SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hame-ft8-bandwidth

What is the bandwidth of an FT8 signal?

About 50 Hz, very narrow.

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  1. 600 Hz
  2. 50 Hz ✔
  3. 2.4 kHz

Why: FT8 signals are tiny. Dozens fit inside one SSB voice channel, which helps weak signal contacts get through.

Huh, didn't know that: Using sinusoidal data pulses is the technique that minimizes the bandwidth of a PSK31 signal (E8C04).

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References

Answer: 50 Hz. FT8 signals are tiny. Dozens fit inside one SSB voice channel, which helps weak signal contacts get through.

  1. NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E8C06 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    B. 50 Hz
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E8C04 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    C. Use of sinusoidal data pulses
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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