An Amateur Radio Blog by DX Engineering 
FT4 and FT8 are weak-signal-condition digital protocols designed for rapid, accurate communication between amateur radio stations. Information exchanged in a contact typically consists of call signs, four-character Maidenhead locators, signal […]
It is always interesting to speak on controversial topics, and FT8 sure has had its fair share of controversy. There is one complaint in particular that keeps reappearing: How much […]
This is going to be a blog that not everyone will agree with. There are plenty of opinions on the “correct” or “polite” way to operate, and that is perfectly […]
Joe Taylor, K1JT, announced the availability of a new mode in the WSJT-X software suite, FT8, on June 29, 2017. Created by K1JT and Steve Franke, K9AN, FT8 stands for […]
In an earlier article, “Top 10 Tips for Succeeding in FT8 Mode,” I explained how understanding special operating modes is one of the keys to using FT8. In this article, […]
Compared to the classic amateur modes of CW, SSB, and RTTY, WSJT-X modes such as FT8 are very structured with constrained message protocol. They are not suited for rag-chewing, and […]
I give many presentations and help a lot of Hams get started with FT8 and FT4. I often get asked, “Why am I having trouble making contacts?” and “What can […]
I am guessing that most of you reading this have either heard about FT8 from fellow Hams or heard it on air as that strange repetitive buzzing sound between the […]
