Inappropriate response:
In reality, SSB is not a strict requirement; FT8 is simply a data modulation method for transmitting information. It doesn't specify which channel mode to use. Ultimately, the data is converted into audio before transmission. You can use FM on 438.500 just like you would with SSB, but FM only allows one person to transmit.🤣Also, to put it lightly: If you can blow a whistle effectively, you can achieve FT8 communication.
A proper answer:
A properly functioning FT8 device essentially requires: a transceiver that supports SSB/DSB. If it doesn't support the CAT protocol, then the frequency can only be manually controlled, and PTT is triggered using VOX. If possible, you can use a CP2012-like controller to control the radio's PTT level (the PTT level on the microphone). Regarding the computer sound card data, if the machine doesn't have a separate data interface, then it can be connected from the microphone and the radio speaker. Also, the airlink brothers are already getting tired of listening to FT8...