last pressed my CW keys and mic...cheers and 73s...Dan (KM6VMR) By the way, thank you for sharing
I definitely see that side of it. I have loved all sorts of areas of computers to including networking.....which is why I didn't want to do it for a living.....My aunt and uncle can't stand medical drama's but that is probably because they work hours and hours and hours as real physicians! For me, what I do to put bread on the table and pure joy will always be different....certainly cross over but if I go overboard I tend to get burnt out. 73 de K2NJO - Nate.
Thanks for this video! Well made and excellent. I like how you have a mic close to your mouth! I've seen so many videos where the speaker is so far away from the mic that it's so annoying and difficult to understand clearly. You got to the point and now I fully understand how to have a qso in FT8. Will give it a try! Oh, btw, I prefer psk-31 and RTTY!
Cliff, Thanks for this video that I can use just to see if I am getting out. I too like CW more than other modes. Good seeing you at Xenia this year. Dave K8WPE
Cliff, My computer has made several contacts with other computers using FT-8. Not my favorite mode, but like you said it does help when making contacts with a compromised antenna. 73 - KD5ET
Funny, F6CXI lives a few km away from where I was born and raised. I'm back on the air after a couple of years off. I was mostly using FT8 on a 6BTV. I'm living in an apartment ground floor so the antenna is really an issue. Still, I was able to make some contact on 20m using an MFJ 1621... Great mode for bad condition 73 de N2FLA
Cliff, thank you so much for this video. I'm completely new to digital modes but a friend suggested FT8 to me so after getting an SCU-17 for my FT-950 I downloaded WSJT-X, all on Friday. I seem to be all connected and receiving signals, but haven't yet hit the TX button. I'm also trying to get RTTY set up with DXLab and WinWarbler, but that's a lot more complicated. I do have a question though, in your settings in the main window bottom middle where it says TX even/1st, we both have that unchecked but I noticed underneath that your Tx is different to mine, mine is set at 1500 Hz. Also below that my Report box says -15 and yours says -11. Is that a settings thing? I haven't altered anything, only set up the rig control. Also in the main menu at the top my Decode option is set to Deep, is that right? 73 Tammie M3ENF
lvgdkarma it's a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 that I've had for several years. It's a very thin Windows computer that is my main ham radio hobby computer. It's thin and light, great for travel and working portable. -Cliff
Thanks for FT8 overview. I'm just wondering if their is a practical use for it. Like you, I still enjoy CW. It's an efficient mode, no computer required and you're actually talking to someone. I feel that Modes like FT8 are turning us into robots.
Hey, Michael. You might want to check out the JS8Call protocol/software. The author took the FT8 source code and modified it to become a keyboard-to-keyboard protocol so hams could type messages to each other. If PSK31 and FT8 made a baby, it would be JS8Call. Check it out here: js8call.com/
Michael, I agree completely! Ham radio has almost become, “Hey Computer……I want my DXCC award before club meeting next week. Let me know when it is complete. Thanks!”
Thank you for the time/effort of sharing information about Ham Radio operations...I have not installed the FT8 software yet, so the answer to this question may become self-evident when I do, but re: the "signal reports" in your screen captures, I see numbers such as "-19" and "-16"...in which direction do these numbers need to go to indicate better signal? For example, of the two I used above as example (-19 and -16), which is better? Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR EDIT: Is that your duckling, or...?
Hello, Raymond. When it comes to the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) values, the higher number is the stronger signal. So, -16 is stronger than -19. That said, if you're consistently getting back SNR values that are GREATER THAN ZERO, you're probably transmitting using too much power. A lot of people adjust their power so that they are typically receiving report of between -10 and zero. The sleepy duckling video clip was just something I "borrowed" from someone else on the the internet. - Cliff
@@QRPSchool Thank you! Installed software late last night, and after putzing around with it for a bit I got on 40-meters and within an hour had made contacts with Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Asiatic Russia, Australia, and a bunch of stateside contacts. I see why this mode has become as popular as it is. Currently the "conditions" are less than optimal, and this mode (as well as other digital modes) enables one to feel like one of the "big guns" -- making contacts with far-off lands while using low-power and compromise antennas; it's no surprise that folks who are struggling with learning CW are flocking to something like this. Until the solar cycle changes for the better I predict that digital modes will continue to flourish -- they are a way for folks to make contacts when they would otherwise not be able to...and by making contacts that one can "show-off" to others it will go a long way in situations where there may be a better-half who rolls their eyes re: "that radio/antenna". "These times, they are a-changing..." Sorry -- rambling on more than necessary. Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR
Good video, I installed v2.01 wsjtx, but it opens the program twice on screen and keeps freezing & not responding. I can see the received messages ok, but my screen doesnt have the reply qso screen , not sure why that is ?
Dirk - Yes. After a QSO, click on the Log QSO button (just above and to the left of the Frequency display). A form will appear with much of the information already filled out for you. After you submit the data, it will be recorded in a comma-delimited text file and also an .ADI file. Use the File menu to choose Open log directory and you'll find those files. You'll probably want to use your normal log program's "Import ADIF" function to import these FT8 contacts into your normal logbook. - Cliff
PS - I'm in FB group that has a programmer that is working on making an interface for FT8 that allows it to be used for a minimalist QSO mode. That will be interesting
I've tried uploading from my Log Book software numerous times and LoTW doesn't like FT8. It'll take JT65, phone, cw, etc. Maybe it's the N3JFP logging software. eQSL takes FT8 no problem
I just updated the software to the latest rev. It still gives me a "line 37 error" but that isn't a LoTW problem. I also checked there and you are correct (clearly you know that), FT8 is recognized by LoTW. I'll try the QRZ upload.
Mike, Using 5 watts with 15 seconds on/15 seconds off, my radio doesn't seem to be heating up anywhere near JT65 levels. I think it's good-to-go. - Cliff
Like all digital modes (PSK31, RTTY, etc.), the audio levels are important. You want adequate audio levels between the computer and radio - but without overloading/distortion. Setting the audio levels was discussed in my earlier video, Getting Started With Digital Modes. - Cliff
It takes 15 seconds to send each packet of data. To exchange call signs, locations, signal reports, and say "73" takes about a minute-and-a-half. That's a pretty slow baud rate... but that's not really the point. It's a weak-signal mode that can be used when most other modes would not be possible. - Cliff
It is time that these datamodes that do not convey any useful information were banned from the HF spectrum. Any datamode should be able to pass a useful message. One of the justifications for amateur radio is emergency communications. These modes cannot be used and therefore have no meaningful purpose. Let's have a standard where we require at least message capabilities in a mode before it is acceptable for awards. This mode panders to the ego of the creator and is killing amateur radio as we know it.
Hello, Graham. I respect your opinion. It's a complex issue and I see all sides. In a true emergency situation that has affected many people, SSB and the Winlink digital mode are the modes of choice. I appreciate the engineering that goes into JT65 and FT8 - and the novelty of weak-signal communications. I'm all for it. Part of the justification of allowing amateurs to play in this hobby is to advance the state of the art and Joe Taylor has surely done that! It's a little disconcerting to see so many digital users moving to these semi-automated modes. But, it's a big hobby and there are many facets. Someone enjoying FT8 is as valid an activity as someone who is into ham radio for the electronics. I personally know 2 hams who almost never communicate with anyone... they only enjoy building radios/kits. The hobby continues to evolve. Let's see where it goes... - Cliff
Very informative video and very well done! I have been absent from HAM radio for the past 9-10 years and I am just now re-entering the hobby. I have a lot of catching up to do concerning the digital modes. This video was a tremendous help and much appreciated. I too prefer good ole' CW and was previously not a fan of the digital modes. But I live in an HOA community with restrictions and my antennas will be compromised in the 20'x20' garage attic...lol! So making low power contacts in noisy conditions will be of interest to me.
Hi Cliff, thanks for the well produced and paced video. New to FT8 so wanted a clear and concise video with practical examples and found it here. 73's Darrin
Tnx for the video. Just got my FT817 up and running FT8. Absolutely amazed!!!
Way to go, Joshua! It's pretty amazing, for sure. - Cliff
Hi Cliff, thank you for the great video! That was what I needed to help me start ft8. I am new to digital modes.
Art
Hey Cliff. I had it installed and ready to go but I just needed someone to take me through a couple of contacts. You video hit the spot, exactly what I needed and thank you. It's funny what a difference 5 months make though, all the talk seems to be about FT8-CALL now.
Thanks Cliff! I’ve been sitting around for a week waiting for a CAT cable for my FT -827nd and you showed me I really don’t need it. I had mistakenly selected the Yaesu FT-817 for CAT control assuming my SignaLink would do it but it doesn’t. I set CAT control to NONE and just made my first dozen QSOs! 10 states on 20m plus Cuba on 17m. 5w to a Cushcraft R-5. 72!
Gil Rogers way to go, Gil! Awesome start to a new chapter of hamming! - Cliff
I'm a computer network engineer by profession and I deal with global data routing and switching issues at work and when I get home, the last thing I want to inter-act with more digital type driven devices...call me old fashion but for me, nothing replaces the good old human interaction QSOs and CW included...I got out of this hobby some 30 years ago and got involved with digital stuff, just got my licensed renewed this year and so much as changed since I last pressed my CW keys and mic...cheers and 73s...Dan (KM6VMR) By the way, thank you for sharing
I definitely see that side of it. I have loved all sorts of areas of computers to including networking.....which is why I didn't want to do it for a living.....My aunt and uncle can't stand medical drama's but that is probably because they work hours and hours and hours as real physicians! For me, what I do to put bread on the table and pure joy will always be different....certainly cross over but if I go overboard I tend to get burnt out. 73 de K2NJO - Nate.
Glad to see your instructional videos are coming back! de K0EAP
Thanks a lot. I learned a lot. Best wishes Sir.
Thanks for this video! Well made and excellent. I like how you have a mic close to your mouth! I've seen so many videos where the speaker is so far away from the mic that it's so annoying and difficult to understand clearly. You got to the point and now I fully understand how to have a qso in FT8. Will give it a try! Oh, btw, I prefer psk-31 and RTTY!
Great Video. Congrats.
Thanks for an informative video. I am using it to get my software set up and hope to use it on 6 meters!
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Big help getting started with ft8! 73 KI4ZDD
Thanks I learned ft8 in 14 minutes. 73 de XV2PS
Cliff,
Thanks for this video that I can use just to see if I am getting out. I too like CW more than other modes.
Good seeing you at Xenia this year.
Dave K8WPE
An excellent presentation! George. W0XS
Cliff,
My computer has made several contacts with other computers using FT-8. Not my favorite mode, but like you said it does help when making contacts with a compromised antenna.
73 - KD5ET
This looks like a good mode to try out with my KX2 while camping with a beer...
Many don't send RRR and then a separate 73 but rather RR73 where they combine the report received and the bye. That saves 30sec.
Thanks for learned ft8 in easy 14 minutes. 73 de BX6ABN (Taiwan)
Funny, F6CXI lives a few km away from where I was born and raised. I'm back on the air after a couple of years off. I was mostly using FT8 on a 6BTV. I'm living in an apartment ground floor so the antenna is really an issue. Still, I was able to make some contact on 20m using an MFJ 1621... Great mode for bad condition 73 de N2FLA
Cliff, thank you so much for this video. I'm completely new to digital modes but a friend suggested FT8 to me so after getting an SCU-17 for my FT-950 I downloaded WSJT-X, all on Friday. I seem to be all connected and receiving signals, but haven't yet hit the TX button. I'm also trying to get RTTY set up with DXLab and WinWarbler, but that's a lot more complicated.
I do have a question though, in your settings in the main window bottom middle where it says TX even/1st, we both have that unchecked but I noticed underneath that your Tx is different to mine, mine is set at 1500 Hz. Also below that my Report box says -15 and yours says -11. Is that a settings thing? I haven't altered anything, only set up the rig control. Also in the main menu at the top my Decode option is set to Deep, is that right?
73 Tammie M3ENF
Very impressive instructional video. Thanks. K7TAA
Hi Cliff - what kind of laptop were you using?
lvgdkarma it's a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 that I've had for several years. It's a very thin Windows computer that is my main ham radio hobby computer. It's thin and light, great for travel and working portable. -Cliff
Thanks for FT8 overview. I'm just wondering if their is a practical use for it. Like you, I still enjoy CW. It's an efficient mode, no computer required and you're actually talking to someone. I feel that Modes like FT8 are turning us into robots.
Hey, Michael. You might want to check out the JS8Call protocol/software. The author took the FT8 source code and modified it to become a keyboard-to-keyboard protocol so hams could type messages to each other. If PSK31 and FT8 made a baby, it would be JS8Call. Check it out here: js8call.com/
@@QRPSchool Thanks, I'll check it out.
Michael, I agree completely! Ham radio has almost become, “Hey Computer……I want my DXCC award before club meeting next week. Let me know when it is complete. Thanks!”
Thank you for the time/effort of sharing information about Ham Radio operations...I have not installed the FT8 software yet, so the answer to this question may become self-evident when I do, but re: the "signal reports" in your screen captures, I see numbers such as "-19" and "-16"...in which direction do these numbers need to go to indicate better signal? For example, of the two I used above as example (-19 and -16), which is better?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Raymond - WF7BSR
EDIT: Is that your duckling, or...?
Hello, Raymond. When it comes to the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) values, the higher number is the stronger signal. So, -16 is stronger than -19. That said, if you're consistently getting back SNR values that are GREATER THAN ZERO, you're probably transmitting using too much power. A lot of people adjust their power so that they are typically receiving report of between -10 and zero.
The sleepy duckling video clip was just something I "borrowed" from someone else on the the internet. - Cliff
@@QRPSchool Thank you! Installed software late last night, and after putzing around with it for a bit I got on 40-meters and within an hour had made contacts with Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Asiatic Russia, Australia, and a bunch of stateside contacts.
I see why this mode has become as popular as it is. Currently the "conditions" are less than optimal, and this mode (as well as other digital modes) enables one to feel like one of the "big guns" -- making contacts with far-off lands while using low-power and compromise antennas; it's no surprise that folks who are struggling with learning CW are flocking to something like this.
Until the solar cycle changes for the better I predict that digital modes will continue to flourish -- they are a way for folks to make contacts when they would otherwise not be able to...and by making contacts that one can "show-off" to others it will go a long way in situations where there may be a better-half who rolls their eyes re: "that radio/antenna".
"These times, they are a-changing..."
Sorry -- rambling on more than necessary.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Raymond - WF7BSR
thanks for the reply I can receive now but cant get the software to key the rig Using VOX.
Good video, I installed v2.01 wsjtx, but it opens the program twice on screen and keeps freezing & not responding. I can see the received messages ok, but my screen doesnt have the reply qso screen , not sure why that is ?
Hi Cliff thanks for sharing your videos I love them.
One question is there a logbook in the FT8 program? Thanks in advance.
73 Dirk PA2C
Dirk - Yes. After a QSO, click on the Log QSO button (just above and to the left of the Frequency display). A form will appear with much of the information already filled out for you. After you submit the data, it will be recorded in a comma-delimited text file and also an .ADI file. Use the File menu to choose Open log directory and you'll find those files. You'll probably want to use your normal log program's "Import ADIF" function to import these FT8 contacts into your normal logbook. - Cliff
That's great Cliff thanks for all the information.
73 Dirk PA2C
PS - I'm in FB group that has a programmer that is working on making an interface for FT8 that allows it to be used for a minimalist QSO mode. That will be interesting
Michael Lloyd any update on this project?
Hi Cliff can you help me with the audio set up FT-981 usb cable to computer Cheers Allan vj4nja
hi i have yaesu ft897d what settings u use if ya used mine come u do not want to know it
I wish LoTW would accept FT8. Nice place to operate from! 73 NE5U
LOTW does except FT8 I have over 200 confirmed FT8 QSOs in LOTW
I've tried uploading from my Log Book software numerous times and LoTW doesn't like FT8. It'll take JT65, phone, cw, etc. Maybe it's the N3JFP logging software. eQSL takes FT8 no problem
I upload from my QRZ logbook and it works great.
I just updated the software to the latest rev. It still gives me a "line 37 error" but that isn't a LoTW problem. I also checked there and you are correct (clearly you know that), FT8 is recognized by LoTW. I'll try the QRZ upload.
That worked. Thanks for the heads up
GOOD VIDEO CLIFF, DO YOU KNOW GILLY, NP2OW ON BETHANY HILL ?
Unfortunately, I don't, George. I'll be back down there in March. Maybe I could meet him? - Cliff
Cliff any concerns about the radio finals using FT 8?
KF4JBZ Mike 73
Mike, Using 5 watts with 15 seconds on/15 seconds off, my radio doesn't seem to be heating up anywhere near JT65 levels. I think it's good-to-go. - Cliff
What about mic levels in sound card?
Like all digital modes (PSK31, RTTY, etc.), the audio levels are important. You want adequate audio levels between the computer and radio - but without overloading/distortion. Setting the audio levels was discussed in my earlier video, Getting Started With Digital Modes. - Cliff
No mention of the baud rate?
It takes 15 seconds to send each packet of data. To exchange call signs, locations, signal reports, and say "73" takes about a minute-and-a-half. That's a pretty slow baud rate... but that's not really the point. It's a weak-signal mode that can be used when most other modes would not be possible. - Cliff
Try FT8 on VHF.
5watts and you made 4.5k miles Jaysus...
It is time that these datamodes that do not convey any useful information were banned from the HF spectrum. Any datamode should be able to pass a useful message. One of the justifications for amateur radio is emergency communications. These modes cannot be used and therefore have no meaningful purpose. Let's have a standard where we require at least message capabilities in a mode before it is acceptable for awards. This mode panders to the ego of the creator and is killing amateur radio as we know it.
Hello, Graham. I respect your opinion. It's a complex issue and I see all sides. In a true emergency situation that has affected many people, SSB and the Winlink digital mode are the modes of choice. I appreciate the engineering that goes into JT65 and FT8 - and the novelty of weak-signal communications. I'm all for it. Part of the justification of allowing amateurs to play in this hobby is to advance the state of the art and Joe Taylor has surely done that!
It's a little disconcerting to see so many digital users moving to these semi-automated modes. But, it's a big hobby and there are many facets. Someone enjoying FT8 is as valid an activity as someone who is into ham radio for the electronics. I personally know 2 hams who almost never communicate with anyone... they only enjoy building radios/kits.
The hobby continues to evolve. Let's see where it goes... - Cliff