Use Hamilton Auto FT8 with MSHV

Hamilton Auto FT8 runs the full FT8 contact sequence inside MSHV — hear the CQ, call the station, exchange reports, confirm 73, and log the contact, all automatically. This guide takes you from download to your first hands-free QSO using MSHV as the engine.

Important · Read before operating

Hamilton automates the FT8 contact sequence — it does not relieve you of your duty as control operator. Stay at the radio while it runs. Be ready to stop transmitting immediately if interference or any regulatory issue occurs. Think of Hamilton like autopilot, not auto-driver.

What you need

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit) — Hamilton Auto FT8 is Windows-only
• MSHV already working with your radio (audio chain, CAT, PTT all tested and operational)

Step 1 — Download and install Hamilton Auto FT8

1. Go to autoft8.com/downloads
2. Click the green Download button for Hamilton Auto FT8
3. Run Hamilton_Auto_FT8_Setup_1.0.62.exe
4. If Windows shows “Windows protected your PC”, click More info → Run anyway
5. Click through the installer and click Finish

Hamilton’s window will open. Don’t click Start yet — MSHV needs configuration first.

Step 2 — Configure MSHV’s UDP server

MSHV uses different terminology than WSJT-X but the underlying UDP protocol is the same. Hamilton’s UDP proxy translates between them automatically.

1. Open MSHV
2. Go to Options → Settings (menu names vary slightly between MSHV versions)
3. Find the Reporting or UDP section
4. Set UDP Server to 127.0.0.1
5. Set UDP Server port to 2237
6. Check Enable UDP server
7. Check Accept UDP requests
8. Confirm your callsign and grid are set correctly on the Station page
9. Save settings and completely close and reopen MSHV

Run MSHV in single-stream mode

MSHV’s multi-stream feature (running several FT8 QSOs simultaneously on different audio frequencies) is unique and powerful, but Hamilton currently coordinates single-stream operation only. Multi-stream support is planned for a future release.

For now, configure MSHV in single-stream mode for the cleanest behavior with Hamilton. You’ll still get all the automation benefits — Hamilton will simply manage one QSO at a time.

Step 3 — Start in the right order

1. Start MSHV first and confirm decodes are flowing and PTT works (briefly press Tune — your radio should transmit)
2. Then click Start in Hamilton

Within 5 seconds, Hamilton’s activity feed should show:

• UDP proxy listening on 127.0.0.1:2237
• Translating UDP id: 'MSHV' to 'WSJT-X' — normal; Hamilton’s UDP proxy translates MSHV’s id automatically
• Engine UDP confirmed
• Listening for MSHV — ready to make contacts

Hamilton is now running. When a callable station decodes, Hamilton picks it, drives MSHV through the exchange, and closes the QSO with 73.

Optional — CQ when idle

Click CQ when idle in Hamilton and pick a mode:

• Hunter — hunts decoded stations; calls CQ only when the band’s been quiet for N minutes
• Activator — calls CQ immediately on Start, continuously. The POTA/SOTA workflow

Hamilton drives MSHV’s TX Enable control automatically when CQ-when-idle activates.

Optional — QRZ Logbook auto-submission

1. QRZ.com → Logbook → Settings → copy your Logbook API Key
2. Hamilton → Settings → QRZ Logbook → paste the key → Save
3. Make a test contact. Watch the feed for QRZ Logbook: submitted

Troubleshooting

Hamilton says it’s running but never calls anyone

1. Is Enable UDP server AND Accept UDP requests checked in MSHV’s Settings? Restart MSHV after enabling
2. Is TX Enable active on MSHV’s main window?
3. Is MSHV running in single-stream mode? (Multi-stream isn’t supported by Hamilton yet)
4. Filter file too strict? Check Hamilton’s Settings → Advanced → Filter file path

MSHV’s settings menu doesn’t match this guide

MSHV’s UI evolves between versions and individual screens move around. The functional pieces — UDP server toggle, server address and port, accept UDP requests — are always present, just sometimes under different submenu names. Look for “Reporting,” “UDP,” or “External Control” sections.

“Address already in use” error

Another program owns port 2237 — JTAlert, GridTracker, an old Hamilton instance, or a second engine running. Close them and try again.

Contacts start but never complete

Almost always an audio or PTT issue with MSHV itself, not Hamilton. Verify MSHV can complete a manual QSO before troubleshooting Hamilton.

You’re done

MSHV first (single-stream), Hamilton second, click Start.

Download Hamilton Auto FT8 free at autoft8.com/downloads. Stuck? Email support@autoft8.com.

73 and good DX.