Beginner FT8 Settings Checklist (Printable) – WSJT-X Setup Guide for Ham Radio

✅ Beginner FT8 Settings Checklist (Printable)

Name/Callsign: ____________________________ Date: ____________
Radio: ____________________ Interface: ☐ USB Audio ☐ DigiRig ☐ Other: __________
Software: ☐ WSJT-X ☐ JTDX ☐ Other: __________

1) Computer + Time Sync (FT8 Depends on Accurate Time)

☐ Computer time is correct
☐ Time sync enabled (internet or time-sync app)
☐ Clock error is within ~±1 second (best practice)

2) Radio Setup (HF FT8 Basics)

☐ Radio is on the correct band and FT8 frequency
☐ Mode set to USB (HF digital standard)
☐ RF power set to start at 25–50W (recommended)
☐ Compression/processing OFF (speech processor OFF)
☐ Noise blanker / filters set as desired (optional)

3) WSJT-X Station Settings (First-Time Setup)

WSJT-X → Settings → General
☐ Callsign entered correctly
☐ Grid square entered correctly

4) WSJT-X Radio Control (CAT + PTT)

WSJT-X → Settings → Radio
☐ Rig selected correctly: __________________________
☐ COM port selected: __________________________
☐ Baud rate matches radio menu: __________________
☐ Data bits / stop bits set (defaults ok)
☐ Handshake: ☐ None ☐ RTS/CTS (only if needed)
☐ PTT method: ✅ CAT (recommended)

☐ Test CAT = PASS ✅
☐ Test PTT = PASS ✅

5) WSJT-X Audio Devices (Input/Output)

WSJT-X → Settings → Audio
☐ Input device selected (radio receive audio)
☐ Output device selected (radio transmit audio)

RX Level Target
☐ WSJT-X input meter reads ~30–60 dB
☐ Waterfall shows active signals (when band is open)

6) Transmit Audio + ALC (Most Important FT8 Quality Check)

☐ TX audio level starts LOW (computer volume ~10–30%)
☐ Radio power output is stable during TX
☐ ✅ ALC is minimal / barely moving
☐ Signal is not distorted or “wide”

If ALC is high:
☐ Reduce computer output volume
☐ Reduce TX slider/output in audio settings
☐ Disable audio enhancements/boost

7) Operating Settings (Basic Best Practices)

☐ “Monitor” enabled in WSJT-X
☐ “Auto Seq” enabled (recommended for beginners)
☐ “Hold Tx Freq” enabled (recommended for stability)
☐ Confirm you’re transmitting inside the band pass
☐ Avoid transmitting on top of other signals

8) Make Your First FT8 Contact (Simple Method)

✅ Best beginner method: Reply to a CQ
☐ Click a decoded “CQ” message in the left window
☐ WSJT-X highlights a TX frequency
☐ Click Enable Tx
☐ Watch the exchange complete through RR73/73
☐ Log the contact

9) Common Quick Fix Checks (If Something Isn’t Working)

No decodes?

☐ Check time sync again
☐ Verify correct Audio INPUT device
☐ Verify you’re on an active FT8 frequency
☐ Confirm antenna + coax connections

Radio won’t transmit?

☐ Re-check COM port
☐ Test PTT again
☐ Try CAT PTT vs VOX (VOX = last resort)

People can’t decode you?

☐ ALC too high / overdriving
☐ TX audio too high
☐ Wrong mode (not USB)
☐ Poor SWR / antenna issue

✅ Final “Ready to Operate” Check

☐ CAT = PASS ✅
☐ PTT = PASS ✅
☐ RX = 30–60 dB ✅
☐ Power = 25–50W ✅
☐ ALC minimal ✅
☐ Time synced ✅

Notes: ________________________________________________________________