wsjt-x_improved is an enhanced version of the excellent WSJT-X software by Joe Taylor K1JT, Steve Franke K9AN, Bill Somerville G4WJS and others (https://sourceforge.net/projects/wsjt/). Sometimes, however, even good things can be improved…
Notes: wsjt-x_improved is experimental and is licensed under GNU GPL v3 (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.txt). I am not aware of any adverse effects. However, use it at your own risk!
GENERAL NOTICE:
I am now also part of the core WSJT Development group. This opens the possibility for more users to benefit from my improvements in the future. Nevertheless, I still see a reasonable coexistence of both programs, the excellent original WSJT-X and my version. The target audience of my wsjt-x_improved program are mainly technically astute users. I offer DX-oriented optimizations as well as innovative enhancements and features, that sometimes may not (yet) be fully suitable for the mass market. Furthermore, wsjt-x_improved allows me to react faster and more flexible to user requests. So be happy about 2 nice programs and use the one you like best.
Mailing list: https://sourceforge.net/projects/wsjt-x-improved/lists/wsjt-x-improved-community
CHANGELOG
Note: To stay compatible with the version numbering of the original WSJT-X, I do not add a new version number for wsjt-x_improved intermediate updates. The sub-version is always equal to the upload date at Sourceforge.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.7.1
A new 2.7.1 version of wsjt-x_improved is currently under development. It has the
following new features for now:
- Full Duplex Mode (FDM):
- New optional feature.
- When FDM is enabled, wsjt-x_improved is able to transmit and receive at the
same time. This is very useful for satellite operation, where the audio source
is normally set to the transponder downlink, and possibly also in some special
situations where you want to monitor your own transmit signal (e.g. when using
a webSDR as audio source).
- FDM works for the slow modes (FT8, FT4, Q65, etc.) as well as for fast modes
like MSK144.
- Several modifications to AutoSeq were made to prevent QSOs with the own callsign.
- Your own messages are highlighted in the Band Activity window in the color you
selected for "Transmitted message".
- Freely selectable FT8 frequencies for band hopping:
- Several OMs wanted this.
- Now the user can define up to 8 FT8 frequencies himself by spinboxes, or simply
enter the QRG via the keypad.
- The default frequencies for the new spinboxes are set to the standard DXp QRGs.
- But now you can enter any frequency, and it is remembered, so you can monitor
for example you local QRG, or a DXpedition using other frequencies, or the like.
- Advanced functions for the 75-bit modes (JT65, JT9, JT4):
- Available from code "231005" upwards.
- Introduction of AutoSeq also to JT65, JT9 and JT4, so that these modes can now
be operated (almost) as easily as the 77-bit modes (FT8, FT4, MSK144, Q65, FST4).
- The Wait features and also Filters now also work for JT65, JT9 and JT4.
- Also CQ: First, CQ: MaxDist, CQ: Max dB and CQ: Min dB are now operational for
these modes.
- This makes especially the "good old" JT9 mode interesting for DX again, because
it is more than 3 dB more sensitive than FT8, and also very frequency-efficient.
- Update Hamlib (Windows only):
- On Windows, you can now update Hamlib directly from wsjt-x_improved.
- It also automatically backs up your old libhamlib-4.dll file, so you can revert
your Hamlib update, or go back to your previous Hamlib version in case a future
program update brings a new Hamlib that doesn't work well with your rig.
- This feature is available as of the "231024" code.
- Display PWR and SWR, and Halt Tx when SWR > 2.5:
- You can now stop the transmission automatically if the SWR exceeds 2.5, e.g. if
you have accidentally selected the wrong antenna.
- Also the transmit PWR is then displayed in realtime.
- It works with most of the modern rigs. Important: Your transceiver must be
either connected via one of the hamlib rig drivers or via FLRig.
- This feature is available as of the "231110" code.
- Band Buttons:
- Optional feature, available from code "240202" upwards.
- The band buttons can be switched on/off via the View menu.
- Clicking on a band button causes the program to search the frequency table for
the band/mode "default" frequency. Users can define these "default" QRGs by
their own. Just set the "Pref" checkboxes in Settings/Frequencies according to
your needs.
- Right-clicking the band buttons will take you directly to the main DXpedition
frequencies when in FT8 mode (or to the intercontinental QRG on 6m).
- With the latest Hamlib version, ATU on/off status is now remembered per band
for Yaesu FT-991. Very useful together with the new band buttons! Support of this
function for more rigs may follow in the future. This feature is brand new!
- New technology for the Band Hopping checkboxes:
- Like with the band buttons, the static Band Hopping checkboxes for FT8, FT4 and
MSK144 now also get their frequencies from the Settings / Frequencies list. This
has the advantage that you can define yourself which QRGs should be hopped to.
Useful for contests, or when there are local frequencies (e.g. 160m in Japan).
- New option to automatically remove saved audio files after 30 days.
- It can be activated in the "Save" menu and helps to keep the total size of the
saved data within reasonable limits.
- If active, such files are removed when the program is started.
- Download CALL3.TXT:
- You can now download the latest CALL3.TXT file either for terrestrial use or EME.
- The previous CALL3.TXT file is backed up.
- Further options for the filters:
- All Quick Filters are now accessible via the new "Filters" menu.
- A new Ignore List allows you to either highlight unwanted stations, ignore them
with CQ: XYZ, Wait&Pounce and Best S+P, or hide them completely. Click the new
"Ignore" button to add a station to the list. You can delete the Ignore List
via the new "Erase Ignore List" entry in the File menu.
- Extended "Highlight callsign worked today" to "... worked today or yesterday".
This is better for contests or for time zones where 00:00 UTC is not at midnight
but sometime in the middle of the day. And there are now for such stations the
same three options available as for the Ignore List: highlight, ignore or hide
stations worked today or yesterday.
- A new "kHz without k" checkbox allows setting of kHz frequency offsets without 'k'
suffix via the band select field. EME enthusiasts can now for example directly
enter something like "250", press the RETURN key, and it will bring them to
XXXX.250 MHz instead of 250 MHz.
- New option to log the ADIF field <SAT_MODE>, available as of code "231004".
- New technology for the Audible Alerts: The sound files are now located in the bin
directory of the installation. This has the advantage that also on Linux and
macOS you won't have to cope the sounds folder to your home directory anymore.
- Numerous other minor improvements and fixes.
- Update to the new hamlib_4.6, providing 5 and 10 GHz support for the IC-905.
Version 2.7.1 is still officially in development phase, so further refinements of
the program can be expected in the future. Send bug reports directly to me, along
with a concise description of how I can reproduce the unwanted effect.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.7.0
Release Candidate 6 2024-07-19:
WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 6 is a bug-fix release primarily affecting the new
SuperFox mode. It brings significant performance enhancement to the SuperFox decoder.
My 'improved' version with this code is wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel 240719-RC6.
Other improvements introduced with the 240719-RC6 code:
- Fixed a minor inconsistency in the Wait & Call function when in Hound (or Super
Hound) mode.
- The Rx Frequency window shows now only messages for you when in Super Hound mode.
(Hopefully) fixed this annoying "subprocess error at line 63 of sfox_demod.f90 ..."
bug that occurred on some operating systems. We took two slightly different
approaches to this, and we will see which one works best:
- WSJT-X can now only be installed in a path that does not contain any blanks.
- wsjt-x_improved uses a slightly more sophisticated approach, so that the program
can still be installed in a path that contains blanks on Windows.
- Update to Hamlib_4.6_2024-07-13_SHA=fc8642.
Here are the original Release Notes for WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc6: (Note that as an "Improved"
user, you have already received some of the mentioned bug fixes with the 240714 update)
- Strong signals from Superfox too frequently failed to decode.
- SuperFox sometimes sent incorrect signal reports and an invalid
digital signature.
- A Fortran bounds error could sometimes occur in the SuperFox
decoder.
- For SuperFox operator, the "age" displayed for Hound callers
became garbled after the 0000 UTC date change.
- Decodes of SuperFox transmissions were not posted to PSK Reporter.
- Some SuperFox-related messages were posted incorrectly to ALL.TXT.
- Logic for turning the SuperHound label green was flawed in some
circumstances.
Release Candidate 5 2024-07-01:
WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 5 introduces "SuperFox" mode, a powerful new tool
designed to help DXpeditions make digital QSOs at very high rates. RC5 also
brings several other improvements and bug fixes.
The new wsjt-x_improved version with these features is wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel
"240701-RC5".
Changes to both WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 and wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel "240701-RC5":
SuperFox mode:
- The SuperFox mode behaves operationally like the present Fox and Hounds mode
but uses a constant envelope waveform for Fox's transmissions rather than
sending concurrent streams of up to five normal FT8 signals. This approach
means that up to 9 messages can be transmitted simultaneously with no
signal-strength penalty, resulting in a system gain of about +10 dB compared
to the conventional Fox/Hound operation with 5 slots.
- IMPORTANT: Older revisions of WSJT-X and derivative programs will not be
able to decode SuperFox transmissions. Hounds must use either WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5
wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel "240701-RC5" (or a later release, when available)
to receive SuperFox messages.
- Hounds chasing the DX station will transmit normal FT8 signals, as in the
old-style Fox and Hound mode. QSOs will be logged as FT8 mode.
- When using SuperFox mode, Hound stations may call at any frequency in Fox's
received passband, including the range 0 - 1000 Hz. Hounds do not QSY to a
lower frequency for their final transmission.
- SuperFox Operation requires the Fox operator to use a valid digital key.
Keys will be issued in advance to legitimate DXpeditions by the Northern
California DX Foundation, and will be kept secret.
- Every SuperFox transmission includes a unique digital signature. Hounds
receiving a SuperFox message will see a "<callsign> verified" flag if the
transmitted signature is valid, and the on-screen "Super Hound" label will
turn from red to green.
- Hound operation should begin by selecting "Special operating activity",
"Hound", and "SuperFox mode" on the Settings -> Advanced tab. Alternatively,
right-clicking on the FT8 button toggles SuperFox mode on/off for either
Fox or Hound, allowing quick transitions between SuperFox and old-style Fox
and Hound operation.
- SuperFox stations can send free text messages of up to 26 characters together
with messages to as many as 4 Hounds.
Other enhancements:
- Corrected a flaw that caused "Log automatically" to not work for the ARRL
Digi Contest.
- Control elements for special operating activities are now disabled (grayed
out) if the respective function is not applicable.
- Corrected a longstanding flaw that caused "Start new period decodes at top"
to stop working properly after some time.
- Right-click mouse press events are now less error-prone.
- Improved the readability of the first line when "Start new period decodes at
top" is checked.
- 4-digit grids are now logged for certain contest modes to ensure that the log
complies with contest rules.
- The Fox Tx frequency is now saved and restored separately.
Changes exclusively to wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-RC5 "240701-RC5":
- All versions of wsjt-x_improved now provide highDPI scaling (4K support).
This function is enabled by default, but can now be switched off via the
checkbox at Settings/Advanced. The highDPI scaling feature usually results in
a better and proportionally correct display of the control elements on
high-resolution monitors (2K, 4K, 8K, etc.). However, this applies primarily
to Windows. My code should theoretically also work on Linux, but this depends
on the distribution. MacOS offers its own 4K support out of the box.
- The Advanced tab of the Settings dialog has now a new "GUI tweaks for
high-resolution monitors" group box. Besides highDPI scaling there is also a
new "Increased height of the tab widget" checkbox. This option is primarily
intended for the AL version.
- Some minor improvements and bug fixes.
- Update to hamlib 4.6_2024-06-27_SHA=745e72.
Release Candidate 4 2024-03-11:
WSJT-X v2.7.0 Release Candidate 4 brings two major improvements:
1. QMAP is now able to decode both 60-second and 30-second T/R sequence lengths at
the same time. This is a milestone for EME operation, and many users had wished
for this.
2. Some code changes to WSJT-X which significantly reduce problems experienced when
(contrary to our recommendations) messages with short (10-bit) callsign hashes
are used in standard FT4/FT8 sub-bands.
The new wsjt-x_improved version with these features is wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel
"240311-rc4".
Enhancements for both WSJT-X v2.7.0-RC4 and wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1 "240311-rc4":
- QMAP enhancements -- of particular interest to EME operators:
- QMAP now decodes Q65 submodes with both 60-second and 30-second T/R sequence
lengths. Clicking on a resulting line in the WSJT-X Active Stations window
automatically sets dial frequency and working submode as needed to call that
station.
- QMAP operates in 60-second receive sequences, and its Q65 decoder starts at
t=19.5, 30.0, 49.5, and 58.5 s into the sequence. Most decoded messages are
displayed well before the end of the relevant time slot.
- A new, more compact file format is now used for wideband data files. A "Save
decoded" option has been added to the Save menu.
- An option has been added to allow exporting a 3 kHz portion of a wideband data
file as a standard WSJT-X *.wav file.
- CTRL+click on QMAP's upper waterfall sends an integer kHz dial frequency
request to WSJT-X.
- With focus on the WSJT-X main window, hit Alt+A on the keyboard to clear the
Active Stations window.
- Many minor enhancements to the User Interface.
- WSJT-X:
- Enable decoding of MSK144 from the jt9[.exe] executable.
- Several changes to reduce problems experienced when (contrary to our
recommendations) messages with short (10-bit) callsign hashes are used in
standard FT4/FT8 sub-bands.
- Update to hamlib 4.6_2024-03-05_SHA=b358cd.
Enhancements exclusively for wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1 "240311-rc4":
- The 60m band button now uses the same technology as the others, meaning that
the target frequency is searched in the frequencies table. This fixes a bug
that prevented some OMs from switching to 60m with the band button.
- This technology is now also used for Band Hopping, meaning that the target
frequencies for the FT8, FT4 and MSK144 checkboxes are now also searched in
the Working Frequencies table at Settings/Frequencies, and thus can be defined
by the user.
- Set the OK button in the LogQSO dialogue window as the default.
- Some detail improvements to the "Erase band Activity window after band change"
feature.
- The text "Runaway Tx watchdog" is now displayed at the bottom left until the
next mouse or key press event, and the readability has been improved.
- The ADIF tag <my_gridsquare> is now only written when myGrid is not empty
(needed for some contest situations).
- Right-clicking on the "Band Hopping" button now plays a sound file to test the
Audible Alerts.
Release Candidate 3 2024-01-01:
With WSJT-X v2.7.0-rc3 we have added a few more of my 'improved' features to the
standard WSJT-X, as well as numerous detail improvements and bug fixes. Note that
RC3 brings significant advantages compared to RC2, so you should all update to at
least 2.7.0-rc3. Those of you who downloaded my recent wsjt-x_improved 2.7.1-devel
versions already received most of these important and useful new features.
However, I am also releasing a new 2.7.0-rc3 version for wsjt-x_improved so that
OMs who do not want to install development versions can now also enjoy the great
new features. For this, I took the latest stable snapshot of my 2.7.1 development
code, because it makes no sense to downgrade this well-functioning code again.
With this measure, it now has the status of a release candidate.
Changes for WSJT-X and wsjt-x_improved compared to v2.7.0-rc2:
- Added a new "Update Hamlib" function. On Windows, it allows the user to update
Hamlib directly from the program. The previously used version isbacked up, so
the user can easily revert a hamlib update.
- The Hamlib version in use is now displayed (also on Linux and macOS).
- The FT Roundup Messages protocol has been enhanced. It now allows also the
exchange of static 4-digit numbers instead of serial numbers. This extends the
usability of the FT RU protocol for other contest types.
- Improved direct switching between modes. Submode, as well as the status of the
"Sh" and "Fast" checkboxes are now saved and restored by mode.
- Some right-click events were made more intuitive and consistent.
- Right-clicking the Q65 button enables Q65 Pileup mode, a left-click brings
you back to the normal Q65 mode.
- Right-click the JT65 button to switch to JT9 mode.
- For Q65, all messages for us are now displayed in the right window.
- Message averaging is now allowed only when VHF features are enabled, and label
texts are changed to "Single Period Decodes" and "Average Decodes" only if
averaging is enabled.
- Some improvements to the Hamlib Transceiver code. Behavior is now more stable
when Rig Split has been selected.
- Prevented redundant network communication between WSJT-X and DX Lab Suite
Commander.
- Download of the LotW file now works without OpenSSL libraries.
- Made the spot counter work for WSPR.
- Prevented insertion of an individual contest name when in Fox mode.
- WAE entities are now assigned to the correct DXCC when "Include extra WAE
entities" is not selected.
- Added a utility program 'cablog' which can be used to convert the wsjtx.log
file to Cabrillo format for the ARRL EME contest.
- Minor improvements to the Active Stations window.
- The Rx/Tx frequency for Echo mode has been fixed at 1500 Hz.
- Some corrections and updates to the INSTALL instructions for Linux.
- Updated CTY.DAT file.
Changes exclusively for wsjt-x_improved:
- Full Duplex Mode (FDM):
- New optional feature.
- When FDM is enabled, wsjt-x_improved is able to transmit and receive at the
same time. This is very useful for satellite operation, where the audio source
is normally set to the transponder downlink, and possibly also in some special
situations where you want to monitor your own transmit signal (e.g. when using
a webSDR as audio source).
- FDM works for the slow modes (FT8, FT4, Q65, etc.) as well as for fast modes
like MSK144.
- Several modifications to AutoSeq were made to prevent QSOs with the own callsign.
- Your own messages are highlighted in the Band Activity window in the color you
selected for "Transmitted message".
- Freely selectable FT8 frequencies for band hopping:
- Several OMs wanted this.
- Now the user can define up to 8 FT8 frequencies himself by spinboxes, or simply
enter the QRG via the keypad.
- The default frequencies for the new spinboxes are set to the standard DXp QRGs.
- But now you can enter any frequency, and it is remembered, so you can monitor
for example your local QRG, or a DXpedition using other frequencies, or the like.
- Advanced functions for the 75-bit modes (JT65, JT9, JT4):
- Introduction of AutoSeq also to JT65, JT9 and JT4, so that these modes can now
be operated (almost) as easily as the 77-bit modes (FT8, FT4, MSK144, Q65, FST4).
- The Wait features and also Filters now also work for JT65, JT9 and JT4.
- Also CQ: First, CQ: MaxDist, CQ: Max dB and CQ: Min dB are now operational for
these modes.
- This makes especially the "good old" JT9 mode interesting for DX again, because
it is more than 3 dB more sensitive than FT8, and also very frequency-efficient.
- Display PWR and SWR, and Halt Tx when SWR > 2.5:
- You can now stop the transmission automatically if the SWR exceeds 2.5, e.g. if
you have accidentally selected the wrong antenna.
- Also the transmit PWR is then displayed in real-time.
- It works with most of the modern rigs. Important: Your transceiver must be
either connected via one of the hamlib rig drivers or via FLRig.
- New option to log the ADIF field <SAT_MODE>.
- Several other improvements and fixes to make the code more stable, more reliable,
and also a little faster.
Update 2023-08-01:
This intermediate update brings some important bug fixes as well as a number of
interesting new features. To remain compatible with the version numbering of
WSJT-X, the name "v2.7.0-rc2" remains the same, only the revision ID has been
changed to "230728". It brings the following changes:
- The sensitivity and stability of the FT8 decoder has been further improved.
Do not expect miracles, but occasionally one or two additional decodes.
- New option to turn the progress bar red while transmitting. This feature is
enabled by default, but you can switch it off in Settings > General via the
new "Turn progress bar red while transmitting" checkbox.
- The FT Roundup Messages protocol has been enhanced. You can now exchange fixed
4-digit numbers instead of consecutive QSO numbers. This enables a whole new
range of contests or QSO parties in the future. For example, the 4-digit number
can represent a POTA, COTA, SOTA designator, or a county, or something.
Note: This enhancement will also come for the original WSJT-X with v2.7.0-rc3.
- New option to freeze the Tx5 text by right-clicking on the Tx5 button. Useful
when some additional information (e.g. "73 FF4156") shall be transmitted as
free text message. Important: Any Tx5 message must contain "73".
- Blank lines between decode periods are now suppressed when Filters are enabled
and there are no other decodes than the filtered ones.
- Highlight DX Grid now also highlights the DX Grid in the messages if the
DX Grid text field contains a 6-digit locator.
- A new "Auto-open/close Astronomical Data window" checkbox allows EME operators
to automatically open the Astronomical Data window when switching to Q65, JT65,
or Echo mode and "Decode after EME delay" is checked. It closes automatically
when you switch to any other mode.
- NCCC FT4 Sprint: Logging is now also triggered when "RR73" is received from the
other station. This happens when the other station is not in contest mode and
responds with a normal Tx2 message. An algorithm reduces duplicate log entries
to a minimum caused by stations being in NA VHF Contest mode but not having the
NCCC Sprint checkbox checked, or only using the original WSJT-X.
- NCCC FT4 Sprint: Now also messages with " R " are highlighted when in FT4 mode,
the NCCC Sprint submode is enabled, and you have the "Highlight also messages
with 73 or RR73" checkbox activated.
- Several important bug fixes:
- "MSK144/Q65 Tx until 73 is received" works better now. A few inconsistencies
have been fixed.
- Fixed a flaw that in some cases caused transmissions to stop too early when
anything other than "CQ: None" was selected.
- Fixed a flaw that could cause the program to crash when the "Apply filters
only to the callsigns of the calling stations" checkbox was checked and then
certain free text messages were received.
- Q65 decodes directed to own callsign are now always displayed in the right
window again.
- Minor improvements to the sat.dat file.
- Update to hamlib_4.6_2023-07-21.
Release Candidate 2 2023-07-07:
Release Candidate 2 introduces for the original WSJT-X primarily bug fixes.
However, for wsjt-x_improved, there are some nice improvements, especially for the
filters, as well as support of the new NCCC FT4 Sprint contest mode.
Changes for WSJT-X and wsjt-x_improved:
- CTRL+SHIFT+F11/F12 now changes dial frequency by 1000 Hz instead of 2000 Hz.
- Improved spotting to PSK Reporter for upcoming HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse
Ionospheric Science.
- Added optional Hungarian translation of the user interface.
- Fixed a flaw that could produce false decodes in Q65 submodes D and E.
- Fixed a flaw with the QSO start time. It is now reset when the DX Call changes.
- Fixed a flaw that prevented contest logging of the ARRL Digi Contest.
- Right-clicking the Q65 mode button to toggle the Q65 Pileup mode on/off now
also works on macOS.
- Fixed a compilation error on macOS Ventura.
- WSPR and FST4W band hopping now works again.
- It is now ensured that "U.S.A." is displayed when using certain cty.dat files.
- Corrected the problem with duplicated FT8 entries in ActiveStations window.
Changes exclusively for wsjt-x_improved:
- Advanced options for the Filters:
- It is now possible to hide up to 4 DXCC countries. Specify the Territories via
Settings > Filters, and then you are able to toggle these new filters on/off
directly from the View menu of the main program window.
- New option to hide certain continents. These checkboxes are also available from
the View menu of the main program window, so you can turn it off or on quickly.
- New option to hide callsigns worked B4 on the band.
- It is now shown in the Tx Status Label (bottom left) if any filters are switched
on, which can lead to not all decodes being displayed. Then, the label text
changes from "Receiving" to "Receiving, Filters On", and the background color
from green to cyan. (Note: This commit accidentally didn't make it into my
recent hotfix.)
- Good news for contesters:
- All versions of wsjt-x_improved now support the NCCC Sprint FT4 short message
protocol. Go to Settings > Advanced and enable both the NA VHF contest mode
and the new "NCCC Sprint" checkbox. This means, that from now on, no special
version is necessary when you want to participate in the weekly NCCC FT4 Sprint
contests.
- Some improvements have been made to the NCCC Sprint algorithm, bringing better
compatibility with stations using only the normal NA VHF contest mode.
- You can now toggle the last used contest mode on/off by simply right-clicking
the "H" button. This allows you to quickly reply to a station that is not in
contest mode.
- wsjt-x_improved is now able to highlight individual callsigns or grids according
to your specifications. Callsigns and/or grids can be highlighted with orange or
blue background colors. The callsigns/grids must be separated by comma and can be
mixed (e.g. "K1JT, DG2YCB, JO33, JN58"). Important: There must be a comma behind
each callsign (i.e. also at the end of the line).
- The built-in highlighting function has now two different default color schemes.
You can choose between WSJT-X's default color scheme or the one I use with my own
wsjt-x_improved versions. Just go to Settings -> Colors and click one of the two
"Reset" buttons.
- Some improvements to the False Decodes Reduction.
- CQ: Max Dist is working better now. If no station answers with grid (i.e. Tx1),
a station sending Tx2 is now also selected. However, any Tx1 reply is preferred,
since a valid grid is required to calculate the distance.
- New option to freeze the state of the Tx even/1st checkbox (e.g useful for SO2R).
Just set the right state and right-click the checkbox. Right-click either the
FT8 or MSK button to unfreeze.
- Update to hamlib 4.6_2023-06-28, which is much faster than all previous hamlib
versions, at least on Windows.
Hotfix 2023-05-19:
This is primarily a bug fix release. It brings the following changes:
- Downgrade to hamlib 4.5.5, which hopefully fixes the recent issues with some ICOM
rigs.
- Wait and Pounce as well as calling CQ with either CQ: Max Dist, or CQ: Max, db or
CQ: Min dB enabled should work better now. There were some inconsistencies in the
algorithms for these functions.
- With CQ: Max Dist, or CQ: Max, db or CQ: Min dB enabled, the DX Call entry is no
longer cleared after a QSO since it is not necessary anymore with my new code.
- Some improvements to highlighting of callsigns for the slow modes (i.e. MSK144).
- STRG + ALT + F11/F12 now moves the frequency +-1000 Hz instead of 2 kHz.
Release Candidate 1 2023-05-12:
WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 1 introduces a new program called QMAP,
a new Special Operating Activity known as Q65 Pileup, and a number of
other enhancements and fixes.
- QMAP and Q65 Pileup mode are of particular interest to those
engaged in Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, but other
applications may be found for them as well.
- QMAP is derived from MAP65, an older program used since 2007 for
EME, mainly on the 2 m band. QMAP provides single-polarization
receive-only capabilities for any one of the 60-second submodes
of Q65. It allows you to monitor all traffic in a 90 kHz subband
while conducting EME QSOs in the usual way with WSJT-X.
- Q65 Pileup mode is a new feature in WSJT-X that will assist DX
operators using Q65 in pileup circumstances with many
simultaneous callers and very weak signals, such as those
experienced by 6-meter EME DXpeditions.
- Further details on QMAP and Q65 Pileup mode are available in a
Quick-Start guide posted here:
https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/Quick_Start_WSJT-X_2.7_QMAP.pdf
- WSJT-X now provides more efficient spotting to PSK Reporter.
Redundant spots are omitted, and posting of spots is now spread
more widely in time. (Temporarily, in support of the HamSCI
Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science, spots will be transmitted
more frequently during the upcoming solar eclipses.)
- WSJT-X is now able to process more than 100 FT8 decodes in a single
reception interval.
- Improvements to the Fox mode:
- More convenient and efficient handling of the two queues.
- Fox Log window now displays statistical data on the QSO rate.
- When the station locator is changed (e.g during portable
operations), the new locator will be sent automatically to PSK
Reporter.
- The cty.dat file can now be updated by clicking a button on the
Settings -> Colors tab.
- A new status display appears when fetching a new LotW file.
- Multi-streamed messages transmitted by MSHV are now handled
properly when WSJT-X is in Hound mode.
- Auto-sequencing now has better protection against unwanted effects
caused by late FT8 decodes.
- Fixed an inconsistency in which Contest Name was not correctly
remembered.
- Other minor bug fixes.
- Updated hyperlinks to our homepage and to our new WSJT GROUP User
Forum (https://groups.io/g/wsjtgroup/) can now also be found in the
User Guide.
- The build instructions for macOS have been clarified.
New features exclusively for wsjt-x_improved:
- Introduction of a new "Wait and Pounce" feature. It allows you to respond
to incoming CQ messages from other stations according to certain criteria
(Max Dist, Max dB, Min dB), and can also be combined with filters. Right-click
on the "Enable Tx" button to activate Wait and Pounce. The "Enable Tx" button
then turns orange.
- More options for the filters, and a better and faster algorithm for using them:
- You now have 3 categories (Blacklist, Whitelist, Always Pass) and have a new
option to use them for Wait and Pounce only.
- New option to apply the Whitelist and Always Pass filters only to the first
4 characters of the second word of the messages (usually the prefix of the
calling station).
- Filters can now also be used for the fast modes (i.e. MSK144).
- Highlight DX Call / Grid now also works for the fast modes (i.e. MSK144).
- Improved algorithm for the CQ: Max Dist function. It works really well now,
both when calling CQ, or when you use it with the new Wait and Pounce feature.
- Various improvements to the code to make it faster.
- Update to hamlib 4.6_2023-05-05.
Note: Due to the politically unstable situation in the world, I offer you again a
time-unlimited version right away.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.6.2
Update 2023-4-20:
- New "CQ: Min dB" feature: Call CQ and automatically reply to the station with the
weakest signal. Current limitation: Very late decodes may not always be considered.
However, this is probably not so bad, because very late decodes are sometimes of
doubtful quality.
- Some improvements also to the "CQ: Max dB" feature. It is now ensured that the dB
score used for the selection process is correctly reset after a QSO or any manual
user interaction.
- For both "CQ: Min dB" and "CQ: Max dB", each manual click on "Halt Tx" now resets
the dB score and also clears the DX Call field (which is required for the next QSO).
The same happens when the QSO is logged. Clicking "Enable Tx" when active also resets
the dB score, but does not clear the DX Call field. With these changes, the two
"CQ: ..." features can be used more intuitively.
- The code for the Alerts feature has been optimized (PLUS versions only):
- Especially on Windows, playback of the sound files is now noticeable smoother
and requires fewer resources.
- The alert sounds are now also played correctly for late decodes.
GA Release 2023-04-14:
WSJT-X_v2.6.2 is a General Availability (GA) release exclusively for wsjt-x_improved users.
It brings the following enhancements and bug fixes since v2.6.1:
- Better compatibility with MSHV and Fox stations operating in the wrong time slot:
- When in Hound mode, AutoSeq is now also able to correctly handle QSOs where the
other station uses MSHV multi-stream mode instead of F/H.
- It is now possible to work Fox stations which are operating in the wrong time slot
without having to leave the Hound mode: After double-clicking on such a station,
the program temporarily switches the time slot, so AutoSeq can finish the QSO.
After the QSO is finished and also in case of any manual intervention by the user,
wsjt-x_improved immediately resets the time slot to our F/H protocol. This makes it
impossible to accidentally call a real Fox station in the wrong time slot.
- Furthermore, Christo LZ2HV seems to have accepted my suggestion that in the future
MSHV also transmits only even (00/30) when multi-stream mode is enabled. With this,
we should finally overcome the incompatibilities. Thanks for the cooperation!
- In the WideGraph, you can now choose whether you want the timestamp to be displayed or
not, and whether it should be on the left or right side.
- New feature: Show distance and/or azimuth in messages with grid: If a station sends
a valid Maidenhead locator, wsjt-x_improved now automatically calculates the distance
and the great-circle azimuth and displays it in the Band Activity pane.
- A new "Align DXCC / distance / azimuth" checkbox allows you to keep the DXCC names
(or principal prefixes) as well as distance/azimuth in an aligned table form.
- Two spin boxes allow further configuration of the preferred layout.
- The first spin box sets the number of spaces between the decoded message and the
DXCC name (or the principal prefix). The default is set to "1", which means one
space more compared to the WSJT-X standard.
- The second spin box sets the number of spaces between the DXCC and the distance/
azimuth field. You can increase or decrease the default number.
- The first spin box works also when "Align DXCC / distance / azimuth" is not checked.
It can be used to increase the spacing between the decoded messages and the DXCC
names. I programmed this because the number of stations with non-standard callsigns
has greatly increased, and a little more space might be appropriate.
- The horizontal position of the Band Activity window is now remembered. This allows
on smaller screens scrolling to the distance/azimuth field and keeping this position
even when new decodes arrive.
- In the help menu, hyperlinks to the wsjt-x_improved home page as well as to the pdf
file "The additional features of wsjt-x_improvd" have been added.
- The checkbox "Show principal prefix instead of country name" now automatically appears
dimmed when "Show DXCC ..." is not activated, so this function is not applicable.
- New option: ALT + Double-click on a call adds the callsign to DX Call Box, but does NOT
enable Tx, although "Double-click on call sets Tx enable" is checked. You can use this
option if you want to monitor a station first before starting a QSO.
- Repeated double-clicking on a callsign now updates its dB values in the Tx 2 and Tx3
messages.
- In Settings, some checkboxes have been repositioned to make it a bit more compact and
intuitive. The "Show country information for all messages" checkbox has been moved to
the General tab and renamed "Show DXCC for all messages" so that the three content-
related checkboxes are now arranged directly next to each other.
- The cty.dat file has been upgraded to the "Big CTY" variant. This allows in particular
a much more correct mapping of the ITU zones.
- Some minor improvements to the code to make it faster and more robust.
- Bugfix: Do not switch to Tx1 after double-clicking on a message unless Tx1 is needed.
- The source code of the wsjt-x_improved PLUS version is now also compatible with macOS.
Therefore, I am now able to provide you with Darwin installer packages with the PLUS
features (i.e. audible alerts and Cloudlog support).
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.6.1
Update 2023-02-18:
This update is exclusive for wsjt-x_improved users, and brings some useful new features,
improvements and bug fixes. The program can now also be better customized:
- New option: "MSK144/Q65: Tx until 73 is received". It does what the name promises.
Quite useful on VHF/UHF/SHF, it increases the success rate for a difficult QSO.
A maximum of 10 attempts are made before it times out. Use Wait & Reply in case
this is still not enough for you.
- The "Wait features" (Wait & Reply and Wait and Call) can now be disabled. As there
is actually no reason why to disable them, they are enabled by default. But a few
OMs have requested this option.
- The "Enable Tx" and "DX Call" buttons are now colored yellow if theoretically certain
incoming messages could switch on the Tx. This is the case in Hound mode, but also
with Wait & Reply or Wait & Call enabled. Some OMs had requested this safety feature
to remind them to keep their ATU or PA on. Right-click on the DX Call button to clear
the DX Call box and thus completely disable Tx. Experienced users don't really need
such yellow colorings, so they can be turned off with "Disable Tx warnings".
- If the DX Call Box contains a callsign and then "Generate Std Msgs" is clicked, Tx1
is now automatically selected (or Tx2 if Tx1 is disabled). This saves one click and
you can start your QSO right away.
- Minor stability improvements in the modules DXLabSuiteCommanderTransceiver and
HamlibTransceiver.
- Some improvements to the tooltips. Some texts now change dynamically depending on
which functions are active, allowing a more intuitive operation.
- The minimum height of the Settings window has been reduced, making it easier to
use on smaller screens (relevant for Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc.).
- New option to add the Special Operating Activity mode/name to the comments field.
Note: Retained comments and "dB reports to comments" override this feature.
- Fix a flaw that the Contest Name was not always remembered or incorrectly displayed.
- Fix a flaw when "Log QSO" was clicked during special operating activities.
- Fix a long-standing inconsistency that under certain conditions "RU" or "TEST" was
also displayed in Hound mode.
Update 2023-01-20:
This update fixes a minor bug in the "dB reports to comments" feature. No other changes.
GA Release 2023-01-16:
Merged with the official WSJT-X 2.6.1 source code which is mostly a bug fix release
for Q65. It has the following changes since release 2.6.0:
- Fix a flaw in Q65 mode that prevented proper display of the T/R period spinner.
Note: I had fixed this already with my wsjt-x_improved 2.6.0 versions on January 7.
- Make the initialization of the decoded text font more robust.
- Better initialization when starting the program in FT8 Hound mode.
- Fix a bug causing program crash with more than 100 decodes in a single FT8 sequence.
- Fix a compiler warning on macOS.
- Correct the reference to "ARRL International Digital Contest" in the Release Notes.
- Update to hamlib 4.5.4.
No changes to the wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.6.0
GA Release 2023-01-06:
Merged with the official WSJT-X 2.6.0 source code. This is a General Availability
(GA) release, which brings the following enhancements and bug fixes:
Changes since 2.6.0-rc5 (both WSJT-X and wsjt-x_improved):
- PSK Reporter spotting is now also possible for frequencies > 4 GHz.
This is required for QO-100, for example.
- The minimum width of the main window has been further reduced, and such
small sizes are now remembered and properly restored.
- Some further improvements for Fox operators.
- Fix the long-standing flaw that "Start new period decodes at top" didn't
work anymore after several hours.
- Fix a flaw that could cause crashes by double-clicking messages with
<...> in certain QSO situations.
- Fix a flaw that prevented the rig from initializing correctly after
switching between configurations when connected via HRD.
- Add tooltips to better explain the split operation options.
- Add some additional FT roundup exchanges which can be used for local
contests or QSO parties:
- Abbreviations for the 12 Dutch Provinces
- 99 neutral exchanges (X01 ... X99)
- Update of some ARRL section abbreviations.
New features exclusively for wsjt-x_improved:
- MSK144: Remember TR period for 6+4m, for 2m and for the other bands
separately. (Needed here in Europe as we use 15s on 6m, but 30s on 2m)
- MSK144: Allow FTol up to 500.
- MSK144: New option to freeze the Tx even/1st checkbox, so that one cannot
accidentally call a station in the same time slot.
- Remember FTol values by mode. (Useful for MS and EME operation)
For full details on changes since wsjt-x_improved version 2.5.4, read the
following sections of this changelog.
Update 2022-11-29:
Merged with the official WSJT-X 2.6.0-rc5 source code, which brings a number
of improvements as well as some bug fixes.
In program WSJT-X:
- Better calibration for FST4/W SNR estimates.
- Upload FST4W-900 spots to wsprnet with TR code 15 instead of 16.
- Improved FT8 decoding on crowded bands.
- The Working frequency table now offers the following options:
- Better handling of more than one frequency per band.
- Set your preferred frequencies, WSJT-X always comes back to these QRGs
when changing band or mode.
- You can label your frequencies with descriptions (e.g. DXp AB0YXZ).
- Option to set Start and End Date/Time, so that the frequencies
automatically appear and disappear. Useful for contest or
DXpedition QRGs.
- Load a frequency table from a file to easily get all such data
- In Fox mode, there are now a few additional functions that allow operators
to react even better to different QSO situations:
- A new two-column table in Tab 2 provides a better overview of the queue
and of the callsigns with QSOs in progress.
- Fox operator can now change the ordering of callsigns in the queue so
that he can react if there is only a narrow time slot for a particular
QSO due to propagation.
- Fox now responds for another two cycles to stations whose report was
not received, increasing the success rate for a difficult QSO.
- Correct a flaw in Hound mode that sometimes prevented completion of QSOs
with non-standard calls.
- Improvements to EME Echo mode:
- New control "Avg" sets the number of Echo cycles to be averaged.
- New capability to display measurements of wideband noise power as a
function of time. This can be useful for measuring Sun noise, antenna
tracking errors, and the like.
- Several minor bug fixes
- Correct a flaw that prevented WSJT-X from always initializing correctly
when special operating activities were enabled.
- Correct a flaw that caused wrong Tx frequencies to be written to ALL.TXT.
- The GUI has been improved regarding some details. The controls now scale
better at different font sizes and on different operating
systems.
- When in Hound mode and click the "H" button again, the frequency
is now kept. This gives the user the following two options to return
to normal FT8 mode:
- Click the "H" button again. Then you will stay on the QRG.
- Click the "FT8" button (or use the Settings menu). It brings
you back to the default FT8 QRG.
- Decodes flagged as 'a7' are now disabled when "Enable AP" is not checked,
and during the first period after a band change.
- The network address of the UDP server is now checked for errors before
being accepted.
- Some improvements to the DX Lab Suite Commander interface.
- Correct some possible flaws that could cause segfault errors in certain
unusual situations.
- Warnings on dropped audio have been disabled for now, as detection has
turned out to be not reliable enough.
- Correct a long-standing flaw which caused the "Transmit digital gain"
overlay to appear somewhere on the screen.
- "Highlight DX Call" now also works when the other station is <...>.
- CQ messages without a grid are now sent to PSK reporter.
- Several other minor corrections (tool tips, etc.).
In program MAP65 (Windows only):
- an aid for measuring antenna pointing errors
- an ability to read the file wsjtx.log (kept by WSJT-X) to recognize EME
contest dupes.
New features exclusively for wsjt-x_improved:
- Right-clicking on the DX Call button now deletes the DX Call and DX Grid entries.
- You can now let the Erase button behave like with JTDX:
- Left-click --> Erase the Band Activity window
- Right-click --> Erase the Rx Frequency window
- Double-click on left mouse button --> Erase both windows (unchanged)
Enable this new "Alternate Erase button behavior" in the Settings menu, default
is still like with WSJT-X.
- A new option has been added to show country names for all messages. It can be
enabled on the Settings->Colors tab.
- The countdown of the Tune watchdog is now displayed (like with JTDX). Remember
that the Tune watchdog can be disabled when needed. But it protects your Rig!
- To make it easier for you to get started with the new possibilities of the
Working frequency table, wsjt-x_improved already has a table, which for FT8
also contains the standard DXpedition QRGs, and the default QRGs are set as
preference. To upgrade to this table, right-click on the table and then on
"Reset".
- When "Call with individual contest name" is checked, the Contest Name in now
automatically put in the Comments field when logging the QSO.
- You can now add your comments to a comments list and select the different entries
from a combo box. Useful if you want to log your QSOs with recurring information
like "Rig 1", "Antenna 2", "QRP", "Long path", etc.
- DX-oriented adjustments of the FT4 decoder settings.
- Adaptation of my 'improved' FT8 decoder settings to the updated WSJT-X FT8 decoder.
This brings a few more decodes and less false decodes in some situations.
- The False Decodes Reduction (FDR) has been simplified. I made it purely optional
again, as it is now needed less often.
- For the first time, I have created a special version for Fox operators. It has
an additional "F" button for switching the Fox mode on/off. In the future, new
features that are especially useful for Fox operators will be implemented here.
- With my wsjt-x_improved versions, the Fox operator is now notified when a second
DXpedition is operating on the same frequency.
Note: Due to the politically unstable situation in the world, I offer you again a
time-unlimited version right away.
Update 2022-10-07:
This update is exclusive for wsjt-x_improved users and brings some new features,
performance enhancements as well as bug fixes:
- Dark Style: Now it is possible to switch the dark style on and off directly in
the main window. Just click on the new item "Use Dark Style" in the "View" menu.
This switch does more than restart of wsjtx.exe with the parameter --stylesheet
:/qdarkstyle/style.qss. Additionally, it adjusts some internal settings and uses
an optimized stylesheet for the dark style. If you have enabled the dark style,
you should adjust the highlight color scheme towards pastel tones. Go at Settings
to Colors and adjust the background colors according to your needs.
- Auto Sequence is now automatically enabled when you switch to a mode where it is
available (FT8, FT4, Q65, MSK144, and FST4).
- Wait and Reply: "Wait and Reply" and "Wait and Call" are nice little assistance
functions to help finish a QSO more intelligently than calling all the time when
the other station does not answer, or disappears temporarily due to QSB. As long
as you have the other station's callsign in the DX Call box, Wait and Call will
attempt to continue your QSO when the station finally answers your call. This
also ensures that a second RR73 is sent when the other station could not copy
your first. Wait and Reply is automatically enabled for modes where Auto Seq is
available.
- Wait and Call: In situations where the QSB is so strong that the other station
disappears for an extended period of time, Wait and Call can help you. When this
feature is enabled, the other station will be called up to three times as soon as
they reappear on the band with their message containing "CQ", "73" or "RRR". To
enable Wait and Call, click on the new DX Call button. Wait and Call requires a
valid callsign in the DX Call box (= the station where you are in QSO with) as well
as Auto Seq to be enabled. Any manual intervention, such as pressing the Halt Tx
or Stop button, will immediately disable Wait and Call, giving you full control
over your QSO in any case.
- "CQ: First" is now also available with MSK144.
- I found a way to further reduce the minimum GUI size of wsjt-x_improved_AL. So
the AL version should now work on small screens down to 640 pixels high.
- Auto-sizing of the AL GUI geometry optimized. The "AL" GUI works best with font
sizes between 8 and 11 pt, and is now "the" GUI for small screens.
- Fixed a bug that could cause wrong Tx frequencies to be written to ALL.TXT.
- Optimization of some internal algorithms to increase performance.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-10-02.
- Last but not least: There is a new wsjt-x-improved-community mailing list where all
wsjt-x_improved topics can be discussed and where you/we can all try to help each
other. To subscribe, go to the following page:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/wsjt-x-improved/lists/wsjt-x-improved-community
In the future I plan to use this mailing list also to announce updates.
Note: Due to the politically unstable situation in the world, I offer you again a
time-unlimited version right away.
Note: For technical reasons, updates to the Raspberry Pi installers must be made later.
Should one of you be able to provide me with installers for Raspberry Pi and/or
macOS, please contact me via private email.
Update 2022-09-08:
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.6.0-rc4 source code, which provides further
improvements to Echo mode, a new File menu item, and several bug fixes.
- New features and fixes for Echo mode:
- Created a new simulator echosim[.exe].
- Improved organization of output to text window.
- Gain and Zero controls in Echo Graph now behave independently.
- "Clear Avg" now erases the plot in Echo Graph.
- Optional baseline for plots in Echo Graph.
- New menu item "File | Copy main text window to WSJT-X.txt".
- Doppler tracking checkbox is made sticky.
- Fix an RC2 bug that prevented normal use of JT9.
- Fix a rarely experienced failure when writing to decoded.txt.
- Fix a hamlib bug caused by setting VFO B when Split is not used.
- Rig control interface to Ham Radio deluxe made more robust.
- New wsjt-x_improved feature: Display bars for the Tx and Rx audio frequencies
on the Wide Graph (like JTDX). In Wide Graph Control, use the new "Bars" and
"Freq" checkboxes to toggle bars and frequency lables ON / OFF.
Update 2022-08-30:
- Fix a defect in the JT9 mode.
- Stability improvements when wsjt-x_improved is connected to Ham Radio Deluxe.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-08-29.
PLUS Versions with Alerts and Cloudlog Support:
- To reduce the number of different versions, I have combined the functions Alerts
and Cloudlog Support in a so-called "PLUS Version". Future features that may not
be interesting for everyone will be integrated here as well.
- Cloudlog support: Optionally upload of your QSOs to Cloudlog. Cloudlog is an
open-source PHP & MySQL based amateur radio logging application. You can find it
at https://www.magicbug.co.uk/cloudlog/. Many thanks to DF2ET for the patch!
Update 2022-08-22:
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.6.0-rc3 source code, which brings the following
improvements:
- Echo mode now allows audio-frequency corrections rather than CAT-controlled
resetting of dial frequency for Doppler corrections, when Doppler shift is
less than 750 Hz. Audio-frequency corrections are also used to correct any
remaining portion of Doppler shift caused by coarse CAT-controlled frequency
setting.
- Echo mode now saves .wav files when "Save all" is selected. When such files
are opened in Echo mode, the astronomical parameters at recording time are
restored and used for processing the Echo data.
- A missing Leap Second (January 1, 2017) was added to the code that converts
UTC to UT1. This detail might matter if you want full accuracy EME Doppler
corrections.
- EME Doppler values are now rounded to nearest integer Hz.
- For backward compatibility, "Special Operating Activity" enumerations for
Fox and Hound modes are reset to their previous values 6 and 7.
- Allow FST4W transmissions on 30m band. Ensure that correct frequency is
reported to WSPRnet for FST4W decodes with Rx Freq spinbox not set to 1500.
- Fix a bug that could truncate WSPR transmissions early.
- Fix a bug that occasionally caused a crash when 'decoded.txt'could not be
opened.
- Fix a bug that could cause a crash if Astronomical Data window is not active
when needed.
- Fix a bug that caused a crash when "Reset Cabrillo Log" is selected with
Active Stations window not active.
- No changes to the wsjt-x_improved features.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-08-20.
Note: Due to the politically unstable situation in the world I offer you again a
time-unlimited version right away.
Update 2022-07-26:
- Fixed a bug that could cause WSPR and FST4W transmissions to be truncated.
Update 2022-07-21:
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.6.0-rc2 source code, which brings the following
improvements:
- The "Measure" function in Echo mode now uses the computed Doppler spread for
DX grid, when available. This feature is especially helpful for microwave
EME tests, enabling accurate measurement of SNR for a DX station.
- Settings for T/R period and Submode are now remembered by mode when you switch
directly between (for example) MSK144-15, Q65-60A, JT65C, or FST4-120.
- Tx and Rx audio frequencies are remembered and restored when you return from a
mode that sets a default frequency of 1500 Hz (MSK144, FST4W, Echo, WSPR, FreqCal)
and then switching back to FT4, FT8, Q65, JT65, or FST4.
- QSOs in the Contest Log can now be displayed in increasing or decreasing order
of logged time. By default the log is scrolled to the latest logged QSO, ready
for insertion of a new contact. The total number of QSOs in the Contest Log is
displayed at bottom left of its window.
- Default FT8 frequency for 4m band (Region 1) is set to 70.154 MHz.
- Layout of mode buttons has been optimized for 4K screens.
- Display of Keyboard Shortcuts has been updated.
- The OK button now has default focus in the LogQSO dialog window. You may just
hit Enter to log the QSO.
- Bug fix: The Tx Freq spinbox remained red when coming back from some Q65 submodes.
- Hamlib bug fixes: make sure that VFOB is selected when required on some rigs
(e.g. IC7610, IC7100), and others.
- In addition, wsjt-x_improved also brings you a couple of nice new features exclusively:
- Doubleclick on the Lookup button searches on QRZ.com for the callsign from the
DX Call box.
- Improved behavior of the mouse buttons when clicking on the waterfall display:
- Left-click --> set Rx offset (unchanged)
- Right-click --> set Tx offset (NEW, behaves now like with JTDX)
- Double-click on right mouse button --> set Rx & Tx offset (Rx = Tx), (NEW feature)
- Shift + left-click --> set Tx offset (unchanged)
- Ctrl + left-click --> set Rx & Tx offset (unchanged)
- A so-called diagnostic mode has been added. It allows you to collect data to
troubleshoot problems with wsjt-x_improved, or its communication with your rig.
Also helps to find bugs in hamlib.
- Add an option to disable event logging entirely (saves CPU load and disk space).
- I fixed a few minor inconsistencies.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-07-17.
Note: Due to the politically unstable situation in the world I offer you again a
time-unlimited version right away.
Update 2022-06-30:
- Fix an inconsistency in the Lookup function.
- Optimize mode button layout on 4K screens.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-06-21.
Release 2022-06-16:
- The source codes of WSJT-X and wsjt-x_improved now have a common core. This means
that the basic functions of both programs are now identical and maintenance is
easier and more effective for both.
- I have implemented some of my wsjt-x_improved features now also in the official
WSJT-X v2.6.0 version so that more users can benefit from it, but of course only
wsjt-x_improved has all the well known extra features.
- This new version of WSJT-X and wsjt-x_improved brings some performance enhancements
and several bug fixes:
In program WSJT-X:
- Improved decoding for FT8: additional messages are marked 'a7'.
- Improved decoding for Q65 when AP is in use.
- Optional new "Active Stations" window and other features supporting ARRL
International Digital Contest.
- Accurate SNR measurements in Echo mode, including large Doppler spreads.
- Add a "Clr Avg" button for Echo mode.
- Add Russian to available translations of user interface.
- Allow auto reply for non-CQ messages via UDP (JTAlert, etc.) when Hold Tx Freq
is enabled.
- Suppress transmission of blank messages.
- Suppress self-spotting when running multiple instances.
- Correct the handling of messages starting with "CQ xxxx ...".
- Correct a flaw that could cause Windows to drop audio samples.
- Correct a flaw that could send incorrect frequencies to ALL.TXT and PSK Reporter
after a band change.
- Correct the auto-sequencing logic in several specific circumstances.
- Correct a flaw in WSPR mode when handling three-character callsigns.
- Correct a flaw that could cause OmniRig 1.19 or later to set incorrect
frequencies after initialization.
In program MAP65 (Windows only):
- Send additional information to file azel.dat.
- Allow optional scaling of digital I/Q data.
- Suppress a bounds error caused by too-wide setting of displaybandwidth.
- New wsjt-x_improved features:
- The False Decodes Reduction now works in two levels. Level 1 offers very
effective basic protection and is always activated, while level 2 is optional
as before and is automatically deactivated during special operating activities.
- Fine-tuning of my DX-optimized FT8 and FT4 decoder settings.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-06-14.
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
Note: Due to the politically unstable situation in the world I refrain from limiting
my 'improved' rc1 version and offer you the time-unlimited full version right away.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.5.4
Update 2022-03-04:
- Lower CPU usage for versions with Alerts.
- Integration of DF2ET's sat patch to all my wsjt-x_improved v2.5.4 builds, meaning
that you don't need the special version anymore!
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-03-02.
- A few minor bug fixes.
Update 2022-02-11:
- Fixing a bug (U.S. States were not displayed in versions without alerts).
Version with SatPatch:
With this version you can log the satellite name and your RX frequency. Useful when
working via Es'hail-2 / QO-100. Thanks to DF2ET for the patch!
Update 2022-01-28:
This update brings some bug fixes and performance enhancements:
- Improved algorithm to prevent spotting wrong bands to PSK Reporter when using Band
Hopping.
- Further improvement of the False Decodes Reduction (FDR).
- Fix of an inconsistency in Auto Seq.
Update 2022-01-12:
This update brings you two new wsjt-x_improved features:
- The ALL.TXT file can now be automatically split yearly or monthly. Alternatively
you can disable writing of this file entirely. Find the new buttons on the
mainwindow under Save.
- The Settings window has now a new Filters tab. There is a Blacklist and a Whitelist.
Filter criteria can be combined in any way. This gives you a powerful tool for
customization of what is being displayed at the Band Activity window. For more
information, see the Filters.pdf file.
Release 2021-12-28:
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.5.4 source code (brings a bug fix for slashed
callsigns)
Note: My wsjt-x_improved versions were not affected by this bug, meaning that there
is no urgent need for you to update from v2.5.3 to v.2.5.4.
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2022-01-02 (brings some more fixes for ICOM and YAESU rigs).
- I upgraded my wsjt-x_improved builds to using dynamic hamlib files. This makes it
much more easier for you to switch to another hamlib version in case of troubles
with your rig. It just needs one file to be replaced now (libhamlib-4.dll).
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.5.3
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.5.3 source code ($DXCALL macro capability added).
- Update to hamlib 4.5_2021-12-13 (brings a bug fix for ICOM rigs).
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.5.2
Update 2021-12-05:
- Update to hamlib 4.4_2021-12-02 files (brings some improvements for ICOM, YAESU
and Elecraft rigs).
- Reduced minimum width of the main window (standard and widescreen versions).
- Implementation of the extra feature introduced by NJ0A. With that, you can map
grid locators to U.S. States (useful when working without JTAlert).
Current limitation: Sometimes the result is only a list of possible States.
Release 2021-11-04:
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.5.2 source code (brings again some bug fixes,
and minor corrections to the main window GUI).
- Since the current hamlib has a couple of not yet fixed issues, I stayed with
hamlib 4.4_2021-10-20.
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.5.1
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.5.1 source code (brings mainly bug fixes, and
a slightly wider main window).
- Update to hamlib 4.4_2021-10-20.
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.5.0
UPDATE 2021-10-14
Since I received a couple of suggestions for additional features I summarized all
of them into a new release and upgraded all wsjt-x_improved v2.5.0 versions to that
level. This includes:
- Highlight the call from the DX Call box. (Note: The colors may be overwritten
by JTAlert, GridTracker or some loggers.)
- Highlight the grid from the DX Grid box.
- Automatically clear the DX Call and/or DX Grid boxes after a QSO is logged
(useful when DX Call/Grid is highlighted).
- Automatically erase the Band Activity window after a band change.
- Automatically set the RX frequency to the TX frequency after a QSO is logged.
You can switch all these features on or off via new checkboxes on the General tab
of the Settings window.
Release 2021-09-27:
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.5.0 source code (brings a faster and more
robust decoder for Q65).
- The official v2.5.0 comes as a bundle of WSJT-X and MAP65 v3.0.0 (now also
supporting Q65). Those who do not like this is recommended to use V2.4.0 instead.
If you are not interested in EME, you don't need MAP65.
- Also for v2.5.0, I have restored the combined JT9+JT65 mode.
- New: Better readability of the band select box entries.
- New: More checkboxes for wsjt-x_improved band hopping. Now, you can let the
program also scan over the main DXpedition frequencies.
- I kept the DX-optimized FT8 and FT4 decoders from previous version but further
improved the internal decoder settings. The FT8 Decoder has become a bit more
sensitive when "deep" or "normal" is selected (detects now down to -26) while
"fast" now works better on slow computers.
- New: False Decodes Reduction (FDR). When enabled, it reduces significantly the
number of FT8 false decodes without a reduction of the sensitivity. It only
increases the required confidence level for some unusual message formats.
FDR is automatically disabled for all Special Operating modes.
- New: It is now possible in contest mode to call CQ together with an individual
contest name (e.g. CQ PACC ... instead of CQ TEST ... or CQ RU ...).
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
Note: wsjt-x_improved is now available both as 64-bit and 32-bit versions (as well
as 64-bit versions with Alerts). While the 64-bit versions are the best for
all modern computers with 64-bit Windows operating system, the 32-bit versions
also work on older computers with 32-bit operating systems (Windows 7, etc.).
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.4.0
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.4.0 source code (introduction of the new Q65 mode).
Note: Joe dropped QRA64 as well as the combined JT9+JT65 mode. I have restored the
latter.
- I kept the DX-optimized FT8 and FT4 decoders from previous version.
- The arrangement of the checkboxes for wsjt-x_improved band hopping has been
slightly optimized (addition of Q65 mode for 6m and 2m and FST4 for 160m, 2190m
and 630m FST4 removed due to low band activity).
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.3.1
- Merged with the official WSJT-X v2.3.1 source code (inverts the PTT serial port
sharing default behaviour, and re-enables sharing when non-Hamlib CAT control is
combined with direct serial port PTT control).
- I kept the DX-optimized FT8 and FT4 decoders from previous version.
- The arrangement of the checkboxes for wsjt-x_improved band hopping has been
slightly optimized.
- Settings of the band hopping checkboxes are now stored.
- No changes to the other wsjt-x_improved features.
- New: Latest hamlib 4.2 files (supporting Malachite SDR, Yaesu FTDX10, etc.).
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.3.0
- Merged with WSJT-X v2.3.0 GA source code (introduction of the new FST4 and FST4W
modes, changed UDP multicast configuration, new internal system and data logging
facility). Note: Joe dropped the old tab2 because of inconsistencies with some
newer modes.
- I kept the DX-optimized FT8 and FT4 decoders from previous version 2.2.2.
- Optional Band Hopping for FT8, FT4, MSK144 (and now also for FST4) becomes a
standard feature of all wsjt-x_improved versions. At 2190 m and 630 m, the mode
now automatically changes to FST4.
- A watchdog has been added to the Tune button to prevent accidental transmissions
for minutes or hours. It's set to one minute.
- The time limit when transmitting in Hound mode has been increased to 300 seconds.
- In my wsjt-x_improved versions, the new internal system and data logging system
is unchanged but disabled by default, since in my opinion unnecessary writes to
the hard disk are generated. It is activated automatically when a
"wsjtx_log_config.ini" file is placed in the log directory. This means that all
new v2.3.0 diagnostic functions are still available, but unnecessary access to
your hard drive is prevented.
- New wsjt-x_improved feature: The continuous writing of the ALL.TXT file can now
be switched off. It significantly reduces the number of writes to your hard drive
(extends the lifespan of your SSD, also useful for older computers). To disable
writing, create a "noALL.txt" file and place it in the log directory.
- Note: My wsjt-x_improved_v2.3.0 versions have already been compiled using the
latest hamlib database. So I skipped rc4 and published the GA version directly.
In case further adjustments are needed, I will release an updated version.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For UDP multicast use either 224.0.0.x or 239.255.0.x addresses
(x between 1 and 255).
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.2.2
- Merged with WSJT-X v2.2.2 GA source code, except for Joe's/Steve's changes to the
FT8 decoder.
- FT8 and FT4 decoders kept from v.2.2.1, but further optimized for DX. Note: this
new feature is experimental. Sometimes even more decodes than with JTDX, however,
slightly more false decodes might occur when 'Deep' is selected in the 'Decode'
menu. If you don't like that, choose 'Normal' instead.
Versions ...+BandHopping:
- New wsjt-x_improved feature: Band Hopping for FT8, FT4 and MSK144! At the new
Tab4 you'll find checkboxes for the most relevant FT8, FT4 and MSK144 frequencies.
Select the bands/modes you want and push the "Band Hopping" button. Automatic
band hopping takes place every other full minute. (This feature is very useful in
combination with Philip's nice www.pskreporter.info tool to get an overview on
propagation.)
Versions ..._updateMay2021:
Since v2.2.2 is the last version that has Tab2, I decided to provide you with an
update from my wsjt-x_improved v2.2.2. These updated versions are like the versions
2.2.2+BandHopping, however, they also contain the following features of v2.3.1 and higher:
- Latest hamlib 4.2 files (supporting Malachite SDR, Yaesu FTDX10, etc.).
- Settings of the band hopping checkboxes are stored and remembered.
- The continuous writing of the ALL.TXT file can be switched off by a "noALL.txt" file.
- Minor corrections of the GUI.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.2.1
- WSJT-X v2.2.1 is Joe's/Bill's bug fix release that fixes regressions found in the
prior v2.2.0 GA release. However, it came with a new bug, relevant to YAESU FT-897D.
In my wsjt-x_improved versions, this new bug has already been fixed.
- No changes to the wsjt-x_improved features.
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.2.0
- Merged with WSJT-X v2.2.0 GA source code.
- "B" layout becomes now default.
- Layout of AL version has been slightly modified.
- New: A bug fix relase for hams using YAESU rigs and having troubles with CAT control.
(The bug came with the official wsjt-x v2.2.0 GA release)
VERSIONS WSJT-X_v2.1.2
wsjt-x_improved includes the following additional functions:
- Highlighting of CQ and 73/RR73 messages.
- A new "H" button enables the FT8 DXpedition hound mode to be switched on and off
directly via the main program window. Simply set your rig's VFO to the correct DXp
frequency. When you hear the fox, just press the "H" button and make your QSO. Press
the "H" button again to return to normal FT8 mode.
- “FT8”, “FT4”, “MSK”, and “JT” buttons make it easy to switch between the frequently
used modes (useful when menus are hidden)
- Some bug fixes to wsjtx v2.1.2 (e.g. now “Hold Tx Freq” is always checked when
coming back from FT8 Hound mode).
wsjt-x_improved_B has one more modification:
- In the Wide Graph window, text of the "Control" checkbox has been removed to prevent
accidental ticking when setting lower audio frequencies.
Widescreen versions:
The widescreen versions are optimized for laptops. They provide a larger Band Activity
window, but require more horizontal space. Try it!
AL version:
The alternative layout (AL) version provides a larger Band Activity window even on
narrow screens.
