Does making worldwide radio contacts sound like fun? Are Technicians allowed to use FT8 on 10-meter radio? Yes, you can do FT8 on 10 meters as a technician! This is within your band privileges. Right now, we are approaching the peak of solar cycle 25 which means you’ll get the most benefit out of these privileges now.
So, what is FT8?
FT8 is a mode of digital communication that we use to communicate with other amateur radio operators. It is a great way to make quick contacts with other ham radio enthusiasts around the world. It requires both radios and computers to communicate. Instead of using voice or Morse code, FT8 uses digital signals from the computer. The operator sends these signals with their radio. FT8 messages are usually very short, typically just a few words or letters (designed to be quick and efficient). Hams send and receive FT8 messages in precise 15-second intervals. The strict timing helps ensure that messages can be received even in challenging radio conditions. The messages in FT8 follow a standard format that makes it easy for hams to understand and respond to each other quickly.
In amateur radio, FT8 is popular because it allows hams to communicate with each other all over the world, often in conditions where other modes might not work as well. It’s a bit like texting with radios, and it’s a fun way for radio enthusiasts to connect with each other, experiment with technology, and make contacts with people from different places.
And what’s this about the sun?
The solar cycle is a natural pattern of changes in the Sun’s activity. It’s like the Sun’s own “up and down” rhythm. This cycle lasts about 11 years and has two main phases: active & quiet. You can also think of this cycle as the minimum & maximum of sunspot activity. Right now, we are in solar cycle 25, and likely approaching the solar maximum in 2024.
During the Sun’s active phase in the solar cycle, 10-meter radio communication is great because signals can travel long distances (the ionosphere reflects signals more efficiently). It’s like the Sun boosts the signals, so you can talk to people far away. But when the Sun is less active, like during its quiet phase (or at night), 10-meter radio doesn’t work as well for long-distance chats because the signals can’t bounce around the Earth’s atmosphere as easily.
You want in?
The first part of being able to participate in these worldwide communications is your amateur radio license. Need yours? Check out either of these resources to help you prepare –
Next, you’ll need a digital capable radio. Some of the radios our community uses include the Xiegu G106 and Yaesu FT-818ND. Find a radio that fits your budget, and don’t forget about a power supply and antenna!
Finally, you’ll need to check out a good FT8 tutorial. Here’s a few we recommend:
- Ham Radio Crash Course’s FT8 How To
- Ham Radio Tube’s FT8 Master Class
- Ham Radio DX’s Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Got more questions? Head on over to the #radios channel on Discord! While we might not be the experts, we’ll help you figure it out.