Do you find digital modes boring? Does FT8 seem to drag? FT4… faster but still… Well, if that is how you feel, let me direct your attention to FT2, the new digital speed demon. Just a few days ago I saw a YouTube video briefly mentioning FT2. I didn’t make much of it. But then a few days later, a local ham asked if I had looked at this new mode called FT2. I mentioned I had heard of it but didn’t try it.
He said he had not either, but it was supposedly faster than FT4. Ok, so now I am intrigued. As the cycle time for FT8 is 15 seconds, and FT4 only 7.5, FT2 boasts a cycle of only 3.8! So if all the “shortcuts” are observed, and signals are strong, a contact can be made in about 15 seconds. Do I have your attention? If so, let’s get into it.
This new mode is being developed out of Italy. That’s right, BEING DEVELOPED. It is not perfect, there are still bugs to work out, but more on that in a bit. To get started with FT2, you will need to download the software. It is a version of WSJT-X called “Decodium” and can be found at www.FT2.it
Once downloaded and configured, which was so easy even I could do it, I was off and running in the world of FT2. My first contact was with IW3FVQ, Mirco, from Italy on 10m. Over the next few minutes I made contacts with fellow radio operators in Haiti, Switzerland and Luxembourg. It was easy and quick!
But as fast as this mode is, there are downsides. Due to the speed of the transfer, a good signal has to be coming from both stations. In my LIMITED experience, there was a LOT of repeats. So many in fact, FT4 (or even FT8 in some cases) would have been faster. Also the software (Decodium) didn’t always progress through the contact correctly and had to be manually advanced. So to keep it all working, you definitely had to pay attention.
So is FT2 the future of digital operating? Probably not—at least not yet. It won’t dethrone FT8 when it comes to weak-signal performance, and it still has a few growing pains to work through. But that’s part of the excitement. FT2 feels like a glimpse into what ultra-fast digital could become. When band conditions are strong and you’re looking to rack up contacts in a hurry—like during a park activation or contest-style sprint—it’s a blast. For now, it will not replace the classics, but it certainly adds a new gear to the digital toolbox. And for those who thought digital modes were boring… FT2 might just change your mind.
As it is with many Amateur Radio enthusiast, I for one can become a little antsy during the winter months. When the temperatures freeze and the snow flies we can find ourselves peering out the window with a kindling look of longing. That need for a project that could satisfy our natural curiosity and establish a spark within our inventive side. Or more plainly said, “I’m just so damn bored.”
For me, this winter one of my projects was to take a dive into Meshtastic.
What is Meshtastic? Not being experienced with AI but wanting to learn, I took a stab with Google AI and here is what my search produced.
Meshtastic is an open-source, decentralized wireless communication system that enables text messaging and GPS tracking in off-grid environments without cellular service or internet. It utilizes low-power, long-range (LoRa) radio devices, which act as nodes to relay messages across a community- driven, license-free mesh network.
Key Features and Aspects of Meshtastic:
Off-Grid Communication: Operates independently of phone lines, cell towers, or internet infrastructure.
LoRa Technology: Uses Low-Range (LoRa) radio frequencies (e.g., 915 MHz in the US, 868 MHz in Europe), allowing for long distance, low-power communication.
Mesh Network Nodes: Each user’s device (node) acts as a repeater. Messages “hop” from node to node to reach recipients, making the network stronger and broader as more users join.
Text and Data: Designed for short text meassages, GPS coordinates (enabling location tracking of other users), and basic telemetry data.
Hardware and Cost: Uses affordable, small, and low-power hardware, often based on ESP32 or nRF52 chips. which can be easily powered by batteries and solar panels.
Use Cases: Ideal for hiking, skiing, emergences, disaster response, and remote area communication.
Capabillities & Limitations: While ideal for remote messaging, Meshtastic has a small bandwidth and cannot be used for streaming or browsing the internet.
Setup: Users connect their smartphone via Bluetooth to a dedicated radio device, which sends the messages over the radio network.
*Google AI ends here.
My Approach:
I was first exposed to Meshtastic while viewing online articles and videos from various un-named sources. They will remain un-named as not to draw the good natured ire of my fellow DCARC members. If you’re curious, just search google and youtube, there you will find many valuable resources.
Almost all of the resources I viewed extolled the prolific results from areas much more populated than our semi rural locale in Northwest Ohio. In my mind the thought of an Off The Grid messaging system locked in my pocket for education and experimentation that can also easily be deployed in a SHTF situation seemed appealing. Keeping in mind that the system needs plenty of contiguously located users (nodes) to make for a effective network, I wondered are there already other Meshtastic users in the area, or would I just end up texting myself? Well let’s hope the later isn’t true as I already talk to myself plenty enough while working on projects.
Needless to say curiosity got the cat and I ordered a 2 pack of Heltec ESP 32 Lo Ra V3 Development boards that included 2 4000mAh Batteries along with other accessories.
Warning: Do Not Power Up Your Mesh Device Without First Attaching the Antenna. Permanent Chip Damage Could Occur.
First I charged the batteries and assembled the hardware into Scotsman friendly cases. I then proceeded to flash the latest firmware unto the ESP32 boards.
Firmware can be found at: https://flasher.meshtastic.org/
After flashing the firmware to the device, I downloaded from the app store and installed the Meshtastic app unto my smartphone. Tablet or laptop will work too.
The device connects to your phone via Bluetooth. A first time set up 6 digit pin code will be displayed on the device screen, you must enter it into the app on your phone when requested.
Note: To be fully off the grid, do not connect device to WiFi. And after pairing with your phone or tablet, check all the settings to confirm that WiFi and MQTT are turned off an set to ignore.
My Initial Rig Builds:
So I paired the first node to my ipad, and the second node to my iPhone. I was now ready to explore the unknown world of Meshtastic and…send text messages to myself. And that I did. WooHoo!
In the following 2 days a few nodes populated on the apps node lists. I tried reaching out by texting them, but never heard back. Keeping in mind that the key components of this mode that are important are, Line of Sight and Height. With zero success contacting what few nodes appeared I wondered what could I be doing wrong? Do I stop now or go deeper? Well you guessed it, I went deeper. I ordered 2 higher gain antennas, a weather proof box, a solar panel, and a 2 pack of the ESP32 boards with 1100 mAh batteries, that included protective cases.
Note: The instructions state that care should be taken when assembling the boards into the Meshnology protective cases as the screen could be cracked during assembly… Yea, I did it. Grrrrrrr
Solar Powered Node Build:
If this Meshtastic experiment and its Solar Powered Node proves out, my long term plan is to add it to my tower at about 45ft. Until then I have the solar powered unit mounted to a microphone stand and placed in a second floor dormer window. I live less than 2500 ft from a 4 lane highway, now I get an average of 9 nodes per day populating the node list. I assume many are from drive byes. Though I have noticed a few repeats, I do have the software set to delete static nodes after 1 day.
ESP32 Board in a Meshnology Protective Case w/Higher Gain Antenna
Footprint Test: With zero contacts made I decided to find out for myself just how far I could receive a RF mobile node. I drove a route and sent messages from 13 documented stops. Then back to me home QTH to see which messages arrived. Here are the results.
Barring any major objects of interference I feel confident that from inside a vehicle you can text another node within a 1 mile radius.
What’s next? I’m not sure whats next with this experiment but it is obvious that a larger mesh network is needed to increase its viability. If you’re interested come join me and other interested DCARC members in the Meshtastic world. You never know where it will take us.
73, KE8PJL
[Editor’s Note: My apologies to Jeff for taking so long to get this posted. Thanks for the fantastic article! Well done! WZ8Q]
In case you missed it, we’ve got some changes to the 60 meter band.
As of February 13, 2026, the FCC has updated 60-meter band rules for U.S. amateur radio operators (General class or higher), adding a new 15 kHz wide, non-channelized segment (5351.5–5366.5 kHz) with a 9.15-watt ERP limit. Four of the original five channels remain for 100-watt PEP operation, while the previous 5358.5 kHz channel (channel 3) is replaced by this new sub-band.
Key Changes to 60-Meter Band (Effective Feb 13, 2026):
New Segment: A contiguous, non-channelized (VFO) band from 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz is now available.
Power Limits:
New Segment: Maximum of 9.15 watts Effective Radiated Power (ERP).
Existing Channels: The four remaining channels (5332, 5348, 5373, 5405 kHz) still allow 100 watts PEP.
Modes & Bandwidth: Upper Sideband (USB), CW, and Digital modes are permitted, with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz.
Channel Changes: The channel at 5358.5 kHz is removed, as it is now part of the new 5351.5–5366.5 kHz subband.
Eligibility: General, Advanced, or Amateur Extra class licensees.
The updated ARRL band plan chart can be found here:
You are invited to build the Pacific Antenna Micro Attenuator kit at the Defiance County Amateur Radio Club project day.
Fox Hunts will be coming up and having an antenna attenuator is a must have. This attenuator provides up to 40dB in 4 steps of 10dB. If you have never soldered, this is a great first time kit to learn how. If you’re an old hand at it, it’s still a fun build.
With the kit the DCARC is providing a 3D printed base that can also be used to mount it to an antenna. If you already have an antenna and handheld 2M radio, bring them. If not, we will have some available for you to test the operation of the attenuator after construction with a couple of live fox hunt transmitters placed some distance away.
The construction project will take place on April 11th at 2 PM. Location: Ney Church of God 03413 OH-15 Ney, OH 43549
The cost to participate is $30 with a deposit of $15 due by March 21st.
For the deposit, please make out a check to the Defiance County Amateur Radio Club and mail it to:
Defiance County Amateur Radio Club 925 S Clinton St #21 Defiance OH 43526
Payment can also be made in person during the March DCARC meeting. The balance is due, cash or check, the day of the event.
Also, please contact me, John St Peter KD8JSP, by email if you are going to attend. (Email address is accurate on QRZ.)
Lastly, building kits works up an appetite. After all, the DCARC is the ‘Crock Pot’ club. So if you would like to bring a dish to pass that would be great. Let me know in the email.
My apologies to all for the delay in getting these pictures posted. (Yours truly was in the middle of a computer overhaul, and the backlog got a little out of hand.)
In any event, here they are for your viewing pleasure!
Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to seeing you all next year!
