WSJT and WSJT-X

WSJT and WSJT-X

WSJT stands for Weak Signal communication by K1JT, a computer program for amateur radio communication released in 2001. WSJT-X is an extended version with contribution from others. It is currently an open source program, which can be downloaded from https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html WSJT-X Version 2.6 has 11 protocols or modes: FST4, FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, Q65, MSK144, WSPR, FST4W, and Echo. Of these, FT8 seems to be the most popular one for weak signal conditions on HF. JT5 was designed for EME or moon bounce on VHF and higher bands. Q65 is for tropospheric scatter, transequatorial propagation and other types of fast fading signals on VHF and higher bands. Echo is meant to detect and measure your own station’s echo from the moon and optimizing performance on EME.

WSJT-X installation packages are available for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. An interesting feature in WSJT-X is that there are features supporting the ARRL International Digital Contest and its distance based scoring. It can select the reply to your CQ call that yields the most contest points!

For using WSJT-X, you need an SSB transceiver and antenna along with a computer. Monitor resolution should be at least 1024 x 780 pixels. Computer to radio interface is using a serial port or equivalent USB device. Audio input and output devices supported by the operating system are needed. There should be a means for synchronizing the computer clock to UTC within ±1 second.