JS8 Call:
JS8Call is software that enables amateur radio operators to communicate using weak signal messaging in a keyboard to keyboard format. It was inspired by the FT8 digital mode. It allows conversational exchanges and messaging, unlike FT8, making it suitable for low power operations. I’ve downloaded the JS8-Call program and set it up but I’m only just getting into it so I will add more here soon.
I’ve been trying out the so-called heartbeat mode on 40 metres which transmits my callsign and grid locator at intervals. This lets others know that my station is on the air. They can send me a SNR report, call me direct or maybe send my station a relay command to pass a message to someone they can’t hear. It’s interesting and I’m finding it useful. I switched the gear on at 4am one morning and, running 5 Watts on 40 metres, I was decoded on the East Coast and Central North America.
I’ve also been having keyboard QSOs on 6 metres with my friend, Nick. Results so far have been good. I think this mode is going to suit me as I suffer from dreadful QRM at my QTH, making SSB contacts very difficult.
S Points to SNR chart:
| S POINTS | SNR | |
| S1 | –48 dB | |
| S2 | –42 dB | |
| S3 | –36 dB | |
| S4 | –30 dB | |
| S5 | –24 dB | |
| S6 | –18 dB | |
| S7 | –12 dB | |
| S8 | –6 dB | |
| S9 | 0 dB | |
| S9+10 | 10 dB | |
| S9+20 | 20 dB | |
| S9+30 | 30 dB | |
| S9+40 | 40 dB | |
| S9+50 | 50 dB | |
| S9+60 | 60 dB |
JS8 Messages:
I’m still trying to work out what all this means. I received this the other day: “2E0***: G4NSJ MSG HI RAY, HOPE YOURE WELL TODAY?” Looking up MSG, is says… please store this in your inbox. OK but, why and how? Help! [email protected]
Screen Shot. 23/7/25:
You can see how quiet the JS8 section of the 40 metre band is. In fact, all modes on all bands have been dead for several weeks.
HF Digital frequencies:
Digital frequency list.
Useful link.