FT HAM User Guide

Welcome

Welcome to FT HAM, your portable FT8 and FT4 station. This guide will help you install the app, configure your station, and make your first digital contact—all from your iPhone or iPad, no computer required.

FT8 and FT4 are weak-signal digital modes invented by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN). They let you make contacts even when band conditions are challenging—signals as weak as −21 dB below the noise floor can be decoded, far below what the human ear can detect. Whether you are new to digital modes or an experienced operator looking for a mobile solution, this guide covers everything from basic setup to advanced contest and portable operation features. Let’s get on the air!

Target audience: licensed amateur radio operators with basic knowledge of radio operation.

1.1 System Requirements

Before downloading, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements:

1.2 Download from the App Store

Search for FT8 Ham on the App Store, or visit the FT HAM website and tap the download badge. The app is free to download and includes all core operating features (decoding, transmitting, logging, waterfall, map) at no cost. Optional premium features are available for CAT control, PSK Reporter tools, and direct online log syncing.

After installation, you’ll find the app icon on your home screen. Tap it to launch.

1.3 First Launch — Terms & Onboarding

On first launch, FT HAM asks you to accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. After accepting, a guided onboarding walkthrough introduces the app’s main features across 12 illustrated pages. Each page covers a major concept:

1. Welcome — A brief overview of what FT HAM does: decode and encode FT8/FT4 signals on your iPhone or iPad, with no computer needed.
2. Receiving (RX) — Explains how decoded messages appear in real time in the message list, showing callsigns, signal reports, grid locators, and timestamps.
3. Waterfall — Introduces the spectrogram view where signals appear as bright horizontal lines. Demonstrates how to read frequency (horizontal axis) vs. time (vertical axis).
4. Slide to Reply — Shows the swipe-left gesture on any received message to instantly prepare a reply. FT HAM automatically fills in the DX callsign, sets the correct frequency offset, and selects the right transmit cycle.
5. View Modes — Demonstrates three layout options: Vertical (RX and TX side by side), Separated (toggle between RX-only and TX-only panes), and Condensed (single interleaved list, ideal for iPhone in portrait).
6. Map — Shows the interactive map with worked grid squares, country overlays, and geodesic paths from your location to contacted stations.
7. Transmitting (TX) — Explains that FT HAM generates precisely timed audio tones, which your radio converts to RF using VOX. No RF is generated by your device itself.
8. Logbook — Describes automatic QSO logging and ADIF export for importing into other logging software or uploading to online services.
9. Auto-Sequencing — Explains hands-free QSO handling: FT HAM selects the right message at each step of the exchange so you don’t have to.
10. Station Setup — Points you to Configuration to enter your callsign and grid locator before you can transmit.
11. Getting Started — A 5-point quick-start checklist: (1) set callsign, (2) select band, (3) connect audio, (4) tap Listen, (5) swipe to reply.
12. Ready to Go! — Good DX and 73!

Swipe through all pages at your own pace. You can revisit the onboarding at any time from the Configuration tab—look for the “Show Onboarding” option at the bottom of the settings list.

1.4 Microphone Permission

iOS will prompt you to allow microphone access the first time you tap Listen (Start RX). You must grant this permission—FT HAM listens to audio from your transceiver to decode FT8/FT4 signals. Without microphone access, the app cannot receive or decode anything.

Privacy note: No audio data leaves your device. All decoding is performed locally on your iPhone or iPad. FT HAM does not record, store, or transmit raw audio.

1.5 Location Permission (Optional)

If you enable Auto Locator from GPS (see below), FT HAM will request location permission. Set it to “While Using the App” in iOS Settings → FT8 Ham → Location. FT HAM uses your coordinates solely to compute your Maidenhead grid square. No location data is stored or sent anywhere.

GPS requires a clear view of the sky. Indoor reception may be slow or unavailable. If GPS is not available, you can always enter your grid locator manually.

1.6 Station Identity — Callsign & Grid Locator

Before you can transmit, you need to set two essential pieces of information:

• Callsign — Your unique amateur radio identifier (e.g. EA4IQL, W1AW, VK3ABC). This is included in every FT8/FT4 message you send.
• Grid Locator — A Maidenhead grid square that encodes your geographic position (e.g. IN80 for 4 characters, or IN80dk for 6 characters). This is exchanged during the QSO and enables the other station to compute the distance between you.

How to set your station identity:

2.1 Tab Bar Overview

The tab bar sits at the bottom of the screen and is always visible. Tap any icon to switch between the five main areas of the app:

2.2 Header Bar

The header bar at the top of the TX/RX screen displays critical real-time information:

• Band indicator — The currently selected amateur band (e.g., 20m, 40m). Tap to quickly access band settings.
• Mode indicator — Shows whether FT HAM is operating in FT8 or FT4 mode.
• TX/RX status — Visual indicator showing whether the app is currently transmitting (TX), receiving (RX), or idle.
• QSO state — Displays the current state of any active contact (e.g., “Calling CQ...”, “Sending SNR report...”, “QSO completed”).

2.3 TX/RX Tab — Message Display

The TX/RX tab is where you spend most of your time. Decoded messages appear in real time as each 15-second FT8 cycle (or 7.5-second FT4 cycle) completes. Each message row contains several data fields:

View Modes

FT HAM offers three layout modes for the TX/RX tab, configurable in Configuration → Interface → View Mode:

Message Color Coding

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

Swipe to Reply

Each received message row is interactive. Swipe left on any message to instantly prepare a reply. When you swipe on a CQ message, FT HAM:

• Sets the DX callsign to the station that called CQ
• Copies their grid locator if they included one
• Sets your TX frequency offset to match theirs (unless “Hold TX Frequency” is enabled)
• Selects the opposite even/odd cycle so you transmit when they are listening
• Queues the appropriate reply message (your callsign + grid)

You can swipe on non-CQ messages too—for example, to jump into an existing exchange or to set your frequency offset to where another station is operating.

Message Filtering

Use the Show only involved toggle at the top of the message list to filter out messages not addressed to your callsign. When enabled, only CQ calls and messages that include your callsign are shown. This is very useful on busy bands where dozens of stations are active simultaneously.

2.4 Controls Panel

Below the message lists, the control panel provides everything you need to manage your operating session:

UTC Clock

A real-time UTC clock updated every second. Since FT8 and FT4 require sub-second timing accuracy, this clock helps you verify that your device’s time is synchronized correctly. The clock should match your transceiver’s UTC display.

Status Bar

Displays the current QSO state in plain text. The possible states are:

When a QSO is in progress, the locked DX callsign is also shown prominently.

Operating Buttons

• Listen / Stop — Start or stop receiving. When you tap Listen, FT HAM opens the microphone input and begins decoding incoming audio. The waterfall also starts updating.
• Start Auto TX / Stop TX — Enable automatic transmission, which begins playing TX audio at the next transmit slot. Tap Stop TX to immediately halt any ongoing or queued transmission.

Message Selector

The message selector shows the next message queued for transmission. In auto-sequencing mode, FT HAM selects the correct message automatically. In manual mode (auto-sequencing disabled), use the < and > buttons to cycle through the six standard FT8 message types:

1. CQ [your-call] [grid] — CQ call
2. [dx-call] [your-call] [grid] — Grid exchange (reply to CQ)
3. [your-call] [dx-call] [report] — Signal report
4. [dx-call] [your-call] R[report] — Roger + signal report
5. [your-call] [dx-call] RRR — Received confirmation
6. [your-call] [dx-call] 73 — Farewell

2.5 Waterfall Tab

The waterfall is a full-screen spectrogram that displays the entire 0–3000 Hz audio passband. Time flows vertically (newest at the top), and frequency runs horizontally. Signal activity appears as bright horizontal marks against the darker noise floor.

The waterfall updates once per FFT frame, providing a continuous real-time view of all activity on the band. You can easily spot bursts of FT8 activity, identify clear frequencies for your transmission, and monitor band conditions at a glance.

Waterfall Toolbar

The floating toolbar in the corner provides four toggles:

• Frequency cursor — When enabled, tapping anywhere on the waterfall sets your TX frequency offset to that position. A vertical line appears at the selected frequency. This is the fastest way to pick a clear transmission slot.
• Callsign overlays — Show or hide decoded callsign labels overlaid on the waterfall at the position where each signal was detected. This helps you identify who is transmitting at each frequency.
• Timestamp marks — Show or hide UTC time marks on the left edge of each row, so you can see exactly when each transmission cycle occurred.
• Vertical labels — Display decoded message frequency markers as vertical lines at the bottom of the waterfall, showing you where signals have been decoded.

Reading the Waterfall

A completely dark waterfall means no signals are being received—check your audio connection and input gain. A waterfall with consistent bright bands across the full width usually means the audio is overdriven (clipping); reduce gain. Ideal operation shows a relatively dark background with distinct, bright horizontal marks at specific frequencies where stations are transmitting.

2.6 Map Tab

The Map tab displays an interactive world map showing your amateur radio activity geographically. The map is powered by Apple MapKit and supports standard gestures (pinch to zoom, drag to pan, rotate).

Four toggle buttons in the top-right corner control what is displayed:

Map Icon Legend

The map uses consistent visual elements across all display modes:

The map updates automatically as you complete QSOs. It’s a great way to visualize your DX reach and discover which regions you’ve worked.

2.7 Logbook Tab

The Logbook shows all your completed QSOs in a scrollable list, newest first. Each entry displays:

• Callsign — The other station’s call, displayed prominently
• Country flag — Emoji flag resolved from the callsign prefix (e.g., 🇺🇸 for W/K/N calls, 🇯🇵 for JA calls)
• Country name — The resolved DXCC entity name
• Grid locator — The other station’s Maidenhead grid
• Frequency — The actual frequency in Hz (dial + offset)
• Band — The amateur band (20m, 40m, etc.)
• Mode — FT8 or FT4
• RST Sent / RST Received — The signal reports exchanged during the QSO (e.g., -12 / +05)
• Timestamp — Date and time of the contact (UTC by default)
• CQ Modifier — If you were using a CQ modifier (POTA, SOTA, etc.), it is stored with the entry
• Activation reference — If applicable, the POTA/SOTA/WWFF/IOTA reference number

Toolbar Actions

• Export — Generate an ADIF file for importing into logging software or online services. See Section 7.6 for detailed export options.
• Clear — Remove all logged contacts from the logbook. A confirmation dialog appears before deletion.
• Time display toggle — Switch between showing timestamps in UTC (default) or your device’s local time zone.

3.1 How Audio Works in FT HAM

FT HAM operates as an audio-based transceiver companion. It does not transmit RF directly. Instead, it acts as a bridge between digital signal processing and your radio equipment:

• Receiving (RX): Audio from your transceiver enters your iOS device through the microphone (built-in, wired headset, or USB audio interface). FT HAM processes this audio through a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), feeding the result to both the waterfall display and the FT8/FT4 decoder. Up to dozens of messages can be decoded simultaneously from a single 15-second audio window.
• Transmitting (TX): FT HAM generates precisely timed audio tones conforming to the GFSK (Gaussian Frequency-Shift Keying) modulation used by FT8/FT4. These tones are played through your device’s speaker or audio output. Your transceiver picks up these tones and converts them to RF for transmission over the air.

The internal audio processing sample rate is 12,000 Hz. FT HAM automatically resamples from the hardware sample rate (typically 44,100 Hz or 48,000 Hz for USB audio interfaces) to this internal rate. This is handled entirely in software—you do not need to configure any sample rates.

3.2 Connection Methods

There are three main ways to connect your iOS device to your transceiver, listed from simplest to most reliable:

Method A: Acoustic Coupling (Simplest, Least Reliable)

Place your iPhone/iPad near your transceiver’s speaker. The device’s built-in microphone picks up the radio’s audio for decoding, and the device’s speaker plays TX audio back into the radio’s microphone. Set your radio to VOX mode so it keys automatically when it detects audio. This method requires no cables or adapters.

Pros: No equipment needed beyond your phone and radio. Good for quick testing and demonstration.

Cons: Ambient noise (conversations, fan noise, other electronics) corrupts the audio and prevents reliable decoding. Speaker/microphone levels are inconsistent. Feedback loops can occur. Not recommended for on-air operation.

Method B: USB Audio Interface (Recommended)

Connect a USB audio interface to your iPhone/iPad via a Lightning-to-USB or USB-C adapter. The interface connects to your transceiver’s data or accessory port. Popular interfaces used by ham radio operators include:

• Digirig Mobile — compact, affordable, purpose-built for digital modes. Includes audio isolation and optional serial/PTT lines.
• SignaLink USB — widely used in the ham community. Provides built-in VOX and adjustable audio levels via knobs.
• Generic USB soundcards — basic USB-C or USB-A audio dongles work for audio routing, though they lack isolation. Use with caution on HF where RF feedback is more likely.
• Transceiver built-in USB audio — Some modern transceivers (e.g., Icom IC-705, Yaesu FT-991A) expose a USB audio interface when connected via USB-C. Connect directly to your iPhone/iPad via USB-C.

USB audio interfaces provide:

• Clean, noise-free audio in both directions
• Consistent, repeatable levels without ambient interference
• Audio isolation (transformers) to prevent ground loops and RF feedback
• Some interfaces include built-in VOX or PTT control

Method C: USB-C to 3.5 mm Jack Cable (Popular & Affordable)

Modern iPhones and iPads feature a USB-C port. The most popular and affordable wired connection method uses an Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter (or a compatible MFi-certified adapter) combined with a standard 3.5 mm audio cable to your transceiver. This gives you a clean, bidirectional audio path for both receiving and transmitting via VOX.

What you need

TRRS pinout (Apple / CTIA standard)

Apple USB-C adapters follow the CTIA/AHJ wiring standard:

• Tip — Left audio out (to radio’s DATA IN / microphone)
• Ring 1 — Right audio out (usually same signal, mono is fine)
• Ring 2 — Ground
• Sleeve — Microphone in (from radio’s headphone / speaker out)

Step-by-step setup

Method D: Direct Audio Cable (Custom Wiring)

For permanent installations or radios with dedicated DATA connectors (e.g., Yaesu 6-pin mini-DIN, Icom 13-pin DIN, Kenwood 13-pin DIN), you can build or purchase a custom cable that connects the USB-C adapter directly to the radio’s data port. This eliminates the splitter and provides a cleaner setup.

Many ham radio vendors sell pre-made cables for specific radio models. Search for your transceiver model + “digital modes cable” or “DATA cable.”

3.3 VOX Setup on Your Transceiver

Since FT HAM generates audio tones for transmission, your transceiver needs a way to know when to switch from receive to transmit. The simplest method is VOX (Voice-Operated Switch):

• Enable VOX on your transceiver (consult your radio’s manual for the menu location).
• Set the VOX gain so that FT HAM’s TX audio reliably triggers the transmitter. Too high and it won’t key; too low and ambient noise may key it accidentally.
• Set the VOX delay (anti-VOX or hang time) to about 0.5–1.0 seconds. Too short and the transmitter may drop out between tones; too long and it may stay keyed into the next receive slot.
• Verify that the radio returns to receive quickly enough for FT HAM to decode the next incoming slot.

3.4 Input Gain

Adjust the software input gain in Configuration → Input Gain using the slider. The range is 0.1× to 2.0× (default: 1.0×). This multiplier amplifies or attenuates the audio signal in software before it reaches the decoder.

Proper gain setting is critical for reliable decoding:

• Too low (waterfall appears mostly dark, few or no decodes): Increase the gain, or increase the volume on your transceiver’s headphone/line output.
• Too high (waterfall appears completely bright, clipping warning shown): Decrease the gain, or reduce the volume on your transceiver. Audio clipping distorts the waveform and prevents the decoder from extracting signal information.
• Just right: The waterfall has a dark background with distinct bright marks where signals are present. The recommended gain range for most setups is 0.5× to 1.5×.

FT HAM continuously monitors the audio input for clipping (signal amplitude exceeding 99% of the maximum level). When clipping is detected, a warning indicator appears. Sustained clipping will prevent reliable decoding of any signals.

3.5 Supported Audio Devices

FT HAM configures the iOS audio session for simultaneous playback and recording. The following audio input/output devices are supported:

3.6 CAT Control via Network

CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) allows FT HAM to control your radio remotely over a network connection — setting frequency, switching bands, and toggling PTT (transmit/receive) without touching the radio. This is especially useful for remote operation (controlling a station over the internet) or for hands-free band switching from your iPhone or iPad. Note: CAT Control is a premium feature.

How CAT works in FT HAM

FT HAM uses the rigctld protocol (from the open-source Hamlib project) to communicate with your transceiver over TCP/IP. This means you need a computer or device running rigctld (or a compatible server) connected to your radio, and FT HAM connects to it over your local network or the internet.

The signal chain looks like this:

FT HAM (iPhone/iPad)  ←→  TCP/IP network  ←→  rigctld (computer)  ←→  serial/USB  ←→  Transceiver

Requirements

Setting up rigctld on your computer

rigctld -m 3073 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 -s 19200 -T 0.0.0.0 -t 4532

Configuring CAT in FT HAM

Remote Operation via Internet

For controlling your station from anywhere over the internet, you need to make the rigctld port accessible remotely. There are two recommended approaches:

• VPN is the recommended method. Set up a VPN (WireGuard, Tailscale, or your router’s built-in VPN) so your iPhone/iPad is on the same virtual network as your station computer. Then connect to the rigctld server using the VPN IP address. This provides encryption and security without exposing ports to the public internet.
• Port forwarding (less secure): Forward port 4532 on your router to the computer running rigctld. Then use your public IP address (or a dynamic DNS hostname) as the host in FT HAM. Use this only on trusted networks, as the rigctld protocol has no authentication or encryption.

For remote operation, you also need to route audio between your device and the radio. This can be done by streaming audio over the internet using applications like Mumble, or by running FT HAM’s audio through a remote audio pipeline. The exact setup depends on your station configuration.

4.1 Prerequisites Checklist

Before you begin, verify each of the following:

• ✅ Your callsign and grid locator are set in Configuration → Station Details
• ✅ Mode is set to FT8 (Configuration → Mode and Frequency)
• ✅ A band is selected (start with 20m during daytime or 40m in the evening — these are the most active bands for FT8)
• ✅ Your transceiver is tuned to the correct dial frequency for the selected band (e.g., 14.074 MHz for 20m FT8 — see the frequency table below)
• ✅ Audio connection between your device and transceiver is working (you should see activity on the waterfall when the band is active)
• ✅ Microphone permission is granted in iOS Settings
• ✅ Your transceiver is set to VOX mode with appropriate sensitivity and delay settings
• ✅ Your transceiver’s mode is set to USB (Upper Sideband) — FT8/FT4 are always transmitted in USB, even on bands below 10 MHz where SSB traditionally uses LSB
• ✅ Auto Sequencing is enabled (Configuration → QSO Settings — it is on by default)
• ✅ Your device’s clock is synchronized (iOS Settings → General → Date & Time → Set Automatically)

4.2 Answering a CQ — Step-by-Step Walkthrough

The easiest way to make your first contact is to answer someone else’s CQ call. Here’s the complete process:

CQ EA4IQL IN80

4.3 Understanding Even and Odd Cycles

FT8 divides time into 15-second slots synchronized to UTC. Slots alternate between even (starting at :00, :30 seconds past each minute) and odd (starting at :15, :45 seconds). In a typical minute, there are four slots: even, odd, even, odd.

During a QSO, one station transmits on even slots and the other on odd slots. This allows both stations to alternate between transmitting and listening. The key rules are:

• The station calling CQ chooses a slot (usually even).
• The station answering transmits on the opposite slot.
• Both maintain their slot assignment throughout the entire QSO exchange.

FT HAM manages this automatically. When you swipe to reply to a CQ, it detects which slot they used and places your reply on the opposite slot. You can override this in the control panel (Force Even / Force Odd) but this is rarely necessary.

4.4 Calling CQ Yourself

Instead of answering someone else’s CQ, you can call CQ yourself. This is useful when you want to attract calls, activate a park or summit, or operate on a specific frequency:

4.5 What Happens When a QSO Times Out

Not every QSO attempt succeeds. If the other station doesn’t respond after the configured number of Max Retry Slots (default: 3), FT HAM marks the exchange as a timeout and returns to idle state. Common reasons for timeouts:

• QRM (interference): Another station is transmitting on the same frequency, masking your signal.
• Propagation failure: The band may not support the path between you and the other station. A signal report of -20 or worse indicates marginal conditions.
• QSB (fading): The signal may have been strong when you started but faded before the exchange could complete.
• Pileup: The other station may have answered a different caller.
• Clock error: If either station’s clock is significantly off, messages won’t align with slot boundaries and will fail to decode.

Timeouts are a normal part of FT8 operation, especially on challenging bands or during marginal conditions. Simply try another station or wait for better propagation.

4.6 Common FT8 Dial Frequencies

Tune your transceiver to the standard dial frequency for each band. FT HAM shows the expected dial frequency when you select a band, but your radio must be tuned to match. Remember: your radio should always be set to USB mode.

5.1 Technical Comparison

5.2 When to Use FT8

FT8 is the better choice in most situations:

• Weak-signal DX: FT8’s ~3.5 dB sensitivity advantage over FT4 means it can decode signals that FT4 cannot. On marginal paths (e.g., low-power to distant continents), FT8 is more likely to succeed.
• General daily operation: FT8 has far more activity worldwide, so you will find more stations to work, especially on less popular bands.
• New operators: The 15-second slot gives you more time to observe and react. Recommended for your first contacts.
• Challenging conditions: During solar minimum, on higher bands with marginal propagation, or when running low power (QRP), FT8’s extra sensitivity matters.

5.3 When to Use FT4

FT4 excels in specific scenarios:

• Contests: FT4 was specifically designed for contesting. Its 7.5-second slots allow twice the QSO rate compared to FT8. Many digital contests (e.g., ARRL Digital Contest, WW Digi DX Contest) include FT4 categories.
• Band openings: When a band opens briefly (e.g., sporadic E on 6m or 10m), FT4’s faster cycle lets you work more stations before the opening closes.
• POTA/SOTA activations: If you are activating a park or summit and want to log contacts quickly, FT4’s faster turnaround helps you work through a pileup more efficiently.
• Strong signals: When signals are strong (above ~-10 dB), FT4’s reduced sensitivity is not a limitation, and the speed advantage is pure benefit.

5.4 Standard Dial Frequencies — FT8 vs FT4

FT8 and FT4 use different dial frequencies within each band. This separation prevents the two modes from interfering with each other. Make sure your transceiver is tuned to the correct frequency for the selected mode:

5.5 Band Activity by Time of Day

HF propagation depends on time of day, season, and solar activity. Here is a general guide to help you choose the right band:

6.1 Common Issues

6.2 General FAQ

7.1 Transmission Controls

Hold TX Frequency

When enabled, FT HAM keeps your transmit frequency offset fixed even when replying to a station on a different frequency. This is useful in pileup situations where a DX station may be listening on a specific frequency and you want to stay there. When disabled (default), the app automatically matches the DX station’s frequency offset when you swipe to reply.

When to use: Enable Hold TX when answering a DX station that is calling “CQ UP” or when you want to maintain a specific clear frequency in a crowded band segment. Disable it (default) for normal QSOs.

Even/Odd Cycle Override

Manually force transmission on even slots (0s/30s past the minute) or odd slots (15s/45s). By default, FT HAM selects the correct cycle automatically based on the QSO context—the station answering always transmits on the opposite slot from the station calling CQ.

When to use: Override this only if auto-detection places you on the wrong cycle (rare), or if you want to deliberately synchronize with a specific station. In normal operation, leave the automatic mode.

Message Selector (Manual Mode)

When auto-sequencing is disabled, use the < and > buttons next to the message display to manually cycle through the six standard message types:

Manual mode gives you full control over which message is sent in each slot. This is useful for advanced operators who want to handle non-standard situations, such as resending a report the other station missed without advancing to the next step.

7.2 CQ Modifiers

CQ modifiers add a keyword to your CQ call that tells other stations what kind of contact you are looking for. The modifier replaces the space after CQ with a directed tag. Access them in Configuration → CQ Modifier.

Geographic Modifiers

Target stations from a specific region or continent:

Activation Modifiers

Signal that you are activating a location for a specific program. When you select an activation modifier, FT HAM also shows a reference field where you can enter the program-specific park/summit/island/flora reference number. This reference is stored with your logged QSOs and included in the ADIF export.

The reference number you enter appears in the MY_SIG_INFO field of the ADIF export, which is the standard field recognized by POTA, SOTA, WWFF, and IOTA for crediting activations and hunter contacts.

Custom Modifier (OTHER)

Select OTHER to enter any custom text as your CQ modifier. This is useful for special events, contests, or non-standard programs. For example: CQ TEST EA1ABC IN73 for contest operation, or CQ FIELD EA1ABC IN73 for ARRL Field Day.

7.3 Auto-Sequencing Options

Auto Sequencing (default: on)

When enabled, FT HAM automatically selects the next appropriate message in the QSO exchange after receiving a response. The standard sequence is: CQ → Grid → Report → R+Report → RRR/RR73 → 73. Each received message triggers the next outgoing message without user intervention.

When to disable: Turn this off if you want full manual control over message selection, for example when experimenting, training, or handling non-standard situations.

Auto CQ Reply (default: off)

When enabled, FT HAM automatically replies to the first CQ call it decodes from another station, without waiting for you to swipe. This effectively makes the app a fully automatic QSO machine: it listens for CQs, replies, completes the exchange, logs the QSO, and starts listening again.

When to use: Contest-like operation where you want maximum QSO rate with minimal interaction. Use with caution—you may end up working stations you didn’t intend to.

Auto CQ Reply — Only New Band/Mode (default: off)

When combined with Auto CQ Reply, FT HAM only replies to stations you haven’t already worked on the current band and mode. This prevents duplicate QSOs and is essential for award hunting (e.g., working all states, all DXCC entities).

Max Retry Slots (default: 3)

Controls how many times FT HAM repeats the current message if no response is received. After this many consecutive unanswered transmissions, the QSO is marked as a timeout and FT HAM returns to idle state.

Include Grid in CQ (default: on)

When enabled, your CQ messages include your Maidenhead grid locator: CQ EA1ABC IN73. This allows stations hearing your CQ to see your approximate location before deciding to reply.

When disabled, CQ messages are shorter: CQ EA1ABC. Some operators disable this for brevity, but including the grid is recommended because it gives replying stations useful propagation information.

7.4 QSO Logging Options

Auto QSO Logging (default: on)

When enabled, completed QSOs are automatically added to the logbook as soon as the final message (RR73 or 73) is received. When disabled, a confirmation dialog appears after each QSO, letting you review the details before saving or discarding.

Tip: Leave this on for operating efficiency. You can always delete unwanted QSOs from the logbook later.

Decode Self TX Messages (default: off)

When enabled, your own transmitted messages also appear in the RX message list, decoded from the generated audio. This is useful for verifying that your messages look correct and that the encoder is working properly. In normal operation, leave this off to keep the RX list clean.

7.5 Frequency Offset

The frequency offset (0–3000 Hz) determines where within the FT8/FT4 audio passband your signal is placed. Your actual transmitted RF frequency equals:

RF frequency = Dial frequency + Audio offset

For example: dial 14.074000 MHz + offset 1500 Hz = RF signal at 14.075500 MHz.

You can set the offset three ways:

• Slider in Configuration → Mode and Frequency — drag for quick approximate positioning
• Text field for precise numeric entry (displayed in kHz with decimal precision)
• Tap the waterfall to visually select a clear frequency — the offset jumps to wherever you tap, and a cursor line shows the current position

7.6 ADIF Export Options

FT HAM stores your log internally and exports in ADIF 3.1.4 format. When you tap Export in the Logbook tab, you choose which contacts to include:

The exported file is named FT_HAM_Log_[date_time].adif and can be shared via AirDrop, email, iCloud Drive, Files, or any other iOS share target.

ADIF Fields Included

Each ADIF record contains the following fields:

7.7 Interface Preferences

View Mode

Choose between Vertical, TX/RX Separated, or Condensed layouts for the TX/RX tab. Each emphasizes different information—see Section 2.3 for detailed descriptions and use cases.

Map Display Toggles

In the Map tab, toggle visibility of display elements to customize the map:

Auto RX at Start (default: off)

When enabled, FT HAM starts listening automatically when you open the app, without needing to tap Listen. Useful for stations that operate frequently and want to start decoding immediately upon launch.

8.1 PSK Reporter (Premium)

PSK Reporter is a free, crowd-sourced, real-time propagation monitoring network run by Philip Gladstone (N1DQ). When enabled in FT HAM Premium, every FT8/FT4 signal you decode is automatically reported to the PSK Reporter server. Thousands of stations worldwide contribute reports, creating a continuously updated global map of who is hearing whom on the HF and VHF bands.

Why this matters for you: PSK Reporter lets you see the actual reach of your station in near real-time, without making a single QSO. You can spot openings to new continents, troubleshoot antenna problems, compare antennas objectively, and confirm that your transmissions are actually reaching distant stations before committing to a QSO attempt.

Enabling PSK Reporter in FT HAM

What each PSK Reporter report contains

Each reception report is a lightweight record sent to the PSK Reporter server. No audio, raw signal data, personal information, or location coordinates are transmitted.

Practical uses of PSK Reporter with FT HAM

8.2 Direct Log Sync (Premium): QRZ, LoTW, eQSL

FT HAM Premium includes direct QSO synchronization with three online logbook services. Once configured, new contacts upload automatically the moment they are logged — no manual exporting needed. All settings are under Configuration → Log Syncing. All credentials are stored in the iOS Keychain, never in plain app storage.

8.2a — QRZ Logbook

QRZ.com is the world’s largest amateur radio database. The QRZ Logbook is a free online log tied to your QRZ callsign page. When you upload a QSO, it appears on your public profile and can be checked for confirmations. An XML Data subscription is not required for logbook uploads — only a free QRZ.com account.

Step 1: Get your QRZ Logbook API key

Step 2: Configure QRZ Logbook in FT HAM

Understanding the QRZ sync status indicators

8.2b — LoTW (Logbook of The World)

Logbook of The World (LoTW) is operated by ARRL (the American Radio Relay League) and is the premier QSO confirmation service for award chasing (DXCC, WAS, VUCC, etc.). LoTW uses a digital certificate (PKI) to cryptographically sign each log upload, proving that you are the licensed holder of your callsign. This signature is what makes LoTW confirmations trustworthy for award credit.

The certificate chain requires two steps to set up: (1) obtaining a Logbook of The World certificate via ARRL’s TQSL program, and (2) importing that certificate into FT HAM as a .p12 file. This is a one-time process.

Step 1: Get a LoTW certificate (TQSL)

If you have never used LoTW before, you need to request a certificate from ARRL. This is a manual process that takes 1–5 days as ARRL verifies you hold the callsign.

Step 2: Export your certificate as a .p12 file

Step 3: Import the certificate into FT HAM

Step 4: Add your LoTW account credentials

The certificate handles signing uploads. FT HAM also needs your LoTW account login to submit the signed log and to check confirmations.

Step 5: Enable auto-upload

How LoTW QSO signing works in FT HAM

When a QSO is uploaded to LoTW, FT HAM performs the signing step that TQSL normally does on a desktop:

1. The QSO details (callsign, date/time, band, mode, frequency) are formatted as a signed ADIF record.
2. The record is cryptographically signed using the private key stored inside your .p12 certificate, proving that the upload comes from the holder of that callsign’s certificate.
3. The signed data is submitted to the LoTW server via HTTPS.
4. When the other station uploads their side of the QSO and the details match (callsign, date/time within ±30 seconds, band, mode), LoTW marks both QSOs as confirmed, which can count toward DXCC and other ARRL awards.

8.2c — eQSL.cc

eQSL.cc is an electronic QSL card exchange network. When you upload a QSO, the other station receives a digital QSL card. eQSL confirmations count toward several award programs (eQSL’s own awards, WAS eQSL, etc.) and are a popular alternative or supplement to LoTW. Unlike LoTW, eQSL does not require a certificate — only a free account login.

Step 1: Create an eQSL account (if needed)

Step 2: Configure eQSL in FT HAM

Checking eQSL confirmations

eQSL does not provide an API for automated confirmation polling, so FT HAM cannot check confirmations automatically. To see your received eQSL cards, log in at eqsl.cc in a browser and navigate to Inbox → Unacknowledged Incoming eQSLs. When a station you worked also uploads their QSO, their eQSL card appears here.

8.2d — How the Sync Engine Works

FT HAM includes a LogSyncManager that coordinates uploads across all three services. Understanding how it works helps you diagnose issues and manage your log efficiently.

Upload flow (per QSO)

1. A QSO is completed and logged (either automatically or confirmed by you).
2. The QSO is added to the pending queue for each enabled service (QRZ, LoTW, eQSL).
3. FT HAM immediately attempts to upload the QSO to each service. If successful, the QSO is removed from the pending queue for that service.
4. If an upload fails (network error, service timeout, invalid credentials), the QSO stays in the pending queue. FT HAM automatically retries pending uploads in the background whenever the app is active and an internet connection is available.
5. The pending count displayed in each service’s settings section shows how many QSOs are waiting to be uploaded.

Confirmation polling

For QRZ and LoTW, FT HAM runs a background timer. Every N hours (your configured interval), it queries each service for updated confirmation status on your recent QSOs. New confirmations are noted in the service’s response. eQSL has no confirmation API — check eqsl.cc manually.

Credentials security

The iOS Keychain encrypts all stored secrets using hardware-backed AES encryption. Data stored in the Keychain is isolated per app and cannot be read by other apps or extracted via iTunes/Finder backup (unless the backup itself is encrypted and you own the encryption key).

Troubleshooting sync errors

8.3 Using Your ADIF Export with Third-Party Services

FT HAM exports contacts in ADIF 3.1.4, accepted by virtually every ham radio service and logging program. ADIF remains the universal path for services that are not configured for direct premium sync.

To upload your contacts to any of these services:

Popular services that accept ADIF