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WSJT-X/Release_Notes.txt
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Copyright 2001 - 2024 by Joe Taylor, K1JT, and the WSJT Development Team
Release: WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc3
January 1, 2024
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 3 brings some new features, as well as
numerous detail improvements and bug fixes, such as:
- Added a new "Update Hamlib" function. On Windows, it allows the user to
update Hamlib directly from the program. The previously used version is
backed up, so the user can easily revert a hamlib update.
- The Hamlib version in use is now displayed (also on Linux and macOS).
- The FT Roundup Messages protocol has been enhanced. It now allows also
the exchange of static 4-digit numbers instead of serial numbers. This
extends the usability of the FT RU protocol for other contest types.
- Improved direct switching between modes. Submode, as well as the status
of the "Sh" and "Fast" checkboxes are now saved and restored by mode.
- Some right-click events were made more intuitive and consistent.
- Right-clicking the Q65 button enables Q65 Pileup mode, a left-click
brings you back to the normal Q65 mode.
- Right-click the JT65 button to switch to JT9 mode.
- For Q65, all messages for us are now displayed in the right window.
- Message averaging is now allowed only when VHF features are
enabled, and label texts are changed to "Single Period Decodes" and
"Average Decodes" only if averaging is enabled.
- Some improvements to the Hamlib Transceiver code. Behavior is now
more stable when Rig Split has been selected.
- Prevented redundant network communication between WSJT-X and DX Lab
Suite Commander.
- Download of the LotW file now works without OpenSSL libraries.
- Made the spot counter work for WSPR.
- Prevented insertion of an individual contest name when in Fox mode.
- WAE entities are now assigned to the correct DXCC when "Include
extra WAE entities" is not selected.
- Added a utility program 'cablog' which can be used to convert the
wsjtx.log file to Cabrillo format for the ARRL EME contest.
- Minor improvements to the Active Stations window.
- The Rx/Tx frequency for Echo mode has been fixed at 1500 Hz.
- Some corrections and updates to the INSTALL instructions for Linux.
- Updated CTY.DAT file.
Release: WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc2
July 7, 2023
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 2 introduces several minor improvements
and bug fixes.
- CTRL+SHIFT+F11/F12 now changes dial frequency by 1000 Hz instead of
2000 Hz.
- Improved spotting to PSK Reporter for upcoming HamSCI Festivals of
Eclipse Ionospheric Science.
- Added optional Hungarian translation of the user interface.
- Fixed a flaw that could produce false decodes in Q65 submodes D and E.
- Fixed a flaw with the QSO start time. It is now reset when the DX
Call changes.
- Fixed a flaw that prevented contest logging of the ARRL Digi Contest.
- Right-clicking the Q65 mode button to toggle the Q65 Pileup mode on/off
now also works on macOS.
- Fixed a compilation error on macOS Ventura.
- WSPR and FST4W band hopping now works again.
- It is now ensured that "U.S.A." is displayed when using certain
cty.dat files.
- Corrected the problem with duplicated FT8 entries in ActiveStations
window.
Release: WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc1
May 12, 2023
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 1 introduces a new program called QMAP,
a new Special Operating Activity known as Q65 Pileup, and a number of
other enhancements and fixes.
- QMAP and Q65 Pileup mode are of particular interest to those
engaged in Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, but other
applications may be found for them as well.
- QMAP is derived from MAP65, an older program used since 2007 for
EME, mainly on the 2 m band. QMAP provides single-polarization
receive-only capabilities for any one of the 60-second submodes
of Q65. It allows you to monitor all traffic in a 90 kHz subband
while conducting EME QSOs in the usual way with WSJT-X.
- Q65 Pileup mode is a new feature in WSJT-X that will assist DX
operators using Q65 in pileup circumstances with many
simultaneous callers and very weak signals, such as those
experienced by 6-meter EME DXpeditions.
- Further details on QMAP and Q65 Pileup mode are available in a
Quick-Start guide posted here:
https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/Quick_Start_WSJT-X_2.7_QMAP.pdf
- WSJT-X now provides more efficient spotting to PSK Reporter.
Redundant spots are omitted, and posting of spots is now spread
more widely in time. (Temporarily, in support of the HamSCI
Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science, spots will be transmitted
more frequently during the upcoming solar eclipses.)
- WSJT-X is now able to process more than 100 FT8 decodes in a single
reception interval.
- Improvements to the Fox mode:
- More convenient and efficient handling of the two queues.
- Fox Log window now displays statistical data on the QSO rate.
- When the station locator is changed (e.g during portable
operations), the new locator will be sent automatically to PSK
Reporter.
- The cty.dat file can now be updated by clicking a button on the
Settings -> Colors tab.
- A new status display appears when fetching a new LotW file.
- Multi-streamed messages transmitted by MSHV are now handled
properly when WSJT-X is in Hound mode.
- Auto-sequencing now has better protection against unwanted effects
caused by late FT8 decodes.
- Fixed an inconsistency in which Contest Name was not correctly
remembered.
- Other minor bug fixes.
- Updated hyperlinks to our homepage and to our new WSJT GROUP User
Forum (https://groups.io/g/wsjtgroup/) can now also be found in the
User Guide.
- The build instructions for macOS have been clarified.
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.1
January 16, 2023
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.1 is mostly a bug fix release for Q65. It has the following
changes since release 2.6.0:
- Fix a flaw in Q65 mode that prevented proper display of the T/R
period spinner.
- Make the initialization of the decoded text font more robust.
- Better initialization when starting the program in FT8 Hound mode.
- Fix a bug causing program crash with more than 100 decodes in a
single FT8 sequence.
- Fix a compiler warning on macOS.
- Correct the reference to "ARRL International Digital Contest" in the
Release Notes.
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.0
January 6, 2023
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.0 is a General Availability (GA) release, the first since
version 2.5.4. Its major enhancements include the following:
- Mode selection buttons on main window for FT4, FT8, JT65, MSK144,
Q65, and FT8's Hound mode
- Support for the ARRL International Digital Contest
- Performance enhancements for the FT8 and Q65 modes
- New features for EME Echo mode, including calibrated SNR reports
- Several new convenience features for Fox operators
- Save/Restore capability, "Preferred" status, and effective date
ranges for mode-dependent tables of default frequencies
- Improved display features for contest log
- Improved calibration of SNR estimates for modes FST4 and FST4W
Other enhancements and bug fixes since 2.6.0-rc5 include the following:
- PSK Reporter spotting is now also possible for frequencies > 4 GHz.
This is required for QO-100, for example.
- The minimum width of the main window has been further reduced, and
such small sizes are now remembered and properly restored.
- Some further improvements for Fox operators.
- Fix the long-standing flaw that "Start new period decodes at top"
didn't work anymore after several hours.
- Fix a flaw that could cause crashes by double-clicking messages
with <...> in certain QSO situations.
- Fix a flaw that prevented the rig from initializing correctly after
switching between configurations when connected via HRD.
- Add tooltips to better explain the split operation options.
- Add some additional FT roundup exchanges which can be used for
local contests or QSO parties.
- Add an option to call CQ with an individual contest name.
- Update of some ARRL section abbreviations.
For full details on changes since WSJT-X version 2.5.4, be sure to
read the Release Notes sections for 2.6.0-rc1 through rc5, immediately
following.
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.0-rc5
November 29, 2022
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.0 Release Candidate 5 brings a number of improvements as
well as some bug fixes.
In program WSJT-X:
- Better calibration for FST4/W SNR estimates.
- Upload FST4W-900 spots to wsprnet with TR code 15 instead of 16.
- Improved FT8 decoding on crowded bands.
- The Working frequency table now offers the following options:
- Better handling of more than one frequency per band.
- Set your preferred frequencies, WSJT-X always comes back to these
QRGs when changing band or mode.
- You can label your frequencies with descriptions (e.g. DXp AB0YXZ).
- Option to set Start and End Date/Time, so that the frequencies
automatically appear and disappear. Useful for contest or
DXpedition QRGs.
- Load a frequency table from a file to easily get all such data
implemented.
- In Fox mode, there are now a few additional functions that allow
operators to react even better to different QSO situations:
- A new two-column table in Tab 2 provides a better overview of
the queue and of the callsigns with QSOs in progress.
- Fox operator can now change the ordering of callsigns in the
queue so that he can react if there is only a narrow time slot
for a particular QSO due to propagation.
- Fox now responds for another two cycles to stations whose
report was not received, increasing the success rate for a
difficult QSO.
- Correct a flaw in Hound mode that sometimes prevented completion of
QSOs with non-standard calls.
- Improvements to EME Echo mode:
- New control "Avg" sets the number of Echo cycles to be averaged.
- New capability to display measurements of wideband noise power as
a function of time. This can be useful for measuring Sun noise,
antenna tracking errors, and the like.
- Several minor bug fixes
- Correct a flaw that prevented WSJT-X from always initializing
correctly when special operating activities were enabled.
- Correct a flaw that caused wrong Tx frequencies to be written to
ALL.TXT.
- The GUI has been improved regarding some details. The controls now
scale better at different font sizes and on different operating
systems.
- When in Hound mode and click the "H" button again, the frequency
is now kept. This gives the user the following two options to return
to normal FT8 mode:
- Click the "H" button again. Then you will stay on the QRG.
- Click the "FT8" button (or use the Settings menu). It brings
you back to the default FT8 QRG.
- Decodes flagged as 'a7' are now disabled when "Enable AP" is not
checked, and during the first period after a band change.
- The network address of the UDP server is now checked for errors
before being accepted.
- Some improvements to the DX Lab Suite Commander interface.
- Correct some possible flaws that could cause segfault errors in
certain unusual situations.
- Warnings on dropped audio have been disabled for now, as detection
has turned out to be not reliable enough.
- Correct a long-standing flaw which caused the "Transmit digital gain"
overlay to appear somewhere on the screen.
- "Highlight DX Call" now also works when the other station is <...>.
- CQ messages without a grid are now sent to PSK reporter.
- Several other minor corrections (tool tips, etc.).
Program MAP65 (Windows only) includes several minor bug fixes and two
tentative new features:
- an aid for measuring antenna pointing errors
- an ability to read the file wsjtx.log (kept by WSJT-X) to recognize
EME contest dupes.
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.0-rc4
September 8, 2022
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.0 Release Candidate 4 provides further improvements to Echo
mode, a new File menu item, and several bug fixes.
- New features and fixes for Echo mode
- Created a new simulator echosim[.exe]
- Improved organization of output to text window
- Gain and Zero controls in Echo Graph now behave independently
- "Clear Avg" now erases the plot in Echo Graph
- Optional baseline for plots in Echo Graph
- New menu item "File | Copy main text window to WSJT-X.txt"
- Doppler tracking checkbox is made sticky
- Fix an RC2 bug that prevented normal use of JT9.
- Fix a rarely experienced failure when writing to decoded.txt
- Fix a hamlib bug caused by setting VFO B when Split is not used
- Rig control interface to Ham Radio deluxe made more robust
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.0-rc3
August 22, 2022
----------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.0 Release Candidate 3 provides improvements to Echo mode and
several bug fixes.
- Echo mode now allows audio-frequency corrections rather than
CAT-controlled resetting of dial frequency for Doppler corrections,
when Doppler shift is less than 750 Hz. Audio-frequency
corrections are also used to correct any remaining portion of
Doppler shift caused by coarse CAT-controlled frequency setting.
- Echo mode now saves .wav files when "Save all" is selected. When
such files are opened in Echo mode, the astronomical parameters at
recording time are restored and used for processing the Echo data.
- A missing Leap Second (January 1, 2017) was added to the code that
converts UTC to UT1. This detail might matter if you want full
accuracy EME Doppler corrections.
- EME Doppler values are now rounded to nearest integer Hz.
- For backward compatibility, "Special Operating Activity"
enumerations for Fox and Hound modes are reset to their previous
values 6 and 7.
- Allow FST4W transmissions on 30m band. Ensure that correct
frequency is reported to WSPRnet for FST4W decodes with Rx Freq
spinbox not set to 1500.
- Fix a bug that could truncate WSPR transmissions early.
- Fix a bug that occasionally caused a crash when 'decoded.txt'
could not be opened.
- Fix a bug that could cause a crash if Astronomical Data window
is not active when needed.
- Fix a bug that caused a crash when "Reset Cabrillo Log" is
selected with Active Stations window not active.
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.0-rc2
July 21, 2022
----------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.0 Release Candidate 2 brings a number of improvements as
well as some bug fixes.
- The "Measure" function in Echo mode now uses the computed Doppler
spread for DX grid, when available. This feature is especially
helpful for microwave EME tests, enabling accurate measurement of
SNR for a DX station.
- Settings for T/R period and Submode are now remembered by mode when
you switch directly between (for example) MSK144-15, Q65-60A,
JT65C, or FST4-120.
- Tx and Rx audio frequencies are remembered and restored when you
return from a mode that sets a default frequency of 1500 Hz
(MSK144, FST4W, Echo, WSPR, FreqCal) and then switching back to
FT4, FT8, Q65, JT65, or FST4.
- QSOs in the Contest Log can now be displayed in increasing or
decreasing order of logged time. By default the log is scrolled to
the latest logged QSO, ready for insertion of a new contact. The
total number of QSOs in the Contest Log is displayed at bottom left
of its window.
- Default FT8 frequency for 4m band (Region 1) is set to 70.154 MHz.
- Layout of mode buttons has been optimized for 4K screens.
- Display of Keyboard Shortcuts has been updated.
- The OK button now has default focus in the LogQSO dialog window.
You may just hit Enter to log the QSO.
- Bug fix: The Tx Freq spinbox remained red when coming back from
some Q65 submodes. Corrected.
- Hamlib bug fixes: make sure that VFOB is selected when required on
some rigs (e.g. IC7610, IC7100), and others.
Release: WSJT-X 2.6.0-rc1
June 20, 2022
----------------------
WSJT-X 2.6.0 Release Candidate 1 introduces support for the ARRL
International Digital Contest; performance enhancements for FT8, Q65,
and EME Echo mode; new controls and options on the GUI; and several
bug fixes.
In program WSJT-X:
- Improved decoding for FT8: additional messages are marked 'a7'
- Improved decoding for Q65 when AP is in use
- Optional new "Active Stations" window and other features
supporting ARRL International Digital Contest
- Accurate SNR measurements in Echo mode, including large Doppler
spreads
- Add mode selection buttons on main window for FT4, FT8, JT65,
MSK144, and Q65
- Add a button to toggle FT8's Hound mode ON or OFF
- Add a "Clr Avg" button for Echo mode
- Add optional highlighting of DX Call and DX Grid
- Add optional highlighting of messages containing RR73 or 73
- New options for writing to ALL.TXT: split the file yearly, monthly,
or disable writing altogether
- Add Russian to available translations of user interface
- Add a 90 s Tune watchdog with optional disable
- Allow auto reply for non-CQ messages via UDP (JTAlert, etc.) when
Hold Tx Freq is enabled
- Suppress transmission of blank messages
- Suppress self-spotting when running multiple instances
- Correct the handling of messages starting with "CQ xxxx ..."
- Correct a flaw that could cause Windows to drop audio samples
- Correct a flaw that could send incorrect frequencies to ALL.TXT
and PSK Reporter after a band change
- Correct the auto-sequencing logic in several specific circumstances
- Correct a flaw in WSPR mode when handling three-character callsigns
- Correct a flaw that could cause OmniRig 1.19 or later to set
incorrect frequencies after initialization
- Clean up some ToolTips
- Fix an inconsistancy in the macOS installation package that caused
the pwr slider to behave incorrectly on macOS 12
In program MAP65 (Windows only):
- Send additional information to file azel.dat
- Allow optional scaling of digital I/Q data
- Suppress a bounds error caused by too-wide setting of display
bandwidth
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.4
Dec 28, 2021
----------------------
This is mostly a bug fix release. It has the following changes since
release 2.5.3:
WSJTX:
- Repair a defect that caused occasional crashes when in QSO with
stations using nonstandard callsigns.
MAP65:
- Allowing MAP65 "Best-fit Delta phi" solution to be displayed to the
user.
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.3
Dec 7, 2021
----------------------
This release has the following changes since release 2.5.2:
- Add a note in memory of G4WJS to the About window
- Add a simple $DXCALL macro capability for Tx messages, and update
the User Guide accordingly
- Ensure that MAIN VFO is used for receiving on rigs that require it
- Repair a defect in reporting low-confidence decodes to PskReporter
- Updated CTY.DAT database, tnx to Jim AD1C
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.2
Nov 4, 2021
----------------------
This is mostly a bug fix release. It has the following changes since
release 2.5.1:
- Repair a longstanding regression that caused signal reports from
tail-ended Tx2 messages to be omitted from logged information
- Parse "dx-call-1 RR73; dx-call-2 <de-call> +nn" messages (i3=0,
n3=1 DXpedition mode) in regular 77-bit modes
- Repair a regression associated with setting the main window width
on program startup.
- Repair a problem with Q65 decodes of type 'q3' for messages of the
form "<Call_1> Call_2"
- Execute code associated with Q65 decodes of type 'q5' only when the
Max Drift control is set to 50. This fix prevents
double-incrementing of the message averaging counter on the first
decoding sequence.
- Polarization offset 'Dpol' from the astronomical data window is now
written to file azel.dat if environment variable
WSJT_AZEL_EXTRA_LINES has been defined as 1 or greater. Dpol is
especially useful for EME on the higher microwave bands.
- The Auto Log QSO option in "Settings->Reporting" now behaves the
same as the Prompt to log QSO option when not in a special
operating context mode.
- The Fast/Normal/Deep setting in Q65 mode is now a sticky setting
and is no longer reset to Fast on program startup or when Settings
has been opened. The user selection is used for automatic decodes,
but Deep is used for any subsequent manual decode attempts.
- New hamlib code to correct minor flaws in controlling several rigs.
- Update the Chinese and Hong Kong translations of the user
interface.
- Note that since the WSJT-X v2.5.0 GA release we have not been
providing pre-built 32-bit packages for Linux on Intel CPUs, this
is due to the mainstream Linux Desktop distributions no longer
providing updates for 32-bit only systems. 32-bit WSJT-X can still
be built for Linux Intel and is supported at least until some
prerequisite package is no longer available.
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.1
Oct 21, 2021
----------------------
This release mainly contains improvements and defect repairs related
to Q65 and JT65 modes when used with non-standard and compound
calls. Also included is a new feature for microwave aircraft scatter
and repairs for defects detected since the 2.5.0 GA release.
- Improved Q65 support for 10GHz Aircraft Scatter contributed by Rex,
VK7MO, and Roger, W3SZ. (See "10 GHz Terrestrial with Q65" in DUBUS
Vol 1/2021 page 64.) Decodes of type 'q3' may now include
corrections for frequency drift.
- Repair a defect that failed to pre-load the DE and DX calls to the
hash lookup tables in the Q65 decoder.
- Repair standard message Tx4 and Tx5 generation in Q65 mode when
using a non-standard call.
- Repair a defect in generation of the standard Tx2 JT65 message in
EME mode when using a compound call.
- Repair a defect when decoding 77-bit type 4 non-standard call
message.
- Repair a defect that could cause a crash when switching from Q65 to
JT65 mode and attempting a double-click decode.
- Enable 'q3' AP decoding in Q65 mode for messages containing a
non-standard call.
- Repair a defect that required a blank DX Grid to achieve Q65 'q3'
decodes of messages containing a non-standard call.
- Repair the logic that sets parameters for Q65 "Deep" decoding.
- In Q65 mode, allow 'q2' decodes when MyCall is compound or
non-standard.
- Repair a long-standing defect that could cause a crash when
reference spectrum correction is enabled.
- Updated UI translations from Xavi, EA3W, Oba-san, JA7UDE, and a new
translation for Traditional Chinese by Steven, BU2EL.
- Updated CTY.DAT database, tnx to Jim AD1C
- Improved main window layout to ensure TxN messages are fully
visible.
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0
Sept 27, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X in this release is nearly identical to that in WSJT-X 2.4.0.
The Q65 decoder has been enhanced to measure and compensate for linear
frequency drift in Q65 signals. In addition, the Windows installation
package now includes version 3.0 of application MAP65 which has Q65
support to match and improve on its existing JT65 capabilities.
See the 2.5.0 release candidate notices below for a summaries of the
other changes included in this release. WSJT-X 2.5.0 is bundled with
Hamlib version 4.3.1 which includes important regression repairs over
the earlier 4.3 release.
Other changes in the package since WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc6 include the
following enhancements and defect repairs:
MAP65:
- Ensure that CALL3.TXT is not deleted while updating the file (this
allows sharing using symlinks to work).
- Fix MAP65's generation of Tx3 message for abs(SNR)< 10.
WSJTX:
- Repair a defect that caused CAT errors when using WSPR band hopping
and auto tune-up with some Icom rigs.
- Ensure that CALL3.TXT is not deleted while updating the file (this
allows sharing using symlinks to work).
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc6
Sept 6, 2021
-------------------------
Remember that the WSJT-X 2.5.0 package includes MAP65 3.0.0. Changes
in the package since WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc5 include the following
enhancements and defect repairs:
MAP65:
- There are no functional changes to MAP65 in this release.
WSJT-X:
- Repair a file handle leak in wsprd (tnx Phil, KA9Q).
- Better handling of the Tx1 buttons when changing special operating
modes.
- Q65 mode now supports contest special operating modes.
- Repair an issue when non-ASCII characters used in account names.
- Repair a regression that prevented WSPR band-hopping working when
the Tx percentage is zero.
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc5
Aug 5, 2021
-------------------------
Remember that the WSJT-X 2.5.0 package includes MAP65 3.0.0. Changes
in the package since WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc4 include the following
enhancements and defect repairs:
MAP65:
- When you double-click on lower waterfall, Ftol is set to 100
only if it is currently set to a higher value.
- Early decoding pass is skipped when data are read from disk.
- Duplicate decodes are suppressed only when at the same frequency.
WSJT-X:
- Repair a regression that caused some messages involving compound
or nonstandard callsigns to be encoded as free text
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc4
Aug 1, 2021
-------------------------
Remember that the WSJT-X 2.5.0 package includes MAP65 3.0.0. Changes
in the package since WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc3 include the following
enhancements and defect repairs:
MAP65:
- Suppress display of duplicate decodes
- Increase the length of .tf2 & .iq files to 56 s
- Implement an early decoding pass at 52 s
- Clean up the output written to map65_rx.log
WSJT-X:
- Repair a defect in CALL3.TXT lookups that incorrectly matched
partial calls
- Instructions in macOS ReadMe.txt to suppress App Nap energy saving
- Revised User Guide using FT8 mode for the basic tutorial
- Allow contest and FD operating in Q65 mode
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc3
Jul 5, 2021
-------------------------
Remember that the WSJT-X 2.5.0 package includes MAP65 3.0.0. Changes
in the package since WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc2 include the following
enhancements and defect repairs:
MAP65:
- Correct two defects that could cause "hung decoder" status
- Translate reported frequencies so that |DF| <= 500 Hz for Q65
decodes.
- Provide access to Release Notes from the Help menu
- Correct the formatting of Q65 messages to livecq
- Repair an Xpol polarization finding hang
- Build MAP65 to start without an attached console
WSJT-X:
- Repair a long standing defect that caused UDP Protocol Heartbeat
messages to not be sent when no other intervening messages are
sent.
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc2
Jun 28, 2021
-------------------------
Remember that the WSJT-X 2.5.0 package includes MAP65 3.0.0. Changes
in the package since WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc1 include the following
enhancements and defect repairs:
MAP65:
- Compute polarization angle for Xpol systems and display to nearest
degree
- Compute and display the recommended Tx polarization
- Protect against Fortran bounds errors in several places
- Insert leading 0 when needed in UTC hours and minutes on waterfall
- Wideband Q65 synchronization corrected to include single-polarization
mode
- Corrected a one-symbol (0.6 s) delay in Q65 Tx audio
- Basic instruction document for building an MS Windows portaudio DLL
for MAP65 users who are unable to use WDM/KS drivers for their
multi-channel sound cards.
WSJT-X (including the decoder for Q65 used by MAP65):
- Increase maximum DT to 5.5 s when EME decoding is enabled in Q65
- Fix generation of Tx5 message when "hiscall" has suffix /P or /R.
- Improve width management of GUI's band-selection combo box
- Restore plotting of Q65 sync curve after a q3 decode
- Disable selection of "View | Message Averaging F7" for modes
other than JT4 and JT65
- Switching to Q65 mode now defaults to "Decode | Fast"
- Repair a long standing regression with message generation for
72-bit modes when using a compound callsign.
- Repair a defect in diagnostic logging that could cause crashes on
some platforms.
- Repair a defect which failed to strip leading and trailing spaces
on input of callsigns during validation.
- Hamlib updates including repair of defects with PTT handling on a
separate serial port via rigctld, delayed PTT with Elecraft K3
series rigs, and support for the Icom IC-575 rig.
- Updated CTY.DAT database
Release: WSJT-X 2.5.0-rc1
Jun 3, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X in this release is nearly identical to that in WSJT-X 2.4.0.
The Q65 decoder has been enhanced to measure and compensate for linear
frequency drift in Q65 signals. In addition, the Windows installation
package now includes version 3.0 of application MAP65 which has Q65
support to match and improve on its existing JT65 capabilities. The
following notable defect and regression repairs are included:
- FST4W mode no longer saves .WAV files when "Menu->Save->None" is
checked.
Release: WSJT-X 2.4.0
May 24, 2021
---------------------
WSJT-X 2.4.0 General Availability Release adds new Q65 mode
functionality and decoder optimizations and repairs several defects
and regressions discovered in the RC4 and v2.3.1 GA releases. Since
the release candidates documented below this final release includes
the following enhancements and defect repairs.
- On MS Windows WSJT-X now ships with a DLL version of the Hamlib
library, specifically Hamlib version 4.2. This should allow Hamlib
bug fixes to resolved by the user replacing the DLL with an updated
version.
- Repair a defect with own call decode highlighting when callsigns
with a common root are decoded.
- Q65 message averaging correctly disabled as be menu option.
- Repair a regression with missing timestamps in AlL.TXT for the
MSK144 mode.
- Repair a defect in the selection of working frequencies matching
the current band and mode combination.
- WSPR band hopping mode now generates a tune up tone for bands where
it is scheduled to transmit.
- Repair a long standing defect per band tune and Tx power level
memories.
- More flexibility for inputting calls into the DX Call field,
leading and trailing white space characters are allowed but
ignored.
Release: WSJT-X 2.4.0-rc4
Mar 26, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.4.0 Release Candidate 4 adds new Q65 mode functionality and
decoder optimizations and repairs several defects and regressions
discovered in the RC3 and v2.3.0 GA releases.
- Correct a problem with display of Q65 sync curves for submodes
Q65-120x and Q65-300x.
- Audio frequency and decoded message are now saved for up to 100
most recent Q65 decodes. Subsequent double-click on waterfall will
search the list for the clicked frequency +/- 10 Hz, recover
"DXCall" from the mosr recent decode there, and attempt a decode at
that frequency with full "q3" sensitivity.
- Use new ADIF recommendations for Q65: mode=MFSK, submode=Q65.
- If "Single decode" is unchecked, look for Q65 decodes from
accumulated average even after obtaining a single-sequence
decode at selected Rx Freq.
- For data read from .wav files, display the original UTC (derived
from file name) on the waterfall instead of current UTC.
- Protect against bounds errors caused by unusual settings on the
Wide Graph.
- Correct a problem with Split operation in FT4 mode. Thanks to
JG1APX.
Release: WSJT-X 2.4.0-rc3
Mar 15, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.4.0 Release Candidate 3 adds new Q65 mode functionality and
decoder optimizations; repairs defects and regressions discovered in
the RC2 and v2.3.0 GA releases.
- Repaired a memory corruption related to display of Q65_Sync,
particularly nasty on macOS.
- Q65 now dissplays two sync curves: orange for the current sequence,
red for the accumulated average.
- Behavior of "Save decoded" has been corrected.
- Repaired a defect that caused crash when displaying the Wide Graph
with lower frequency limit set to 0.
- Program no longer terminates a transmission when Settings is
closed.
- Program no longer forces TxFreq to 700 or 1000 Hz when entering Q65
mode or closing Settings. Instead, it highlights TxFreq with red
background when its value should be 700 Hz but is not.
- Program displays a warning label if a contest mode is active in Q65
mode.
- Many updates to User Guide, mostly related to Q65.
- Repaired a regression that disallowed a new QSO initiation after an
abandoned QSO.
Release: WSJT-X 2.4.0-rc2
Mar 6, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.4.0 Release Candidate 2 adds new Q65 mode functionality and
decoder optimizations; repairs defects and regressions discovered in
the RC1 release.
- Q65 sample .WAV files added.
- Repair a defect that caused WSJT-X to crash when launched from an
icon on macOS.
- Repair a crash when using the JT4 mode.
- Sequencing improvements to hold transmitted signal report fixed
during a QSO.
- UI translation updates tnx to Sze-to, VR2UPU, and Michael, 5P1KZX.
- Enable the "Call 1st" option for Q65.
- Improved Q65 message averaging that linearly averages the first 4
sequences and averages exponentially thereafter using a
time-constant of 4 sequences.
- Improved macOS post-install instructions, tnx to John, G4KLA.
- Enhanced Q65 simulator that generates file names compatible with
message averaging, tnx Charlie, G3WDG.
- Q65 simulator option to generate single tone waveforms, tnx to
Charlie, G3WDG.
- Better suppression of birdies in the Q65 decoder.
- Blank Q65 decode messages removed.
- Automatic low Tx audio offset for the widest Q65 modes to keep Tx
signal in transmitter passband, tnx to Charlie, G3WDG.
- Improved SNR estimates for Q65 mode.
- Decode depths Fast/Normal/Deep are now identical in Q65 mode.
- "Save decoded" is now enabled for Q65 mode.
- The obsolete ISCAT mode has been removed.
Release: WSJT-X 2.3.1
Mar 26, 2021
---------------------
WSJT-X 2.3.1 General Availability release updates the User Guide to
cover the new modes FST4 and FST4W along with sample .WAV files and
decoding tutorials. This release also repairs a number of defects and
regressions discovered since the v2.3.0 release, including those
below.
- When sending traffic to a multicast UDP server ensure that the
local loop-back interface is used if no others are selected.
- Repair a defect in instance lock file handling that causes an
infinite loop on start up.
- Invert the PTT serial port sharing default behaviour, and enable
sharing when non-Hamlib CAT control is combined with direct serial
port PTT control.
- Allow the FST4 and FST4W decoders to continue after the first
successful decode when using negative NB values to try multiple NB
values.
- Repair defects in auto-sequencing, particularly with responding to
a repeated final message. In general a double-click of the repeated
message now does the right thing.
- Repair a regression that had inadvertently disabled EU VHF Contest
mode when using the MSK144 mode.
- Repair a defect that could caused incorrect log entry fields when
using FT4 mode and a priori (AP) decoding.
- Repair defects saving .WAV files for periods with decodes.
- Offer a new scheme for adjusting macOS shared memory parameters.
Release: WSJT-X 2.4.0-rc1
Feb 3, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.4.0 is a program upgrade offering a new mode called Q65. It
builds on the capabilities of the QRA64 mode to offer a flexible large
symbol alphabet, low code rate, mode with excellent characteristics
when used for EME on VHF through to microwave bands, and with
challenging weak signal propagation via iono-scatter and similar on
VHF bands. The Q65 mode carries the same 77-bit message payload as the
popular FT8, MSK144, FT4, and FST4 QSO modes. Q65 also offers a range
of T/R periods (15 second through to 5 mins) and tone spacings (up to
32 times the base spacing) suitable for adapting to required
sensitivity and various channel frequency spreading characteristics.
The Wide Graph plotter has a super-sensitive synchronization spectrum
capable of detecting signals below visibility on the waterfall plot.
The new synchronization plot combined with comprehensive a priori (AP)
decoding techniques and message summing and averaging over multiple Rx
periods should make use near the limits of extreme weak signal
operating better than prior modes in all appropriate situations.
Release: WSJT-X 2.3.0
Feb 2, 2021
---------------------
WSJT-X 2.3.0 General Availability release adds the new modes FST4 and
FST4W along with many defect repairs. See summaries below and for the
prior release candidates (2.3.0-rc1 through -rc4) of this version for
details.
- FST4/W: Disable envelope shaping at start and end of transmission
when environment variable FST4_NOSHAPING=1. Works for fst4sim too.
- Add time stamp to error message boxes to aid diagnosis.
- Repair a defect that caused crashes at start up for some macOS Big
Sur users.
- Repair a defect that could cause the jt9 slow mode decoder process
to exit incorrectly with a failure status.
- Updated CTY.DAT file.
Release: WSJT-X 2.3.0-rc4
Jan 26, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.3.0 Release Candidate 4 is a stop-gap release while some
recent important Hamlib changes are being verified. Also included are
the following regression and defect repairs.
- The wsprd command line tool uses the current working directory for
the data file directory if it is not specified.
- Updates to the language translations of the WSJT-X user Interface.
Release: WSJT-X 2.3.0-rc3
Jan 6, 2021
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.3.0 Release Candidate 3 adds an improved FST4W decoder and
fixes several defects and regressions discovered since the second
release candidate.
- FST4W: Improve FST4W decoder sensitivity on fading channels and
decrease false decode rate.
FST4W uses 50-bit messages and a 24-bit CRC. The 74-bit
message+CRC is encoded into a 240-bit codeword. Received messages
are decoded by two different decoders: (i) a “belief propagation”
(BP) decoder and (ii) an ordered statistics decoder (OSD). The
ordered statistics decoder has a knob that allows any or all CRC
bits to be treated as additional parity bits rather than as part of
the message+CRC field. Thus, the OSD decoder can decode the
received message as a (240,50+Nc) code, where Nc is any integer
between 0 and 24. In the RC1 and RC2 releases the OSD decoding
attempt treated the code as a (240,64) code (14-bit CRC). This
release uses 2 OSD decoding attempts that treat the received word
as (i) a (240,66) code with 16-bit CRC and code rate 0.308 and (ii)
a (240,50) code with no CRC and code rate 0.208. Codewords returned
by the (240,50) CRC-less decoding attempt are unpacked and the
decode is printed only if it contains a callsign/grid pair that
have been previously decoded by the belief propagation decoder
(which treats the code as a (240,74) code with 24-bit CRC) or the
ordered statistics decoder configured for (240,66) (16-bit
CRC). The callsign/grid memory is stored in file “fst4w_calls.txt”
which resides in the data directory.
- FT8: Fixed a crash triggered by double clicking on the waterfall to
invoke a decode of a signal in the preceding T/R interval.
- FST4W: Do not save .c2 files.
- FST4W: Correct a bug that could cause incorrect operation when
using negative noise blanker (NB) percentage to trigger looping
over a range of NB percentages.
- fst4sim: Added simulation of Lorentzian fading spectrum, invoked by
negative fspread values.
- Color highlighting scheme window fixed in dark mode.
- Reports sent by QSO partners to other stations no longer logged in
error.
- UDP Status(1) message now includes the current Tx message.
- Example diagnostic logging configuration files included.
- Use system localization for date fields in Log QSO dialog.
- Improvements to audio input and output buffer sizes.
- wsprd: Fails gracefully if data directory does not exist.
- wsjtx_app_version: new utility to print application version string.
- Regression causing incorrect working frequency selection when
changing modes repaired.
- Regression with QSO initiation with "Best S&P" repaired.
- Updated installation instructions for macOS covering M1 hardware.
- Improved compatibility is Debian 9 required distribution packages.
- Repair regression with missing time-stamps in the ALL.TXT journal.
- Allow hamlib_settings.json to work with PTT only configurations so
that optional PTT sharing on RTS or DTR can be enabled.
- Several improvements to main window sizing and layout.
- Repair regression with OpenSSL libraries being required when LoTW
highlighting is not enabled.
- Repair a defect that caused 2 by 1 callsigns to be incorrectly
parsed as non-standard.
- Several updates to international UI translations.
Release: WSJT-X 2.3.0-rc2
Nov 16, 2020
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.3.0 Release Candidate 2 fixes issues found in RC1 and
includes some new functionality that missed the RC1 cut off deadline.
- Dropped audio samples message box removed, warnings and errors for
these are now sent to the WSJT-X system log.
- FST4W spots to WSPRNet.org will be augmented such that the server
can distinguish the mode being spotted. Spots to WSPRNet.org will
no longer be restricted to WSPR sub-bands.
- A new internal system and data logging facility used to provide
trace, debug, information, warning, error, and fatal error
messages. The verbosity and filtering of messages is user definable
via a configuration file. Without a configuration file a basic log
is written with information, warning and error messages only. Log
files are automatically rotated to limit disk usage.
- Due to some users using inappropriate multicast IP addresses for
their interoperating severs the default behaviour now is to only
send multicast UDP datagrams to the loop-back network interface.
Users who require WSJT-X UDP Message Protocol datagrams to reach
other hosts will now have to configure WSJT-X to send on an
appropriate network interface, and use an appropriately scoped
multicast group address for their server applications. If you are
not sure then 224.0.0.1 (or ff02::1 if IPv6 is desired) is a safe
choice.
Release: WSJT-X 2.3.0-rc1
Sept 28, 2020
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.3.0 is a program upgrade offering two new modes designed
especially for use on the LF and MF bands. FST4 is for 2-way QSOs,
and FST4W is for WSPR-like transmissions. Both modes offer a range of
options for T/R sequence lengths and threshold decoding sensitivities
extending well into the -40 dB range. Early tests have shown these
modes frequently spanning intercontinental distances on the 2200 m and
630 m bands. Further details and operating hints can be found in the
"Quick-Start Guide to FST4 and FST4W", posted on the WSJT web site:
https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/FST4_Quick_Start.pdf
WSJT-X 2.3.0-rc1 is a beta-quality release candidate for a program
upgrade that provides a number of new features, capabilities, and
defect repairs. These include:
- New modes FST4 and FST4W targeting LF and MF bands.
- Improved noise baseline discovery for more reliable SNR estimates.
- On the waterfall and 2D spectrum a tool-tip shows the frequency
offset under the mouse pointer.
- The *On Dx Echo* Doppler compensation method has been modified in
response to feedback from Users. Basic functionality is unchanged.
See the User Guide (Section 8.1) for more information.
- Improved user_hardware script or program initiation for WSPR
band-hopping mode.
- Decoded QSO mode message display narrowed to make appended
information easier to view without scrolling the window.
- Option to record the propagation mode in logged QSO records.
- ADIF v3.1.1 compliance.
- Option to connect to PSKReporter using TCP/IP for those with very
poor Internet connections.
- Major rewrite of the PSKReporter interface to improve efficiency
and reduce traffic levels.
- Removal of the Tab 2 generated messages.
- Accessibility improvements to the UI.
- Tweaked decode speed options for a better user experience with
lower powered single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi.
- Updates to UI translations in Spanish, Italian, Catalan, Chinese,
Hong Kong Chinese, Danish, and Japanese.
- Audio devices only enumerated when starting up and opening the
"Settings->Audio" device lists.
- Option to select the default audio device removed to minimize the
likelihood of system sounds being transmitted.
- Better handling of missing audio devices.
- Improved and enhanced meta-data saved to .WAV files.
- More reliable multi-instance support.
- Included CTY.DAT file moved to installation share directory.
- The bundled Hamlib library is updated to the latest available which
fixes several regressions, defects, and adds new rig support.
- Fixed some edge-case message packing and unpacking defects and
ambiguities.
- Fix a defect that allowed non-CQ messages to be replied to via the
UDP Message Protocol.
- Fix a long-standing defect with Tx start timing.
- Repair a defect with style sheets when switching configurations.
- Repair defects that made the astronomical data window an several
main window controls unreadable when using the dark style sheet.
- Repair a regression with setting WSPR transmitted power levels.
- Repair a regression with newly created ADIF log file's header.
- Many other defects repaired.
Release: WSJT-X 2.2.2
June 22, 2020
---------------------
WSJT-X v2.2.2 is a bug fix release, mainly to incorporate the new RAC
section PE into the FT8/FT4/MSK144 Contest Mode for Field Day.
- Stations intending to operate in Field Day (FD) are urged to
upgrade to this release, without it you cannot set your section to
PE, and of equal importance you cannot decode contest messages from
stations who are operating from PE without this upgrade.
- FT8 decoder speeded up in Normal and Fast modes. This change gives
a speed of decoding closer to that of v2.1.2 without compromising
the number of decodes. It is particularly targeted for slower
single board computer users such as the Raspberry Pi Model 3 or
similar.
- Thanks to our user interface language translation contributors for
many improvements to the translated strings.
- The DX Grid field is now cleared automatically when the DX Call
field is changed. Care should be taken to complete entry of a
callsign before entering a grid square.
Release: WSJT-X 2.2.1
June 6, 2020
---------------------
WSJT-X v2.2.1 is a bug fix release that fixes regressions found in the
prior v2.2.0 release. Here is a brief summary;
- Incorporate a revised Hamlib version the address a regression in
rig control of some rigs including the Yaesu FT-991 and FT-891.
- Repair a defect in 6 character gridsquare lookup from the CALL3.TXT
database, and improve "Lookup" button processing.
- Repair a defect with selecting Wide Graph 2D spectrum types in
translated UIs.
- Repair a regression that blocked the Highlight Callsign UDP request
from highlighting terms including a '+' character.
- Repair a defect that caused hash code lookups of one's own call to
fail after an extended period of inactivity, when operating with a
non-standard callsign.
- Repair a regression where occasional Highlight Callsign UDP
requests with the 'Highlight last' parameter as true highlighted a
match in a prior period. This fix include a performance improvement
when processing any Highlight Callsign request with 'Highlight
last' as true.
- Include support for the Yaesu FT-920 when controlled by Ham Radio
Deluxe. This change inadvertently missed the v2.2.0 GA release.
- Correct a documentation issue with the UDP Message Protocol
Status(1) message Special Operations Mode enumeration values ("WW
DIGI added", Fox, and Hound renumbered). Thanks to Sam, W2JDB, for
raising this issue.
- Updated Catalan UI translation, tnx Xavi, EA3W.
- Italian UI translation, tnx Marco, PY1ZRJ.
- Updated Spanish UI translation, tnx Cédric, EA4AC.
Release: WSJT-X 2.2
June 2, 2020
-------------------
WSJT-X 2.2 is a program upgrade that provides a number of new features
and capabilities. Here is a brief summary; for further details see
the notes for candidate releases 2.2.0-rc1, -rc2, and -rc3, below, and
of course the updated WSJT-X 2.2 User Guide.
- Significant improvements to the decoders for FT4, FT8, JT4, JT65,
and WSPR.
- New format for "EU VHF Contest" Tx2 and Tx3 messages
When "EU VHF Contest" is selected, the Tx2 and Tx3 messages (those
conveying signal report, serial number, and 6-character locator)
now use hashcodes for both callsigns. This change is NOT backward
compatible with earlier versions of _WSJT-X_, so all users of EU
VHF Contest messages should be sure to upgrade to version 2.2.0.
- Accessibility
Keyboard shortcuts have been added as an aid to accessibility:
Alt+R sets Tx4 message to RR73, Ctrl+R sets it to RRR.
As an aid for partial color-blindness, the "inverted goal posts"
marking Rx frequency on the Wide Graph's frequency scale are now
rendered in a darker shade of green.
- User Interface Translations have been enabled. Translations are
now available for Catalan, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Hong
Kong Chinese. Additiional languages will follow, when available.
Note that UI translation is automatic, based on your system primary
language. If you do not want the WSJT-X UI translated to your local
language then start WSJT-X with the '--language=en' command line
option:
wsjtx --language=en
If you wish to contribute by authoring WSJT-X UI translations
please join the new discussion group wsjtx-l10n@Groups.io
(https://groups.io/g/wsjtx-l10n), where help from other translation
authors and coordination with the development team is available.
- Minor enhancements and bug fixes
"Save None" now writes no .wav files to disk, even temporarily.
An explicit entry for "WW Digi Contest" has been added to
"Special operating activities" on the "Settings | Advanced" tab.
Contest mode FT4 now always uses RR73 for the Tx4 message.
The Status bar now displays the number of decodes found in the
most recent Rx sequence.
The "Highlight Callsign" UDP message has been enhanced to allow
clearing of old highlighting for a specified callsign. Please note
a recommended restriction on the use of this message in the
documentation here: https://tinyurl.com/y85nc3tg
- Hamlib - this library which we use for direct rig control has had
many defect repairs and enhancements, we thank the contributors to
that project for their work.
Release: WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc3
May 29, 2020
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc3 is the third release candidate for WSJT-X 2.2.0.
The most important differences from the -rc2 version are the
correction of regressions in hamlib code that affected particular
radios and PTT keying by means of DTR or RTS on a COM port.
In addition, RC3 has the following enhancements and minor bug fixes:
- Updates to Catalan translation of the UI (thanks to EA3W)
- Spanish translation of the UI (EA3W)
- Load language translations only when matching primary language
- Minor corrections to User Guide
- Increased FT8 sync threshold in "Normal" and "Fast" decoding
- Corrected the code that restores the WideGraph, EchoGraph, and
FastGraph windows to normal view after they have been minimized.
- Don't allow restart with "ISCAT B" mode label unless VHF features
are enabled.
- Repair regression defect in WSPR power combo box items
Release: WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc2
May 25, 2020
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc2 is a release candidate for WSJT-X 2.2.0. The
following bugs present in the -rc1 version have been fixed:
- Missing blank line between some decode sequences.
- Improper functioning of "Start new period decodes at top".
- Font selection caused crash on some macOS systems.
- Mouse action in band selector box not right in some macOS systems.
- Incorrect recall of Tx power setting in WSPR mode.
- Many fixes to hamlib library and executables (rigctld, etc.).
- Some regional settings did not allow WSJT-X to start.
- Main window "looked like old Windows" in macOS.
- Crash when "Ref Spec" is selected and no refspec.dat available.
- Improper decoding of some FT4 messages with hashed "MyCall".
- Crash after warning message about double-clicking in ISCAT mode.
In addition, we have made the following improvements:
- Updated some figures and text in User Guide.
- Corrected some formatting issues in the pdf version of User Guide.
- Added some new sample files.
- Improved shape and position of "green goal post" in Wide Graph.
- Significantly reduced the rate of false decodes in FT4 and FT8.
- Allow FT4 to use NA VHF Contest message formats.
- Hold Tx frequency no longer cleared when switching between modes.
- Added capability for translations of the user interface into
languages other than English. First working example (special
thanks to Xavi Perez, EA3W!), is Catalan. Spanish will be next.
- Performance improvements to decode highlighting via UDP messages.
And finally:
Increasing FT8 usage on the popular bands 40, 30, and 20m means that
the default 3 kHz sub-bands are often wall-to-wall with signals.
Overcrowding encourages some to turn on their amplifiers, which only
makes things worse. We are trying to coordinate the suggested
frequencies in WSJT-X with updated band plans being considered by
IARU, ARRL, and other amateur radio societies.
On a trial basis, and in response to numerous suggestions from around
the world, we have added a second set of suggested dial frequencies
for FT8 on three HF bands and also on 6 meters. The new suggested dial
frequencies are 7.071, 10.133, 14.071, and 50.310 MHz. These
frequencies will appear in your drop-down band-selector list after you
go to the "Settings | Frequencies" tab, right-click on the frequency
table, and select "Reset". Alternatively, you can add the new FT8
frequencies manually.
When the conventional FT8 sub-band on 6, 20, 30, or 40 m seems too
full, please try moving your dial frequency down 3 kHz! Be aware that
as currently implemented, WSJT-X will set your dial to the lowest
frequency for the selected mode and band, when you switch bands.
See the next section for a list of other program improvements since
WSJT-X 2.1.2.
Release: WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1
May 10, 2020
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1 is a beta-quality release candidate for a program
upgrade that provides a number of new features and capabilities. These
include:
- Improvements to the decoders for five modes:
FT4: Corrected bugs that prevented AP decoding and/or multi-pass
decoding in some circumstances. The algorithm for AP
decoding has been improved and extended.
FT8: Decoding is now spread over three intervals. The first
starts at t = 11.8 s into an Rx sequence and typically yields
around 85% of the possible decodes for the sequence. You
therefore see most decodes much earlier than before. A second
processing step starts at 13.5 s, and the final one at 14.7 s.
Overall decoding yield on crowded bands is improved by 10% or
more. (Systems with receive latency greater than 0.2 s will see
smaller improvements, but will still see many decodes earlier
than before.)
JT4: Formatting and display of Averaged and Deep Search decodes
has been cleaned up and made consistent with other modes.
Together with JT65 and QRA64, JT4 remains one of the digital
modes widely for EME and other extreme weak-signal work on
microwave bands.
JT65: Many improvements for Averaged and Deep Search decodes and
their display to the user. These improvements are particularly
important for EME on VHF and UHF bands.
WSPR: Significant improvements have been made to the WSPR
decoder's sensitivity, its ability to cope with many signals in
a crowded sub-band, and its rate of undetected false decodes.
We now use up to three decoding passes. Passes 1 and 2 use
noncoherent demodulation of single symbols and allow for
frequency drifts up to ±4 Hz in a transmission. Pass 3 assumes
no drift and does coherent block detection of up to three
symbols. It also applies bit-by-bit normalization of the
single-symbol bit metrics, a technique that has proven helpful
for signals corrupted by artifacts of the subtraction of
stronger signals and also for LF/MF signals heavily contaminated
by lightning transients. With these improvements the number of
decodes in a crowded WSPR sub-band typically increases by 10 to
15%.
- New format for "EU VHF Contest" Tx2 and Tx3 messages
When "EU VHF Contest" is selected, the Tx2 and Tx3 messages
(those conveying signal report, serial number, and 6-character
locator) now use hashcodes for both callsigns. This change is
NOT backward compatible with earlier versions of _WSJT-X_, so
all users of EU VHF Contest messages should be sure to upgrade
to versiion 2.2.0.
- Accessibility
Keyboard shortcuts have been added as an aid to accessibility:
Alt+R sets Tx4 message to RR73, Ctrl+R sets it to RRR.
As an aid for partial color-blindness, the "inverted goal posts"
marking Rx frequency on the Wide Graph's frequency scale are now
rendered in a darker shade of green.
- Minor enhancements and bug fixes
"Save None" now writes no .wav files to disk, even temporarily.
An explicit entry for "WW Digi Contest" has been added to
"Special operating activities" on the "Settings | Advanced" tab.
Contest mode FT4 now always uses RR73 for the Tx4 message.
The Status bar now displays the number of decodes found in the
most recent Rx sequence.
Release candidate WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1 will be available for beta-testing
for one month starting on May 10, 2020. We currently plan a General
Availability (GA) release of WSJT-X 2.2.0 on June 1, 2020.
For those looking even farther ahead: We are well along in the
development of two new modes designed for the LF and MF bands. One
mode is for WSPR-like activity and one for making 2-way QSOs. Both
use Low-density Parity Check (LDPC) codes, 4-GFSK modulation, and
two-minute T/R sequences. The QSO mode reaches threshold SNR
sensitivity around -31 dB on the AWGN channel, and the WSPR-like mode
better than -32 dB.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.1
November 25, 2019
---------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.1 is a bug fix only release addressing regressions in the
prior v2.1.0 release.
- Document rules for the UDP message protocol.
- Fix bug that could cause display of a blank Settings window.
- Fix message parsing to properly handle 4-character directed CQs
- Fix a potential crash in the interface to Omni-Rig.
- Improve handling of unexpected rig off line status changes from
Omni-Rig.
- Add an option to highlight unworked 2-character grid fields rather
than 4-character grid squares.
- Fix bug that caused unwanted disabling of "Enable Tx" in Fox mode.
- Log duplicate contacts in FT8 DXpedition Fox mode.
- Regenerate the GFSK Tx waveform if Tx audio frequency is changed.
- Fix the behavior of double-clicking on a decoded message with first
callsign displayed as an unresolved hash code <...>.
- Fix a problem with determining "worked before" status after a band
change.
- Updates to the WSJT-X 2.1 User Guide.
- Fix a production issue with the macOS tool chain that generated
broken executables.
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
"<DF2018ARDF> 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 <AA-ZZ> <call> <grid>.'
- 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
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