FT2: The Evolution of Digital HF Traffic by IU8LMC and IZ8XXE
The new Italian speed standard challenging international protocols.
The global landscape of digital modes is undergoing a phase of profound technical transformation. February 16, 2026, officially marks the operational entry of FT2, an ultra-fast protocol developed by Martino Merola (IU8LMC) and Domenico "Mimmo" De Lucia (IZ8XXE). The project, which leverages the strategic support of the ARI Caserta Team, introduces new efficiency standards in the high-frequency digital communications segment.
Technical innovation and execution speed
The distinctive feature of FT2 lies in the optimization of the transmission and reception cycle. Compared to the 15 seconds required by the FT8 standard, FT2 completes the cycle in just 3.8 seconds. This temporal reduction, four times the speed of previous protocols, allows for extremely rapid QSO management, ideal for operating during contests, managing complex DX pile-ups, and exploiting short-duration propagation openings on high bands.
The software architecture reflects a cutting-edge approach: Martino Merola has integrated sophisticated Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms, refined with the aid of Artificial Intelligence systems (Claude/Anthropic), into the development. This synergy has maximized speed without compromising signal robustness, making FT2 a technological bridge between traditional amateur radio and new computational frontiers.
International Comparison and the War of the Modes
The introduction of FT2 has generated a heated debate in the international amateur radio community, particularly with the WSJT-X development team led by Joe Taylor (K1JT). The disagreements primarily concern band space management and the rapid evolution of the Italian protocol compared to US academic standards.
Despite initial friction, the technical validity of the project was confirmed by on-air tests conducted in mid-February 2026 by the ARI Caserta Team, which established the protocol's stability even in heavily congested conditions.
Certifications and Recognitions
The FT2 accreditation process is proceeding with significant global results:
- ADIF Specifications: The protocol has already been officially included in ADIF standards for full compatibility with logbook software.
- Digital Innovation 2026: Martino Merola received the Digital Innovation Award for integrating AI systems into the source code.
- ARRL Accreditation: Procedures for recognizing FT2 contacts for DXCC and WAS awards are currently in an advanced stage.
Operational Details and Technical Setup
Operating in FT2 requires millimeter-level precision in station clock synchronization, with a maximum tolerance of ±50ms. The use of GPSDO receivers or high-precision NTP systems is recommended.
| Feature | FT8 (Standard) | FT2 (New Protocol) |
|---|---|---|
| TX/RX Cycle Duration | 15 Seconds | 3.8 Seconds |
| Bandwidth | 50 Hz | 150 Hz |
| Time Synchronization | ± 1.0 s | ± 50 ms |
| Algorithm Development | Academic Standard | AI-Assisted |
Official Band Plan (USB/Data)
| Band | Frequency (MHz) | Band | Frequency (MHz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160m | 1.843 | 20m | 14.078 |
| 80m | 3.578 | 17m | 18.103 |
| 60m | 5.360 | 15m | 21.078 |
| 40m | 7.052 | 12m | 24.918 |
| 30m | 10.133 | 10m | 28.078 |
| 6m | 50.318 | ||
Resources and Community: Official software and technical documentation are available on the dedicated portal www.ft2.it. For technical support and coordination of on-air activities, the community gathers on the dedicated Telegram channel: t.me/ft2digitalmodel.
Note from Ham Radio Shop: We are proud to support Italian technological excellence. FT2 represents a successful challenge for our country in the field of digital radio communications. We invite all our customers to verify the accuracy of their hardware setup to operate correctly with this new protocol.
