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WSJT-X/NEWS
Bill Somerville e20cd2c8e2
Resolve differences in release notes between branches
2021-03-26 12:59:02 +00:00

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Copyright 2001 - 2021 by Joe Taylor, K1JT.
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.
- 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
June 1, 2018
-----------------------------
This critical bug fix release repairs an unintended restriction in the FT8
DXpedition mode. It supersedes v1.9.0 and must be used for DXpedition Fox
operators.
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
WSJT-X v1.6.0 Release Notice
============================
New Features
------------
WSPR mode, including coordinated automatic band-hopping and a new
two-pass decoder that can decode overlapping signals.
EME-motivated features including JT4 (submodes A-G), Echo mode, and
automatic Doppler tracking. The JT4 decoder is more sensitive than
that in the latest WSJT, and message averaging is fully automated.
(Note that submodes JT65B and JT65C are also present in Version 1.6,
but the high-sensitivity decoder required for EME with JT65 is not yet
included.)
Tools for accurate frequency calibration of your radio, so you can be
always on-frequency to within about 1 Hz.
Mode-specific standard working frequencies accessible from the
drop-down band selector.
Maintenance
-----------
A number of corrections to the Hamlib library, fixing balky
rig-control features. A few unreliable features peculiar to
particular radios have been removed.
WSJT-X v1.5.0 Release Notice
============================
Decoder Performance Improvements
--------------------------------
The most notable change in v1.5.0 is improved speed and quality of the
JT9 and JT65 decoders. Algorithms have been fine-tuned, and advantage
is taken of the multiple CPUs found on most modern computers. Overall
speedup factors of three or more have been attained since the v1.4.0
release and more signals are being successfully decoded as well.
For those interested, here's a summary of speed tests of three
benchmark versions of WSJT-X, based on reading and decoding an
identical set of 10,682 *.wav files. The files were recorded on
various bands from 160 m to 10 m; the number of decodable JT65 signals
is typically about 5 times the number of JT9 signals. For each test
the program was set to "JT9+JT65" mode with "Deepest" selected on the
*Decode* menu. Other setup parameters were identical in all cases.
The test computer runs Windows 7 and has an Intel i5-2500 processor
with 4 CPUs.
Columns labeled "JT9" and "JT65" in the following table give the
number of decoded signals in each mode. Numbers in the "Time" column
are total processing time in seconds, and columns labaled "Factor"
give ratios of the corresponding numbers, relative to WSJT-X v1.3.
Program Version JT9 Factor JT65 Factor Time Factor
-------------------------------------------------------
v1.3 r3673 7691 1.000 40831 1.000 14061 1.00
v1.4.0 7693 1.000 41796 1.024 13320 1.06
v1.5.0-rc1 8024 1.043 43946 1.076 4224 3.32
On the benchmark computer the decoder in v1.5.0-rc1 is more than 3
times faster than the ones in program releases v1.3 r3673 and v1.4.0.
At the same time, the number of decoded signals has increased by as
much as 7.6%.
Users will notice another consequence of taking advantage of multiple
CPUs. JT65 and JT9 decodes in dual "JT9+JT65" mode are now done in
parallel, so decodes are delivered to the Rx activity window as they
are decoded rather than finishing the current mode before starting the
other mode. Decoding at the QSO frequency is still given priority,
but it may not be the first decode displayed because the first decodes
of the other mode may be produced more quickly. Dual mode decodes are
now interleaved in the Rx activity window.
UDP Broadcast
-------------
WSJT-X v1.5.0 introduces a new facility that broadcasts status, decode
and logged QSO information via the network. Although this facility
gives no obvious change to the application other than a few new
settings options, it should allow cooperating applications to interact
with WSJT-X far more smoothly than the current file based mechanism
which is prone to contention. The file access contention can be
detrimental to both WSJT-X and the cooperating application whereas the
new broadcast mechanism will not.
Currently the only only cooperating application we know of is JTAlertX
by Laurie VK3AMA and that currently uses the file based mechanism. We
hope that Laurie will try the new mechanism but we will continue to
provide the file based mechanism as well. We also know of at least one
other application in development for the Apple Mac platform to provide
similar features to JTAlertX. A contribution for Linux would also be
most welcome.
Rig Control
-----------
This continues to be an area of development. There are still many
untested combinations of equipment since we have to wait until a user
tries WSJT-X for the first time with each combination before we can be
sure that any defects have been removed. Hundreds of hours of testing
have been done and we thank those who have reported issues and offered
their time to test fixes where necessary.
FlexRadio & HPSDR Users
-----------------------
Currently the Hamlib library that we use for direct CAT control of
your rigs does not provide a fully functioning driver for these
radios. Instead the TS-2000 emulation mode of these SDRs must be used
as the Hamlib driver for this has tweaks added to cooperate correctly
with SDRs. Version v1.4 of WSJT-X did not work with these radios in
TS-2000 emulation mode and at the time we were not informed of that,
it appears to have become common knowledge that using the TS-480
emulation mode was the correct procedure, this is incorrect although
it did work at the time. The TS-480 emulation may cease to work in a
future version because it is due to a defect in Hamlib that it works
at all. The TS-2000 emulation mode is the correct selection and should
be used with these radios.
Generated Messages for Type 1 and Type 2 Compound Callsigns
-----------------------------------------------------------
This is a complex area because it requires special action by both
parties in a QSO since the automatically generated standard messages
are not always suitable. We have tried to improve the standard message
generation and recognition along with better recognition of own call
messages. As before it is imperative that operators take note of their
QSO partners responses and be prepared to manually edit replies when
communicating with compound callsign stations.
WSJT-X v1.4.0 Release Notice
============================
Migration of User Files
-----------------------
This release includes a new install mechanism that separates user
files from installation and program files. This means that going
forward upgrades will be seamless with user files preserved and
automatically carried forward without user intervention. For this
release only it is necessary to move your user files manually if you
wish to preserve them. The locations of user files have changed and
now vary depending on the installation platform. The following notes
are intended to guide you in moving your user files, this is a one
time action.
On Microsoft Windows:
The new location for user files is %LOCALAPPDATA% which is an
environment variable defined automatically by Windows, you may use the
environment variable any place where a file path would normally be
used e.g. in the location entry bar in Windows File Explorer or in
arguments to command line programs from a Command Prompt window.
On Linux and other Unix systems:
The new location for user files ~/.local/share
On Mac:
The new location for user files is ~/Library/Application\ Support
In all cases the files are stored in a subdirectory which by default
is WSJT-X
In the case of users who run multiple instances of WSJT-X on a single
computer there are different user file locations for each
instance. The non-default locations are in sibling subdirectories each
suffixed by the rig name argument passed to WSJT-X at startup (See
Running Multiple Instances below).
The user files that you may wish to migrate from older versions of
WSJT-X are:
ALL.TXT
CALL3.TXT
wsjtx.log
wsjtx_log.adi
The format of each of these files is unchanged in WSJT-X v1.4 so all
that is needed is to copy them to the new location.
For example on Microsoft Windows assuming a WSJT-X v1.3 installation
in C:\WSJT\wsjtx-1.3, using a command prompt window:
copy C:\WSJT\wsjtx-1.3\ALL.TXT %LOCALAPPDATA%\WSJT-X\
copy C:\WSJT\wsjtx-1.3\CALL3.TXT %LOCALAPPDATA%\WSJT-X\
copy C:\WSJT\wsjtx-1.3\wsjtx.log %LOCALAPPDATA%\WSJT-X\
copy C:\WSJT\wsjtx-1.3\wsjtx_log.adi %LOCALAPPDATA%\WSJT-X\
On Linux:
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/ALL.TXT ~/.local/share/WSJT-X/
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/CALL3.TXT ~/.local/share/WSJT-X/
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/wsjtx.log ~/.local/share/WSJT-X/
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/wsjtx_log.adi ~/.local/share/WSJT-X/
On Mac:
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/ALL.TXT ~/Library/Application\ Support/WSJT-X/
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/CALL3.TXT ~/Library/Application\ Support/WSJT-X/
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/wsjtx.log ~/Library/Application\ Support/WSJT-X/
cp ~/wsjtx-1.3/wsjtx_log.adi ~/Library/Application\ Support/WSJT-X/
If you have a customized cty.dat file installed, then that too should
be copied to the new directory.
Settings
--------
WSJT-X v1.4 introduces a new settings regime. There is no facility to
migrate settings from prior versions and copying the wsjtx.ini
settings file to the new user files location will not carry over any
useful information. The new settings dialog is very different from
prior versions but it is intuitive and will not take long to configure
for you equipment and preferences.
Running Multiple Instances
--------------------------
For users with multiple radios or multi-receiver SDRs WSJT-X offers
multiple instance support. Prior to WSJT-X v1.4 this involved
installing the application multiple times in separate locations, this
is no longer necessary and multiple instances MUST be run from a
single installation. This is possible as user and other writable data
files are stored in a unique location for each instance.
WSJT-X has a new command line option that coordinates multiple
instances called --rig-name (-r for short) which allow you to specify
a unique key for each instance. If no --rig-name option is supplied a
default location is used for writable files as specified in the
Migrating of User Files section above. If a key is provided then the
same key must be used every time that instance is started so as to
associate it with the correct data files.
If the unique key were ft-857 then you must start WSJT-X using that
key e.g.
wsjtx --rig-name=ft-857
and the data files will be stored in a directory "WSJT-X - ft-857" for
example on Windows:
"%LOCALAPPDATA%\WSJT-X - ft-857\"
Multiple instance support may also be used if more than one operator
uses the same computer with their own call signs, or a single operator
who operates in multiple locations with different call signs or
wishing to maintain separate log files for each location.
Known Issues
------------
Editing station details in the frequencies tab of the settings window
may not save the changes to the settings file. Updates will show in
the settings tables until application exit but may not be used by the
application. A workaround is available, delete the whole row and
re-enter the details rather than editing individual fields. This
defect is resolved in the next release (v1.5).
WSJT-X ChangeLog
------------------------------------------------------------------
October 7, 2013: Version 1.2.1, r3590
Windows Vista has a broken rate converter which gets invoked when an
input audio stream at 48kHz sample rate is requested. To correct this
problem, WSJT-X revision 3590 reverts to input sampling at 12000 Hz by
default when run under Vista. All other platforms use 48000 Hz sample
rate for both input and output.
October 3, 2013: Version 1.2.1, r3587
1. Input sample rate is now uniformly 48000 Hz on all supported
platforms.
2. Properly handle DNS lookup failures for PSKreporter site.
3. Clear the logbook "Name" field after logging a QSO.
4. Add tuning paramegters for better audio performance on some machines.
5. Improved handling of displayed text when larger fonts are used.
6. Fix message truncation when a callsign is unexpectedly long.
7. Fix the "stuck decode" bug experienced by some users.
8. Remove the bogus error message sometimes printed upon program exit.
August 17, 2013: Version 1.2, r3563
------------------------------------
Changes since revision 3556 include the following:
1. Fix bug preventing program restart with "+2 kHz" already set.
2. Fix bug causing problems if program is installed in a directory
with embedded space(s) in the name.
3. Fixed an audio input problem (seen on some computers) by moving
audio input to the audio thread, running at High Priority.
4. Re-enabled the capability for running multiple instances.
August 16, 2013: Version 1.2, r3556
------------------------------------
Changes since code revision 3520 include the following:
1. Audio I/O now uses Qt's built-in multimedia library inatead of
PortAudio. User options are provided for input (mono/left/right) and
output (mono/left/right/both), and a digital attenuation slider to
control Tx audio level. In "Split Tx" mode, Tx signals are now
cleaner because Tx audio is constrained to the range 1500 - 2000 Hz.
2. Windows reports to PSKReporter now use our own code, rather than
PSKReporter.dll.
3. Many new optional palettes for waterfall colors, selectable from a
drop-down list on the Wide Graph window.
4. Fixed bug causing misalignment of Cumulative spectrum when start
frequency is not 0. Decoding begins at start frequency rather than
0 Hz.
5. Tx message #6 is now selected at program startup.
6. Faster logbook lookup when "Show DXCC entity and worked B4 status"
is selected. Also better ADIF compatibility and better text alignment
in left and right text windows.
7. Improved Tool Tips for on-screen controls.
8. Various other code changes for uniformity across platforms, ease of
maintenance, and good programming practice. (Most of these will be
invisible to users.)
9. Program is now built with the latest Qt, version 5.1.
10. Updates to User's Guide.
August 2, 2013: Version 1.1.1, r3520
------------------------------------
Improvements since Version 1.1, r3496 include the following:
1. New organization of the "Band Settings" tab on the configuration
screen, including antenna descriptions for PSK Reporter on a "per
band" basis.
2. Full control is provided for DTR and RTS lines on the serial port
used for CAT control.
3. Optional user control of font sizes. Use a text editor to create a
file "fonts.txt" in the WSJT-X installation directory. It should have
four numbers on a single line. The first two are point size and
weight (0-100 scale) for GUI labels, the next two are point size and
weight for the decoded text windows. For example, try "9 50 12 100".
4. New user control at bottom of Wide Graph window sets the start
frequency of the waterfall scale.
5. New optional palette "gray1" for the waterfall.
6. The small colored button just right of the "+2 kHz" checkbox now
shows the letter "S" if "Split Tx" has been checked.
7. New user option appends DXCC country name and "QSO B4" status to
decoded CQ messages.
8. Setting of dial frequencies through Commander should should now
be aware of local convention for decimal separator.
9. Several minor bug fixes.
10. Refactoring of code to move audio input.output into the GUI thread.
(Should be invisible to users).
11. Updated credits displayed in the "About" window.
12. Updated User's Guide.
July 19, 2013: Version 1.1, r3496
---------------------------------
This is a full release of WSJT-X Version 1.1. It provides an easy way
to make QSOs in both JT65 and JT9 modes.
Changes from the most recent beta release, r3487, include the
following:
1. Significant optimizations of the JT9 decoder, providing speed
improvements up to 5 times.
2. Frequency-setting through DX Lab Commander now works properly at
non-integral kHz frequencies.
3. A new meter widget has been added (thanks to PY2SDR).
4. Implementation of "multiple instances" has been completed and
tested (thanks to KK1D).
5. Several minor bug fixes.
July 15, 2013: Version 1.1 Beta Release, r3487
----------------------------------------------
Version 1.1 of WSJT-X is "bi-lingual" -- it transmits and receives
both JT9 and JT65 signals, switching between modes automatically as
needed. The maximum displayed bandwidth has been increased from 1 to
5 kHz. If your receiver has an upper-sideband filter at least 4 kHz
wide, on most bands you can have all the JT65 *and* all the JT9
activity on screen at once, available for making QSOs.
Other improvements since v1.0, r3323 include the following:
1. CAT control via DxLab Commander.
2. Improved GUI appearance, especially on Linux and OS X.
3. Compilable with Qt5 as well as Qt4.
4. Fixed occasional program crashes caused by receiving a message in
the form "call1 call2" (with no grid, report, etc.).
5. Improved handling of audio device selection in Linux.
6. Log QSO frequency, instead of dial frequency only.
7. Added Tx Power to ADIF log information.
8. Added option to retain between QSOs the Power and Comments fields
for ADIF and wsjtx logs.
9. Added optional antenna description for PSK Reporter.
10 Fixed a bug in handling of logged grid locator when none was
available on the double-clicked line.
11. Fixed a bug that caused small differences in the lengths of
transmitted symbols. This leads to improved decoding.
12. Tx message (highlighted in yellow) now includes a mode flag and
the audio offset from dial frequency.
13. Added a spinner control for Rx Freq.
14. New on-screen button "Lock Tx=Rx" locks Tx and Rx frequencies
together.
15. Allow Windows COM port number greater than 9.
16. Don't clear DxGrid when user double-clicks on a message with no
grid, if the message's Tx call is same as DxCall.
17. Double-click on yellow Tx message now sets frequency, but does
nothing else.
18. Rationalized the logic of the CAT control indicator button. Now
colored grey/green/orange/red -- see User's Guide.
19. Operating in "Split Tx" mode is optional (but with most radios is
necessary if you will transmit at more than 2.7 kHz above dial
frequency).
20. The correct TxMode label now appears on program startup.
21. "Transmitting..." message in ALL.TXT now has the correct TxMode.
22. File wsjt_status.txt includes TxMode.
23. F4 clears Az, Dist, and the Tx message boxes.
24. You can decode JT9 signals in the JT65 frequency range, and
vice-versa, by double-clicking the signal in the waterfall.
25. Better logic for enabling/disabling the TestPTT button.
26. Do not call getFreq() when the TestPTT button is clicked and
PTTmethod is via CAT control.
27. New cold-start default frequencies are set at reasonable values
for JT65. A "+2 kHz" checkbox is provided for quick setup in JT9-only
mode.
28. Default macros added as simple examples.
In case you wondered about r3482, which was posted for a few hours
only...
It was repleced by r3487 in order to fix two bugs. Revision 3487
uses more sensible logic for what to do when the "DX Grid" entry is
edited, and it fixes a bug that could prevent program restart if
you had exited the program with "+2 kHz" checked.
May 30, 2013: Version 1.0, r3323
--------------------------------
With this release of WSJT-X Version 1.0 we include a few (relatively
minor) enhancements in response to user requests, as well as some
program polishing and cleanup. Active program development will
continue, but new releases will become less frequent.
1. New option on the Setup menu: "Tx freq locked to Rx freq".
2. Double-click on a decoded "73" message now sets Tx5, rather than Tx6.
3. New keyboard shortcuts: Alt+1 through Alt+6 set the next Tx message
at the corresponding number.
4. PTT control via Ham Radio Deluxe has been imnplemented and tested.
5. "Tool Tips" are now provided for most on-screen controls.
6. Under Linux and OS X, listings of available audio devices and APIs
have been corrected.
7. Tab order among GUI controls has been cleaned up.
8. Updates to the WSJT-X User's Guide.
May 22, 2013: v0.99, r3297
--------------------------
1. CAT control via Ham Radio Deluxe is now available. For setup
details see item #5 at the top of page 6 of the updated WSJT-X
User's Guide.
2. Submodes JT9-5, JT8-10, JT9-30 have been de-activated. (As far as I
know, nobody was using them.) This action makes the program smaller
by some 150 MB and able to run effectively on some older computers.
3. Bizarre ordering of COM port numbers on the drop-down list has been
corrected, and suitable serial ports added to the list displayed in
Linux.
4. Gray bar between decoding periods now contains a dashed line.
5. Corrected a bug that prevented use of Setup | Configuration with
no existing wsjtx.ini file.
May 17, 2013: v0.95, r3278
--------------------------
1. Double-clicking on a decoded text line in "Band Activity" window
now copies the line into the "QSO Frequency" window if it was not
already there.
2. Option "Color highlighting in left window" removed from Setup
menu. Highlighting is now always done.
3. Positions of "QSO Frequency" and "Band Activity" windows have been
swapped.
4. F4 was restored to its previous use; F5 is now used to display
Special Mouse Commands
5. Small square between Band selector and Frequency readout was made
a control button. Orange indicates one-way CAT control from
program to radio, red indicates bi-directional control. Clicking
the orange button causes a one-time readout of dial frequency.
6. If Save=None, the last recorded file is deleted on program exit.
This prevents unwanted accumulation of files in the Save
directory.
7. Status-bar messages were re-arranged in a more logical order.
8. Tx signal report was added to wsjtx_status.txt (for JT-Alert)
9. More informative labels were placed on the "Tab 2" GUI controls.
10. Better default scaling for the "Cumulative" spectrum.
11. New algorithm for identifying JT9 signals to send to decoder,
resulting major improvements in decoder speed.
12. Bug fixes:
- Incorrect displayed frequencies for JT9-2 signals
- Infinitely repeated "Error rigOpen -1" messages
- User tries to open CAT control using busy or nonexistent serial port
13. Many updates to the User's Guide
May 2, 2013: v0.95, r3251
-------------------------
1. The "band change" function is executed whenever the Band combobox
is activated, even if the selected band has not changed.
2. The program does not set rig mode. That task is left to the user.
3. Time interval for polling rig frequency is now a user parameter on
the setup screen. I set mine to 1 second, which works fine with
the Kenwood TS-2000. Set it to 0 if you want no polling for
frequency (which means unidirectional CAT control from program to
radio). Choose something like 10 s for the K3.
4. Much new work on the WSJT-X User's Guide, which is approaching its
final form for Version 1.0. Please read it and tell us about
anything you find unclear or missing!
These changes address nearly all of the CAT issues found by a few
users -- those with K3, IC-746, IC-706, in particular.
One additional piece of advice when running WSJT-X in Windows: connect
and turn on the radio and any interface equipment before starting
WSJT-X, and exit the program before turning such equipment off.
April 29, 2013: v0.95, r3243
----------------------------
1. Now has bi-directionsl CAT control using direct calls to hamlib
functions. Highlights displayed dial frequency with red background
if frequency differs from nominal for the selected band by more
than 100 kHz. (Is there a more useful or logical condition to
flag?) Small red square between Band selector and Dial Frequency
display to indicate that CAT control is active. Mode is set to USB
on startup. (Note: CAT control diagnostics are presently rather
rudimentary, we're still working on this. Feedback is welcome!)
2. New controls on Setup | Configuration screen:
- RTS/DTR OFF -- needed by K2 and maybe other radios
- Data / Mic -- select CAT-control PTT type
- Test CAT Control -- try settings before returning to main screen
- Test PTT -- try settings for toggling PTT On/Off
3. Help menu now provides displays of Keyboard Shortcuts (quick access
via F3) and Special Mouse Commands (F4).
4. Option "Setup | Advanced | Allow multiple instances" enables the
use of more than one instance of WSJT-X for special applications.
(The program must be copied into and run from different
directories.)
5. No posts to PSK Reporter if band was changed during the reception
period.
6. Improved behavior of Tune button.
7. Improved inter-process communication between WSJT-X and JT-Alert-X.
8. Better interaction between "Report" spinner control and Tx messages.
9. Removed the NB checkbox and slider. (Has anyone found these useful?)
10. New buttons on main window: "Tx=Rx" sets Tx frequency to current
Rx frequency; "Rx=Tx" does the opposite.
11. Log QSO confirmation window is now "non-modal": you can keep it
open and still access controls on the main window.
12. Tab-order has been rationalized on most screens.
13. Dial frequency and mode written to file ALL.TXT.
14. Double-click on decoded line sets Tx message #3 if message has
the form "MyCall Call2 rpt".
15. Bug causing occasional, seemingly unpredictable program crashes
has been fixed.
16. The WSJT-X User's Guide is somewhat closer to being complete. User
feedback on the Guide will be most welcome. What is unclear? What
is missing?
April 17, 2013: v0.9, r3195
---------------------------
1. Sorry, the CAT control changes in r3187/3188 were a dismal failure
in many stations, and they introduced other bugs as well. This revision
goes back to uni-directional CAT control: the program can set the
radio's dial frequency and do T/R switching, but that's all. The band
setting is not reset on program startup.
2. Logic for the Tune button has been corrected.
3. For Linux compile-it-yourself enthusiasts: the interface to
PSK Reporter is now working undel Linux.
April 16, 2013: v0.9, r3188
---------------------------
1. CAT control now reads and follows changes in radio's dial
frequency. Readout gets red highlighting if radio is on wrong band.
On program restart, band is reset to the last selected band.
2. New "Tune" button generates an unmodulated carrier. Toggle button
a second time to turn Tx off.
3. Added labels at top of "Tab 2" and enlarged the text entry fields.
4. Fixed the broken logic for "Runaway Tx watchdog".
5. Fixed "Prompt me to log QSO" so that it no longer requires also
setting "ID after 73".
6. Additional changes of (eventual) interest to Linux users. Code for
sending spots to PSK Reporter now in place.
April 13, 2013: v0.9, r3166
---------------------------
1. Option to send Tx messages (highlighted in yellow) to the QSO window.
2. Prevent starting a transmission more than 24 sec into a Tx period.
3. "Setup | Options" changed to "Setup | Configuration".
4. Type Alt-V to save the most recently completed Rx file.
5. Fixed bug that truncated Rx messages to 16 characters.
6. Internal program changes that should provide better user diagnostics
when necessary at program startup.
April 11, 2013: v0.9, r3157
---------------------------
1. Maximum size of several window areas increased to accommodate system
fonts set larger than default.
2. New behavior of Erase button: click once to erase the left (QSO) window,
twice to erase both decoded text windows.
3. Keyboard shortcuts:
Alt-D: decode again at QSO frequency (same as clicking the Decode() button)
Shift-D: do another full decode in both windows
Alt-E: Erase()
Ctrl-F: Edit the free text message box
Alt-H: Halt Tx()
Alt M: Monitor()
Alt-N: Enable Tx()
Alt-Q: Log QSO()
Alt-S: Stop()
4. New Setup options: "Tx disabled after sending 73" and "Runaway Tx
watchdog".
5. Fixed bug in saving the "report received" for logging purposes.
6. Corrected the logic for "Runaway Tx watchdog".
7. Fixed bug that truncated characters 17 and 18 of decoded messages.
April 10, 2013: v0.9, r3151
---------------------------
1. Blank line between decoding periods is now in the right-hand
text window, where it should be.
2. Decoding range defined by fMin and fMax is now enforced.
April 9, 2013: v0.9, r3143
--------------------------
This minor release restores the decoding speed of earlier revisions
and corrects a bug that prevented sending CW ID.
April 9, 2013: v0.9, r3142
--------------------------
This version of WSJT-X has a number of significant changes. Please
read the following notes carefully. Also -- even if you are already
familiar with WSJT-X -- be sure to read the updated WSJT-X User's
Guide at
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/WSJT-X_Users_Guide.pdf ,
especially pages 3 and 4.
Changes since v0.8 r3118 include the following:
1. There are now two scrolling windows for decoded text. The left
window contains decodes only from close to the designated QSO
frequency. The right window includes signals over the full decoding
range.
2. An alternative set of controls is now available for generating and
selecting Tx messages. Some may find these more convenient to use
than the Tx1 through Tx6 message boxes.
3. A number of new user options are available on the Setup menu:
- Blank line between decoding periods (right window only)
- Clear DX Call and DX Grid after logging QSO
- Display distances in miles
- Runaway Tx watchdog
- Background colors for left window
- Double-click on decoded message sets Tx Enable
4. New or changed on-screen features
- "Tol" replaced by fMin and fMax on waterfall screen (see User's Guide)
- Spinner control for signal report
- On waterfall scale: green marker for Rx freq, red for Tx. blue
for decoding range
5. New behavior
- "CQ DX" is now treated properly when decoded line is double-clicked
- Message formate for compound callsigns (e.g., PJ4/K1ABC, G4XYZ/P)
are now handled correctly. (Some restrictions apply, and will
be spelled out in the completed User's Guide.)
- Decode button now causes a decode only at the specified Rx frequency.
- Click on waterfall spectrum sets Rx freq; double-click also invokes
decoder (as though Decode button had been clicked). CTRL-click moves
both Rx and Tx freqs.
- Amplitude at end of transmission is ramped down to prevent a final
key click.
6. The following bugs have been fixed:
- Logic error in decoder
- Certain non-standard Tx messages could cause a program crash.
- Certain (rarely used) messages did not pack/unpack correctly
April 2, 2013: v0.8, r3118
--------------------------
1. Improved interface to program JT-Alert, by VK3AMA.
2. The LogQSO confirmation dialog no longer blocks the GUI updating
process.
3. A blank line with gray background separates the decoded text lines for
each new invocation of the decoder.
4. New suggested default frequencies: 5.357, 18.104, and 24.918 MHz.
Be sure to edit these entries on the 'Default Frequencies' tab of the
Setup screen. (When you have done this once, the new values will be
remembered.)
5. The LogQSO button now does nothing is the 'DX call' entry field is
blank.
6. Several minor bugs were fixed.
March 27, 2013: v0.8, r3113
---------------------------
1. Bug fix: VOX control of T/R switching now works.
2. Potentially useful error messages now appear when CAT control
has failed.
3. Added an instruction on the Log QSO confirmation screen.
4. Clear the DXcall and DXgrid entries after logging a QSO.
March 26, 2013: v0.8, r3112
---------------------------
Edson Pereira, PY2SDR, recently became an active contributor to this
open-source project. Edson and I have been very busy over the past
few days! WSJT-X revision 3112 has many changes and new features.
1. The GUI layout has been adjusted and optimized.
2. CAT control is now operational, offering optional control of your
radio's dial frequency and T/R status. Go to the Setup | Options
window to select the necessary parameters.
3. CW ID has been implemented. You can have your ID sent after a fixed
time interval, or automatically when you transmit a "73" or free
text message.
4. Default dial frequencies are available for each band on a new tab
on the Setup | Options window. Please note: some of these
frequencies are probably wrong! You can edit them as needed.
(Please let us know if the original values are inconsistent with
actual practice on any band.)
5. Several new options appear on the Setup menu. Try them!
6. Azimuth and Distance information is displayed whenever a valid grid
locator appears in the "Dx Grid" box.
7. The decoder has again been adjusted for better compromise between
sensitivity and decoding time.
8. The User's Guide is out of date, and needs work. We hope to get to
that task soon.
9. Very important for some would-be users: WSJT-X now runs properly
under Linux. We haven't made a package yet, so for now you must
compile your own. If you don't know how, we hope to be set up
to make packages before too long.
10. If you know someone who might be interested in contributing to the
development of WSJT-X and related projects, please send him/her
our way! We're especially looking for someone interested in
producing packaged Linux distributions -- for example, *.deb or
*.rpm packages, but other programming help is also wanted.
As always: please report bugs, and don't be bashful about sending us
your feature requests!
March 22, 2013: v0.7, r3071
---------------------------
1. Correct a bug that (still) allowed display of previous decodes
when nothing new was decoded.
2. Add a user confirmation screen activated when you click Log QSO.
This lets you edit or add information before it is written to the
ADIF file.
3. Tx message macros and now available. Configure them on the Setup
window. They are invoked as a pop-up menu by right-clicking on the
Tx5 message window; then select the desired message by left-clicking
on the desired message.
March 20, 2013: v0.7, r3063
---------------------------
1. Add Frequency to the generated ADIF records.
2. Correct a decoder bug that led to duplication of previous output
when nothing new was decoded.
March 19, 2013: v0.7, r3061
---------------------------
1. Allow Windows COM port numbers up to 99.
2. Replace status files wsjtx_qrg.txt and wsjtx_txcall.txt with
a single file, wsjtx_status.txt.
3. Combine wsjtx_rx.log and wsjtx_tx.log into a single file ALL.TXT.
4. "Log QSO" now writes a file in ADIF format.
5. Starting to implement popup macros for Tx message #5.
6. Big improvement in decoding speed.
*** More changes to come! Please report any problems, especially
*** with the ADIF-format log.
March 12, 2013: v0.6, r3046
---------------------------
1. Decoded calls can now be uploaded to the PSK Reporter web site.
Check the box "Enable PSK Reporter" on the Setup screen, and go to
http://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html to see the spots. Be sure to
enter your "Dial Frequency (MHz)" at lower right of the Wide Graph
window. (Rig control features are yet to come...)
2. Added some interfaces to permit use with the program JT-Alert,
by VK3AMA. Look for this capability in the near future.
March 6, 2013: v0.5, r3038
--------------------------
1. Selection of Current/Cumulative/JT9Sync for the 2d spectral display
changed to a combobox.
2. Double-click on decoded text does not change frequency settings
if first decoded call is MyCall.
March 1, 2013: v0.5, r3026
--------------------------
1. The horizontal scale of 2d spectra (e.g., the "red curve") is now
correct when the user has selected FFT Bins/Pixel > 1.
2. Double-clicking on a decoded text line now selects the second
callsign independent of exactly where one has clicked on the line.
In addition, it sets the selected frequencies (both Tx and Rx) to
the frequency of the decoded transmission.
December 11, 2012: v0.5, r2791
------------------------------
1. Messages of the form "CQ DX K1ABC" are now supported.
November 30, 2012: v0.5, r2788
------------------------------
1. A bug was introduced when support for positive signal reports was
added. It could cause a program crash when certain free-text messages
were composed for transmission. The bug has been fixed.
2. In the slower JT9 sub-modes, the UTC listed on decoded text lines
has been changed to the start time of the Rx sequence, rather than the
time of the final minute.
3. The waterfall's "Auto Zero" button had no function, and has been
removed.
4. In previous revisions the installer put a number of DLLs into
the Windows system directory, normally C:\Windows\System32. This
revision installs the DLLs to the WSJT-X installation directory.
November 29, 2012: v0.5, r2786
------------------------------
1. In r2783, the companion program jt9.exe (started automatically when
you start WSJT-X) was a CPU hog for no good reason. This was an
oversight on my part, and the bug has been corrected.
2. The program should now run correctly if installed in a directory
whose name contains embedded spaces. (Under Vista and Win7, however,
it's still not a good idea to install WSJT-X into C:\Program Files,
because of restricted write permissions there.)
3. In r2783 and earlier, stopping a transmission by toggling to "Auto
OFF" would terminate Tx audio and release PTT almost simultaneously,
possibly hot-switching your T/R relay(s). This has been corrected so
that proper sequencing takes place.
November 28, 2012: v0.5, r2783
------------------------------
This revision has an unusually large number of changes relative to the
previous release, v0.4 r2746. These changes include:
1. PTT control via COM ports COM10 and higher is enabled.
2. Improved decoder performance: higher speed as well as better
chances of success. Moderate amounts of frequency drift are detected
and compensated. Computed S/N values are more reliable. Time offsets
from -2.5 to +5 s are now supported, which makes JT9 usable for EME.
(EME tests on 144 MHz have been successful, and performance on that
propagation mode appears to be good.)
3. Tx Frequency now tracks the selected QSO Frequency (unless you hold
down the CTRL key when setting QSO Frequency via mouse-clicks or the
F11/F12 keys).
4. Decoded text containing "CQ " is highlighted with green background;
text including "MyCall" is highlighted in red.
5. In previous versions, signal reports were required to be in the
range -30 to -01 dB. In v0.5 r2782 the range has been extended to -50
to +49 dB. There is backward compatibility for the range -30 to -01,
but reports in the range -50 to -31 and 0 to +49 will NOT be decoded
correctly by previous program versions. It is important to upgrade!
6. Items "Save Synced" and "Save Decoded" are now implemented.
7. UTC Date, JT9 submode, and a parameter related to the decoding
procedure are now included in file wsjtx_rx.log.
8. Editing of Tx messages (in any of the six Tx message boxes) is
complete when you hit "Tab" or "Return". The message is then parsed
and converted to the form in which it will be displayed if decoding is
successful. Free-text messages are trimmed to 13 characters and
highlighted with a pink background.
9. The most recent transmitted message is displayed in the right-most
label on the status bar. This can be useful if you have lost track of
where you were in a QSO.
10. By default, the program now starts with Monitor ON. An option on
the Setup menu allows you to select "Monitor OFF at startup".
11. Better scaling is provided for the red "JT9 Sync" curve. Note
that JT9 signals in the active sub-mode should appear in this plot as
a bump of width equal to the total signal bandwidth, with a narrow and
slightly higher bump at the left edge. The narrow bump is the
frequency of the Sync tone, which is defined as the nominal frequency
of the JT9 signal.
12. Basic QSO information is now written to file wsjt.log when you
click the "Log QSO" button.
13. The WSJT-X User's Guide has been updated.
14. Other known bugs have been fixed. There will probably be new
ones! When you find one, or if you know of any old ones that have NOT
been fixed, please send me email.
Summary of Present Status
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe that WSJT-X is now a stable and very usable program. Many
thousands of QSOs have been made with JT9-1, mostly at HF -- I have
made nearly 100, myself. Also a number of QSOs have also been
completed at MF, and successful tests have been made on 2m EME, etc.
A number of QSOs have also been made with JT9-2.
As far as I know the slower modes (JT9-5, JT9-10, and JT9-30) also
work correctly. (Certainly they do in my laboratory test setup.)
Most people will find these modes too slow for "everyday" use, and
they require high frequency stability. It remains to be seen whether
they will be widely used.
An alternative approach to obtaining improved sensitivity would be to
give the decoder an ability to average over several successive
transmissions. For example, the average of five JT9-1 transmissions
could reach a decoding threshold around -32 dB, only 2 dB worse than a
single JT9-5 transmission. Because of QSB, the shorter transmissions
may actually succeed in less total time. Stability requirements would
be those of JT9-1, much less stringent than those of JT9-5.
Program development is not finished, by any means. I will be grateful
for your feedback on performance issues, as well as your "wish-list"
of features to be added. As always, example recordings of files that
you think should have decoded, but did not, will be much appreciated.
November 16, 2012: v0.4, r2746
------------------------------
Changes from v0.4 r2731 include the following:
1. Valid signal reports are now generated by double-clicking on a
callsign in the decoded text window.
2. Consecutive spaces in a Tx message are now collapsed into a single
space.
3. Decoding speed is much improved, especially when strong (possibly
non-JT9) signals are present and "Tol" is set to a relatively large
value.
4. Scaling of the "JT9 Sync" plot (red curve) is more reasonable.
5. Layout of widgets on the main window has been improved.
6. Several minor bug fixes.
November 14, 2012: v0.4, r2731
------------------------------
A number of known bugs have been fixed, and the JT9 decoder is
significantly improved. Among other improvements, the program is now
much less fussy about timing issues.
November 6, 2012: v0.3, r2717
------------------------------
Changes from r2713 include the following:
1. A bug in the decoder that led to erratic behavior (failed decodes)
under certain conditions has been corrected. Decoding is now much
more reliable.
2. A valid algorithm is now used to calculate S/N values for received
JT9 signals.
3. The header format of recorded *.wav files has been corrected.
These files will now play correctly in Windows programs that expect
the standard header.
November 6, 2012: v0.2, r2713
------------------------------
Changes from r2711 include the following:
1. Updates to the Quick-Start User's Guide,
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/WSJT-X_Users_Guide.pdf
2. Double-click on waterfall now sets Tol to a reduced
(mode-dependent) value.
3. Tol is saved and restored on program restart.
4. A "digital gain" slider was added next to the green-bar audio level
indicator. With the slider at mid-range, the scale reads correctly in
dB above the least significant bit of 16-bit audio data.
5. There is now a test that rejects at least one type of data that is
sufficiently corrupt to cause Eddie's best friend, the message
"15P6715P67WCV".
6. Several minor tweaks to improve decoder performance.
7. The program now starts with Monitor OFF. You must click Monitor to
start accepting audio. For some types of testing, this may be an
advantage. This startup condition may be changed again, in the
future.
October 31, 2012: v0.2, r2711
-----------------------------
Three significant changes since r2706:
1. Three options are now provided on the "Decode" menu, controlling
the "depth" of the decoding process. For most purposes I suggest you
should use "Normal", but feel free to experiment with the others.
2. Decoding of multiple signals in one Rx interval has been improved.
3. Handling of strong signals has been improved.
October 309, 2012: v0.2, r2706
------------------------------
Changes since r2702 include the following:
1. The problem with "ghost" signals is fixed.
2. A problem causing very long decode times under certain
circumstances has been fixed. Please note: decode times on any recent
PC should no more than a few seconds!
3. I have re-directed the program's fatal error messages so they will
be sent to the command-prompt window from which you started the
program. Please send me full reports on any such messages you observe,
preferably with details on how to reproduce the problem.
#########################################################################
Some additional information ...
1. Yes, the JT9 modes require good stability in all system
oscillators. The present JT9 bdecoder does not attempt to track
frequency drifts. Such capability will be added, however. We have
been using digital modes for EME for nearly ten years now, at 144 MHz
and higher. There are more than 1000 WSJT users on EME, using all
kinds of rige. We have learned how to deal with reasonable rates of
drift. Surely if we can do these things at VHF, we can do them much
more easily at MF and LF.
2. If you're sure that you have seen degraded JT9 performance because
of frequency stability issues, don't just complain on the LF
reflector. Document your case and send me an example file with a
drifting JT9 signal. Making WSJT-X and JT9 better is partly YOUR
responsibility!
3. In other ways as well, test files are needed. I can make many
tests myself, but I can't foresee all the problems others will have.
That's what the "Save All" function is for! In these early tests,
always run with "Save All" checked, just in case you will want to
refer back to something that happened. You may want to send me the
file in question. You can always clean out your "Save" directory by
using "File | Delete all *.wav files in SaveDir". I need good
examples of signals that fail to decode for any unknown reason. Also
some good examples of atmospheric or other impulsive noise, for
testing the noise blanker.
4. I have added a page of "Hints for New Users" to the online WSJT-X
User's Guide,
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/WSJT-X_Users_Guide.pdf .
Please read it! ... and let me know if you find other operational
details of WSJT-X that need explanation. This will likely be
especially true for those not already familiar with older versions of
WSJT.
5. An operational suggestion: In many ways the different JT9 submodes
are treated as distinct modes. If you receive a JT9-x signal in a
different submode than the one you have selected, you won't decode
it. For this reason, if JT9 is to become popular we'll probably need
to choose one or two of the submodes for general use, and perhaps
assign a narrow slice of the band to each one. Note that "message
averaging" in the Rx software can make two or three JT9-2
transmissions as good as one JT9-5 transmission, with the advantage
that you will copy sooner if signals are better than required for
JT9-5. Message averaging is not yet present in the JT9 decoder... but
in future it can be. Again, we have dealt with such issues very
effectively on EME -- and can do so at MF/LF, for sure.
6. On the topic of CW, Beacons, WSPR, JT9, etc. I really don't
understand what all the fuss is about. Surely there is room for
everybody? Maybe I'm just too new here to understand? (Mal, is this
mostly just a matter of "Mal being Mal"???)
On the HF bands, the WSPR sub-band is just 200 Hz wide. If we did the
same on 630 m, the WSPR sub-band would take up less than 3% of the 7
kHz band. If that's too much, we could cut it in half, or even less,
and still have enough WSPR space. Moreover, a "slow WSPR", if
warranted, would require even less bandwidth. Similar comments apply
to JT9. The bandwidth of JT9 signals is significantly less than that
of CW, for comparable information rates. There should be enough
spectrum for both, even in our narrow MF and LF bands.
7. As for performance comparisons between JT9 and WSPR: WSPR is a
mature program, and its decoder has been optimized and tweaked over a
period approaching five years. You are playing with JT9 in infancy.
With help (as opposed to simple complaints) from users, it will
improve rapidly.
October 29, 2012: v0.2, r2702
-----------------------------
Changes since version 0.1, r2696 include the following:
1. Sample rate for audio output has been changed from 12000 to 48000
Hz. Tx audio may now be generated at any frequency from 500 to 20000
Hz.
2. The Decoder now tries to decode all synchronizable signals in the
"green zone", that is, within "Tol" Hz of the selected QSO
frequency. (Before, by default it decoded only the signal producing
the highest "sync" value. Other signals could be decoded by manually
setting the QSO frequency and reducing Tol as needed.)
3. The user's selected QSO Frequency is now saved and restored on
program restart.
4. The problem with re-initialization after changing sub-modes has
been fixed.
5. The problem (for some users) of not releasing PTT after end of a
transmission has been fixed.
6. The program now writes a log of all decodes to a file wsjtx_rx.log
in the wsjtx directory.
October 25, 2012: v0.1, r2695
-----------------------------
Initial version of WSJT-X (experimental WSJT) released for testing.
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