Re: [wsjt-devel] Hints for MSK144 operation

[Reino T. <rei...@ko...>]

Hello Marco,

User Guide 9.5 MSK144 gives answers to most of your questions. Please note that MSK144 is a totally different protocol than e.g. FT8. It uses the whole audio bandwidth and, in that sense, there is only a single ‘correct’ audio transmit and reception frequency, in most if not all rigs it is 1500 Hz. Your receiver bandwidth should be 300 Hz to 2400 Hz or more. If possible, I would set it wider as the then the receiver should perform better. Also a symmetric bandwidth around 1500 Hz should be a good selection on the decoding point of view.

The selection of the Decode level and Ftol depends on your computer capabilities. A modern one should manage Deep and 200 Hz.

You may try Tx even/1st selection, but I don’t know whether in your region has a rule how to select it depending on the antenna direction.

 

73, Reino OH3mA

 

From: Marco Calistri via wsjt-devel <wsj...@li...> 
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2025 2:57 PM
To: 'WSJT software development' <wsj...@li...>
Cc: Marco Calistri <PY...@ou...>
Subject: [wsjt-devel] Hints for MSK144 operation

 

    Hello,

    I'm totally new to MSK world and I would like to get some hints by experienced users about right settings to use with WSJT-X, as well as additional directions.

    Let's see the settings first:





1.	    Decoding: FAST, NORMAL, DEEP (what is the format used normally?)
2.	    F Tol: I let this always to 200
3.	    RX: here I would like to ask: why program start with 160 Hz if the majority of ham operators use 1500 Hz?
4.	    T/R: here we have to set to 15 or 30 seconds?

    Other doubt is related to monitoring local stations that are not coming trough scatter reflection, in this case (direct propagation to nearby station) normally the decoding fails and WSJT-X         doesn't show any message, is this normal?

*	    What are the best hours to expect a possible MSK144 propagation (of course considering the availability of a meteor shower), I mean during the day or during the night?

*	    Is it necessary to use an AZ/EL antenna to operate MSK or not?


    Many thanks for your kindest attention!

 

---
73 de Marco, PY1ZRJ (former IK5BCU)