FT8--Box

Overview

With a FT8--Box FT8-signals can be coded and decoded without much effort. (FT4 and other formats are also possible)

On these pages you will find a description of the FT8--Box Kit and an introduction how to the use of the FT8--Box, especially how to successfully use the WSJT-X program to achieve successful connections with FT8 even under SOTA conditions.

Function

The FT8--Box contains a Raspi 3B, with Rasbian as operating system. (A Linux descendant). On Rasbian runs WSJT-X, the actual FT8 program. Since the FT8 protocol is synchronized with UTC, the FT8--Box gets the exact time either from the Internet, when the Ethernet interface is connected to the Internet, form a GPS receiver or from the smartphone/iPhone, which also acts as a screen. The FT8 program is operated from there.

The FT8--Box sets up its own WiFi ("FT8--Box") as an access point, via which the display device (Android/iPhone) connects to the FT8--Box. There is also a way to connect the box to a hotspot of the smartphone.
If the FT8--Box is connected to the Internet via an Ethernet interface, the box can also be used for other purposes: It can then serve as an access point for a domestic guest WiFi.

Requirements

• FT8--Box USB power supply (5V/1A) for the FT8--Box (not included in kit)

• Smartphone/Tablet (Android) or iPhone/iPad (iOS)
  (Internet access is required during setup to install two auxiliary programs)

• Transeiver

Setup

The following steps are necessary to operate the FT8-box.

• Assembling the box Installing a virtual screen on the smartphone/iPhone (VNC)

• Installing a time server on the smartohone/iPhone (optional)

• Switching on the FT8--Box

• Starting the time server and virtual screen on the smartphone/iPhone if the GPS receiver does not provide a signal.

• Connect the transceiver to the FT8-box and switch it on

• Start and set theFT8-program (WSJT-X) and driveFT8-QSO's

These steps are described in detail in the manual.

OM's who don't like to by a kit, can download a full functional image (6.5GB) and an installation manual

I wish you success and a steep learning curve.
(But do not forget: Detours increase the knowledge of the terrain! <hi>)
vy 73 de HB9HCI, Andreas