Lmst

Rainy morning in "The Ville". Having some 30 meter #FT8 #WSJTx fun, hoping the rain will stop to get out for a #POTA #parksontheair activation. #AmateurRadio #HamRadio

I had a nice #WSJTx #FT8 session from the QTU using my #FT891 with #Singalink #AmateurRadio #Hamradio #HamRadioDigitalMode

That's what I love about this hobby. You get bored with one mode and you can move on to the next one. #QSO with Dr. Andre in Belize. Haven't done #FT8 #WSJTx #Digital in a long while #AmateurRadio #HamRadio

Why Every Future Ham Radio Operator Should Know About WSJT-X (Even Before Getting a License)

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If you’re a guy intrigued by the world of amateur radio but haven’t yet taken the plunge to get licensed, there’s a powerful tool that can ignite your passion and deepen your understanding: WSJT-X. This software suite, developed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Joe Taylor (K1JT), is revolutionizing the way amateur radio enthusiasts communicate, especially under weak-signal conditions.

What Is WSJT-X?

WSJT-X stands for “Weak Signal Joe Taylor – eXtended.” It’s a free, open-source software designed for weak-signal digital communication by amateur radio. The suite includes various modes like FT8, FT4, JT65, and WSPR, each optimized for different types of radio-wave propagation.

Why Should You Care About WSJT-X?

Even without a license, WSJT-X offers a window into the amateur radio world. You can monitor signals, understand propagation patterns, and get a feel for the community. It’s like being a fly on the wall in a global conversation, offering insights that can be invaluable when you decide to pursue your license.

Getting Started with WSJT-X

Download and Install: Visit the official WSJT-X website to download the software compatible with your operating system.WSJT+2WSJT+2WSJT+2
Set Up Your Hardware: While transmitting requires a license, receiving doesn’t. You can start by connecting a Software Defined Radio (SDR) like the RTL-SDR to your computer. This setup allows you to receive signals and observe the digital modes in action.
Configure the Software: Input your location details and set up the audio input from your SDR. Ensure your computer’s clock is synchronized accurately, as digital modes like FT8 are time-sensitive.
Start Listening: Once set up, you can start monitoring various bands. You’ll see call signs, signal reports, and other data scrolling across your screen, providing a real-time look at global communications.

Understanding Digital Modes

WSJT-X supports several digital modes, each with unique characteristics:

FT8: The most popular mode, designed for quick and efficient communication under weak signal conditions.
FT4: Faster than FT8, suitable for contesting and rapid exchanges.
JT65 and JT9: Older modes, still used for specific applications like moonbounce communications.
WSPR: Stands for “Weak Signal Propagation Reporter,” used for testing propagation paths with low-power transmissions.

Learning from the Community

Engaging with the amateur radio community can enhance your learning experience. Platforms like Reddit’s r/amateurradio offer discussions, advice, and shared experiences from both seasoned operators and newcomers. Additionally, websites like HamStudy.org provide study tools and resources to help you prepare for your license exam.

Monitoring Propagation with PSK Reporter

PSK Reporter is a valuable tool that collects and displays reception reports from around the world. By monitoring this data, you can observe real-time propagation conditions and understand how signals travel over various frequencies and distances.

Exploring Further with YouTube Tutorials

Visual learners can benefit from comprehensive tutorials available on YouTube. For instance, the WSJT-X FT8 Tutorial Master Class offers an in-depth look at setting up and operating WSJT-X, providing step-by-step guidance for beginners.

Conclusion

WSJT-X serves as a gateway into the fascinating world of amateur radio. By observing and understanding digital communications, you can build a solid foundation that will serve you well when you decide to pursue your license. The software offers a hands-on experience that complements theoretical study, making your learning journey both practical and engaging.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of amateur radio? Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights, tips, and updates. Have questions or experiences to share? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

D. Bryan King

Sources

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

Tuning Into the World — A digital operator’s desk ready to decode the world through WSJT-X and FT8.

Thinking about getting into ham radio? 🎙️ Start with WSJT-X — the digital tool that lets you listen, learn, and explore the airwaves before you even get licensed! #HamRadio #WSJTX #FT8

https://bdking71.wordpress.com/2025/05/14/why-every-future-ham-radio-operator-should-know-about-wsjt-x-even-before-getting-a-license/

Pop Quiz: How much power do you transmit when using FT8?

#amateurradio #wsjtx #ft8 #hamradio

Unbelievable amount of CN/JA traffic on 10m at the moment. The last few days 10m has been as active as 20m in the afternoons.

#amateurradio #wsjtx #ft8

Screenshot showing the wsjt-x application and waterfall, along with showing GridTracker2 with it’s call roster open. Call roster showing dozens of Japanese and China stations calling CQ.

My Mac running WSJ-TX is annoying in that every time I reboot, there is a high chance (but not 100%) that the Serial Port has changed name, and so needs to be manually re-selected in the WSJTX prefs in order to work. Why it randomly switches names I don't know, and why WSJTX can't figure it out I don't know either, but it's something I have to deal with every day that I wish I didn't.

#hamradio #wsjtx #ft8 #MacOS

Is anyone using a #Realistic #HTX100 successfully with a #Digirig or similar sound card? If so, could you share your rig/CAT/PTT settings?

I'm using #wsjtx. Receiving signals on FT8 and WSPR but no CQ replies or WSPR spots of my own transmissions.

#HamRadio #AmateurRadio #RadioShack

Woohoo! I've just picked up my first data from that funny FT8 thing... I still need to correctly configure the radio CAT control settings to hopefully stop the dumb error. Hopefully that will remove that roadblock... But I expected many more config headaches to reach this point, TBH. :)

- Yaesu FT-891
- 2018 MacBook Pro i9, macOS 15.3.2, running WSJ-TX.

#hamradio #ft8 #wsjtx #Mac

A Mac screenshot shows a half dozen open windows, including a WSJ-TX window showing FT8 Rx on 20m, and in the foreground is a rig CAT control error message.

Don't ask why it this idea popped into my mind:

Why there is no text based GUI for WSJT-X? For easy access with ssh, no need for horrible heavy remote desktop apps.

Skimming through the UDP api, there is so many possibilities. I even got an idea for picking the transmission frequency! Too bad I'm not big fan of FT8, but please somebody do it :) Looking at Textual examples this brings warm memories from 80-90's BBS times.

#wsjtx #ansi #shell #ssh #hamradio #amateurradio #ft8

WSJT-X Version 2.7.0 Released.

In releasing the latest WSJT-X Software Release, the developers write:

The WSJT Development Team is pleased to announce the WSJT-X 2.7.0 General Availability (GA) release. This is the first GA release since version 2.6.1, two years ago. Major enhancements include a new companion program called QMAP, new Special Operating Activities called “Q65 ...
https://machamradio.com/blog/2025/02/19/wsjt-x-version-2-7-0-released/

#DigitalModes #JT65 #OSX #WSJTX

WSJT-X Candidate release 2.7.0-rc8 available.

In releasing the latest WSJT-X Release Candidate, the developers write:

Dear WSJT-X Users,

We are pleased to announce that Release Candidate WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc8 is ready for download and use by beta testers. This revision introduces a new Message System primarily intended for contests. Otherwise, RC8 is mostly a b ...
https://machamradio.com/blog/2025/01/21/wsjt-x-candidate-release-2-7-0-rc8-available/

#DigitalModes #JT65 #OSX #WSJTX

I normally use #JTDX but when I saw there is 2.7.0 release of #WSJTX I decided to give it a try.

Looks like the .deb doesn't work on the latest Ubuntu (24.10) due to dependencies not exactly matching, BUT, after compiling it from source, I got it working 🙂

I've only made a couple of contacts on #FT8 so far on it, but, I forgot how much the UI is different from JTDX and WSJT-X lol

PSA: If you are someone who values clean code, do not look at #wsjtx decoding code. It isn't great, but I guess that's pretty standard for #hamradio software :(

https://codeberg.org/Nespa/gojdy

#hamradio
#ft891
#linux

Cheap #AliExpress #jdy-67 based #bluetooth dongle setup bash script which allows to use #wsjtx CAT and audio

GridTracker version 2.250101 has been released

GridTracker is a warehouse of amateur radio information presented in an easy to use interface, from live traffic decodes, logbooks, real-time spot reports, weather, current solar conditions and more!

Some of the features of GridTracker are:

Highly advanced mapping of real-time and historical contacts on a vivid, ...
https://machamradio.com/blog/2025/01/03/gridtracker-version-2-250101-has-been-released/

#GridTracker #macOS #WSJTX

#wsjtx how to update the list of Serial Ports for CAT Control in the F2 settings page?

Keyboard editing a new device there does not seem to give results.

F5 did not help either :p

Leo, on1aad

Howto FT8 en 27mhz

charliebravo27225am.blogspot.c…

#ft8 #27265 #27mhz #11m #radio #digimodos #digitales #ham #radioaficionado #jtdx #WSJT-X

WSJT-X Candidate release 2.7.0-rc7 available.

Dear WSJT-X Users,

We are pleased to announce that Release Candidate WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc7 is ready for download and use by beta testers. This revision has many improvements to SuperFox mode: better decoding, more reliable message sequencing, and an open source, cryptographically sound verification scheme for Fox transm ...
https://machamradio.com/blog/2024/10/07/wsjt-x-candidate-release-2-7-0-rc7-available/

#DigitalModes #JT65 #OSX #WSJTX

#WSJT-X

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