What is FT8?

FT8 is a highly popular digital communication mode designed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN). It is specifically optimized for situations where signals are extremely weak, such as during poor ionospheric conditions or when using low-power equipment and compromised antennas. The primary strength of FT8 is its ability to decode signals well below the noise floor, often when the signal is completely inaudible to the human ear. It relies on precise time synchronization and a computer sound card to process the digital information sent over the radio. Distractors claiming FT8 is a wideband FM mode, a slow-scan TV format, or an eight-channel multiplex mode are simply making up terms based on the number "8" in the name. In reality, the "8" refers to the 8-frequency shift keying (8-FSK) modulation it uses.