Tips for FT8 DXers
Gary Hinson, ZL2IFB
1. The digital modes are being actively developed and the protocols/operating conventions are still evolving. Use the latest available software: currently for FT8 that means the RC2 beta release or later development versions of WSJT-X.
2. With the program running, press F1 and read the help file/manual. It’s quite well written, if I say so myself. You’ll discover, for instance, that the weirdly confusing combinations of shift/alt/control keys and clicks are handily explained on the screen by pressing F5 to “Display special mouse commands” (commands for special mice):
Read Full Article: (.pdf)
Equipment
Aerial-51 SKY-SDR
GENERAL TRANSCEIVER SPECIFICATIONS Technology Solid State SDR-DSP Direct Conversion Frequencies / Bands 1.8 MHz to 54.0 MHz 160, 80, 60, 40, 30, 20,... Read more
BAOFENG BF-888S UHF FM
BAOFENG BF-888S Product Features and Technical Details Product Features 50 CTCSS/105 CDCSS/VOX Function Voice Prompt/PC Programming/voice scramble/enc... Read more
RigExpert Stick 60kHz – 35MHz Analyzer
RigExpert Stick 60kHz – 35MHz Analyzer | State-of-the-Art Antenna & Cable Analyzer Key Features: Frequency range: 0.06 to 35 MHz, upgradable... Read more
STEMlab 122.88-16 SDR kit basic – REDPITAYA
REDPITAYA – Tailored for HF+50MHz SDR & other RF applications – Comes with two 16 bit ACDs 50 ohm inputs; 14 bit DACs 50 ohm outputs... Read more
Antenna
Spiderbeam 30-17-12m HD (WARC)
The Heavy Duty Spiderbeam is a specially reinforced version, optimized for permanent installation at home (see chapter 4 of our construction guide PDF... Read more
THE TILTED TERMINATED FOLDED DIPOLE – A PRACTICAL BUILDING GUIDE
“THE TILTED TERMINATED FOLDED DIPOLE Recently, I have been experimenting with the Tilted Terminated Folded Dipole, a.k.a. TTFD, a.k.a. T2FD. I... Read more
Ham Radio Xmas Story – ALEXLOOP !
See More about AlexLoop Read more
New Antenna Uses Saltwater and Plastic to Steer Radio Beams
Liquid-based antennas offer unique advantages over metal ones By Michelle Hampson A new antenna that uses saltwater and plastic instead of metal to sh... Read more
MONSTER YAGI FOR 20M
A 5 element wide spaced yagi for the 20m long path to Europe was installed at ZL6QH in May 2005. A photo of this “monster” antenna... Read more
Review
The Difference Between Yaesu WiresX And Hotspots
“In the world of Yaesu System Fusion and C4FM there seems to be a lot of confusion over access to the WiresX system from a hotspot. This time, I... Read more
Replacing a bad PL-259 Connector
“Since we all need to stay at home anyway, let’s fix up the station! I need to review a new mobile radio, and the connector on my VHF/UHF... Read more
Introducing the new ICOM 9700
ICOM 9700 Built with the VHF/UHF weak signal operator in mind, the IC-9700 is an RF direct sampling receiver for 2m and 70cm. The IF receiver consists... Read more
How Does An Inexpensive Transceiver Sound Compared to A High End Transceiver?
Jim W6LG plays recordings of an Elecraft K3s and a Yaesu FT-450. Which sounds best to you? Vote for receiver #1 or receiver #2 and give a very short d... Read more
Icom RS-BA1- Installing & Setting up Remote Control for your IC-7300
Our friends at the TX Factor have produced a video that logically goes through the step by set process of remote controlling an Icom Amateur radio, mo... Read more
App - Mobile
WSPR World Watch v2 – Andorid APP – Propagation Tool
This app answers the two basic questions facing radio amateurs:- Which band shall I use ? Where shall I point my beam ? It will be of interest to an... Read more
SmartSDR for iOS v3.4.01 Now Available
FlexRadio Systems announces the release of SmartSDR for iOS v3.4.01 is now available for download or update from the Apple App Store. This App require... Read more
RFinder – The World Wide Repeater Directory now has Jamming Reports!
RFinder now includes the ability to make jamming reports. This is already available in RFinder Android and should be available on iOS devices by Dayto... Read more
EchoLink for iOS version 2.6.14 is now available
EchoLink for iOS version 2.6.14 is now available in the App Store. This is a 64-bit build that is fully compatible with iOS 10 and modern iOS devices.... Read more
Top 5 Ham Radio App
Ham Radio App If you’re a member of ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, install this app and have QST, the ARRL membership journal... Read more
