SSDR v3.x - FT8 and an iPad

I have been asked how to be able to use an iPad to work with FT8.

This works best with the multiFlex in v3 but works fine in v2 with little settings changes.

1. Get SSDR and FT8 working well on your laptop local to the flexradio.  There are several how-tos out  there for that.     

For me I have a dedicated FT8 profile that keeps all of the FT8 settings in there.  I set up a dedicated com port for FT8 and connect to the FlexRadio as a Kenwood TS2000 with using CAT for TX.

Play with this until you have everything running well in Slice A.

2. Test the laptop in smartlink mode. Take it to a friends house and things should just work.

3. Get back home and set the iPad up for use. Get it working for voice.

4. Once working, change the profile to FT8.

5. On the laptop start up DAX and CAT only.  Do not start up SSDR ( you can  but that is a different topic.)

6. Set DAX and CAT to use the iPad when asked.

7. Start up FT8 and things should just work. 

8. Take the setup back to your friends house or a McDonalds and connect both via smartlink. It should just work.

I usually set my iPad/Maestro as low bandwidth and the laptop as normal bandwidth when operating digital modes via smartlink.

This will also work with V2.x but you will need to play with the settings more often and the streaming does not work as well.

Have Fun!