You NEED To Set This Correctly Using FT8 and WSJT-X

Making sure this is set correctly will ensure you get the most out of FT8!

In this video I will show exactly what the frequency in the black box means and how to set your TX/RX frequencies on the waterfall for optimal operation in WSJT-X and especially on the FT8 mode.

⏱️Chapters⏱️
0:00 I was asked the following questions
0:51 Setting the correct dial frequency
1:37 TX and RX Audio frequency explained
3:04 Setting these correctly
4:00 What all those noises mean

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► Ham Mail: Hayden Honeywood - P.O Box 5071, Sandy Bay Tasmania 7005 Australia

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[Spencer.]

So, I just spent all day going down a rabbit-hole and found this video on the other end... Someone said that I was transmitting off frequency on 10m. And I am too new to know any better... But that few seconds where you explained that the spectrum of FT8 use goes from xx.074.000 to xx.077.000.... Explained what I was trying to figure out.

Despite all of the hassle, I did learn how to calibrate the frequency of my IC-7300 both within it's menus and a much more precise method of using WSJT-X to calibrate the rig!

Thanks for what you do. Your videos are a huge help to us all.

73 N7JSX

[tpobrienjr]

Good, clear explanation, sir! I'm rediscovering FT8 and this bit is very timely. Thank you!

[gregoryknight]

Thank you for explaining the bandwidth frequencies -- tx and rx -- and how that correlates to the dial frequency. Now it makes sense but didn't just looking at the gui.

[thomasmoore]

WOW, great explanation! I was not understanding this bit at all and now it makes sense, well done.

[pietleroux]

I think taking about "across the band" could be confusing : the 20 meter band covers 14.000 Mhz to 14.350 Mhz but the 14.074 Mhz FT8 frequently covers one USB SSB speech channel and with a normal 2.4 Khz SSB bandpass filter this would cover audio frequencies from 300Hz to 2700Hz which is the normal audio passband of a SSB channel. Note that 1500Hz would be right in the middle of the passband and this is where you would have the best harmonic rejection of your transmit signal, when using split mode WSJT-X will attempt to keep your modulation frequency close to this by increasing your dial frequency (carrier frequency) when your audio frequency is below 1500Hz and reducing your dial frequency on TX when you are above 1500Hz.

[davidc]

I've had over 75 decodes in one cycle, so quite a few over-lapping when things get that busy. I don't worry about having to absolutely find empty space to transmit because FT8 decodes signals on the same frequency just fine.

[OllieVK]

Would have to look it up, but there is an allowance for overlap in signals too, so you don't have to worry about stepping on too many toes unless you're trying to TX straight over the top of someone.

[brianr]

Would you want both the green and red right on top of another? Or would you move red to an open area separate from green?

[DonDegidio]

Hi Hayden,
Very good description and visuals. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[Htfhjooffhgghwwwwdf]

It may also be helpful to know that the red marker is TX freq and the green marker is RX freq. Depending on settings in FT8, these markers (freq) may be different.

[Utahforrest]

This is so helpful. I needed this video!

I doubt this warrants a video tutorial, but why doesn’t my DT (time offset) display?

[jameyevans]

How many times should I let it transmit CQ? Will it stop eventually?

[echo-hotel]

Awesome! This is obvious to some. But not everyone. You should really think about breaking this down in other places if you like.

[brendanb]

I'd like to know how to put my location in, like some people have in the description they're located in say Canada or Peru. Also how do you CQ to a specific country or state? Thanks for all you do for the service.

[bobfrederick]

Love ur videos help me set up my wsjt-x ft8 station. IC7300. Just turn 87 years old, ham since 50's. everything works great, IC7300, wsjt-x, log4om, qrz, lotw etc., except (lol) my wsjt-x screen when i transmit doesn't show my time o.1 etc, everyone's shows up not mine. use all kinds program setting up correct time, don''t think thats the problem. keep up great videos. wa7sfe ex wa9wpk

[LionRoars]

So many people still TX on the DX stations frequency. Time to set 'Hold TX Freq'.

[DonzLockz]

I'm not ready for FT8 but what I do know is that waterfalls are the best invention for HAM radio. :)

[rayharkins]

What is your call? Worked several vk7.
thanks for all the help buddy. ..Ray

[yorkshiresfinestpair]

🙆‍♂🙋‍♂🤷‍♂ Im new to ham radio & still learning FT8, I have the FTdx10 radio of only a few weeks now & when i click on to change frequency in ws-jtx it sets my radio "DATA-U" but you said it should be "USB" 🤷‍♂ is my radio set wrong with it being on DATA-U as it auto picks this itself.. I do get contacts but from the UK I'm just about reaching france, Germany, and around that location. I thought with FT8 you could get much further than on the airways 🤷‍♂ I'm getting nowhere near what I can reach on the airways.. maybe I'm setting this wrong??

can anyone please advise me.. many thanks..

[redtide]

I'm a little confused as to the relationship between the actual transmit frequency and the audio tx frequency. I'm running an ft-857d. If I set an audio frequency above 1500hz, WSJT-X moves my dial frequency down while transmitting, above that it moves it up. Is that expected or am i missing something?