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Latest news

Important! 

60m and FT8: what changes with the new USA regulations 🇺‍🇸

In recent months, the 60-meter band (5 MHz) has returned to the spotlight, especially due to the intense activity in FT8.

The changes in the United States

What has changed?

Before:

• In the USA, activity on 60 m was allowed only on 5 fixed channels.

• Modes and power were strictly regulated.

Now:

• The USA adopts the continuous band 5351.5 – 5366.5 kHz (15 kHz), as already in use in many nations.

• The limit of 15 W EIRP remains.

• The conditions of sharing with primary governmental services remain.

Immediate effects in the air

• Significant increase in North American stations in FT8
• Greater congestion around the 5357 kHz dial frequency
• More frequent pile-ups in the evening and nighttime hours

Considering that the available bandwidth is only 15 kHz, the FT8 activity concentration easily generates congestion.

Why does FT8 dominate the 60 metres?

The 5 MHz band offers:

• Excellent evening and night propagation

• Good medium to long-distance coverage

• Generally low noise

These features make it ideal for FT8, which today is the most used digital mode on the 60 metres.

Operational recommendations

Given the reduced bandwidth:

• Use moderate power (15 W EIRP is the limit).

• Avoid unnecessarily occupying central frequencies.

• Distribute signals across the entire available portion.

• Pay attention to the presence of primary services.

In summary

• USA aligned to the harmonized band 5351.5–5366.5 kHz
• End of the 5 fixed channel system
• Strong growth in FT8 activity
• Frequent congestion near 5357 kHz

The 60-metre band is confirmed to be very interesting for DX in digital, but it requires discipline and operational attention.

Updates will follow in the next bulletin.

The latest Release 2026.1.1.0 is available for download!

• The new release is available for free for download to everyone with active support 
• If your support has expired you can renew at any time to regain access to the Reserved Area for another 12 months.
• Read the details of the new release in the Tip&Tricks section

Available as a free download. An essential companion to plan your activities, follow your DX goals, or simply decorate your station with a bit of inspiration.

FT2 - a new experimental digital way

A new digital mode called FT2 is beginning to appear in the air, currently in the experimental phase.

FT2 belongs to the "FT" (Franke-Taylor) mode family, the same as FT8 and FT4, and uses a similar technical structure (standard 77-bit messages with LDPC encoding and multi-tone modulation).

The main innovation is speed

• TX/RX cycle of about 3.8 seconds
• Complete QSO in 7–11 seconds
• Theoretical potential up to 200+ QSO/hour

Compared to the higher speed, FT2 is less sensitive than FT8, requiring stronger signals and favourable propagation conditions.

Currently FT2:

• Is being tested among experimental radio amateurs
• Is not included in the official stable versions of WSJT-X
• Has already been occasionally reported on PSKReporter

If the project were to consolidate, FT2 could become an interesting tool for contests and high-volume QSO activities.

Updates will follow.

FT8.it read the review on our FT8 and FT4 Manual

We are pleased to share the review recently published by the authoritative site on digital ways FT8.it

In the landscape of digital modes, FT8 and its "fast brother" FT4 have literally revolutionized the way of doing radio in recent years. Whether you're a veteran of HF or newly licensed, the volume "FT8 and FT4 Manual: A Practical Guide for Radio Amateurs to Maximize FT8 Potential" aims to be the ultimate compass for navigating these digital waters.

What is it about?
This is not the usual instruction manual that merely explains where to click. This text delves deep, analyzing not only the software setup (essential, of course), but focusing on how to make the station truly efficient. The focus is clear: maximizing performance.

The strengths of the manual
The book is structured to guide the operator through a logical path:

Optimal Configuration: Detailed explanations on time synchronization (crucial for these protocols) and on managing audio gain to avoid distortion and "splatter."

Operational Strategies: It's not enough to transmit; you need to know when and where to do it. The manual offers interesting insights on how to interpret the waterfall and how to manage the virtual "pile-up" during contests or DX activations.

Software Integration: Ample space is dedicated to the ecosystem revolving around WSJT-X and JTDX, including logging software and alert systems.

Why read it?

In an era where signals are often weak and urban electromagnetic noise (QRM) is sky-high, mastering FT8 means being able to make connections that would be impossible with phone.

What we particularly appreciated:

Clear Language: Avoids unnecessary academic technicalities, speaking the language of radio amateurs.

Practical Approach: It's evident that the author has spent hours in front of the waterfall; the advice stems from field experience, not just theory.

Final Verdict
If you've just downloaded WSJT-X and feel overwhelmed by the settings, or if you've been using FT8 for a while but feel you're not fully exploiting its potential, this manual is an excellent investment for your station. It is a guide that deserves a place on every modern radio amateur's shelf (or desktop).

This Second Edition 2025, updated and expanded, includes new chapters and revised content to meet the needs of modern radio amateurs, from beginners to more experienced operators.

Read the article on FT8.INI

https://www.ft8.it/news/manuale-ft8-e-ft4-una-guida-pratica-per-radioamatori-per-massimizzare-il-potenziale-dell-ft8/2232/

Purchase the FT8 and FT4 manual on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK1HTD65

A small favour to the community

Last days to renew for 14 months

from March 1st the renewal will return to 12 months

⏰ If Your support expires at the end of the month, renew now and receive 1 extra month for free

📢 Even if you're not nearing expiration, you can add 14 months before the offer is removed

All our ebooks FT8 and FT4 Manual,  Mastering the DXCC and Smart DXing are now available on amazon.it 

in paperback version!

Due to numerous requests for print versions of our ebooks, now all our books are available on Amazon in various formats:

• FT8 and FT4 Manual *** Amazon Best Seller *** available for immediate delivery in both paperback and hardcover formats starting from just $22.50 (*also available in Kindle format) 

• Smart DXIng available for immediate delivery in paperback format for just $8.50

• New⚡ Master DXCC available for immediate delivery in both paperback and hardcover formats starting from just $22.50

Discover our ebooks for 

amateur radio from only 2,95€

Our printable PDF format ebooks are always available on our site for immediate download. 

Born from a passion for radio, designed for those who want to learn peacefully and effortlessly. The reading is smooth, clear, and rich in practical examples that make each topic immediate and enjoyable.

Between pages, you'll discover small tricks, curiosities, and useful ideas to improve your ham radio activity and perhaps even the pleasure of carving out a moment to read something truly tailored for you.

Good reading!

Renew EasyLog with our new offer

You will pay €24.95 for 14 months instead of 12 months

*** The discount expires on March 1, 2026. Hurry!

With the renewal of your license, you will receive another 14 months of free updates to new versions and related services: Manager, DXCC, and CHECK (country recognition engine), diploma updates, and much more. The renewal also guarantees you access to the dedicated Facebook group and our priority technical support — because those who choose EasyLog, choose never to fall behind!

And if you buy EasyLog today you will pay 39.95€ instead of 49.95€ 

EasyLog is not just software: it's a true adventure companion for every radio amateur.
With its unbeatable Award management, integrated FT8/FT4 support with LoTW, and many exclusive features, it simplifies your life and makes every QSO a pleasure.

You also have technical support always by your side — because with EasyLog, you'll never be alone.

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Tips & Tricks

How to export a part 

of your Log to ADIF?

We are resending this article for the benefit of new subscribers who had not read it and those who contacted support for information regarding this feature.

Usa il pulsante Copia per impostare i criteri di selezione e tutti i QSO corrispondenti ai criteri verranno copiati nel buffer. Puoi prima svuotare il buffer, o puoi lasciare le selezioni precedenti nel buffer, a seconda delle tue esigenze e dei tuoi obiettivi.

Your selection can consist of different conditions. 

Please note that if you add multiple condition lines, only the QSOs that meet all of them will be copied.

Once the QSOs have been copied to the buffer, you can print them (button Print) or export them to an ADIF file (button > ADIF). You can also select which fields to include using the Fields button.

If you want to create a new Log using the exported QSOs, use the >ADIF button to export them in ADIF format and create a new Log by importing the ADIF file through the ADIF converter (Tools menu). 

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From Our Community

Do you want to send us news about your DX activities? Do not hesitate to contact us at support@easylog.com we will publish them in the next newsletter.

DX-Pedition, news and activities from all over the world.

PJ2/PD1DRE, CURACAO

From January 26 to March 4

IOTA: SA-099

in SSB, FT8, FT4 on the 40m, 20m, 10m bands

QSL via: eQSL

V4/WA7RAR, SAINT KITTS & NEVIS

From February 21 to March 7

in SSB and CW on bands from 20m to 10m 

QSL via: WA7RAR (direct)

3Y0K, BOUVET ISLAND

From March 1 to March 14

in CW, SSB, FT8 (no FT4) on bands from 10m to 160m

QSL via: M0OXO

IOTA: AN-002 (Bouvet Island) 

Most Wanted rank: #10

Start and end dates are subject to change. Please check the website for details.