ft8-book

FT8 for the First Time by Joe Leone (W4GGJ) — a complete beginner's guide to digital modes and Parks on the Air for licensed ham radio operators.

Your license is in your hand. Now what?

FT8 is the most popular digital mode in amateur radio — and five watts will work the world. But going from "I just got my license" to "I just worked Germany" takes more than most guides tell you.

This book walks you through every step. Setting up WSJT-X. Making your first contact. Running clean. Taking your station into the field for Parks on the Air. Troubleshooting when things break.

Written from real operating experience: 160 countries worked, multiple POTA activations, awards earned. No assumptions. No skipped steps. Every screenshot from an actual working station.

What's Inside:

WSJT-X setup — screenshot by screenshot
Your first FT8 contact, step by step
Complete POTA activation walkthrough
Bands, power, and clean operation
Portable field kit recommendations
Troubleshooting the inevitable problems

About the author:

Joe Leone (W4GGJ) is an amateur radio operator, POTA activator, and the creator of Tava One. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida. Find him on TikTok @grumpagrinch.