FT8

FT8 is the most popular digital mode for ham radio. It is used for structured contacts, typically exchanging call signs, locations, and signal reports. It sends short, encoded messages such as "CQ KJ7RRV CN72". FT8 uses advanced modulation and coding techniques to achieve reliable communication with extremely weak signals; it is possible to decode messages with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as -24 dB. Keyboard-to-keyboard conversations are not supported, but JS8 applies the same technologies in a conversational format.

The most popular program for FT8 is WSJT-X, which is open source and works on Linux, Mac, and Windows.Similar to Fldigi, WSJT-X uses software and a computer sound card to encode and decode signals. Because programs like this serve a similar function to old dial-up modems, but use sound cards for signal processing, they are often called sound card modems. While it is possible to create an adapter to connect a computer's built-in sound card to a radio, this can be somewhat complicated; it is more common to use a device like a SignaLink, which connects via USB and has its own internal sound card. Some newer radios do not require a SignaLink; they have similar circuitry, including a USB sound card, built-in, and can be directly connected to a computer via USB.

Installing WSJT-X

There are several programs available for FT8, but WSJT-X is the original and most popular. Most guides and videos you will find online will be for WSJT-X.

Windows

WSJT-X is available for Windows 7 and later from the project's home page. Use the 64-bit version unless you are sure your computer is 32-bit-only; in the unlikely event that you are using a 32-bit computer, the 64-bit version will not work and you can use the 32-bit one.

Linux

WSJT-X is available from the software repositories for most Linux distributions; just install it using your distro's package manager. On Debian and its derivatives, such as Ubuntu, Mint, and Raspberry Pi OS, the command to install it is sudo apt install wsjtx. If you want a newer version than the one provided by your distro (not necessary for FT8, unless your distro provides a very old version) or if you cannot find a package from your distro, you can download it from the WSJT-X project home page.

Mac

WSJT-X is available for Macs running macOS 10.13 through 12 from the project's home page.

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