SimpleFT8

About this app

SimpleFT8 is a native macOS and iOS app for FT8 and FT4. WHAT IS FT8? FT8 and FT4 are digital modes for ham radio, focused on making long-distance contacts in adverse and/or low-power conditions. Stations alternate transmitting and receiving in synchronized slots, exchanging compact messages over a narrow audio bandwidth. The mode decodes successfully at signal levels well below the noise floor, allowing operators to make contacts on a 1-5 watt power budget with stations on the other side of the planet. SimpleFT8 puts a real FT8 station in your pocket. Decode signals through your radio's audio (USB interface, mic from speaker, system audio capture) and send back replies on the next slot. Everything runs locally; no internet required. WHAT YOU GET • Live decode table per tx/rx slot, refreshed in real time • Slot-aligned transmitter with a structured QSO composer (CQ / reply / report / RR73 / 73) • Tap any decode to start a QS • Optional auto-accept (random pick of callers) and auto-reply to CQ (unworked stations preferred) for hands-off operation • Built-in waterfall display with tap-to-set TX frequency • Local QSO logbook with one-tap ADIF export... drop the file into LoTW, QRZ, ... • Map of stations you've decoded yourself with the app PSK REPORTER + PRESENCE (OPT-IN) If you turn it on in Settings: • Decode reports forwarded to PSK Reporter so you contribute to the global propagation map • See who heard you in the last 15 minutes, plotted on the map • See other SimpleFT8 operators currently online, on the same map Both toggles are off by default. The app is fully self-contained if you'd rather keep it that way; it only calls to NTP servers for the required clock sync. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Native Swift/SwiftUI... no Electron, no Qt port. Looks and feels like a Mac/iOS app should. • System Audio capture on macOS via ScreenCaptureKit. Decode straight from SDR software, WebSDR, or any audio your machine is playing, without a virtual cable. • Random caller selection rather than first-come. Every station in a pile-up has an equal shot at being picked. • Opinionated QSO state machine handles slot parity, role alternation, and protocol step transitions so you don't have to fight the radio. PRIVACY Note that the app is foreground-only on iOS. The mic stops when the app goes to background, to conserve battery. For longer running sessions, use the macOS version which keeps audio I/O alive indefinitely. Optional community features that share your grid location and callsign are clearly opt-in. This app contains no analytics, no tracking, no ads.

A more reliable, clearer FT8 station: • Audio meters now use smooth level ballistics, a readable peak hold, and clear clipping feedback. • Fixed CQ-to-QSO handoff so replies and signal reports transmit in the correct next slot. • Made transmit state explicit across iPhone, iPad and Mac. • Added the dial frequency below the waterfall and a quick Hunt/CQ switch. • Distances now use kilometres or miles according to device settings. • Band Hopper is now Mac-only and requires connected CAT/VFO control, stopping safely if CAT disconnects. • Simplified Settings by removing inactive switches.

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1. First observed Aug 14, 2026 · 11:15 AM Free