FT8 Operating Guide V2 - Rclubvic.files.wordpress
FT8 Operating GuideWeak signal HF DXing for technophilesby Gary Hinson ZL2iFB Version 2.26Also available inGerman and CzechNote: this document is occasionally updated. The definitive latest English version is alwaysavailable at www.g4ifb.com/FT8 Hinson tips for HF DXers.pdf Please use and share that URLor the shortened version bit.ly/FT8OP to stay current. Any copies, translations and extractslurking elsewhere on the Web are probably out of date.
FT8 Operating GuideFT8 Operating GuideBy Gary Hinson ZL2iFB1 Introduction and purpose of this document . 22 START HERE . 33 Important: accurate timing . 54 Important: transmit levels . 75 Important: receive levels . 106 Other software settings . 137 How to respond to a CQ, or call a specific station . 158 How to call CQ . 219 Hinson tips: miscellaneous FT8 operating tips . 2410 Special callsigns . 4311 DXpeditioning with FT8. 4712 Flaws, bugs and improvements . 5113 Close and acknowledgements . 55Appendix A: About FT8 . 56Appendix B: JS8 for weak signal text chat. 57Appendix C: JTDX. 58Appendix D: FT8 under the covers. 63Appendix E: FT8 logging and lookups . 66Appendix F: Contesting with WSJT-X . 68Appendix G: Picking FT8 cherries with Logger32 . 70Appendix H: FT4, a digimode for contesting . 74Recent changes to this document (theVersion201916th2.262.252.242.23JulyJuly 13thJuly 7thJune 25th2.22June 7th2.212.202.192.182.172.16May 5thApr 24thApr 23rdApr 5thMar 15thMar 7thCopyright 2019 ZL2iFBstuff)Changes madeWSJT-X 2.1.0 supports FT4. New tip on checking your filter widths.More info on FT8 message types and GFSK shaping.New tip on grid mapping.Various little tweaks, nothing particularly noteworthy.More advice on calling DX stations. Tweaked the FT4 notes. Mentioned the coolJTSummary digimode stats package.Removed the 77-bit FT8 announcement, now ancient history.More on the beta release of FT4 with a correction re timing.FT4 announced. Notes on completing QSOs and being considerate.Tweaked the Split Op diagram thanks to feedback from readers.New diagram for the Split Operation frequency-shift function.Whinge about the auto-QSY CQ function.Page 1
FT8 Operating Guide1 Introduction and purpose of this document1.1I have been steadily compiling these notes since July 2017in the course of making over 20,000 FT8 QSOs on the HFbands and learning how to drive the software. Some tipswere inspired by suggestions from other FT8 users and bythe WSJT-X developers on the WSJT-X reflector (worthjoining). Many address Frequently Asked Questions anddraw on my 40-odd years of HF DXing.1.2That said, these are just tips, pragmatic suggestions aimedat making FT8 easier and more effective to use on the HFbands. They are not rules or laws! The digital modes,protocols and programs are being actively developed,while the operating conventions or habits on-air are stillevolving. Other approaches may be even better than thoseI suggest here, and that’s cool.1.3In particular, I must point out that I am a keen HFDXer with zero experience using FT8 intentionallyfor meteor/rain/aircraft scatter, EME, topband andVLF, 6m and up etc. I have only used FT8 on 80through 10 metres. Hopefully much of the advicehere is useful in other contexts (e.g. topbandDXing) but different techniques may well beappropriate and necessary, in which case pleaselook elsewhere for guidance. Likewise for othermodes such as JT9 and MSK144.Some of these tips (such as splitoperating, tail-ending and usinglow power) are contentious andnot universally adopted by FT8users – and that’s fine. To anextent, we are figuring this stuffout for ourselves as we go along,which for me is all part of the fun.These tips work for me. Yoursituation and preferences maydiffer. By all means try outdifferent approaches and do letme know if they work better. I am primarily a Microsoft Windowssufferer user. WSJT-X is an impressiveexample of multi-platform coding thatworks on Linux, MacOS, Windows (XP andup) and other platforms, with only minordifferences but since I only run it onWindows 8.1, please don’t bombard mewith rotten tomatoes if things don’t quitework as described on your system.RTFM! Seriously, please study the docs! The FT8 software installation instructions, online user guide,built-in help and tooltip popups will help you install, configure and start using the software with yourcomputer and rig. Most initial issues, problems and queries are answered therein, plus there areuseful tips. This “Operating Guide” is intended to help you get the best out of FT8 from anoperational perspective after you have it up and running. If you still have issues after all that, pleasesearch the online support forum archives and finally feel free to ask for help on the forum. Thedevelopers are better at designing, developing and refining the protocols and software thananswering basic queries so please have some consideration!Important disclaimerWe are all individually responsible and indeed accountable for complying with ourlicenses plus applicable laws, regulations and conventions that may, for instance,specify permitted powers, modes and bands/frequencies (e.g. on 60m), or imposeobligations concerning remote operation, on-air identification (e.g. prohibiting“/QRP”) and logging. Just because the software allows us to do something does notnecessarily mean it is legal and appropriate for us. Neither the development teams,nor the author of this guide, are responsible for your compliance. You are!Copyright 2019 ZL2iFBPage 2
FT8 Operating Guide2 START HERE2.1Use the latest available release of the FT8 software. You have a few program choices: WSJT-X was written by the team that invented the mode (the original and best, you might say!).In the best tradition of amateur radio, WSJT-X is open-source, hence others are developingvariants (derivatives) of the program, changing the user interface and in some cases meddlingwith the decoding and encoding under the covers. JTDX by Igor UA3DJY and Arvo ES1JA and team is a stable, usable variant with several helpfultweaks to the user interface. It is similar enough to be familiar to anyone who already knowsWSJT-X. For tips on using JTDX see Appendix D. The user interface in MSHV by Christo LZ1HV is a little different. MSHV enables semi-rare DXstations to make several QSOs in parallel using the regular FT8 protocol (not fox-n-houndsDXpedition mode – more hunt saboteur mode) at the cost of increased transmit bandwidth(higher band occupancy) and less power per signal. The multi-QSO facility does not work incontest mode (thankfully!) and should not be used in the normal FT8 subbbands. Logging programs (such as Logger32 and N1MM ) can interface to FT8 programs, effectivelyusing them as software-defined modems. Maybe one day the loggers will take over all thesequencing, highlighting and logging duties, leaving just the message coding and decoding tothe relevant utilities (soft modems), but for now the programs interface to share the tasks. JS8call by Jordan KN4CRD is a derivative that re-purposes the core FT8 digital transmissionprotocol to enable longer free-text messages to be exchanged. This allows a moreconversational style of QSOs at the same rate of about 5 words per minute. As with plain FT8and in contrast to CW, RTTY and PSK, messages are sent blockwise as heavily-compressedmessages, not as individual characters. IT REMINDS ME OF TELEX STOP Or Twitter. Orsimplex traffic handling OVER 2.2Software updates are frequent with all variants as Aside from ‘alpha’, ‘beta’ andbugs and flaws are discovered and fixed, and new ‘production’ there are other, roughlyfunctions are released for alpha or beta testing. If equivalent terms. WSJT-X has its ‘Releaseimperfect/incomplete software makes your blood Candidates’ and ‘General Availability’boil, give FT8 a versions. JTDX uses ‘Evaluation versions’,It’s worth checking for newwide berth and ‘Step releases’ and ‘General releases’.versions of the software –keep your cool. Some say tomaytoe, some say tomahtoe.and this guide – every soIf you preferoften. Make it part of yourreasonably stable and reliable software, stick with theroutine e.g. at the start ofproduction releases, avoiding the betas and definitely thethe weekend or month.alphas.Read the WSJT-X v2.0 Quick Start Guide.Please, read it. Study it. Ingest it. Memorize it.Banish dumb questions! Be like FT8 boss!Copyright 2019 ZL2iFBPage 3
FT8 Operating Guide2.3With your chosen software running, press F1 and study the help file/manual. The WSJT-X help iswell written, if I say so myself. You’ll discover, for instance, that the confusing combinations ofshift, alt or control keys and clicks are handily explained on the screen by pressing F5 to “Displayspecial mouse commands”. By far the most useful combination in WSJT-X is to shift-click on thewaterfall to put your transmitted signal there (think of it as ‘shift my Tx’). If nothing else sticksfrom these notes, at least remember to shift-click or right click in JTDX.Although not yet shown on the pop-up help, we can also right-click on the WSJT-X waterfall andthen click the only option to set both Rx and Tx frequencies right there1.2.4From time to time, check forupdates to the digimode software,as you should for all the othersoftware on your system. Mostapplications, operating systemsand drivers are updated orpatched occasionally, addressingbugs and flaws or adding newfacilities (potentially includingchanges to the FT8 protocol itself).WSJT-X does not automate this forus but it’s not hard to check thewebsite.New releases areannounced on the WSJT-Xreflector and the news soonpercolates through other hamradio forums, plus on-air of course.It’s much the same with JTDX andMSHV: join the online communities or monitor the authors’ websites to keep up withdevelopments.Data from Club Log, graphed by LA8AJA, annotated by ZL2iFB:1Why we can’t simply left-click to move the Rx and right-click to move the Tx in WSJT-X is beyond me. Seems much moreintuitive to me and works just fine in JTDX.Copyright 2019 ZL2iFBPage 4
FT8 Operating Guide3 Important: accurate timing3.1Check your computer’s clock. Accurate timing is quiteimportant for FT8: if your computer clock is wrong bymore than a second or so, you will probably experienceproblems e.g. few responses to your CQs and beingignored whenever you call others.If your computer is Internet-connected, it’s easy to checkthe clock by browsing the Time.is website. If your clock isaccurate, you should see something like this 3.2Resetting the clock manually soon becomesannoying, trust me. There are better ways. Forstarters, pop open the computer lid andcheck/replace the button-cell battery for thereal time clock.3.3Provided you have Internet access, the freeMeinberg NTP software maintains millisecondaccuracy continually, initially by synchronisingyour PC time to reference time servers on theInternet using Network Time Protocol, designed for thatpurpose, and then micro-adjusting the clock rate to remainsynchronised (rather than just periodically resetting the clock,which is the more common but cruder approach). Install,configure, check, forget: it’s that easy with Meinberg NTP.If you see plenty of FT8 signals onthe waterfall but few decodes,blobs that cross the horizontaltramlines on the waterfall and/ora distinct bias in the DT values onthe decode, those are strongclues that your computer’s clockmay need resetting.If you are offline (perhaps clingingprecariously to a mountain peak on a SOTAexpedition), you can use a GPS receiver orradio time standards such as WWV to checkand adjust the computer clock. Even areasonably accurate quartz watch will doprovided it was recently checked against areliable time reference before you set out.If Meinberg is beyond you, there are alternatives such asBktTimeSynch by IZ2BKT, Dimension 4, TimeSynchTool andmany others, each with their fanboys.If you are unconcerned aboutthe accuracy of your clock butsimply want to work someonewith timing issues, you candeliberately ‘nudge’ your clockforward or backward using theTime Fudge utility by W9MDB.The clock synchroniser built-in to Windows is a crude but viable option provided you get it toupdate more often than weekly, which means meddling in the registry.FindHKEY LOCAL TimeProviders\NtpClient andreduce the SpecialPollInterval from 604800 (decimal) to something more sensible.Hint: SpecialPollInterval is the number of seconds between timecorrections. 86400 means daily adjustments, 3600 means hourly.Copyright 2019 ZL2iFBPage 5
FT8 Operating Guide3.4When trying to contact someone whose clock is wrong, it may help to advance orretard your system clock temporarily to reduce the discrepancy. You may notice theirblobs don’t line up with the horizontal timing lines on the waterfall. The example shows YD3BGM’s CQ calls were decoded OK with a DT of -2.4 seconds (i.e. he wastransmitting 2.4 seconds early, according to my computer clock). On the headphones,I heard his tones starting well before other stations using the same timeslots.First I called him several timeswithout success, despite the pathbeing open between us.Guessing that he might be using an oldversion of WSJT-Xwith less toleranceon timing, I clickedto open the Windows system clock , opened the change date and timesettings function, clicked the Change date and time button, clicked theseconds part of thedigitalclock,clicked the uparrow 2 or 3 timesto advance myclock by about 2 or3 seconds, thenTip: to move hisclicked OK to set theblobs up theclock. After checkingwaterfall, clickthe decodes tothe up arrow.confirm that his DTwas reduced, I responded to his CQ callagain and this time we completed a QSO easily. I closed with a free-text message “CHK UR CLOCK” which he evidently did a few minutes later. Meanwhile I had reset my own system clock untilthe time.is website showed it waswithin a second of the correct time Meinberg NTP (which I simply leftrunning throughout the process)adjusts the clock rate to correct itgradually from there and maintainsmillisecond accuracy until the next timeI run into the same situation.3.5From time to time, the FT8 reflectors suffer zombie outbreaks whenever someone naively askswhat is the best way to set their system time, or suggests some other way to meddle with the timesettings. GPS pucks, Rasperry Pi’s, WWV, mean(DT), clock-nudgers and other such ideas have allcome up, repeatedly, been kicked around for a while before eventually slipping back to thegraveyard until the next outbreak. Any suggestion not involving a definitive time reference isfundamentally unsound. Those involving atomic clocks may be viable but are generally trumpedby “Use an NTP time server from the pool” if you are Internet-connected, or “Use GPS” if not. Howto do that is simply a matter of personal choice. There is plenty of advice on the web already.Copyright 2019 ZL2iFBPage 6
FT8 Operating Guide4 Important: transmit levels4.1Although FT8 is a constant-carrier FSKmode (unlike PSK, CW and SSB),overdriving will distort and widen yoursignal (making it less likely to decode)and may generate spurii. Set thetransmit levels so that the entire chainfrom AF generation through to RFtransmission is operating linearly.4.2If you set your transmit levels as badly as the FT8 station ringed in red on the left you mayunknowingly be generating ‘ghostly barcodes’ (in the 3 dotted rings): despite looking like someobscure new digimode, these are audio harmonics caused by generating too much audio outputfrom the PC sound card which overloads the audio input circuits in the radio: [Tnx tip Bill G4WJS].4.3Setting your transmit levels is a bit more complicated than it seems: simply adjusting the rig’spower output control is not sufficient as even QRP signals can be rotten if the audio circuits areoverloaded.Sorry I can’t be more specific here.Take care adjusting the audio output level from the soundIf you are unsure, err on the sidecard and audio input level to the rig: consult your radioof caution: keep your PC audiomanual to find out how to set the audio drive level properly.output level low, just enoughOn some rigs, the ALC meter is, in effect, a distortion meter:drive to generate some RF outputany ALC indication is bad news. On rigs that use ALC to(you don’t need much!).control the power output (e.g. Icoms), high ALC indicationis normal at QRP levels, so it’s not much help for setting theaudio input. On the Elecraft K3, set the PCsound card output (using the sound cardheadphone level slider and/or the “Pwr”slider on the WSJT-X main window) and theK3’s line input level (confusingly, using thefront panel “MIC” control) to indicate 4 blobson the ALC meter with a flickering fifth blobindicating the onset of ALC action 4.4Check out your transceiver, sound system andsoftware on-air on a quiet frequency with acompetent ham giving you honest feedback, or whilemonitoring your own transmissions on a Web SDR asyou systematically adjust the settings and makenotes. Beware, though, that web SDRs can beoverloaded by strong signals, so don’t.Listen to your transmitted audio using the rig’s monitor function – maybe not all thetime but it pays to listen occasionally just in case, for some reason, you aretransmitting distorted audio, PC bleeps, DX announcements, wideband noise, coughsor whatever. Watch your power meter too for clues that something might be amiss.Copyright 2019 ZL2iFBPage 7
FT8 Operating Guide The Spinal Tap approach, also known as MediterraneanSyndrome (“All knobs to 11”) will create more mayhem andcomplaints than FT8 QSOs. Resist the urge.With many FT8 stations using QRP, someone running,say, 100 watts or more stands out from the crowd but not in a good way, especially if they are not hearingcallers. Similarly, those running 50 watts to largebeams on a wide-open band: that’s a lot more ERP thanmost FT8er
2.2 Software updates are frequent with all variants as bugs and flaws are discovered and fixed, and new functions are released for alpha or beta testing. If imperfect/incomplete software makes your blood boil, give FT8 a wide berth and keep your cool. If you prefer reasonably stable and reliable software, stick with the
The FT8 software installation instructions, online user guide, built-in help and tooltip popups will help you install, configure and start using the software with your computer and rig. Most initial issues, problems and queries are answered therein, plus there are useful tips.
EME, rain scatter, topband and VLF, 6m and up etc. I have only used FT8 on 80 through 10 metres. Hopefully much of the advice here is useful in other contexts (e.g. topband DXing) but different techniques may well be appropriate and necessary, in which case I urge you to contact me. Maybe together we can add further advice for
Sorry I cant be more specific here. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution: keep your PC audio output level low, just enough drive to generate some RF output (you don [t need much!). With many FT8 stations using QRP, someone running, say, 100 watts or more stan
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Antenna Comparison Using FT8 and PSKreporter Online Meeting and Presentation Brian O’Connor, KA2CGB, RaRa Vice President . and an LNR Precision end-fed wire. Tom is a member of the Ford Amateur Radio League in Dearbor
Radioeinstellungen für CAT und PTT (hier RigExpert -TI 5) Diese Einstellungen sind vom TRX und Interface abhängig . Schnelleinstieg WSJT-X und FT8 _ DL1THB - Okt. 2017 Seite 9 Konfiguration der freien Makros . Reoporting . Mit dem Haken bei „Prompt me to .
contemplating operation as Fox in DXpedition Mode, find a suitable dial frequency consistent with regional band plans and publicize it for the operators you hope to work. Remember that on-the-air signal frequencies will be higher than the dial frequency by up to 4 kHz. Everyone, including Fox and all Hounds trying to work Fox, must use . WSJT-X
February 2019 State Current ASME A17.1 and A17.7 Code Versions Summary and Background Current Rule Development Status Upcoming Action Contact Agency Name Citation Regulatory ID AL ASME A17.1 (2016) ASME A17.7 (2007) Alabama auto-adopts the latest version of ASME codes six months after its publication date without the need for additional rulemaking. ASME A17.1 (2016) became effective 7/31/2017 .
