FT8: The Mode, the opinions, and awards

Few amateur radio topics generate as much heated debate as FT8. Depending on who you ask, it's either the best thing to happen to HF in years or "computers talking to computers." The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle.

I've been using FT8 since January 2024. For much of that time I was running no more than 10-15 watts into a mobile whip vertical antenna, so the mode opened doors that would have remained firmly closed on SSB. More recently I've upgraded the station, but FT8 remains one of the tools I regularly reach for.

Looking back over roughly 30 months of operating, one statistic genuinely surprised me. During that period I worked 171 DXCC entities on FT8. By comparison, in the same time period I worked 103 on CW, 69 on SSB and 32 on RTTY (operating approx. 60% FT8, 25% CW, 10% SSB and 5% RTTY).

Those figures certainly don't prove FT8 is "better" than other modes—they simply demonstrate what it was designed to do exceptionally well: reliably complete contacts under weak-signal conditions (or in my case, with low power and/or a compromised antenna setup).

The criticism usually isn't about the technology itself. Most operators accept FT8 as a perfectly legitimate digital mode, just as RTTY, PSK31 and JT65 were before it. The real objections tend to centre on automation. When software is left to make contacts with little or no operator involvement, many feel the human element—the very spirit of amateur radio—is diminished. A view I am totally aligned with.

But what about awards such as DXCC or WAZ? Is+ it now "too easy" to earn these rewards using FT8? Despite the occasional heated debate, the overwhelming view is straightforward: if a contact complies with the award rules, it counts. FT8 contacts are genuine radio contacts over genuine RF paths, and the challenge lies in mastering a different set of skills rather than proving superiority in one particular operating style.

3Y0K (Bouvet Island) 15m FT8 in March 2026

Does FT8 make awards easier? In my view and personal experience, absolutely yes, it does. It has undoubtedly lowered the barrier to achieving DXCC and working rare DX, especially for stations with modest antennas, limited power or difficult locations. But making amateur radio more accessible isn't necessarily a bad thing. If anything, FT8 has brought thousands of operators onto bands that might otherwise have been much quieter.

Personally, I still enjoy the excitement of a good CW contact or busting a pile-up. They offer a level of interaction and satisfaction that FT8 simply can't replicate. But neither do I see FT8 as somehow less "real." It's another mode, another challenge and another way of enjoying this wonderfully diverse hobby.

At the end of the day, amateur radio has always embraced innovation. Spark gave way to CW, AM gave way to SSB, valves gave way to transistors, and analogue gave way to digital. FT8 is simply the latest chapter in that story. Whether you love it or loathe it, one thing is beyond dispute—it has changed amateur radio forever.

Bouvet Island DXpedition (3Y0K)

Like many DXers, I’ve been keeping a close eye on activity from Bouvet Island. The pile-ups for 3Y0K have been immense, so getting through with modest power and a simple wire antenna (58ft of wire fed with a 9:1 unun with one elevated counterpoise wire of about 15ft) was always going to require a bit of patience—and more than a bit of luck!

The breakthrough came on the 15m band after several days of trying and failing to get through.

First came a CW contact at 08:12 UTC on March 10th. I had been monitoring the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) when I noticed that 3Y0K had moved to the 15m band. I moved quickly and called just 700Hz up from their transmit frequency. Amazingly, they came back to me on my second call. Bouvet Island was in the log with just 80w output power into a simple wire antenna.

Later in the morning I managed to work them again, this time on FT8 at 10:34 UTC, confirming the path was still open. In matter of fact, I have only heard them at all on 15m which seems to suggest my antenna favours, and works well on, this band.

Bouvet is one of the rarest places on earth in amateur radio terms, so getting it in the log—especially on both CW and FT8—was a particularly satisfying moment.

 

RTTY, resurrected.

I've long been a fan of the RTTY mode for HF communication and I've been wanting to start using this mode again for some time now. In fact, prior to 2026, my most recent RTTY contact was way back in March 2015 (NO2T on the 15m band).

RTTY signal

As I already had my radio (Yaesu FTdx3000) setup for audio based digital modes such as FT8 and FT4, I initially considered a move away from my favoured FSK mode to AFSK RTTY using the Airlink Express software. This was ultimately unsuccessful as I really didn't like the RTTY implementation so I reverted to FSK RTTY using an old favourite, MMTTY, which while old, is a tried and tested bit of RTTY software.

Having got the software and radio all setup for FSK RTTY I spotted myself on the DX cluster network and called CQ 30m band with the RTTY mode for the first time in 15 years and was very grateful to Spanish station EA2A for a nice short RTTY contact, soon followed up with a short contact with German station DL4DRG. 

RTTY had been successfully resurrected at amateur radio station G0RIF. I am now looking forward to some RTTY contests to see what levels of activity remains with this old, and some might say original, digital mode.

Is FT8 killing amateur radio?

I found an interesting opinion piece article on this topic by KE8FMJ on the DX Engineering 'On All Bands' blog site titled 'FT8: Saving or Destroying Ham Radio?', and it got me to thinking about my views on this mode.

A snapshot of FT8 signals received

For me, this mode has a lot to offer and is in large part why I have recently resurrected my amateur radio hobby after several years of inactivity. FT8 in combination with small, portable, inexpensive radios like the Xiegu G90 (which I own) now means that with minimal expenditure I am able to work lots of DX with a very modest station. 

Granted, being close to the peak of solar cycle 25 is helping...a lot...but the weak signal capability of FT8 is a real advantage for us little guys, and increasingly so as cycle 25 tails off over the next few years.

So yes, I am a fan of FT8, as much as I can appreciate how it might irk the traditionalists who prefer more of a personal touch to a QSO, or the need for greater effort and skill to snag some nice DX. I too love those aspects of amateur radio and enjoy nothing more than tuning across a quiet band and hearing a faint signal, and then working them with my compromise antenna. I do believe though that there is room for all of that, and more, as amateur radio evolves, as it surely must, and will always do.

Coincidentally, it was another new digimode that gave me reason to get back into amateur radio back in 2005 when PSK31 came to my attention. That particular mode led to many contacts on all bands from 40-10m and eventually led to my interest in RTTY which quickly because my favourite mode of operation.

Based on my personal experiences then, you could make the case that the continuous evolution of amateur radio, and new modes of operation (perhaps with greater appeal to a more technology savvy generation) are a very real driver for the introduction of new hams to this wonderful hobby, and to resurrect the hobby for a few older lapsed hams such as myself.

In summary, FT8 gets my vote as a worthy addition to the hobby. I hope to make the most of this mode, and others, for as long as cycle 25 provides QRP friendly propagation on the HF bands.

A very quiet afternoon on 20m FT8

I had a quiet Saturday afternoon in prospect so set about getting on the radio for a few hours to see what I might work on 20m RTTY. My setup was such that I wasn't expecting much but I was surprised just how little I actually found. 

Using the Airlink Express software for AFSK RTTY connected to my Xiegu G90 and a shortened loaded vertical,  I heard not a single RTTY station on 20m. Zip, nada, nothing! I checked spotting websites for 20m RTTY activity but saw nothing for today although there were a few (and I mean only a few) spots for yesterday, the 9th. Now I realise that my antenna is a significant limitation but I'd expected to hear something, even if they may not have been able to hear me, but no, nothing at all.

I then tuned up and down the CW band segment to see what I could hear there. Again, very quiet, although I could hear some weak signals at times. The loudest station I heard was a Portuguese station calling CQ contest, and there were stations calling him but they too were quite faint with me.

I tried the same up and down the phone segment of the band which was also very quiet with a long Slovenian station calling CQ content with only very few replies in the time I was listening.

Right I thought, FT8, there'll be plenty of activity on there. And there was...but it was clear from the waterfall display in JTDX that there was deep fading (which might be a consequence of some form of variable blanketing or absorption) affecting signals. I'd see a band full of signals one minute, only to be presented with a largely blank waterfall a few minutes later. This meant that there were precious few decoded signals to be seen in the 'Band Activity' window. 

I managed to work a handful of stations on 20m (in Spain, Norway, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Finland, Ukraine, Poland and Denmark) and I worked one Italian station (IK2ZJP) on 17m in a brief foray to see what propagation was like on that band (it was just as bad).

Meagre pickings on 20m FT8	PSKReporter showing my 20m spots

I checked PSKReporter to see just where I'd been heard and what it showed was that the propagation on 20m was very much favouring continental Europe and Scandinavia, consistent with my experience on the band. In a way it was reassuring to see that it was just poor conditions that I been battling instead on anything inherent in my simple setup. I'll certainly be trying again before too long to see who's out there and to what extent the propagation gods are favouring us and hoping for better luck next time.

Radio:  Xiego G90

Antenna:  Loaded vertical for 20m

Power:  10w

Location:  Barton under Needwood

A new dawn: Reigniting my passion for amateur radio

Since I was first licensed in 1991 I have sadly had two extended periods between then and now when I was not actively involved in this wonderful hobby. I was QRT from around 1994 until September 2005 and then again from April 2015 until January 2024, a total of around 20 years (out of the 33 years that I have been licensed) that I was not actually involved with amateur radio. 

A YouTube source of inspiration for me was Walt (K4OGO)

As I write this in August of 2024 I very much hope that further lengthy periods of inactivity will be avoided. To that end I am very much aware that I need to do everything that I can to get involved in the hobby instead of looking in from the outside (through the medium of YouTube) and watching everyone else enjoying the hobby.

What I have seen though is that I am not alone in reactivating my interest in amateur radio. 

As the hobby has evolves, so too do people who may have been inactive find new aspects of the hobby that interest them. In my case it was new small portable radios (I have a Xiegu G90), FT8, and portable operating with end-fed vertical wire antennas.

Having given it some thought, here are some steps I or others can take to progress from watching all of those YouTube videos, to active participation:

1. Dust off your old equipment: If you still have your old gear, give it a good once-over. Check for any obvious issues, replace old capacitors if needed, and test it out. Even if it's not cutting-edge, it'll get you started.
2. Join local clubs: Look for amateur radio clubs in your area. The RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) website has a club finder tool. Attending meetings will help you connect with other hams, learn about local activities, and possibly even borrow or try out different equipment.
3. Get on the air with what you have: Don't wait for the perfect setup. If you have a basic HF rig and a simple wire antenna, that's enough to start making contacts. Remember, a compromised antenna that's in use is infinitely better than a perfect antenna that's still in your imagination.
4. Experiment with digital modes: If you've never tried FT8 before, give it a go! You'll need a computer, a sound card interface (or a built-in sound card if your radio is newer), and the free WSJT-X software. FT8 is excellent for DXing, even with modest antennas and low power.
5. Brush up on your CW: If you're rusty on Morse code, there are great online tools and apps to help you practice. Start slow and work your way up. Remember, many CW operators are happy to slow down for you if you send "QRS" (please send more slowly).
6. Build some simple antennas: Start with an end-fed half-wave (EFHW) for multiband operation. They're simple to construct and great for portable use. Experiment with different lengths and configurations.
7. Try portable operations: Pack up your gear and head to a local park or hilltop. Portable operation is a great way to combine your love for radio with the outdoors. Start with a simple setup – perhaps a lightweight transceiver, a battery, and that EFHW antenna you built.
8. Explore RTTY and other digital modes: While FT8 is popular, don't forget about RTTY and other modes like PSK31 or MFSK. Each offers a different experience and opportunity for contacts.
9. Participate in contests: Contests are an excellent way to hone your skills and make lots of contacts quickly. Start with shorter contests or just spend an hour or two in a longer one. The RSGB runs numerous contests throughout the year.
10. Stay informed: Subscribe to amateur radio publications like RadCom (the RSGB magazine) or join online forums and groups. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the hobby.

Remember, the key is to start small and build up. Don't feel pressured to have the latest and greatest equipment or to be an expert in every mode. The beauty of amateur radio is in the learning and experimenting. 

Above all though, just get involved in whatever ways you can, and before you know it, you might be the one with a YouTube channel inspiring other hams to get back into the hobby!

Tuning into tomorrow: Emerging trends in amateur radio?

Over the next decade, our beloved hobby is likely to witness a transformation that will challenge our skills, expand our capabilities, and open new frontiers of communication. While the fundamental spirit of amateur radio remains unchanged, the tools and techniques at our disposal are set to evolve in exciting ways. Here are my thoughts on some of the emerging technologies and methods that may become commonplace in our shacks by 2034, offering a glimpse into the future of amateur radio.

1. Software-Defined Radio (SDR) advancements: While SDRs are already popular, we'll likely see more powerful and accessible units. Imagine pocket-sized SDRs with the capabilities of today's high-end rigs, making portable operation easier than ever.

2. AI-assisted noise reduction and signal processing: This could help pull out weak signals from the noise floor, potentially revolutionizing DX work and making low-power operation more effective.

The future of amateur radio...?

3. Improved digital modes: Building on the success of FT8 and similar modes, we might see new protocols that offer even better weak signal performance or higher data rates.

4. Mesh networking: Amateur radio mesh networks could become more widespread, allowing for robust emergency communication systems and interesting experimentation with data transmission.

5. Integration with Internet of Things (IoT): This could lead to new forms of telemetry and remote station control, perhaps even allowing for automated propagation reporting from a network of stations.

6. Advanced antenna designs: Compact antennas with high efficiency could become more common, possibly using metamaterials or other novel approaches.

7. Quantum key distribution: While still speculative, this technology could eventually allow for ultra-secure communication over radio links.

8. Enhanced digital voice modes: We might see improvements in audio quality and robustness, making digital voice more appealing to operators who prefer traditional modes.

9. Virtual and augmented reality interfaces: These could provide new ways to visualize band conditions, manage pileups, or even "see" your signal propagation in real-time.

10. Energy harvesting: Improved solar panels and other energy harvesting techniques could make off-grid and portable operation more practical and allow QRO ops where we were previously limited to QRP.

11. Cognitive radio: Radios that can automatically adjust to band conditions and avoid interference might become more common.

12. Satellite technology: With the increasing accessibility of cubesats, we might see more amateur radio satellites and even lunar or deep space communication experiments.

Of course, predicting the future is always a bit like trying to work DX with a length of wet string for an antenna - you might get lucky, but don't count on it. These are no more than my educated guesses based on current trends, and the real future might (in fact probably will) surprise us all.

What's certain is that whatever new tech comes along, the spirit of experimentation and camaraderie that defines our hobby will continue. After all, that's what keeps us coming back to the shack, day after day, year after year - a desire to try new things and to explore the art of the possible, to build the best station we can within our budgetary and physical space constraints.

The science behind the remarkable efficiency of FT8

FT8 (Franke-Taylor 8-FSK modulation), a digital mode developed for amateur radio, has become incredibly popular since it's introduction in 2017, especially for making contacts in challenging conditions. This mode is particularly effective at low power levels and with weak signals, making it a favorite among hams who enjoy the thrill of long-distance communication with minimal equipment. But why does FT8 perform so well under these circumstances? Here are some key reasons.

Efficient Signal Encoding

FT8 uses a highly efficient encoding method that packs a lot of information into a small bandwidth. This means the mode can transmit data effectively even when the signal is weak or the conditions are poor. The encoding is designed to be robust against interference and noise, which are common on HF bands, especially at low power levels.

Short Transmission Time

Each FT8 transmission lasts only about 15 seconds. This short duration reduces the chance that the signal will be affected by sudden changes in the ionosphere or local interference. With these quick exchanges, FT8 can take advantage of brief openings in the band conditions, allowing successful contacts that might be missed with longer transmissions.

Error Correction

FT8 includes strong error correction algorithms. These algorithms can identify and fix errors in the received signal, ensuring that the message (and particularly the callsign within the message) can still be understood even if parts of it are lost or corrupted. This is crucial for weak signal work, where parts of the transmission might be affected by noise or fading.

Low Bandwidth

FT8 signals occupy very little bandwidth (only about 50 Hz). This narrow bandwidth means that FT8 can fit into crowded HF bands without causing or suffering from much interference. It also means that more of the transmitter's power is concentrated into a smaller space, making the signal stronger relative to the background noise.

Many FT8 narrowband signals spread across a 1200Hz band segment

Synchronisation

FT8 requires precise time synchronisation between transmitting and receiving stations, typically achieved using internet time servers. This synchronisation ensures that both stations are listening and transmitting at the exact same time, making it easier to decode weak signals because the timing is predictable.

In summary:

FT8 excels at low power and weak signal levels due to its efficient encoding, short transmission times, strong error correction, narrow bandwidth, precise synchronisation, and user-friendly software. These features work together to make FT8 a powerful tool for amateur radio operators, enabling reliable communication even in challenging conditions. 

Whether you're trying to reach a distant station or simply want to make contacts with minimal power, FT8 offers a robust solution that maximises the potential of weak signals. Add to that the popularity of this mode and number of active stations at any given time, your chances of making contacts are very high. 

I myself was amazed when I first started to use FT8 at the amount of DX in the FT8 band segments and work several new countries within my first couple of weeks using the mode with only 10w output into a 1/4 wave vertical antenna.

FSK RTTY and CW keying using G3LIV Isoterm Multimode

After years of operating mostly on SSB and CW, I caught the digital bug in 2005, initially using PSK31 but subsequently RTTY, which has since become my favourite operating mode on HF. There's something captivating about those diddle-diddle sounds and watching text appear on the screen from stations halfway across the world. But getting everything set up properly can be a bit of a headache, so I wanted to share details of my setup.

I'd had a Yaesu FT-950 for a while and to my mind, it's a fantastic rig. Connecting it to the computer for audio digital modes (PSK31 and AKSK RTTY) was relatively easy but for FSK RTTY I needed something more sophisticated. 

Enter the G3LIV ISOTERM MULTIMODE interface (which I believe is no longer in production since Johnny G3LIV retired). Getting everything connected was straightforward having purchased the correct cable set for for 950. 

The interface sat between my FT-950 and the computer, handling all the audio routing for PSK31, PTT switching, and FSK keying for RTTY. 

I used MMTTY for RTTY operation ( I still do), and it worked flawlessly. The waterfall display was clean, and decoding was spot-on (benefiting also from the audio peaking on the Mark & Space frequencies when using the FT-950's FSK RTTY mode).

But here's the really cool part – The Isoterm Multimode also lets you use the same setup for CW as well! This capability allowed me to use the CWType software from Sergei UA9OSV, for rapid-fire contest and DXpedition CW exchanges, with great success. 

The best part? No more worries about accidentally transmitting garbage or overdriving my audio levels. The isolation provided by the ISOTERM means I can experiment with settings without fear of causing interference or damaging anything.

If you're looking to dive into the digital modes with your FT-950 (or really, any modern rig), I can't recommend this setup enough if you have or can find one of these units. It opened up a whole new world of operating for me.

FSK vs AFSK RTTY: Why FSK Has the Edge

In the world of RTTY, two primary methods of generating the characteristic mark and space tones exist: Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) and Audio Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK). While both achieve the same end result, FSK offers several advantages that make it the preferred choice for many seasoned RTTY operators.

FSK directly shifts the radio's carrier frequency between two distinct frequencies to represent the mark and space tones. This is typically done by applying a keying voltage directly to the radio's oscillator circuit. 

AFSK, on the other hand, generates audio tones that are then applied to the radio's microphone input, much like phone operation.

The primary advantages of FSK include:

• Spectral Purity: FSK produces a cleaner signal with less unwanted sidebands. This results in a narrower transmission, reducing the chances of causing interference to nearby stations.
• Linearity: FSK is less affected by non-linearities in the transmitter's audio chain or power amplifier, as it bypasses most of the audio circuitry.
• Simplicity: Once set up, FSK requires no adjustment of audio levels, reducing the risk of overdriving and distortion.
• Better Signal-to-Noise Ratio: FSK often achieves a better signal-to-noise ratio at the receiving end, especially in weak signal conditions.
• Less Susceptible to Frequency Drift: FSK is typically more stable and less prone to frequency drift compared to AFSK.
• The Ability to Use Narrow Filters: Many radios with a dedicated FSK RTTY mode have associated narrow filters and audio peaks for Mark & Space frequencies. 

While AFSK has its place, particularly in situations where direct FSK keying is not available, FSK remains the gold standard for serious RTTY operation. Its cleaner signal, improved weak signal performance, and resistance to overmodulation make it my go-to choice for contesting and DXing.

As someone who's operated RTTY for decades, I've found that the extra effort to set up FSK is well worth it. The resulting improvement in signal quality and reception can make all the difference when trying to snag that rare DX or maximize your score in a contest. 

Vacation operation as CT7/G0RIF from South Portugal

In August 2010, I had the pleasure of combining a family holiday with some amateur radio operation from the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal. We stayed at Villa Feliz, nestled in the hills just inland from the coastal town of Carvoeiro. The elevated location proved to be an excellent spot for radio operations, offering a good takeoff angle for my antenna.

My portable setup consisted of my trusty Yaesu FT-857, a versatile rig that's perfect for travel, paired with a Buddistick vertical antenna. The Buddistick, being compact and easy to deploy, was ideal for operating from a holiday villa without drawing too much attention or taking up excessive space.

Buddistick antenna

Despite being on holiday, I managed to squeeze in a significant amount of radio time, logging well over 100 contacts during my stay. The majority of my operation was on the 20m, 15m, 17m, and 30m bands, which offered a good mix of long-distance and European contacts.

RTTY was my primary mode of operation during this trip for which I employed the excellent Airlink Express software from Alex KR1ST. I do prefer FSK RTTY but as this wasn't supported by the FT-857 I used AFSK which worked perfectly well.

While RTTY was my main focus, I did mix things up with some PSK31 and PSK63 (both modes also supported by Airlink Express), and some SSB which allowed for some nice rag-chewing type contacts.

Operating as CT7/G0RIF, I found myself on the receiving end of a few modest pile-ups, particularly when working into North America. 

It was a nice change to be the DX station for once, and it gave me a new appreciation for how the other side operates.

The view from the 'shack'

The 30m band was particularly interesting to work from this southern European location. Being a WARC band, it offered a different mix of stations and a generally more relaxed pace of operating compared to the busier contest bands.

There's something special about setting up a simple station in a new location and reaching out to the world, especially given the idyllic nature of this balcony operating position. The combination of the FT-857 and the Buddistick worked well, and the Airlink Express software did a great job. 

As the holiday came to an end, I was really quite pleased with the radio aspect of the trip. Over 100 contacts in the log, a mix of modes, and the experience of being the DX station – it had been a successful and enjoyable portable operation. 

Radio:  Yaesu FT-857D

Antenna:  Buddistick

Power:  50w

Location:  Carvoeiro, southern Portugal

YI9DXX, Internet Remote Base (IRB) in Baghdad

In May 2006, I had a fascinating QSO that introduced me to a new aspect of our ever-evolving hobby - Internet Remote Base (IRB) stations. My contact was with YI9DXX, a station located in Baghdad, Iraq, but remotely operated by Alan, K6AMD, from his location in the United States.

IRB stations are an intriguing development in amateur radio. They allow operators to control radio equipment at a distant location via an internet connection. This opens up possibilities for amateurs to operate from areas where they might not be able to set up a physical station due to restrictions, space limitations, or other factors. It also allows for operation from rare or difficult-to-access locations.

PSK31, or Phase Shift Keying 31 baud, had been gaining popularity since its introduction in the late 1990s, and by 2006, it had become my go-to mode for digital operations. What I particularly appreciate about PSK31 is its efficiency. The narrow bandwidth of just 31.25 Hz means it's excellent for weak signal work and allows for multiple QSOs to take place in the space previously occupied by a single SSB signal.

As I tuned across the 20m band that day, the distinctive waterfall display on my computer screen showed the narrow PSK31 signals. Among them, I spotted YI9DXX calling CQ. The clean, phase-shifted signal stood out clearly.

I felt a surge of excitement. Iraq was a new one for me, and the opportunity to work a station actually located in Baghdad was too good to pass up. I called and, to my delight, received a response.

During our QSO, Alan explained the IRB setup. The actual radio and antenna were indeed in Baghdad, but he was controlling everything from his home in the US. It was a strange feeling, knowing that my signals were being received in Iraq, then relayed back to Alan via the internet, and his responses making the reverse journey.

This contact opened my eyes to the possibilities of IRB operations. While some may debate whether it's the same as traditional radio operation, I found it fascinating. It allows amateurs to put rare locations on the air more frequently and provides opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to operate from certain areas and experience the thrill of working a large pile-up that they might never have when using their home call..

The YI9DXX contact was a highlight in my logbook, not just for being a new country, but for the unique way it was achieved. It demonstrated how amateur radio continues to evolve, embracing new technologies while still maintaining the core spirit of communication and technical experimentation that defines our hobby.

Radio:  JRC JST-245

Antenna:  Sloper

Power:  50w

Location:  Great Barr, Birmingham

Early wins with FT8, Angola (D2UY) and Kenya (5Z4VJ)

After nearly a decade away from the hobby, I found myself drawn back to amateur radio in January 2024. The landscape had changed quite a bit during my absence, but the core elements that had always fascinated me - portable operations, simple wire antennas, and the thrill of DX - were still very much alive.

One significant development that caught my attention was the introduction of FT8, a digital mode that had taken the amateur radio world by storm during my hiatus. Intrigued by its capabilities, particularly for low-power operation, I decided to give it a go.

After researching current trends in portable operations, I settled on the Xiegu G90. This compact transceiver, with its built-in antenna tuner and 20W output, seemed ideal for getting back into the swing of things. Its modest power output aligned well with my interest in battery powered portable operation, and the internal tuner promised flexibility with various antenna configurations.

Setting up for FT8 operation was straightforward, and I was soon on the air with a simple quarter-wave vertical antenna. Despite using only 10W - half of the G90's capable output - I was amazed at the results.

Within a single week spanning late February and early March, I managed to work two new African countries, both firsts for my logbook. The first was Angola on 10m (subsequently also worked on 15m), with station D2UY answering my call. Just a few days later, I connected with 5Z4VJ in Kenya on 12m. Both contacts were made using FT8, and both with just 10W into quarter-wave vertical antennas.

These successful QSOs were a revelation. They demonstrated the effectiveness of FT8 for weak signal work and reinforced my belief in the potential of simple setups. Working two new African countries with such modest power and a basic antenna was precisely the kind of experience that had originally ignited my passion for the hobby.

This early success with the G90 and FT8 has me excited about future operating, not only with FT8 but also CW (for which I have very high hopes) and SSB. It's clear that the combination of new digital modes and compact, efficient radios has opened up fresh possibilities for DXing, even with limited resources. I'm also looking forward to many more adventures in portable operating and exploring what the G90 and its 20w can do with some simple wire antennas.

Radio:  Xiegu G90

Antenna:  Quarter-wave vertical

Power:  10w

Location:  Lichfield

The G0RIF 'garden shed' shack circa September 2013

Ah, this image takes me back to the days of operating from a true "radio shack" - quite literally in this case! This setup, circa 2013, shows a cozy and functional amateur radio station nestled in a wooden garden shed. It's a scene many of us can relate to, making the most of available space to pursue our hobby.

The heart of the station is my dear old Yaesu FT-950 transceiver, a solid choice for HF and 6-meter operation. It's housed in a simple wooden shelf unit, which also contains my old Daiwa manual antenna tuner and computer-radio interface box (from Johnny G3LIV).

To the left of the operating position we see a desktop computer tower, running logging software and digital mode programs. On the right, there's a hefty 30A power supply unit, crucial for powering the transceiver and other equipment.

The computer monitor sits atop the shelf unit, with a keyboard and mouse in front for easy operation. 

The wooden walls of the shed give the station a warm, rustic feel with a blanket to one side by way of 'insulation'...it got cold in that shed in the winter months! An oil filled radiator was used to raise the temperature ever so slightly but it was usually fighting a losing battle, hihi.

It's wasn't a fancy, purpose-built ham shack, but it had all I needed at that time for effective operation. I would claim that this type of setup embodies the spirit of amateur radio - making use of available resources, creating a functional station in a modest space, and providing countless hours of enjoyment on the airwaves. It's a fine example of a typical British garden shed shack, where many great QSOs take place.

Radio Teletype (RTTY) - The original Digimode

As a long-time amateur radio operator, I've always had a soft spot for RTTY (Radio Teletype). One of its most recognisable features is the characteristic sound it makes on the air - the famous RTTY "diddles".

These diddles are a rapid alternation between the mark and space frequencies, creating a distinctive "dee-dah-dee-dah" sound. It's a bit like a fast, repetitive Morse code "di-dah", hence the nickname. This sound occurs when the transmitting station is idle, waiting for the next character to be sent.

The diddles serve a practical purpose beyond their unique audio signature. They help receiving stations to maintain synchronisation and tune their equipment properly. For DXers like myself, hearing those diddles through the noise can set the heart racing - it often means a potential rare contact is calling.

RTTY's origins date back to the 1920s and 1930s when it was developed for commercial and military use. Amateur radio operators began experimenting with it in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The mode uses frequency-shift keying (FSK), typically with a 170 Hz shift between mark and space, and the Baudot code for character encoding.

In the early days, RTTY required substantial hardware - massive mechanical teleprinters (like the Model 28 shown here) that were noisy and maintenance-intensive. The transition to computer-based systems in the 1980s and 1990s made RTTY more accessible, though some might say the loss of the physical teleprinter's clatter removed some of its charm.

Despite the proliferation of newer digital modes, RTTY has maintained its popularity. It's still widely used in contests and for general QSOs. Major events like the ARRL RTTY Roundup and CQ WW RTTY contests keep the mode very much alive.

What I appreciate about RTTY is its robustness. It might not be as efficient as some newer modes, but it performs well in poor conditions. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing that text slowly appear on the screen, accompanied by those iconic diddles, especially when it's from a DX station.

Today, with modern software (such as MMTTY, shown here above) and interfaces, getting on RTTY is easier than ever. While it may not be the most advanced digital mode, its historical significance, continued use, and those unmistakable diddles make it a crucial and beloved part of our hobby.