FT HAM FT8 and FT4 transceiver app for amateur radio on iOS, iPhone and iPad

Name: FT HAM
Availability: InStock
Author: EA4IQL

Developed by EA4IQL

Experience FT8 and FT4 digital modes on your iPhone and iPad with a professional iOS amateur radio application that works without a PC, featuring advanced FT8 and FT4 features, real-time waterfall display, auto sequencing and offline ADIF logging.

Explore Features

FT8 and FT4 decode list on FT HAM iOS app

FT HAM Features for FT8 and FT4 on iOS

Built for radio amateurs who demand precision and reliability.

Dual Mode Decode

Decode FT8 (15s) and FT4 (7.5s) signals on iOS with high SNR sensitivity and learn how decoding works using the real-time waterfall.

Auto Sequencer

Let the app handle the full FT8 / FT4 exchange automatically — from CQ detection to 73 — while you stay in control.

Intelligent QSO state machine with automatic CQ detection and reply generation. See the exact QSO state machine →

Live Waterfall

High-resolution FFT spectrogram with UTC alignment and decoded signal labels.

Encode & Transmit

Generate FT8/FT4 audio with slot-aligned timing over speaker or audio interface.

LOG

Smart Logbook

Automatic ADIF logging with export for popular logging software.

⚡

Slot Sync & Drift

Micro-second UTC precision with automatic clock drift correction.

🔒

Privacy First

All signal processing on-device. No internet required.

⚙️

Native iOS Engine

Built with Swift, C++, and Apple Accelerate for maximum efficiency.

FT HAM does not transmit RF signals directly. Audio output is played via speaker or audio interface. Users are responsible for complying with local amateur radio regulations.

Download FT HAM for iOS

FT HAM is a native iOS application designed for amateur radio operators who want reliable FT8 and FT4 operation without a PC.

Decode signals in real time, generate precisely timed transmissions, and manage QSOs with automatic sequencing and offline ADIF logging — all directly on your iPhone or iPad.

The app is free to download, with no subscriptions and no personal information tracking. An optional one-time Premium purchase unlocks CAT radio control, QRZ, LoTW and eQSL sync, PSK Reporter, statistics and the iPad dashboard.

What You Need

Start listening today with just your iPhone or iPad. Add an audio connection when you are ready to transmit.

A Transceiver

Any radio that can work in USB mode (upper sideband), on HF, VHF or UHF.

Your Device to Listen

No interface yet? Place your iPhone next to the radio speaker. The built-in microphone is enough to receive and decode.

An Audio Connection to Transmit

A radio with built-in USB audio, a USB sound card or an audio interface cable. It also gives the best decodes.

A License to Transmit

Transmitting requires an amateur radio license. Anyone can listen.

Setting up a cable or a USB sound card? See the hardware setup guides.

Getting Started with FT Ham on iOS

From setup to first QSO in minutes. Learn more in the complete FT HAM tutorial.

Setup Identity

Enter your callsign and grid locator in Settings.

Connect Audio

Link your radio's audio to your device, or hold your device near the radio speaker to listen.

Call or Reply

Select a station or call CQ to start.

Auto Log

QSOs are logged automatically to ADIF.

Messages in the RX/TX log are color-coded by type, and the map uses distinct shapes and colors. See the full legend in the User Guide →

Your CQ Received CQ Grid exchange (directed to you) RST report (directed to you) RR73 / RRR / 73 Unknown Other QSOs

A locator you have already worked A country heard in the last RX loop Path between 2 stations (last RX loop) 📍 Grid locator / callsign Your location

Learn how to use FT HAM for FT8 and FT4 digital amateur radio operation on iOS, including how the internal QSO engine works, supporting development, setup, timing, troubleshooting, and advanced features.

🚀 All Features

🎯

Message Composer

Pre-built and custom message generation with your call and grid.

📊

RX/TX History

Full history with SNR, frequency, and LDPC error details.

🎚️

Audio Gain Control

Adjustable input with real-time clipping detection.

📁

WAV File Decode

Decode recorded audio files offline for analysis and troubleshooting.

🎵

Mode Toggle

Switch between FT8 and FT4 instantly with automatic adjustments.

🌍

Band Control

Select amateur radio bands and set frequency with precise offset control.

🚀

Auto RX at Launch

Optionally start receiving automatically when app opens.

📍

Worked Locators

Track and view all unique grid locators you've contacted.

🔄

Retry Management

Configurable maximum retry attempts per QSO to manage bandwidth.

🎓

Onboarding & Help

Interactive guided tour for first-time users explaining all controls.

🎛️ Understanding the Waterfall

The waterfall is a real-time graph showing signal frequency (horizontal) vs. time (vertical). Brighter colors indicate stronger signals.

Horizontal lines: Decoded FT8/FT4 signals
Vertical labels: Callsigns of decoded stations
Timestamps: UTC time for each row
Color gradient: Red/bright = strong, dark = weak
Frequency scale: ~200 Hz bandwidth typical

Controls: Use the floating toolbar to toggle overlays, timestamps, and frequency adjustment. Tap waterfall to set transmit frequency.

🎨 Message Colors & Map Icon Legend

📊 RX/TX Message Color Coding

Each row in the message list is color-coded to immediately convey its role in the exchange.

Swatch	Color	Meaning
	Yellow	Your own CQ transmissions
	Purple / Violet	Received CQ from another station
	Blue	Message directed to you (grid exchange phase)
	Orange	Message directed to you (RST / signal report phase)
	Purple (dark)	RR73 / RRR / 73 messages (any station)
	Gray	Unknown message type
	System background	Station-to-station exchange not involving you

🗺️ Map Icon Legend

The interactive map uses distinct visual elements to show your operating history and current contacts.

Icon	Meaning
	A locator you have already worked
	A country you've heard in the last RX loop
	Path between two stations contacting each other in the last RX loop
📍	Grid locator with callsign annotation
	Your current location

📚 Complete Tutorial

Quick Start Tutorial

📝 Step 1: Configure Your Identity

Open Settings from the app menu
Enter your Callsign (e.g., W5XYZ)
Enter your Grid Locator (e.g., EM13uk)
Enable Auto RX at Start if desired
Tap Save

💡 Tip: Find your grid at levinecentral.com grid locator

🎙️ Step 2: Connect Audio

Connect radio audio to iOS microphone input
Open the Waterfall view
Tap Listen to start receiving
Watch for signal activity on waterfall
Adjust Input Gain if needed

💡 No cable yet? Place your device next to the radio speaker. The built-in microphone is enough to receive and decode.

⚠️ Note: Never connect RF directly to your device.

💬 Step 3: Manual Reply

Watch Received messages list
Tap a message to select it
Tap Reply
Wait for your transmit slot
Tap Transmit
Continue exchange (reports, RRR, 73)

🤖 Step 4: Automatic QSO

Enable Auto Sequencing
Enable Auto TX
Optionally enable Auto CQ Reply
App handles exchange automatically
Intervene manually anytime

📡 Step 5: Calling CQ

Select CQ from Message Selector
Verify frequency display
Tap Transmit
Watch for replies in Received list
Reply to responders

📊 Step 6: Export QSOs

Open Logbook tab
View completed QSOs with details
Tap Export ADIF
Import into logging software

⚙️ Hardware Setup

System Requirements & Configuration

📱 Requirements

iOS 15.0 or later for optimal performance.

🎤 Permissions

Microphone (required): For radio audio capture
Location (optional): Auto-detect grid locator

🎚️ Audio Connections

3.5mm stereo-to-Lightning adapter
USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (iPad Pro)
Direct 3.5mm cable if available
Connect LINE OUT/EAR to device mic input
Use shielded cables

💡 Input Gain: Adjust until signals are clear without clipping warnings.

🎙️ Connecting iPhone Audio via VOX

Simple VOX Audio Setup for FT8 / FT4

This setup uses VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) to key the transmitter automatically when FT HAM generates audio. No USB control, no CAT interface, and no computer are required.

🔗 Signal Flow

FT HAM generates FT8 / FT4 audio
Audio exits the iPhone via wired audio adapter
Audio feeds the radio microphone input
VOX detects audio and switches the radio to TX
Transmission stops automatically when audio ends

🔌 Physical Connection

Connect a wired audio adapter to the iPhone (Lightning or USB-C)
Connect the adapter output to the radio microphone input
Use an audio cable with attenuation if possible

⚠️ Important: Never connect RF, antenna, or speaker outputs directly to the iPhone. Only low-level audio signals must be used.

📻 Radio Configuration

Mode: USB
VOX: Enabled
VOX Gain: Low to medium
VOX Delay: Short (≈ 0.2–0.5 s)
RF Power: Minimum required
Speech compressor: OFF
EQ / DSP / NR: OFF

📱 FT HAM Audio Level Setup

Set iPhone output volume very low
Start a transmission in FT HAM
Increase volume slowly until VOX activates
Ensure the radio ALC meter does not move
Confirm TX stops immediately when audio ends

💡 Best Practice: In FT8 and FT4, clean audio is far more important than power. If ALC moves, reduce iPhone volume.

🚨 Common Problems

VOX does not trigger: Increase iPhone volume or VOX gain
VOX stays active: Reduce volume or VOX delay
Distorted signal: ALC active or audio too strong
No decoding: Incorrect USB mode or audio routing

🔌 Using an External USB Sound Card with iPhone

USB Audio Interface Setup (RX & TX)

FT HAM fully supports external USB audio devices connected to the iPhone. This allows higher audio quality, proper level matching, and electrical isolation compared to direct analog cabling.

🔗 How USB Audio Works on iOS

The USB sound card appears as the system audio input and output
FT HAM automatically uses the active system audio device
No driver installation or configuration is required
Audio routing is handled entirely by iOS

🔌 Physical Connections

Connect the USB sound card to the iPhone using a Lightning or USB-C adapter
Connect radio audio output (LINE OUT / DATA OUT / EAR) to the sound card input
Connect sound card output to the radio audio input (MIC / DATA IN)
Enable VOX on the radio if PTT control is audio-based

💡 Note: USB sound cards typically provide proper audio levels and isolation, reducing hum, RF feedback, and distortion.

📻 Radio Configuration

Mode: USB
VOX: Enabled (if no CAT/PTT control is used)
VOX Gain: Low to medium
Speech processing, EQ, compressor: OFF
ALC: No movement during TX

📱 FT HAM Audio Behavior

FT HAM sends FT8 / FT4 audio to the USB output device
Incoming audio from the radio is decoded from the USB input
Input Gain controls decoding sensitivity
Output level is controlled by the USB interface and radio gain

⚠️ Important: Even when using a USB sound card, FT HAM does not control RF hardware. Ensure correct audio levels to avoid overdriving the transmitter.

🚨 Common Issues

No audio input: Reconnect USB adapter and sound card
No TX: VOX disabled or output level too low
Distorted signal: Excessive output level or ALC activity
No decoding: Incorrect radio audio output connection

🔧 Troubleshooting

❌ No signals on waterfall

Check microphone permission
Verify audio connection
Increase Input Gain
Check device isn't muted

❌ Poor decoding / weak SNR

Adjust Input Gain gradually
Reduce ambient noise
Use better microphone/interface

❌ Out of sync / TX incorrect

Enable auto time sync in iOS
Restart app to resync
Allow drift auto-correction

❌ No microphone input

Check Privacy → Microphone
Restart the app
Re-insert audio adapter

📖 FT Ham Technical Specifications

The Engine Behind Accurate FT8/FT4 Decoding

FT HAM uses a custom-built digital signal processing core optimized for Apple Silicon and Mobile architectures.

⚡

Accelerate Framework

Utilizing vDSP and Fourier transform libraries for low-latency audio analysis.

🕒

UTC Sync Engine

Micro-second precision timing alignment for perfect slot transitions.

🛡️

TX Safety Matrix

Built-in checks to ensure valid message structures and transmission boundaries.

Technical Specs

Sample Rate	12,000 Hz
FFT Size	2048 Bins
FT8 Cycle	15 Seconds
FT4 Cycle	7.5 Seconds
Architecture	Swift / C++ / Obj-C

📡 FT8/FT4 Band Frequencies

Standard FT8 & FT4 Operating Frequencies

These are the standard USB dial frequencies for FT8 and FT4 operation on amateur radio bands. Set your transceiver to USB mode at these frequencies.

Banda	FT8 (USB)	FT4 (USB)
160 m	1.840 MHz	1.840 MHz
80 m	3.573 MHz	3.575 MHz
40 m	7.074 MHz	7.0475 MHz
30 m	10.136 MHz	10.140 MHz
20 m	14.074 MHz	14.080 MHz
17 m	18.100 MHz	18.104 MHz
15 m	21.074 MHz	21.140 MHz
12 m	24.915 MHz	24.919 MHz
10 m	28.074 MHz	28.080 MHz
6 m	50.313 MHz	50.318 MHz

⏱️ FT8 Slots & Timing

FT8 and FT4 use synchronized UTC time slots to prevent collisions.

FT8 Slot: 15 seconds (full exchange = 60s)
FT4 Slot: 7.5 seconds (full exchange = 30s)
Sync: Enable automatic time sync in iOS
Drift correction: Automatic alignment
Even/Odd cycles: Contest compliance

Support FT HAM

FT HAM is an independently developed project, built with a strong focus on technical accuracy, privacy, and long-term sustainability.

The app is free to download, and decoding, transmitting and logging are free for everyone. An optional one-time Premium purchase adds extras such as CAT control and logbook sync. If FT HAM is useful to you, supporting the project is a way to help maintain and improve it over time.

Support Development

Supporting FT HAM does not unlock features or content. It simply helps keep the project alive and evolving.

Privacy & Legal

Your data and safety matter to us.

🔒 Privacy

Your logbook and settings stay on your device. No account, no ads, no tracking.

FT HAM iOS App: The app sends anonymous crash reports and usage statistics (you can turn statistics off). QRZ, LoTW, eQSL and PSK Reporter only receive data after you turn them on.

FT HAM Website: Anonymous analytics may be used only after explicit user consent, exclusively to understand general website usage. No personal data is collected.

Read Privacy Policy →

⚖️ Terms of Service

FT HAM is provided "as-is" for personal use. By using the app, you agree to our Terms and Apple's Standard EULA.

Premium: a one-time in-app purchase, not a subscription. Everything free stays free.

Your responsibilities: Use only for authorized purposes in compliance with amateur radio regulations.

Read Terms of Service →

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: FT HAM is provided "as is" without warranties. We do not guarantee uninterrupted service.

RF Safety & Compliance: FT HAM generates audio but does not control RF hardware. You are responsible for:

Providing appropriate audio interfaces and RF equipment
Complying with FCC and international regulations
Ensuring proper RF safety and grounding
Obtaining necessary licenses

Privacy & Analytics

FT HAM FT8 and FT4 transceiver app for amateur radio on iOS, iPhone and iPad

FT HAM Features for FT8 and FT4 on iOS

Dual Mode Decode

Auto Sequencer

Live Waterfall

Encode & Transmit

Smart Logbook

Slot Sync & Drift

Privacy First

Native iOS Engine

Download FT HAM for iOS

What You Need

A Transceiver

Your Device to Listen

An Audio Connection to Transmit

A License to Transmit

Getting Started with FT Ham on iOS

Setup Identity

Connect Audio

Call or Reply

Auto Log

Message Composer

RX/TX History

Audio Gain Control

WAV File Decode

Mode Toggle

Band Control

Auto RX at Launch

Worked Locators

Retry Management

Onboarding & Help

📊 RX/TX Message Color Coding

🗺️ Map Icon Legend

Quick Start Tutorial

📝 Step 1: Configure Your Identity

🎙️ Step 2: Connect Audio

💬 Step 3: Manual Reply

🤖 Step 4: Automatic QSO

📡 Step 5: Calling CQ

📊 Step 6: Export QSOs

System Requirements & Configuration

📱 Requirements

🎤 Permissions

🎚️ Audio Connections

Simple VOX Audio Setup for FT8 / FT4

🔗 Signal Flow

🔌 Physical Connection

📻 Radio Configuration

📱 FT HAM Audio Level Setup

🚨 Common Problems

USB Audio Interface Setup (RX & TX)

🔗 How USB Audio Works on iOS

🔌 Physical Connections

📻 Radio Configuration

📱 FT HAM Audio Behavior

🚨 Common Issues

The Engine Behind Accurate FT8/FT4 Decoding

Accelerate Framework

UTC Sync Engine

TX Safety Matrix

Technical Specs

Standard FT8 & FT4 Operating Frequencies

Support FT HAM

Privacy & Legal

🔒 Privacy

⚖️ Terms of Service