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WSJT-X/Release_Notes.txt
Joe Taylor 4077526d88 Updates to Release Notes and User Guide.
2020-05-05 14:11:54 -04:00

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Copyright 2001 - 2020 by Joe Taylor, K1JT.
Release: WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1
May 10, 2019
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1 is a beta-quality release candidate for a program
upgrade that provides a number of new features and capabilities. These
include:
- Improvements to the decoders for five modes:
FT4: Corrected bugs that prevented AP decoding and/or multi-pass
decoding in some circumstances. The algorithm for AP
decoding has been improved and extended.
FT8: Decoding is now spread over three intervals. The first
starts at t = 11.8 s into an Rx sequence and typically yields
around 85% of the possible decodes for the sequence. You
therefore see most decodes much earlier than before. A second
processing step starts at 13.5 s, and the final one at 14.7 s.
Overall decoding yield on crowded bands is improved by 10% or
more. (Systems with receive latency greater than 0.2 s will see
smaller improvements, but will still see many decodes earlier
than before.)
JT4: Formatting and display of Averaged and Deep Search decodes
has been cleaned up and made consistent with other modes.
Together with JT65 and QRA64, JT4 remains one of the digital
modes widely for EME and other extreme weak-signal work on
microwave bands.
JT65: Many improvements for Averaged and Deep Search decodes and
their display to the user. These improvements are particularly
important for EME on VHF and UHF bands.
WSPR: Significant improvements have been made to the WSPR
decoder's sensitivity, its ability to cope with many signals in
a crowded sub-band, and its rate of undetected false decodes.
We now use up to three decoding passes. Passes 1 and 2 use
noncoherent demodulation of single symbols and allow for
frequency drifts up to ±4 Hz in a transmission. Pass 3 assumes
no drift and does coherent block detection of up to three
symbols. It also applies bit-by-bit normalization of the
single-symbol bit metrics, a technique that has proven helpful
for signals corrupted by artifacts of the subtraction of
stronger signals and also for LF/MF signals heavily contaminated
by lightning transients. With these improvements the number of
decodes in a crowded WSPR sub-band typically increases by 10 to
15%.
- New format for "EU VHF Contest" Tx2 and Tx3 messages
When "EU VHF Contest" is selected, the Tx2 and Tx3 messages
(those conveying signal report, serial number, and 6-character
locator) now use hashcodes for both callsigns. This change is
NOT backward compatible with earlier versions of _WSJT-X_, so
all users of EU VHF Contest messages should be sure to upgrade
to versiion 2.2.0.
- Accessibility
Keyboard shortcuts have been added as an aid to accessibility:
Alt+R sets Tx4 message to RR73, Ctrl+R sets it to RRR.
As an aid for partial color-blindness, the "inverted goal posts"
marking Rx frequency on the Wide Graph's frequency scale are now
rendered in a darker shade of green.
- Minor enhancements and bug fixes
"Save None" now writes no .wav files to disk, even temporarily.
An explicit entry for "WW Digi Contest" has been added to
"Special operating activities" on the "Settings | Advanced" tab.
Contest mode FT4 now always uses RR73 for the Tx4 message.
The Status bar now displays the number of decodes found in the
most recent Rx sequence.
Release candidate WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1 will be available for beta-testing
for one month starting on May 10, 2020. We currently plan a General
Availability (GA) release of WSJT-X 2.2.0 on June 1, 2020.
For those looking even farther ahead: We are well along in the
development of two new modes designed for the LF and MF bands. One
mode is for WSPR-like activity and one for making 2-way QSOs. Both
use Low-density Parity Check (LDPC) codes, 4-GFSK modulation, and
two-minute T/R sequences. The QSO mode reaches threshold SNR
sensitivity around -31 dB on the AWGN channel, and the WSPR-like mode
better than -32 dB.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.1
November 25, 2019
---------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.1 is a bug fix only release addressing regressions in the
prior v2.1.0 release.
- Document rules for the UDP message protocol.
- Fix bug that could cause display of a blank Settings window.
- Fix message parsing to properly handle 4-character directed CQs
- Fix a potential crash in the interface to Omni-Rig.
- Improve handling of unexpected rig off line status changes from
Omni-Rig.
- Add an option to highlight unworked 2-character grid fields rather
than 4-character grid squares.
- Fix bug that caused unwanted disabling of "Enable Tx" in Fox mode.
- Log duplicate contacts in FT8 DXpedition Fox mode.
- Regenerate the GFSK Tx waveform if Tx audio frequency is changed.
- Fix the behavior of double-clicking on a decoded message with first
callsign displayed as an unresolved hash code <...>.
- Fix a problem with determining "worked before" status after a band
change.
- Updates to the WSJT-X 2.1 User Guide.
- Fix a production issue with the macOS tool chain that generated
broken executables.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1
July 15, 2019
-------------------
WSJT-X 2.1 is a major update that introduces FT4, a new protocol
targeted at HF contesting. Other improvements have been made in the
following areas:
- FT8 waveform generated with GMSK, fully backward compatible
- user options for waterfall and spectrum display
- contest logging
- rig control
- user interface
- UDP messaging for inter-program communication
- accessibility
There are numerous minor enhancements and bug fixes.
We now provide a separate installation package for 64-bit Windows 7
and later, with significant improvements in decoding speed.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc7
June 3, 2019
-------------------------
This release is a bug fix only release addressing regressions in the
prior RC6 release. There are no functional changes other than an
updated AD1C CTY.DAT database.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc6
June 2, 2019
-------------------------
Changes and bug fixes since WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc5:
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE FT4 PROTOCOL *** NOT BACKWARD COMPATIBLE ***
- T/R sequence length increased from 6.0 to 7.5 seconds
- Symbol rate decreased from 23.4375 to 20.8333 baud
- Signal bandwidth decreased from 90 Hz to 80 Hz
OTHER FT4 IMPROVEMENTS
- Allowable time offsets -1.0 < DT < +1.0 s
- Tx4 message with RRR now allowed, except in contest messages
- Audio frequency is now sent to PSK Reporter
- Add a third decoding pass
- Add ordered statistics decoding
- Improved sensitivity: threshold S/N is now -17.5 dB
- Improved S/N calculation
- In FT4 mode, Shift+F11/F12 moves Tx freq by +/- 100 Hz
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
- Improvements to accessibility
- Updates to the User Guide (not yet complete, however)
- New user option: "Calling CQ forces Call 1st"
- N1MM Logger+ now uses the standard WSJT-X UDP messages
- OK/Cancel buttons on Log QSO window maintain fixed positions
- Put EU VHF contest serial numbers into the ADIF SRX and STX fields
- Enhancements to the Omni-Rig CAT interface
- New setting option to include or exclude WAE entities
BUG FIXES
- Fix generation of Tx5 message when one callsign is nonstandard
- Fix a bug that prevented use on macOS
- Fix a bug that caused mode switch from FT4 to FT8
- Fix a bug that caused FT4 to do WSPR-style band hopping
- Fix a bug that caused a Fortran bounds error
- Repaired field editing in the Contest Log window
Release candidate WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc6 will be available for beta-testing
through July 21, 2019. It will be inoperable during the ARRL June VHF
QSO Party (June 8-10) or ARRL Field Day (June 22-23). It will
permanently cease to function after July 21, 2019. If all goes
according to plan, by that time there will be a General
Availability (GA) release of WSJT-X 2.1.0.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc5
April 29, 2019
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.0 fifth release candidate is a minor release including the
following.
- Repairs a defect that stopped messages from UDP servers being accepted.
- Improved message sequencing a QSO end for CQing FT4 stations.
- "Best S+P" action times out after two minutes waiting for a candidate.
- Updated macOS Info.plist to comply with latest mic. privacy controls.
- Multi-pass decoding for FT4 inc. prior decode subtraction.
- Fast/Normal/Deep options for the FT4 decoder.
- Proposed suggested working frequencies for the new FT4 mode.
- Repair a defect in RTTY RU where sequencer fails to advance to Tx3.
- Fix a defect where the contest serial # spin box was incorrectly hidden.
- Fix defects in ALL.TXT formatting for JT65 and JT9.
- Reduce timeout for AP decoding with own call from 10 mins to 5 mins.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc4
April 10, 2019
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.0 fourth release candidate is a minor release including the
following.
- New "Call Best" button for FT4 mode to select the best reply to a
CQ call based on neediness.
- Fixed UTC display on FT4 waterfall.
This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial
the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit
feedback to guide future development.
*Note* this release is not for general public release and we request
that it is not distributed.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc3
April 5, 2019
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.0 third release candidate is an enhancement release to
change the implementation of the new FT4 mode to a synchronous T/R
period of 6 seconds.
This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial
the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit
feedback to guide future development.
*Note* this release is not for general public release and we request
that it is not distributed.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc2
March 29, 2019
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.0 second release candidate is a bug fix release to repair
some usability issues with FT4 contest mode. The following new
features are also included.
- Better options for QSO flow by clicking Tx# buttons to transmit
- A 64-bit package for Windows 64-bit systems
- Improved FT4 sync detection speed
This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial
the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit
feedback to guide future development.
*Note* this release is not for general public release and we request
that it is not distributed.
Release: WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc1
March 25, 2019
-------------------------
WSJT-X 2.1.0 first release candidate is a preview alpha quality
release containing the following new features.
- FT4 mode, a new mode targeted at HF digital contesting
- GMSK modulation for FT4 and FT8
- New waterfall option to select between raw sensitivity or a
filtered signal representation for best visualization of signal
quality
This release is made by invitation only to selected testers to trial
the FT4 mode in semi-realistic contest simulations and to elicit
feedback to guide future development.
*Note* this release is not for general public release and we request
that it is not distributed.
Release: WSJT-X 2.0.1
February 25, 2019
---------------------
WSJT-X 2.0.1 is a bug fix release including the following defect
repairs reported since the v2.0.0 GA release.
- Remove startup message about importance of upgrading to v2.0.
- Relax ADIF log file parsing to allow garbage between records and
records with no DX callsign
- Fix bug that prevented retention of power and comments in
Log QSO window
- Updates to User Guide
- MSK144 frequency defaults to 50.260 in IARU Regions 2 and 3
- Remove hexadecimal RGB values from color-configuration panel
- Fix a bounds error by not executing Fox-related code when not
in Fox mode
- Allow the logQSO dialog to modify "Exch Sent" or "Rcvd" when
operating in RTTY or NA VHF Contest mode, and to have any
changes flow through to N1MM Logger.
- Fix several problems in handling hashed callsigns
- More rigorous quality checking of WSPR decodes from the OSD algorithm
- Fix bug that prevented recevied signal reports from
compound callsigns to be logged
- Improved recognition of callsigns with /P or /R suffixes
- Do not waste time trying AP decoding of nonstandard callsigns
- Make OSD decoding work with WSPR "type 2" messages
- Retain in Tx6 message field any CQ messages like
"CQ xxxx K1ABC FN42", where xxxx is 1-4 letters or 1-3 digits
- Optional key bindings for F1 through F5, especially for contest use
- Include grid in Tx1 messages with hashed callsign, for example
"<DF2018ARDF> K1ABC FN42"
- Better formatting for the files ALL.TXT and ALL_WSPR.TXT
- Correct a flaw in validating contest exchange data when logging
- Option to always start new decode periods at top of Band
Activity window
- New command "Erase WSPR hashtable" on the File menu
- Improved validation for ARRL RTTY RU and FD exchange fields
- UDP Reference applications join a multicast group on all available
multicast capable network interfaces
- Minor code changes to support Qt versions >=5.10
- Changes to support x64 Windows builds in preparation for Qt v5.12
- Add "ADIF Export ..." to Fox Log's contextual popup menu
- Use ARRL-required names for VHF+ bands in exported Cabrillo log
- New utility program rigctlcom-wsjtx (from Hamlib)
- Remove temporary FT8 working frequencies from default frequency list
- UDP protocol's Clear (3) message is made two-way, for better
communication with DX Lab Suite applications
- Reset QSO start time when aborting a QSO or clearing messages by ESC
or F4
- Correct a logging issue in Fox's ADIF log when Fox sends RR73 to more
than one Hound in the same Tx sequence.
Release: WSJT-X 2.0
December 10, 2018
-----------------------
WSJT-X 2.0 is a major update that introduces new protocols for FT8 and
MSK144. The new protocols become the world-wide standards on December
10, 2018.
WSJT-X 2.0 cannot communicate in these modes with other stations using
WSJT-X v1.9.1 or earlier.
Please help by urging everyone to upgrade no later than January 1, 2019.
New features since WSJT-X v1.9.1:
1. Compound and nonstandard callsigns are automatically recognized and
handled using new message formats.
2. The new FT8 protocol provides optimized message formats for North
American VHF contests, European VHF contests, ARRL Field Day, and ARRL
RTTY Roundup. Similarly, the new MSK144 protocol provides optimized
message formats for North American VHF and European VHF contests.
Full support is provided for "/R" and "/P" calls in the relevant
contests.
3. The new protocols provide nearly equal (or better) sensitivity
compared to the old ones, and lower false decode rates.
4. New logging features are provided for contesting and for "Fox"
(DXpedition) mode. Logging is optionally integrated with N1MM Logger+
and WriteLog.
5. Color highlighting of decoded messages provides worked-before
status for callsigns, grid locators, DXCC entities, continents, CQ
Zones, and ITU zones on a “by band” and “by mode” basis, and for
stations that have uploaded their logs to Logbook of the World (LoTW)
within a specified time interval.
6. The WSPR decoder now achieves decodes down to S/N = -31 dB. For
the particular benefit of LF/MF users, an option "No own call decodes"
has been added.
7. The UDP messages sent to companion programs have been expanded and
improved.
Some details of changes since WSJT-X-rc5 include the following:
- Initial load of ADIF log in background
- Correct the UTC displayed in Fox/Contest log
- Faster entry and correct scrolling for Fox/Contest log
- Add contest exchanges and contest type to UDP logged QSO message
- Fix a bug that suppressed decodes with negative DT.
- AK and HI are DXCCs, not states, for RTTY Roundup
- Fix improper truncation of some non-FT8 messages in ALL.TXT
- Various minor bug fixes and code cleanup
- Update the WSJT-X User Guide to v2.0 (more to come...)
- Update cty.dat
Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc5
November 26, 2018
-----------------------
Release Candidate 5 ("RC5") is stable, works well, and fixes the known
problems in RC4. It is likely that the General Availability (GA)
release of WSJT-X 2.0 will be nearly identical to RC5.
Changes from WSJT-X 2.0-rc4 include the following:
- Make the "Auto Seq" checkbox sticky, again
- Remove the 5-minute mouse timer
- Correct the "worked before" logic for color highlighting
- Add "No own call decodes" checkbox in WSPR mode
- Display and log UTC (not local time) in contest operations
- Validate contest QSO details before allowing logging
- Force Aqua theme on macOS to avoid issues with Mojave dark theme
- Move Fox log Reset action to Fox log window context menu
- Improve layout of Working Frequencies and Station Information tables
- Allow deletes and editing in Fox and Contest log windows
- Add Tool Tips for Fox and Contest log windows
- Fix a bug causing false AP decodes in JT65 VHF+ operation
- Fix a bug that could switch unexpectedly from JT65 to JT9 mode
PLEASE NOTE: As far as WSJT-X 2.0 (RC4, RC5, and GA releases) are
concerned, signals using the old FT8 protocol are undecodable
interference. This means that regenerated replicas cannot be
subtracted from received data, and consequently second- and third-pass
decodes may be impeded. Full performance of the 77-bit decoder will
not be realized until most signals on a crowded band are using the
new FT8 protocol.
Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc4
November 12, 2018
-----------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 2.0.0-rc3 include the following:
- Fix the "cannot open file fort.81" bug
- Avoid too many redirect loops related to openSSL support
- Fix the auto-generated messages for nonstandard callsigns
- Remove all support for the legacy FT8 protocol
- Disallow selecting MSK144 with RTTY or Field Day messages active
- Correct and expand support for color highlighting decoded messages
- ESC key aborts a QSO, clears DX Call, and selects Tx6
- Disable "nextCall" procedure for RTTY contest; it still needs work
- Correct a flaw in handling MSK144 Sh messages
- Prevent Fox from inadvertently toggling Tx 1st/Even
- Re-organize the Fox/Hound/Contest selection boxes
- Improve the validators for contest exchange boxes
- Disable Tx after 5 minutes of no mouse movement
- Remove end-of-line AP info when using contest messages
- Fix forwarding of Sent and Rcvd exchanges to N1MM+ and ADIF log
- Don't auto-log a QSO with incomplete exchange info
- Fix two sequencing flaws after double-clicks on a decoded msg
- New facilities for Contest and Fox-mode logging
Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc3
October 15, 2018
-----------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 2.0.0-rc2 include the following:
- Improved SNR calculation for FT8
- Test grid4 (not grid6) for matches in ADIF log
- Auto-generate 77-bit messages for callsigns with /R or /P
- Fix auto-sequencing for "CQ ABC ...", "CQ ABCD ...", etc.
- Fix the "CQ RU RU ..." bug
- Implement AP decoding for contest messages and for Hound
- Check Field Day and RTTY Roundup exchanges for validity
- Implement "Select next caller" and use of "TU; ..." messages
- Option to "auto log" in contests
- Real-time display of contest log
- Contest exchanges sent to ADIF log and N1MM+
- Function to export Cabrillo log
- Convert DXpedition mode to always use 77-bit messages
- Fix bug associated with opening "houndcallers.txt"
- Remove end-of-line numbers from MSK144 decodes
- Finish MSK144 encoding/decoding for Sh msgs and nonstandard calls
- Halt Tx before resetting power after Tune
- Auto update of LoTW info, and faster program startup
Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc2
September 25, 2018
-----------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 2.0.0-rc1 include the following:
- Corrected a flaw that encoded a message's first callsign as
hexadecimal telemetry data if the call consisted only of letters
A-F and digits 0-9.
- Corrected program logic that failed to identify certain callsigns
as "nonstandard".
- Fixed a bug that color-highlighted bare CQ messages (no grid
locator) as "New DXCC".
- Fixed a bug that failed to log Report Sent if MyCall is a
nonstandard call.
- Fixed a bug that generated incorrect MSK144 tones for certain
messages and caused a "memory" effect on stations receiving the
incorrect tones.
- Fixed several bugs that could cause certain Tx messages to crash
the program.
- Suppressed the display of certain illogical false decodes.
Release: WSJT-X 2.0-rc1
September 17, 2018
-----------------------
This is the first candidate release on WSJT-X 2.0, intended for
beta-level testing. For details see:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/New_Features_WSJT-X_2.0.txt
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Quick_Start_WSJT-X_2.0.pdf
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/77bit.txt
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.1
May 31, 2018
-----------------------------
This release is a critical bug fix release that removes an unintended
restriction of FT8 DXpedition mode.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0
May 28, 2018
-----------------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc4 include the following:
- Display in the right text window of MSK144 messages addressed to
"MyCall" has been restored.
- Fox is not allowed to transmit in any of the default FT8 sub-bands.
- Fox can now work Hounds using compound callsigns.
- Fox can now transmit free-text messages (and any standard FT8 message)
by using Tab 1 or Tab 2.
- Added a checkbox to enable more frequent programmed CQs by Fox.
Default is OFF.
- Alt+N keyboard shortcut has been restored.
- MacOS program crash on unexpected decode request has been fixed.
- Several minor bug fixes and added convenience features.
- Hamlib, support for TRXManger added.
- Hamlib, improved support for flrig.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc4
April 30, 2018
---------------------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc3 include the following:
- Corrected a number of flaws in Fox and Hound behavior, FT8
DXpedition Mode
- Decoded CQ calls where a prefix has been used as a suffix should
have the DXCC entity name assigned correctly in almost all cases
- Improved AFC capability for the wider JT65 sub-modes to help with
drifting signals
- Better support for macOS using hi-DPI Retina displays
- New UDP message that allows external applications to highlight
decoded callsigns
- Main-screen geometry and state of the "splitter" setting between its
two text windows is now properly restored after program restart.
- New simulator jt49sim[.exe] replaces jt4sim and jt9sim
- Correct S/N measurements for the JT9 slow/wide submodes
- Other minor bug fixes
- Updated copy of cty.dat
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc3
March 18, 2018
---------------------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc2 include the following:
- Corrected a number of flaws in Fox behavior, FT8 DXpedition Mode
- Allow Hounds to use compound callsigns
- Write debugging information to FoxQSO.txt.
- Fix the "Blue Decode Button" bug
- Allow partial processing of incoming UDP Reply messages so that
non-CQ/QRZ decodes can be processed. The processing is the same as
double-clicking the same decoded message within WSJT-X except that
"Enable Tx" will not be enabled.
- Send DX grid locator to wsjt_status.txt, for use by applications like
PstRotatorAZ
- Correct the display of DXCC status of KG4 calls
- Updated copy of cty.dat
- Updates to documentation
- Other minor bug fixes
- This release contains updated Hamlib functionality including changes
to the Yaesu FT-817 back end that allows the uBITx kit transceiver
to be CAT controlled by WSJT-X.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.9.0-rc2
February 26, 2018
---------------------------------
Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 include the following:
- New FT8 DXpedition Mode to facilitate high QSO rates in pileup
situations
- Decoding improvements for JT65 mode, including a priori (AP)
decoding when VHF/UHF/Microwave features are enabled
- Optional Auto-Sequencing in JT4, JT9, and JT65 when
VHF/UHF/Microwave features are enabled
- Better suppression of low-confidence false decodes generated by AP
decoding in FT8 mode
- Improved decoding performance for WSPR mode, especially effective at
LF and MF
- Minor adjustments to auto-sequencing behavior
- More flexible Doppler control features for EME
- Improved waterfall sensitivity for very weak signals
- Automatic real-time forwarding of logged information to N1MM Logger+
- Expanded and improved UDP messages sent to companion programs
- Bug fixes and other minor tweaks to user interface
A primary purpose of this beta release is to allow field testing of
FT8 DXpedition Mode. Instructions for this mode are posted here:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/FT8_DXpedition_Mode.pdf
Contacts in FT8 DXpedition Mode must use WSJT-X v1.9.0 at both ends of
the QSO. Please report any anomalous behavior to email list
wsjt-devel@lists.sourceforge.net. You must be a subscriber in order
to post there.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0
October 27, 2017
-----------------------------
This is the full General Availability release of WSJT-X Version 1.8.0.
Changes from WSJT-X Version 1.8.0-rc3 are very minor:
- Right-click on the Wide Graph now pops up a Context Menu. Select
the item *Set Rx & Tx Offset* to complete a one-handed setting of
both red and green frequency markers.
- Several clarifications and additions to Tool Tips and the User Guide.
We recommend that all users should upgrade to WSJT-X Version 1.8.0.
If you upgrade from v1.8.0-rc1 it may be necessary to do a one-time
reset of the default list of suggested operating frequencies. Go to
*File->Settings->Frequencies*, right click on the table and select
*Reset*.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0-rc3
October 16, 2017
---------------------------------
Most (but not all) changes since Version 1.8.0-rc2 involve user
control of the increasingly popular FT8 mode. The "RC3" release also
includes minor bug fixes and updates to the WSJT-X User Guide.
The following list includes all of the more important changes:
- New optimization of GUI for simplex and split behavior in FT8 mode.
1. Checkbox "Lock Tx Freq" on main window is relabeled "Hold Tx Freq".
2. Double-clicking on decoded messages that do not contain your own
call moves both Rx and Tx frequencies. If the first callsign is
your own call, only Rx freq moves.
3. Double-clicking on decoded messages moves the Rx frequency. If
"Hold Tx Freq" is checked, Tx frequency is moved only if CTRL was
held down.
4. Clicking on the waterfall moves Rx and Tx frequencies as
before: Rx only on a simple click, Tx only on SHIFT-click, and
both on CTRL-click. This happens even if "Hold Tx Freq" is
checked.
- Add a semi-automated "FreqCal" procedure: see *Solve for calibration
parameters* on the Tools menu.
- Improv auto-sequencing behavior: stop and on-frequency
transmission if a called station comes back to someone else.
- Improve S/N estimation in some situations involving QRM.
- Fix an initialization issue with user-modified application fonts.
- Fix an issue with Tx5 message generation with Type 2 compound calls.
- Enhance and improve the ADIF parser of logbook records. Update
the band limits as per ADIF 3.0.6 specification.
- Increase the FT8 DT range to +/- 2.5 s.
- Do not allow window manager events to close the astronomical data
window.
- Add an "Erase" item to the context (right-click) menu for decoded
text.
- Extend UDP messages with an "off air" boolean field indicating that
the decode was derived from a .WAV file playback rather than an on air
reception.
- Extend reference applications to use the new off air decode message
field.
- Improve performance of FT8 decoder, especially for overlapping
signals.
- Allow specialized use of "x2 Tone Spacing" in FT8 and slow JT9
modes.
- Move "NA VHF Contest Mode" checkbox to main screen. Query the
operator if d > 10000 km.
- Adjust UI to improve portability with font size changes and between
platforms.
- Extend UDP Reply message to support keyboard modifiers. This allows
UDP servers to emulate keyboard modified double-clicks on decoded
messages, e.g. ALT+double-click for replying to a CQ or QRZ call
without changing ones Tx frequency offset.
- Update the cty.dat file (21st Sept 2017).
- Ensure that Fast Graph is properly initialized.
- Better handling of worked before and country name display. Appended
text is added at a fixed column unless the message overlaps in which
case the appended information floats to the right.
- Restore printing of MSK144 decode quality information.
- Display Echo Graph automatically when Echo mode is started.
- Fix a bug that prevented double-click on a JT65 EME-style "OOO"
message from populating the Tx message boxes.
- Fixed behavior with double-click on 'CQ <AA-ZZ> <call> <grid>.'
- Update the "blank line" divider with band ID at 4*TRperiod/5.
- Fix cty.dat lookups that were not honouring exact match flags
- Add some further Copyright protections.
- Fix a bug involving "firstcall contains mycall" but not equal to mycall.
- Fix an issue with editing IARU regions in the working frequencies table.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0-rc2
September 2, 2017
---------------------------------
Implementation of FT8 and its auto-sequencing feature is now more
capable and more polished. The decoder is faster and better: it now
includes signal subtraction, multi-pass decoding, and the use of
accumulated "a priori" information as a QSO progresses. Sensitivity
extends downward as far as -24 dB in some circumstances. Overlapping
signals 2 and 3 deep are frequently decoded at essentially the same
frequency. On a crowded band we sometimes see more than 30 decodes in
a single 15-second interval, over a 2 kHz window. The North American
VHF Contesting Mode has been extended to include both FT8 and MSK144
modes.
The "RC2" release also includes many minor bug fixes and an
extensively updated WSJT-X User Guide.
Depending on what code revision you upgrade from, it may be necessary
to do a one-time reset of the default list of suggested operating
frequencies. Go to *File->Settings->Frequencies*, right click on
the table and select *Reset*.
Release: WSJT-X Version 1.8.0
-----------------------------
NEW FEATURES IN WSJT-X Version 1.8.0
------------------------------------
1. New mode called FT8: sensitivity down to -20 dB on the AWGN
channel; QSOs 4 times faster than JT65 or JT9; auto-sequencing
includes an option to respond automatically to first decoded
reply to your CQ.
2. New mode for accurate Frequency Calibration of your radio.
3. Improved performance of decoders for JT65, QRA64, and MSK144.
MSK144 includes facilities for amplitide and phase equalization
and an "SWL" mode for short-format messages.
4. Options to minimize screen space used by Main and Wide Graph
windows.
5. Enhanced management scheme for table of operating frequencies, and
a new set of default frequencies specific to the three IARU
Regions.
6. Improved CAT control for many rigs, including those controlled
through Commander or OmniRig.
7. New keyboard shortcuts to set "Tx even/1st" ON or OFF.
8. A number of (mostly minor) bug fixes and tweaks to the user
interface. For example: new behavior for the audio level slider;
correctly logged QSO start times in certain situations; correct
control of FT-891/991 and some other radios via rigctld.
At the time of the v1.8.0-rc1 release the following tasks are yet to
be completed:
1. Updates to WSJT-X User Guide.
2. Sample files for FT8.
3. Enhanced decoding using AP ("a priori") information.
4. Signal subtraction and multi-pass decoding.
5. Option to Auto-respond to the weakest responder to your CQ.
Installation packages for Windows, Linux, OS X, and Raspbian can be
downloaded from the WSJT web site:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjtx.html
Please send bug reports to either wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com or
wsjt-devel@lists.sourceforge.net. Such reports should include a full
prescription of steps to reproduce the undesired behavior. You must
be a subscriber to post to either of these lists.
Brief Description of the FT8 Protocol
-------------------------------------
WSJT-X Version 1.8.0 includes a new mode called FT8, developed by K9AN
and K1JT. The mode name "FT8" stands for "Franke and Taylor, 8-FSK
modulation". FT8 uses 15-second T/R sequences and provides 50% or
better decoding probability down to -20 dB on an AWGN channel. An
auto-sequencing facility includes an option to respond automatically
to the first decoded reply to your CQ. FT8 QSOs are 4 times faster
than those made with JT65 or JT9. FT8 is an excellent mode for HF
DXing and for situations like multi-hop E_s on 6 meters, where deep
QSB may make fast and reliable completion of QSOs desirable.
Some important characteristics of FT8:
- T/R sequence length: 15 s
- Message length: 75 bits + 12-bit CRC
- FEC code: LDPC(174,87)
- Modulation: 8-FSK, tone spacing 6.25 Hz
- Constant-envelope waveform
- Occupied bandwidth: 50 Hz
- Synchronization: 7x7 Costas arrays at start, middle, and end
- Transmission duration: 79*1920/12000 = 12.64 s
- Decoding threshold: -20 dB; several dB lower with AP decoding
- Multi-decoder finds and decodes all FT8 signals in passband
- Optional auto-sequencing and auto-reply to a CQ response
- Operational behavior similar to JT9, JT65
We plan to implement signal subtraction, two-pass decoding, and use of
a priori (AP) information in the decoder. These features are not yet
activated in v1.8.0.
We haven't yet finalized what the three extra bits in the message
payload will be used for. Suggestions are welcome!
++++++ -- Joe, K1JT, for the WSJT Development Team
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