FT8 Operating Guidelines

FT8 Operating Guidelines

We are asking everyone to follow these guidelines for calling A35JT on FT-8. You will get through faster by using these simple guidelines:

To avoid confusion please use WSJT-X Version v2.1 

We will use DX-pedition mode for all bands including potentially 160m (subject to performance).

  1. Configure the software and radio per the WSJT-X and your radio’s installation instructions. Do not use A35JT as your first FT8 on the air experience.
  2. Your operating frequency control should be under CAT (rig) control from the program – NOT manually from your VFO. You must add to WSJT-X our frequencies shown at: vk5gr-iota.net/operating-frequencies/
  3. Your WSJT-X software must be configured as a Hound.
  4. Call us ONLY if you are able to decode A35JT responding to other Hounds or if you decode a CQ from A35JT. You may initiate a calling sequence by double clicking on any A35JT response.
  5. Examples of A35JT responses:
    1. CQ A35JT
    2. N2AJ A35JT R-03
    3. K1ABC RR73; K5GS <A35JT> R-17;
      VK3GK <A35JT> -01
    4. VK3AA RR73;
      G4AAA <A35JT> RR73
  6. You must configure your WSJT-X frequency table to match our planned FT8 frequencies.
    shown at: vk5gr-iota.net/operating-frequencies/  or as announced via Social Media.
  7. A35JT will be transmitting BELOW 1,000 Hertz. You MUST select an open calling frequency  between 1,000 – 4000 Hertz to commence your calling sequence.
  8. Once A35JT replies to a Hound with RR73 the QSO is completed and logged.
  9. The Hound does not need to send 73 to complete the QSO.

(Thanks to the ZK3A team for this operating guide)