__ __ ______ _____ ________ __ __ | \ _ | \ / \ | \| \ | \ | \ | $$ / \ | $$| $$$$$$\ \$$$$$ \$$$$$$$$ | $$ | $$ | $$/ $\| $$| $$___\$$ | $$ | $$ ______ \$$\/ $$ | $$ $$$\ $$ \$$ \ __ | $$ | $$| \ >$$ $$ | $$ $$\$$\$$ _\$$$$$$\| \ | $$ | $$ \$$$$$$/ $$$$\ | $$$$ \$$$$| \__| $$| $$__| $$ | $$ | $$ \$$\ | $$$ \$$$ \$$ $$ \$$ $$ | $$ | $$ | $$ \$$ \$$ \$$$$$$ \$$$$$$ \$$ \$$ \$$ Copyright 2001 - 2019 by Joe Taylor, K1JT. Release: WSJT-X 2.1 July 15, 2019 ------------------- WSJT-X 2.1 is a major update that introduces FT4, a new protocol targeted at HF contesting. Other improvements have been made in the following areas: - FT8 waveform generated with GMSK, fully backward compatible - user options for waterfall and spectrum display - contest logging - rig control - user interface - UDP messaging for inter-program communication - accessibility There are numerous minor enhancements and bug fixes. We now provide a separate installation package for 64-bit Windows 7 and later, with significant improvements in decoding speed. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc7 June 3, 2019 ------------------------- This release is a bug fix only release addressing regressions in the prior RC6 release. There are no functional changes other than an updated AD1C CTY.DAT database. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc6 June 2, 2019 ------------------------- Changes and bug fixes since WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc5: IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE FT4 PROTOCOL *** NOT BACKWARD COMPATIBLE *** - T/R sequence length increased from 6.0 to 7.5 seconds - Symbol rate decreased from 23.4375 to 20.8333 baud - Signal bandwidth decreased from 90 Hz to 80 Hz OTHER FT4 IMPROVEMENTS - Allowable time offsets -1.0 < DT < +1.0 s - Tx4 message with RRR now allowed, except in contest messages - Audio frequency is now sent to PSK Reporter - Add a third decoding pass - Add ordered statistics decoding - Improved sensitivity: threshold S/N is now -17.5 dB - Improved S/N calculation - In FT4 mode, Shift+F11/F12 moves Tx freq by +/- 100 Hz OTHER IMPROVEMENTS - Improvements to accessibility - Updates to the User Guide (not yet complete, however) - New user option: "Calling CQ forces Call 1st" - N1MM Logger+ now uses the standard WSJT-X UDP messages - OK/Cancel buttons on Log QSO window maintain fixed positions - Put EU VHF contest serial numbers into the ADIF SRX and STX fields - Enhancements to the Omni-Rig CAT interface - New setting option to include or exclude WAE entities BUG FIXES - Fix generation of Tx5 message when one callsign is nonstandard - Fix a bug that prevented use on macOS - Fix a bug that caused mode switch from FT4 to FT8 - Fix a bug that caused FT4 to do WSPR-style band hopping - Fix a bug that caused a Fortran bounds error - Repaired field editing in the Contest Log window Release candidate WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc6 will be available for beta-testing through July 21, 2019. It will be inoperable during the ARRL June VHF QSO Party (June 8-10) or ARRL Field Day (June 22-23). It will permanently cease to function after July 21, 2019. If all goes according to plan, by that time there will be a General Availability (GA) release of WSJT-X 2.1.0. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc5 April 29, 2019 ------------------------- WSJT-X 2.1.0 fifth release candidate is a minor release including the following. - Repairs a defect that stopped messages from UDP servers being accepted. - Improved message sequencing a QSO end for CQing FT4 stations. - "Best S+P" action times out after two minutes waiting for a candidate. - Updated macOS Info.plist to comply with latest mic. privacy controls. - Multi-pass decoding for FT4 inc. prior decode subtraction. - Fast/Normal/Deep options for the FT4 decoder. - Proposed suggested working frequencies for the new FT4 mode. - Repair a defect in RTTY RU where sequencer fails to advance to Tx3. - Fix a defect where the contest serial # spin box was incorrectly hidden. - Fix defects in ALL.TXT formatting for JT65 and JT9. - Reduce timeout for AP decoding with own call from 10 mins to 5 mins. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc4 April 10, 2019 ------------------------- WSJT-X 2.1.0 fourth release candidate is a minor release including the following. - New "Call Best" button for FT4 mode to select the best reply to a CQ call based on neediness. - Fixed UTC display on FT4 waterfall. This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit feedback to guide future development. *Note* this release is not for general public release and we request that it is not distributed. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc3 April 5, 2019 ------------------------- WSJT-X 2.1.0 third release candidate is an enhancement release to change the implementation of the new FT4 mode to a synchronous T/R period of 6 seconds. This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit feedback to guide future development. *Note* this release is not for general public release and we request that it is not distributed. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc2 March 29, 2019 ------------------------- WSJT-X 2.1.0 second release candidate is a bug fix release to repair some usability issues with FT4 contest mode. The following new features are also included. - Better options for QSO flow by clicking Tx# buttons to transmit - A 64-bit package for Windows 64-bit systems - Improved FT4 sync detection speed This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit feedback to guide future development. *Note* this release is not for general public release and we request that it is not distributed. Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc1 March 25, 2019 ------------------------- WSJT-X 2.1.0 first release candidate is a preview alpha quality release containing the following new features. - FT4 mode, a new mode targeted at HF digital contesting - GMSK modulation for FT4 and FT8 - New waterfall option to select between raw sensitivity or a filtered signal representation for best visualization of signal quality This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit feedback to guide future development. *Note* this release is not for general public release and we request that it is not distributed. Release: WSJT-X 2.0.1 February 25, 2019 --------------------- WSJT-X 2.0.1 is a bug fix release including the following defect repairs reported since the v2.0.0 GA release. - Remove startup message about importance of upgrading to v2.0. - Relax ADIF log file parsing to allow garbage between records and records with no DX callsign - Fix bug that prevented retention of power and comments in Log QSO window - Updates to User Guide - MSK144 frequency defaults to 50.260 in IARU Regions 2 and 3 - Remove hexadecimal RGB values from color-configuration panel - Fix a bounds error by not executing Fox-related code when not in Fox mode - Allow the logQSO dialog to modify "Exch Sent" or "Rcvd" when operating in RTTY or NA VHF Contest mode, and to have any changes flow through to N1MM Logger. - Fix several problems in handling hashed callsigns - More rigorous quality checking of WSPR decodes from the OSD algorithm - Fix bug that prevented recevied signal reports from compound callsigns to be logged - Improved recognition of callsigns with /P or /R suffixes - Do not waste time trying AP decoding of nonstandard callsigns - Make OSD decoding work with WSPR "type 2" messages - Retain in Tx6 message field any CQ messages like "CQ xxxx K1ABC FN42", where xxxx is 1-4 letters or 1-3 digits - Optional key bindings for F1 through F5, especially for contest use - Include grid in Tx1 messages with hashed callsign, for example " K1ABC FN42" - Better formatting for the files ALL.TXT and ALL_WSPR.TXT - Correct a flaw in validating contest exchange data when logging - Option to always start new decode periods at top of Band Activity window - New command "Erase WSPR hashtable" on the File menu - Improved validation for ARRL RTTY RU and FD exchange fields - UDP Reference applications join a multicast group on all available multicast capable network interfaces - Minor code changes to support Qt versions >=5.10 - Changes to support x64 Windows builds in preparation for Qt v5.12 - Add "ADIF Export ..." to Fox Log's contextual popup menu - Use ARRL-required names for VHF+ bands in exported Cabrillo log - New utility program rigctlcom-wsjtx (from Hamlib) - Remove temporary FT8 working frequencies from default frequency list - UDP protocol's Clear (3) message is made two-way, for better communication with DX Lab Suite applications - Reset QSO start time when aborting a QSO or clearing messages by ESC or F4 - Correct a logging issue in Fox's ADIF log when Fox sends RR73 to more than one Hound in the same Tx sequence. Release: WSJT-X 2.0 December 10, 2018 ----------------------- WSJT-X 2.0 is a major update that introduces new protocols for FT8 and MSK144. The new protocols become the world-wide standards on December 10, 2018. WSJT-X 2.0 cannot communicate in these modes with other stations using WSJT-X v1.9.1 or earlier. Please help by urging everyone to upgrade no later than January 1, 2019. New features since WSJT-X v1.9.1: 1. Compound and nonstandard callsigns are automatically recognized and handled using new message formats. 2. The new FT8 protocol provides optimized message formats for North American VHF contests, European VHF contests, ARRL Field Day, and ARRL RTTY Roundup. Similarly, the new MSK144 protocol provides optimized message formats for North American VHF and European VHF contests. Full support is provided for "/R" and "/P" calls in the relevant contests. 3. The new protocols provide nearly equal (or better) sensitivity compared to the old ones, and lower false decode rates. 4. New logging features are provided for contesting and for "Fox" (DXpedition) mode. Logging is optionally integrated with N1MM Logger+ and WriteLog. 5. Color highlighting of decoded messages provides worked-before status for callsigns, grid locators, DXCC entities, continents, CQ Zones, and ITU zones on a “by band” and “by mode” basis, and for stations that have uploaded their logs to Logbook of the World (LoTW) within a specified time interval. 6. The WSPR decoder now achieves decodes down to S/N = -31 dB. For the particular benefit of LF/MF users, an option "No own call decodes" has been added. 7. The UDP messages sent to companion programs have been expanded and improved. Some details of changes since WSJT-X-rc5 include the following: - Initial load of ADIF log in background - Correct the UTC displayed in Fox/Contest log - Faster entry and correct scrolling for Fox/Contest log - Add contest exchanges and contest type to UDP logged QSO message - Fix a bug that suppressed decodes with negative DT. - AK and HI are DXCCs, not states, for RTTY Roundup - Fix improper truncation of some non-FT8 messages in ALL.TXT - Various minor bug fixes and code cleanup - Update the WSJT-X User Guide to v2.0 (more to come...) - Update cty.dat Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc5 November 26, 2018 ----------------------- Release Candidate 5 ("RC5") is stable, works well, and fixes the known problems in RC4. It is likely that the General Availability (GA) release of WSJT-X 2.0 will be nearly identical to RC5. Changes from WSJT-X 2.0-rc4 include the following: - Make the "Auto Seq" checkbox sticky, again - Remove the 5-minute mouse timer - Correct the "worked before" logic for color highlighting - Add "No own call decodes" checkbox in WSPR mode - Display and log UTC (not local time) in contest operations - Validate contest QSO details before allowing logging - Force Aqua theme on macOS to avoid issues with Mojave dark theme - Move Fox log Reset action to Fox log window context menu - Improve layout of Working Frequencies and Station Information tables - Allow deletes and editing in Fox and Contest log windows - Add Tool Tips for Fox and Contest log windows - Fix a bug causing false AP decodes in JT65 VHF+ operation - Fix a bug that could switch unexpectedly from JT65 to JT9 mode PLEASE NOTE: As far as WSJT-X 2.0 (RC4, RC5, and GA releases) are concerned, signals using the old FT8 protocol are undecodable interference. This means that regenerated replicas cannot be subtracted from received data, and consequently second- and third-pass decodes may be impeded. Full performance of the 77-bit decoder will not be realized until most signals on a crowded band are using the new FT8 protocol. Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc4 November 12, 2018 ----------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 2.0.0-rc3 include the following: - Fix the "cannot open file fort.81" bug - Avoid too many redirect loops related to openSSL support - Fix the auto-generated messages for nonstandard callsigns - Remove all support for the legacy FT8 protocol - Disallow selecting MSK144 with RTTY or Field Day messages active - Correct and expand support for color highlighting decoded messages - ESC key aborts a QSO, clears DX Call, and selects Tx6 - Disable "nextCall" procedure for RTTY contest; it still needs work - Correct a flaw in handling MSK144 Sh messages - Prevent Fox from inadvertently toggling Tx 1st/Even - Re-organize the Fox/Hound/Contest selection boxes - Improve the validators for contest exchange boxes - Disable Tx after 5 minutes of no mouse movement - Remove end-of-line AP info when using contest messages - Fix forwarding of Sent and Rcvd exchanges to N1MM+ and ADIF log - Don't auto-log a QSO with incomplete exchange info - Fix two sequencing flaws after double-clicks on a decoded msg - New facilities for Contest and Fox-mode logging Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc3 October 15, 2018 ----------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 2.0.0-rc2 include the following: - Improved SNR calculation for FT8 - Test grid4 (not grid6) for matches in ADIF log - Auto-generate 77-bit messages for callsigns with /R or /P - Fix auto-sequencing for "CQ ABC ...", "CQ ABCD ...", etc. - Fix the "CQ RU RU ..." bug - Implement AP decoding for contest messages and for Hound - Check Field Day and RTTY Roundup exchanges for validity - Implement "Select next caller" and use of "TU; ..." messages - Option to "auto log" in contests - Real-time display of contest log - Contest exchanges sent to ADIF log and N1MM+ - Function to export Cabrillo log - Convert DXpedition mode to always use 77-bit messages - Fix bug associated with opening "houndcallers.txt" - Remove end-of-line numbers from MSK144 decodes - Finish MSK144 encoding/decoding for Sh msgs and nonstandard calls - Halt Tx before resetting power after Tune - Auto update of LoTW info, and faster program startup Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc2 September 25, 2018 ----------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 2.0.0-rc1 include the following: - Corrected a flaw that encoded a message's first callsign as hexadecimal telemetry data if the call consisted only of letters A-F and digits 0-9. - Corrected program logic that failed to identify certain callsigns as "nonstandard". - Fixed a bug that color-highlighted bare CQ messages (no grid locator) as "New DXCC". - Fixed a bug that failed to log Report Sent if MyCall is a nonstandard call. - Fixed a bug that generated incorrect MSK144 tones for certain messages and caused a "memory" effect on stations receiving the incorrect tones. - Fixed several bugs that could cause certain Tx messages to crash the program. - Suppressed the display of certain illogical false decodes. Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc1 September 17, 2018 ----------------------- This is the first candidate release on WSJT-X 2.0, intended for beta-level testing. For details see: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/New_Features_WSJT-X_2.0.txt http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Quick_Start_WSJT-X_2.0.pdf http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/77bit.txt Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.1 May 31, 2018 ----------------------------- This release is a critical bug fix release that removes an unintended restriction of FT8 DXpedition mode. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0 May 28, 2018 ----------------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc4 include the following: - Display in the right text window of MSK144 messages addressed to "MyCall" has been restored. - Fox is not allowed to transmit in any of the default FT8 sub-bands. - Fox can now work Hounds using compound callsigns. - Fox can now transmit free-text messages (and any standard FT8 message) by using Tab 1 or Tab 2. - Added a checkbox to enable more frequent programmed CQs by Fox. Default is OFF. - Alt+N keyboard shortcut has been restored. - MacOS program crash on unexpected decode request has been fixed. - Several minor bug fixes and added convenience features. - Hamlib, support for TRXManger added. - Hamlib, improved support for flrig. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc4 April 30, 2018 --------------------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc3 include the following: - Corrected a number of flaws in Fox and Hound behavior, FT8 DXpedition Mode - Decoded CQ calls where a prefix has been used as a suffix should have the DXCC entity name assigned correctly in almost all cases - Improved AFC capability for the wider JT65 sub-modes to help with drifting signals - Better support for macOS using hi-DPI Retina displays - New UDP message that allows external applications to highlight decoded callsigns - Main-screen geometry and state of the "splitter" setting between its two text windows is now properly restored after program restart. - New simulator jt49sim[.exe] replaces jt4sim and jt9sim - Correct S/N measurements for the JT9 slow/wide submodes - Other minor bug fixes - Updated copy of cty.dat Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc3 March 18, 2018 --------------------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc2 include the following: - Corrected a number of flaws in Fox behavior, FT8 DXpedition Mode - Allow Hounds to use compound callsigns - Write debugging information to FoxQSO.txt. - Fix the "Blue Decode Button" bug - Allow partial processing of incoming UDP Reply messages so that non-CQ/QRZ decodes can be processed. The processing is the same as double-clicking the same decoded message within WSJT-X except that "Enable Tx" will not be enabled. - Send DX grid locator to wsjt_status.txt, for use by applications like PstRotatorAZ - Correct the display of DXCC status of KG4 calls - Updated copy of cty.dat - Updates to documentation - Other minor bug fixes - This release contains updated Hamlib functionality including changes to the Yaesu FT-817 back end that allows the uBITx kit transceiver to be CAT controlled by WSJT-X. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc2 February 26, 2018 --------------------------------- Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 include the following: - New FT8 DXpedition Mode to facilitate high QSO rates in pileup situations - Decoding improvements for JT65 mode, including a priori (AP) decoding when VHF/UHF/Microwave features are enabled - Optional Auto-Sequencing in JT4, JT9, and JT65 when VHF/UHF/Microwave features are enabled - Better suppression of low-confidence false decodes generated by AP decoding in FT8 mode - Improved decoding performance for WSPR mode, especially effective at LF and MF - Minor adjustments to auto-sequencing behavior - More flexible Doppler control features for EME - Improved waterfall sensitivity for very weak signals - Automatic real-time forwarding of logged information to N1MM Logger+ - Expanded and improved UDP messages sent to companion programs - Bug fixes and other minor tweaks to user interface A primary purpose of this beta release is to allow field testing of FT8 DXpedition Mode. Instructions for this mode are posted here: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/FT8_DXpedition_Mode.pdf Contacts in FT8 DXpedition Mode must use WSJT-X v1.9.0 at both ends of the QSO. Please report any anomalous behavior to email list wsjt-devel@lists.sourceforge.net. You must be a subscriber in order to post there. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 October 27, 2017 ----------------------------- This is the full General Availability release of WSJT-X Version 1.8.0. Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.8.0-rc3 are very minor: - Right-click on the Wide Graph now pops up a Context Menu. Select the item *Set Rx & Tx Offset* to complete a one-handed setting of both red and green frequency markers. - Several clarifications and additions to Tool Tips and the User Guide. We recommend that all users should upgrade to WSJT-X Version 1.8.0. If you upgrade from v1.8.0-rc1 it may be necessary to do a one-time reset of the default list of suggested operating frequencies. Go to *File->Settings->Frequencies*, right click on the table and select *Reset*. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0-rc3 October 16, 2017 --------------------------------- Most (but not all) changes since Version 1.8.0-rc2 involve user control of the increasingly popular FT8 mode. The "RC3" release also includes minor bug fixes and updates to the WSJT-X User Guide. The following list includes all of the more important changes: - New optimization of GUI for simplex and split behavior in FT8 mode. 1. Checkbox "Lock Tx Freq" on main window is relabeled "Hold Tx Freq". 2. Double-clicking on decoded messages that do not contain your own call moves both Rx and Tx frequencies. If the first callsign is your own call, only Rx freq moves. 3. Double-clicking on decoded messages moves the Rx frequency. If "Hold Tx Freq" is checked, Tx frequency is moved only if CTRL was held down. 4. Clicking on the waterfall moves Rx and Tx frequencies as before: Rx only on a simple click, Tx only on SHIFT-click, and both on CTRL-click. This happens even if "Hold Tx Freq" is checked. - Add a semi-automated "FreqCal" procedure: see *Solve for calibration parameters* on the Tools menu. - Improv auto-sequencing behavior: stop and on-frequency transmission if a called station comes back to someone else. - Improve S/N estimation in some situations involving QRM. - Fix an initialization issue with user-modified application fonts. - Fix an issue with Tx5 message generation with Type 2 compound calls. - Enhance and improve the ADIF parser of logbook records. Update the band limits as per ADIF 3.0.6 specification. - Increase the FT8 DT range to +/- 2.5 s. - Do not allow window manager events to close the astronomical data window. - Add an "Erase" item to the context (right-click) menu for decoded text. - Extend UDP messages with an "off air" boolean field indicating that the decode was derived from a .WAV file playback rather than an on air reception. - Extend reference applications to use the new off air decode message field. - Improve performance of FT8 decoder, especially for overlapping signals. - Allow specialized use of "x2 Tone Spacing" in FT8 and slow JT9 modes. - Move "NA VHF Contest Mode" checkbox to main screen. Query the operator if d > 10000 km. - Adjust UI to improve portability with font size changes and between platforms. - Extend UDP Reply message to support keyboard modifiers. This allows UDP servers to emulate keyboard modified double-clicks on decoded messages, e.g. ALT+double-click for replying to a CQ or QRZ call without changing ones Tx frequency offset. - Update the cty.dat file (21st Sept 2017). - Ensure that Fast Graph is properly initialized. - Better handling of worked before and country name display. Appended text is added at a fixed column unless the message overlaps in which case the appended information floats to the right. - Restore printing of MSK144 decode quality information. - Display Echo Graph automatically when Echo mode is started. - Fix a bug that prevented double-click on a JT65 EME-style "OOO" message from populating the Tx message boxes. - Fixed behavior with double-click on 'CQ .' - Update the "blank line" divider with band ID at 4*TRperiod/5. - Fix cty.dat lookups that were not honouring exact match flags - Add some further Copyright protections. - Fix a bug involving "firstcall contains mycall" but not equal to mycall. - Fix an issue with editing IARU regions in the working frequencies table. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0-rc2 September 2, 2017 --------------------------------- Implementation of FT8 and its auto-sequencing feature is now more capable and more polished. The decoder is faster and better: it now includes signal subtraction, multi-pass decoding, and the use of accumulated "a priori" information as a QSO progresses. Sensitivity extends downward as far as -24 dB in some circumstances. Overlapping signals 2 and 3 deep are frequently decoded at essentially the same frequency. On a crowded band we sometimes see more than 30 decodes in a single 15-second interval, over a 2 kHz window. The North American VHF Contesting Mode has been extended to include both FT8 and MSK144 modes. The "RC2" release also includes many minor bug fixes and an extensively updated WSJT-X User Guide. Depending on what code revision you upgrade from, it may be necessary to do a one-time reset of the default list of suggested operating frequencies. Go to *File->Settings->Frequencies*, right click on the table and select *Reset*. Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 ----------------------------- NEW FEATURES IN WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 ------------------------------------ 1. New mode called FT8: sensitivity down to -20 dB on the AWGN channel; QSOs 4 times faster than JT65 or JT9; auto-sequencing includes an option to respond automatically to first decoded reply to your CQ. 2. New mode for accurate Frequency Calibration of your radio. 3. Improved performance of decoders for JT65, QRA64, and MSK144. MSK144 includes facilities for amplitide and phase equalization and an "SWL" mode for short-format messages. 4. Options to minimize screen space used by Main and Wide Graph windows. 5. Enhanced management scheme for table of operating frequencies, and a new set of default frequencies specific to the three IARU Regions. 6. Improved CAT control for many rigs, including those controlled through Commander or OmniRig. 7. New keyboard shortcuts to set "Tx even/1st" ON or OFF. 8. A number of (mostly minor) bug fixes and tweaks to the user interface. For example: new behavior for the audio level slider; correctly logged QSO start times in certain situations; correct control of FT-891/991 and some other radios via rigctld. At the time of the v1.8.0-rc1 release the following tasks are yet to be completed: 1. Updates to WSJT-X User Guide. 2. Sample files for FT8. 3. Enhanced decoding using AP ("a priori") information. 4. Signal subtraction and multi-pass decoding. 5. Option to Auto-respond to the weakest responder to your CQ. Installation packages for Windows, Linux, OS X, and Raspbian can be downloaded from the WSJT web site: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjtx.html Please send bug reports to either wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com or wsjt-devel@lists.sourceforge.net. Such reports should include a full prescription of steps to reproduce the undesired behavior. You must be a subscriber to post to either of these lists. Brief Description of the FT8 Protocol ------------------------------------- WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 includes a new mode called FT8, developed by K9AN and K1JT. The mode name "FT8" stands for "Franke and Taylor, 8-FSK modulation". FT8 uses 15-second T/R sequences and provides 50% or better decoding probability down to -20 dB on an AWGN channel. An auto-sequencing facility includes an option to respond automatically to the first decoded reply to your CQ. FT8 QSOs are 4 times faster than those made with JT65 or JT9. FT8 is an excellent mode for HF DXing and for situations like multi-hop E_s on 6 meters, where deep QSB may make fast and reliable completion of QSOs desirable. Some important characteristics of FT8: - T/R sequence length: 15 s - Message length: 75 bits + 12-bit CRC - FEC code: LDPC(174,87) - Modulation: 8-FSK, tone spacing 6.25 Hz - Constant-envelope waveform - Occupied bandwidth: 50 Hz - Synchronization: 7x7 Costas arrays at start, middle, and end - Transmission duration: 79*1920/12000 = 12.64 s - Decoding threshold: -20 dB; several dB lower with AP decoding - Multi-decoder finds and decodes all FT8 signals in passband - Optional auto-sequencing and auto-reply to a CQ response - Operational behavior similar to JT9, JT65 We plan to implement signal subtraction, two-pass decoding, and use of a priori (AP) information in the decoder. These features are not yet activated in v1.8.0. We haven't yet finalized what the three extra bits in the message payload will be used for. Suggestions are welcome! -- Joe, K1JT, for the WSJT Development Team