ZS2EZ FT4 HF OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR USING FT4 ON HF:
The most CRITICAL aspect of FT4 operation is EXACT time calibration. Due to the short 7.5 second periods being any more than 0.5 second out can result in other stations being unable to decode your signal. ACCURATE time-synchronisation software such as Meinberg NTP (recommended) or Dimension 4 are a necessity.  Avoid ALC action if possible - much like any other audio input to an SSB transmitter FT4 can generate a poor signal if over driven. FT4 is a weak signal mode, NOT a low power mode. Its primary design purpose is to facilitate Sporadic E communications on VHF. For use on HF there is no issue with using as much power as is needed to establish a contact with a DX station, PROVIDED YOU DO NOT OVERDRIVE YOUR AUDIO!

MY ACTIVITY
ZS2EZ has been active in FT4 on the HF bands since it's release in the JTDX-2.1.0-RC140 package on 6 October 2019. My first QSO in this mode was with SN6P on 20m on 6 October 2019. Within less than a month I had in excess of 500 QSOs logged, and found the rapid pace of the mode very well suited to my operating style.  

I will gladly respond to sked requests for any band in FT4!!

Below is my table of US States worked and needed in my quest for WAS via FT4!
Completed WAS in December 2020!

WAS on FT4 : My contacts table: (all confirmed via LoTW)