Web-FT8 Interface Setup Instructions

Welcome to the Web-FT8 setup documentation. Follow these steps to configure your audio routing, computer-aided transceiver (CAT) control, and time synchronization for seamless FT8 operations directly in your browser.

1. Audio Interface & Microphone Setup

Web-FT8 requires access to your system's audio input (from your transceiver's audio output or virtual audio cable) to decode waterfall signals, and audio output to generate transmit tones.

• Connect your transceiver audio output to your computer line-in/USB soundcard, or use a Virtual Audio Cable (e.g., VB-Audio, Soundflower).
• Click the "1. Grant mic" button at the top of the interface and allow browser microphone permissions.
• Select your specific audio device from the Input device dropdown menu.
• Select your monitoring or output device under the Output device menu if you wish to monitor audio feedback.
• Click "Start RX" to initiate the web audio processor and view the live waterfall display.

2. Time Synchronization (UTC)

FT8 is heavily dependent on strict time synchronization. Your computer clock must be accurate to within fractions of a second for successful decoding and transmission during the 15-second epoch windows.

• Click the "Check UTC Sync" button in the top right navigation bar to verify your local system time against standard atomic time servers.
• If your offset is greater than 200 milliseconds, ensure your operating system has internet time synchronization enabled (e.g., Windows Time Service or NTP).

3. Rig CAT Control (Web Serial)

If you want Web-FT8 to automatically control your radio's frequency, band switching, and Push-To-Talk (PTT), you can connect your rig using the Web Serial API (supported in Chrome, Edge, and Opera).

• Connect your radio to your computer via a USB cable or serial adapter.
• Configure your serial parameters matching your radio specifications (Baud rate typically 19200 or 38400, Data bits 8, Stop bits 1, Parity none).
• Select your correct CAT dialect (e.g., Icom CI-V, Kenwood / clones, or Yaesu modern).
• Choose your preferred PTT method (CAT commands or hardware RTS/DTR lines).
• Click "Connect rig", select your hardware serial port from the browser prompt, and test your PTT functionality carefully before transmitting.

4. Operating Preferences & Logging

• Enter your amateur radio callsign and Maidenhead grid locator at the top left. Check "Save Station info" to securely store these parameters locally in your browser storage.
• Use the Band buttons under the waterfall to instantly jump to standard FT8 dial frequencies.
• Export your completed contacts anytime using the Export ADIF button in the Logbook panel.