Auto FT8

About

AutoFT8 originated is an experimental project for ham radio operators who want to added autopilot to their FT8 experience. This program automatically controls WSJT-X to optimize contacts' chances during a contest or DX (make as many QSO as possible). After a receive sequence, the program calculates, using the distance, SNR[^1], and azimuth has the most chances of completing the QSO.

Technical Specifications

Dependencies:

• Python runtime envrionment: Python 3.8 or greater

Structure of Auto FT8 YAML Configuration

Below is an example on how to setup your configuration file.

**mongo_server**: IP address or hostname of the MongoDB database.

    Type: string,
    Default: "localhost"

**bind_address** is the IP address of the sequencer.

    Type: string,
    Default: "127.0.0.1"

**wsjt_port**: is the UDP communication port between the sequencer and WSJT-X.

    Type: integer,
    Default: 2238

**monitor_port**: is the UDP communication port between the sequencer and ftconsole.
This port is only for AutoFT internal use. Do not set that port in WSJT-X configuration.

    Type: integer,
    Default: 2240

**call**: Operator call sign.
This field is mandatory and should be set by the operator.

    Type: string,
    Default: "N0CALL"

**location**: Operator location. This field is used to calculate the distance and azimuth between your station and the calling station.
The operator should set this field.

    Type: string,
    Default: "CM87vl"

**follow_frequency**: Change the transmit frequency to transmit on the same frequency as the caller

    Type: boolean,
    Default: True


[^1]: Signal to Noise Ratio

Installation and Usage

There are a few pathways for using AutoFT8, first clone the repository and install dependencies from source. Alternatively, leverage the contained pyproject.toml or Pipfile to install dependecies and run from a virtual environment.

Clone from Source

Start by cloning the repo before you begin and place the contents into a place accessible for various OS processes. To obtain clone URL from HERE:

git clone <enter git url>
cd autoft8

Setup using Python package management (Pipenv)

For instructions on installation and usage of Pipenv

Once the AutoFT8 repository is in an accessible place, run the below command from a commandline interface to setup project dependencies and establish a virtual environment.

pipenv install

Activate the virtual environment and run AutoFT8

pipenv shell

Setup using Python package management (Poetry)

For instructions on installation and usage of Poetry

Once the AutoFT8 repository is in an accessible place, run the below command from a commandline interface to setup project dependencies and establish a virtual environment. This will setup the project using the supplied .toml file.

poetry install

Activate the virtual environment and run AutoFT8

poetry shell

Usage

$TODO: Add expected user workflow here.

Project Roadmap

Build docker file for easy deployment

References

WSJT-X Website, Joe Taylor, K1JT

Authorship

Fred Cirera