FT8 contesting for radio amateurs: tips for beginners and advanced operators

In recent years, one of the most dynamically evolving areas of the amateur radio community has been digital modes—with FT8 becoming exceptionally popular. Originally not designed for contesting, FT8 contesting has now become widespread worldwide.

In this article, we’ll explore what FT8 is, how it works, how to participate in FT8 contests, the necessary equipment, key strategies, and practical tips for success—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced operator.

If you’re interested in the modern world of amateur radio, this guide is for you!

What is FT8?

FT8 is a digital amateur radio mode developed by Joe Taylor K1JT and his team in 2017.

The name stands for:
FT = Franke-Taylor (after the two developers)
8 = 8-FSK modulation (uses 8 frequency positions)

The goals of FT8 are:

  • Operate under extremely weak signal conditions

  • Fast, automated QSO handling

  • Short cycles: communication in 15-second intervals

Thanks to this, FT8 can decode signals down to -24 dB S/N—under conditions where traditional SSB or CW would not be usable.

Popular bands

  • HF bands (1.8–30 MHz): especially 80 m, 40 m, 20 m, 17 m, 15 m, 10 m

  • VHF: 6 m and 2 m

  • UHF: experimental use on 70 cm

Example FT8 frequencies:

Band FT8 frequency (kHz)
160 m 1840
80 m 3573
40 m 7074
30 m 10136
20 m 14074
17 m 18100
15 m 21074
12 m 24915
10 m 28074
6 m 50313

FT8 and contesting

While FT8 was not originally created as a contest mode, several FT8-specific contest formats have emerged:

  • FT Roundup (supported by ARRL)

  • EU FT8 Contest

  • WW Digi DX Contest (under WW Digi rules)

  • FT8 DX Contest

  • Club and national local contests

These contests often use special software add-ons or contest modes (more on this later).

How does an FT8 QSO work?

FT8 communication is strictly structured:

  1. CQ call (typically automated)

  2. Responder replies

  3. Signal report exchange (e.g. -16 / -08)

  4. 73 exchange

  5. Logging

All of this happens in about 4–5 cycles, so an FT8 QSO is completed in about 1–1.5 minutes.

An FT8 QSO is not a conversation, but a protocol-driven exchange.

What software is needed for FT8?

WSJT-X

WSJT-X is the official free software supporting FT8 mode.

Key features:

  • FT8 transmit/receive

  • Spectrum display

  • Automated QSO processing

  • Logging (ADIF export)

JTDX

An optimized FT8 software alternative:

  • Better decoding sensitivity

  • Special DX features

Logging programs

  • N1MM Logger+ (with FT8 plugin)

  • Log4OM

  • DXLab Suite

  • ClubLog for automatic uploads

Extra tools

  • Grid Tracker (visual display)

  • JTAlert (DXCC, WAS, special alerts)

What equipment is needed for FT8?

Radio

  • An SSB-capable transceiver

  • Digital mode support (USB-D, Data, Digi)

Popular models:

  • Icom IC-7300

  • Yaesu FT-991A

  • Kenwood TS-590SG

  • Elecraft K3/K4

  • SDR radios: FlexRadio, SunSDR, Anan, etc.

Sound card / interface

  • Radios with built-in USB sound cards → simple USB connection

  • External interfaces: SignalLink USB, microHAM, RigExpert

Antenna

  • Full-band coverage antenna recommended

  • Examples:

    • Dipole

    • Vertical

    • End-Fed

    • Yagi (on higher bands)

Computer

  • Windows, Linux, MacOS — WSJT-X works on all major platforms

  • No need for a high-performance PC — older laptops work fine

Time synchronization

  • Very important! FT8 requires ±1 second accuracy

  • Tools:

    • Meinberg NTP

    • Dimension 4

    • Chrony (Linux)

How does an FT8 contest work?

Rules

  • Special contest rules (e.g. name, locator, country codes exchanged)

  • Scoring: by band, DXCC, grid square

  • Duration: 4–24 hours

  • Mode: FT8, contest-optimized version (such as MSHV or WSJT-X contest mode)

Logging

  • Log submission in ADIF / Cabrillo format

  • Automatic logging is recommended (e.g. N1MM Logger+ FT8 integration)

Uploads

  • ClubLog

  • LotW

  • eQSL

  • Organizer’s contest portal

Tips for FT8 contesting

Settings

  • Optimal power: not too strong (max 30 W on HF), but enough for solid decoding

  • IMD monitoring: clean signal

  • EQ settings: flat response

Antenna strategy

  • Rotatable antenna is advantageous

  • Band switching: track propagation → e.g. 20 m daytime, 40 m evening

Band monitoring

  • Monitor the band → DX spots + spectrum

  • Grid Tracker: where are missing QSOs?

Automation

  • WSJT-X auto-seq: automated QSO flow

  • JTDX: faster decoding, efficient pileup handling

Contest monitoring

  • Watch DX cluster

  • Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) → where is your signal heard?

Good practices

  • Always check time synchronization!

  • Verify log after contest

  • Avoid duplicate QSOs (no extra points)

FT8 contest examples

Contest name Date Notes
ARRL FT Roundup December USA + international
EU FT8 Contest May European-focused FT8 contest
WW Digi DX Contest August All digital modes (FT8/FT4)
FT8 DX Contest Various DXCC-focused

Common mistakes among beginners

  • Poor time sync → no one replies

  • Too much power → IMD, causing QRM

  • Incorrect antenna

  • Auto-mode left incomplete → QSO fails

  • Incorrect log format → QSO not scored

Advanced tips

  • SO2R FT8 contesting: operate on two bands simultaneously

  • Multiband strategy: watch when each band opens

  • Grid chasing → hunting rare grid locators

  • DXCC + WAS parallel FT8 chasing

Future trends

  • FT4: faster FT8 alternative, ideal for contesting

  • AI-based decoding → even weaker signals

  • Distributed FT8 clients → multi-antenna, remote receiving

  • Remote operation → fully automated FT8 remote control

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