Android FT8/FT4/CW for SOTA, with GPS time sync and a portable QSO logger

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Hi everyone,

I would like to explain the idea behind FT8TW a little more clearly.

FT8TW is not only an Android app for FT8/FT4 operation. I also designed it to be a useful portable QSO logger for SOTA activations.

When I am on a summit, I do not always have a mobile network signal, and I usually do not want to spend time manually adjusting the clock. So FT8TW can use the phone’s GPS for time synchronization, which is very useful for portable FT8 operation.

I also added several features that I personally find useful for SOTA:

  • FT8/FT4 operation on Android, without carrying a laptop
  • GPS-based time synchronization
  • SOTA reference logging
  • ADIF / SOTA / POTA export
  • Filtering by mode and summit reference
  • QSO photo/log features
  • QRZ image lookup
  • Quick access to recently active frequencies
  • FT2 experimental support

So even when I am not using FT8, FT8TW can still work as a convenient portable QSO logger during outdoor operation.

If you try it during a SOTA activation, I would be very happy to hear your feedback, especially your radio model, Android device, connection method, and any problems you noticed.

73,
Dan BV6LC

https://github.com/danleetw/FT8TW/releases/download/Beta/ft8tw_uat_26.0625.apk

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Again, good job, was playing with it again today, a very polished app. Not sure why there isn’t more interest here, maybe the SOTA crowd are just a bit over FT8 at the moment.

Just now on 80m, acoustically coupled from my shack speaker to phone app…

Screenshot_20260627_212420_FT8TW (1)
Screenshot_20260627_212420_FT8TW (1)1920×895 470 KB

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I have been using this software for months now and I love it. FT8 and FT4 on 10m and 6. I am still a technician. Carrying a phone instead of a laptop is just what I was looking for. When you added the ability to format for Sota logs I was super happy.

I use an X6100, and an FX-4CR with a Galaxy S23+. I use the cable with the X6100 and Bluetooth to the FX-4CR. I use portable antennas and usually 5w. I have had over 300 contacts with this app. It may not seem like a lot to some, but I have worked for and enjoyed making each of them. 5w -24 contacts to Australia while sitting on a mountain, sipping bourbon, and looking at the landscape makes me feel great.

There are still a few minor issues occasionally. The app is so useful to me I could accept these and would still continue to use it.

When changing bands sometimes it does the change and then jumps back to the original. I just double check before transmitting. Also, if you change to from FT8 to FT4 sometimes it will jump to 160m.

I had attempted to use the free text field to participate in field day, but not sure if I was using it correctly. I know that the pc-based software gives you option to modify for field day.

I also tried once before to spot myself using the Sotamat generated information in the free text, and it did not work. This last issue could have been a number of other things, however.

When you go to the world map it is difficult to return to calling sometimes. That world map is really neat to visualize the actual location of the grid squares I am making contact with.

Sometimes when you use the feature to lookup on QRZ the app will crash when you return.

I would like to see an option to ignore an individual in the calling window. To exclude them for a period of time. Maybe it is there I just have not seen it.

Changing sequences in the cycle is a bit daunting for me. I may be at 0/0 but want to get to 0/1 it is a bit of chance and timing. Turn off transmitting and then turn it back on at the end of 0/0 I may end up at 1/0. Not a major issue.

I have not installed the latest release yet. I plan on it this week.

Waiting for that JS8Call feature. :wink:

I am very pleased with all of your hard work on this app, keep it up!

73

K7ERW

Earl

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