FT8 is a Great Introduction to Fun HF Operating

Hi all, I wanted to post this in case some of our new technicians (or anyone else in our club) are curious what they can do with their newly acquired ham license beside talking on a handheld radio. FT8 is a "digital mode" (still an analog signal over-the-air but which a computer can encode/decode) that allows hams to make short, concise contacts with another ham halfway around the world (called DXing in hamspeak). Digital modes allow a ham to operate with a modest antenna and low power transceiver but still be able to have fun reaching all over the world. Even a technician with transmitting privileges on 10 meters can join in on the fun. We are currently in the highly active part of the 11 year solar cycle and this helps 10 meters become alive with great propagation! I have attached a screenshot of my activity on 10 meters just yesterday. The map shows all of the hams that were using and listening on FT8 with their computers and their computers sent periodic data over the internet to a central URL that composed them into a graphical map. In one direction, I was heard from St Helena Island just west of southern Africa all the way to Alaska and Asiatic Russia. In another direction, I was heard in Finland as well as Australia, Indonesia, and New Zealand too! Not bad for a simple wire antenna and 35 watts of power from my radio.

 

I also would like to point out that it's possible to operate on FT8 with a portable station and I do this quite often from various places in a fun activity called Parks On The Air. If you are curious about how to get started using FT8, I have included some informative YouTube videos to get you started (in no particular order). If you have any questions, email me a message or post one on our club forum.

Cheers, Mark K5MGK