What is FT-8?

FT-8 was developed by K1JT and K9AN as part of the WSJT-X software suite. It uses 8-FSK modulation with 6.25 Hz tone spacing and operates in 15-second intervals. It can decode signals 10 dB below the noise floor, making it extremely popular for weak signal communication.

Can FT-8 damage your transceiver?

No — FT-8 itself cannot damage your radio. However, improper setup (such as running too much power, using a poor antenna match, or operating without proper duty cycle management) can cause damage. Always ensure your radio is properly configured when running digital modes.

Difference between FT-8 and PSK-XX

PSK-XX (such as PSK31) uses phase shift keying and operates at higher power levels with wider bandwidth. FT-8 is more robust at lower signal levels and uses much less bandwidth.

Difference between FT-8 and FT-4

FT-4 uses 4-second intervals (vs 15 seconds for FT-8) which makes it faster but less sensitive. FT-4 also transmits shorter messages and is less robust than FT-8 at very low signal levels.