FT8 on HACKRF One Using SDR Consoul

[KA9CBS]

I'm an old timer of 45 years on amateur radio so this stuff is new to me. I would like to know what I need to get my Kenwood TS-59SG and HackRF One SDR to work to decode FT8 and display the FT8 also what other software is needed to work FT8 on the air?
I also Have an SDRPlay RSV1A that I can use if it would be better. Thanks for any help getting this old man into the current tech age.
73 de KA9CBS
Charles Bruce Shurtz

[Max]

I'm an old timer of 45 years on amateur radio so this stuff is new to me. I would like to know what I need to get my Kenwood TS-59SG and HackRF One SDR to work to decode FT8 and display the FT8 also what other software is needed to work FT8 on the air?
I also Have an SDRPlay RSV1A that I can use if it would be better. Thanks for any help getting this old man into the current tech age.
73 de KA9CBS
Charles Bruce Shurtz

Hello Charles

In a way you have two separate questions here. One is (I think you are asking) to use an SDR (I suggest you use the RSP1A) as a panadapter to get a spectrum analyser type display out of the TS-590SG. It seems you are lucky here as the SG has a feature to make this very easy (RX antenna-out feed). To achieve this I suggest you take a look at this video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n96ZgDQa77Y

The fact they use SDR Uno in the video (well, the video is by SDR Play!) as the software is largely irrelevant. This is a forum for users of alternative software SDR Console, but you could change to this afterwards if you do not get on with SDR Uno. The important part of the video is getting control of the TS-590SG and RX RF into the SDR. Personally I loathe SDR Uno so that's why I'm on here because as an operator's tool I far prefer the much easier interface of SDR Console. It's a much closer match to operating a regular "black box" rig in my opinion only of course!

The other thing you want to do is get on air with FT8. In many ways I suggest if this is your main aim you, initially at least, bypass the above "panadapter" procedure. It's not necessary and an additional complication that you do not need to get going. WSJT-X which is the software for FT8 has its own panadapter built if as far as displaying FT8 signals goes. In many ways I suggest you skip the above step with the SDR (at least initially) and go straight to just interfacing WSJT-X with the TS-590SG.

As a great step-by-step introduction to this I suggest you look at this video. After the introduction it has quite a big section on setting up and operating FT8:

https://youtu.be/_SBhix7YwBM

Hope it helps get you going.

Max

[KA9CBS]

Thanks I got put in hospital a couple of times and have had a couple of long recoveries so sorry so long getting back to you to thank you. I am just now trying to look at the video about WSJT-X. Thanks again 73 Bruce KA9CBS

[Max]

Thanks I got put in hospital a couple of times and have had a couple of long recoveries so sorry so long getting back to you to thank you. I am just now trying to look at the video about WSJT-X. Thanks again 73 Bruce KA9CBS

Sorry to hear that Bruce. Hope you are feeling better now. Any more questions just ask.

If still a beginner (or actually even if you are not) can I suggest this excellent video to you. If you want assistance with WSJT-X I'll just add a second link that jumps you straight to FT8 with WSJT-X:

Data modes/FT8 tutorial (very good and easy to follow)
https://youtu.be/_SBhix7YwBM
https://youtu.be/_SBhix7YwBM?t=1655

If you only want to receive then I suggest you don't involve the TS-590 at all and just use the RSP1A direct. Adding the TS590SG via CAT with panadapter just adds a load of complication you do not need if you just want to receive.

One last thing...... If you decide you want to transmit as well as receive I would say that connecting conventional "black box" radios like the TS590 via CAT, judging by the issues highlighted in this Group, is probably one of the most problematic areas that people have with SDR software. I can wholeheartedly recommend just bypassing all that hassle and taking a look at the direct sampling 0.5 to 32 MHz (in any 384kHz chunk) Hermes Lite 2 SDR HF transceiver. It's very well priced, works brilliantly with SDR Console, only "building" as such is assembling two ready-built PCB modules and screwing into a box (need to drill one hole for PA transistor bolt) with pre-cut end panels (all supplied). It's about a 30 minute assembly. I can't think of a better of easier way to get on air with 5 Watts (plenty for FT8) and have some fun with a real SDR with none of the complication of adding a tracking external rig. Shipping from Makerfabs in China is reliable and hassle-free in my own experience. I've done it three times now with zero issues and speedy delivery. The receiver part of the HL2 is superb even if you just use it for that. Beats the performance of the RSP1A in terms of susceptibility to overload/images by a country mile.

https://www.makerfabs.com/catalogsearch ... ermes+lite

For basic 5W out operation your do not need the I/O board, just the main board, LPF board and enclosure with end plates. Anyway, there to take or leave as you wish.

Good luck and 73

Max