This article covers setting up the JS8Call for the ICOM IC-705, but if you’re completely new to JS8Call you might want to check out my Introduction to JS8Call article first, before digging into the configuration steps here. When you connect the radio to your laptop (or ruggedised tablet if you’re like me!), you should check the device …
JS8Call is a digital mode based on FT8, allowing for messaging with very weak signals. Whilst FT8 is a “QSO-only” protocol where only locations and signal reports are exchanged, JS8Call allows for arbitrary text-based messages to be exchanged. Does my radio support JS8Call? Many radios support JS8Call “out of the box”, such as my Yaesu …
This article covers setting up the DigiRig Mobile and WSJT-X for the Yaesu FT-857D, but if you’re completely new to FT8 you might want to check out my Introduction to FT8 article first, before digging into the configuration steps here. The Yaesu FT-857D does not have support for digital modes like FT8 out of the …
What is FT8? FT8 is a digital mode of operation for radio systems. One of the major benefits of FT8 is its ability to work with very weak signals. FT8 allows for 13 characters to be exchanged per message. This mode is most frequently used as part of a simple exchange of locations followed by …