What you need
PC (Any major OS)
HF Radio
Interface between PC and radio – see article on DIGITAL INTERFACES
WSJT-x is the most common program for FT8. There are others, but WSJT-x works for most people.
WSJT-x is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MAC. You can download it here: https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html
If you want to experiment with a version with more features, try WSJT-x improved.
Accurate Time
In order to get FT8 to hear other stations, your time must be in sync, within 1 second. There are a few pieces of software that can do that for you.
Auto Time Sync
Any of these should work well for your situation.
Manual Time Sync
There are times when it is best to manually change your time. There are some DXpeditions that are unable to get an accurate time. You can adjust your time manually to meet theirs. This is also useful to get past another FT8 user who does not have an accurate time.
JTSync is the easiest manual solution. You can also set it up to auto.
Once your program of choice is installed and your time sync is running,
Turn on your radio and set the COM port and audio for the radio. You can check for which com port in the Windows Device manager.
When you open WSJT-x for the first time, it will want to do the initial setup. Enter your callsign and your gridsquare – 4 digits is all that it needs (CN85 for Portland).
Once you have set the audio, WSJTx will start receiving the audio from the radio. Set the radio to USB/USB-Digital, open the filters as wide as they can go, and turn off any noise reduction and noise enhancement. Also, check the Windows audio settings to turn off any enhancements. Adjust the audio incoming to the radio until the incoming audio reads about 30 when tuned to a quiet portion of the band.
Set the radio to any FT8 frequency; 14.074 or 7.074 would have the most traffic. You should see signals on the waterfall. Personally, I like to set the waterfall to the fastest speed.
Turn your radio output power down; we will turn that back up in a minute. 5/10 watts is plenty.
Switch to a dummy load if you have one; you may want to tune off the FT8 portion to adjust your audio.
Unfortunately, there are many opinions on ALC and proper adjustment. I will speak for the ICOM 7300/7610 family radios. ALC is a measure of your audio levels from your PC. From WSJTx, click the tune button to send a tone to the radio. From the sound manager, adjust your output audio until the ALC meter reads about 1/4 of the meter. This will ensure the sweet spot of power without overdriving the audio. Once you are content with the ALC levels, increase the power to your desired levels. Some radios can transmit the entire 100 watts of duty cycle, and some can not. Consult your radio manual for the optimal operating power. I typically used 60-80% on my ICOM IC-7300. Be careful with your transmit duty cycle!
There are some who suppose that FT8 is a low-power mode. This is a rumor. FT8 is not a QRP mode. You can run it QRP if you like, but I know operators who use amplifiers and beam antennas on FT8. In fact, this is relatively common for EME operators. There is no limit on power to run on FT8, just the lowest amount of power to complete the contact.
Personally, I have an amplifier that I use on all modes, including FT8. I refrain from using it for normal operation. If there is a DXpedition or rare DX station that can’t hear my normal signal, I will turn on the amplifier to complete the contact. But only after trying to reach them without the amplifier.
Make sure your log is interfaced with WSJT-x. There are lots of guides for all the different loggers. It is courteous to log your contacts and upload the log to be confirmed on LOTW, QRZ, eQSL, etc.
After your radio is interfaced with WSJTx, your time is accurate, your audio levels are adjusted, and your log is connected, you are ready to make contacts!
Go to the next page: How to Operate FT8