FT8
FT8 is a digital operating mode used in amateur radio for wireless communication . It is used by radio amateurs especially on shortwave .
properties
It is characterized by the rapid transmission of data within a time frame of fifteen seconds (15 s) with a simultaneously low required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Thus, with comparatively modest radio stations, large distances can be bridged and confirmed reports can be exchanged between radio amateurs. In technical terms, such as interference immunity, bandwidth, transmission security , speed, reliability and also convenience, FT8 even surpasses the tried and tested traditional operating mode of Morse code , also known as CW . Many radio amateurs are increasingly switching to FT8 , mainly because of the better transmission quality.
history
It is a young operating mode. It was proposed to the public in 2017 by Joe Taylor ( amateur radio call sign K1JT ), who is well known not only among radio amateurs , and it quickly enjoyed increasing popularity. Is named FT8 after the initial letters of the last name of the two developer Steven Franke, K9AN, and Joe Taylor, K1JT, with the number 8 at the end to the used modulation type , that is, eight times the frequency shift keying (MFSK8) suggesting.
technology
The individual tones are 6.25 Hz apart, so that an FT8 signal occupies a bandwidth of only 50 Hz. It is important that the transmitter and receiver alternately adhere to the rigid time grid of 15 s. For this purpose, both usually use a synchronization with atomic time , which is available worldwide on the Internet , for example via the Network Time Protocol (NTP) . As a rule, a complete "radio conversation" takes less than two minutes.
FT8 is available as part of the freely available software WSJT-X and can be used by any radio amateur.
Web links
- WSJT-X, official site of Joe Taylor, K1JT, at physics.princeton.edu
- FT8 instructions, at darc.de
- "What is FT8?" At amateurfunk-unterfranken.de
Individual evidence
- ↑ Joe Taylor, K1JT, receives Horkheimer Prize. www.darc.de , accessed on June 29, 2019.
- ↑ FT8 Mode is Latest Bright Shiny Object in Amateur Radio Digital World. www.arrl.org , accessed June 28, 2019.