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Reviews For: WSJT-X

Category: Ham Software/Apps - Other than logging

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Review Summary For : WSJT-X
Reviews: 29MSRP: Free
Description:
WSJT-X implements communication protocols or "modes"
called JT4, JT9, JT65, and WSPR, as well as one called
Echo for detecting and measuring your radio signals
reflected from the Moon. The JTxx modes were all designed
for making reliable, confirmed QSOs under extreme weak-
signal conditions. They use nearly identical message
structure and "source encoding," the efficient compression
of standard messages. JT65 was designed for EME
("moonbounce") on the VHF/UHF bands, and has also proved
very popular and effective for worldwide QRP communication
at HF. In contrast, JT9 is optimized for the LF, MF, and
HF bands. JT9 is about 2 dB more sensitive than JT65
while using less than 10% of the bandwidth. With either
JT9 or JT65, world-wide QSOs are possible with power
levels of a few watts and compromise antennas. JT4 is
particularly optimized for EME on the microwave bands from
2.3 to 24 GHz. Finally, as described more fully on its
own page, WSPR mode implements a protocol designed for
probing potential propagation paths with low-power
transmissions. WSPR has now been fully implemented within
WSJT-X, including automatic band-hopping, so all modes are
available in a single program.
Product is in production
More Info: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00294.3
WB0KWJ Rating: 2022-06-20
Windows version: Operates well with minor interface issues Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The windows versions of WSJT-X seem to work quite well on all my machines. A wide selection of "weak signal" digital modes are implemented, and I've not found issues with any of them using an external sound card (Signalink), direct connections with the computer, or through the mic and speakers.

My experience not universal, as should be expected with attempts to run the app on such a wide variety of systems using a wide variety of external connections. Automatic generation of standard messages and message sequencing are included. The interface is cluttered but usable. The set-up menus are similarly cluttered, but quite serviceable. Integration with logging programs is good, with UDP available. The waterfall and other displays are well implemented and useful, appearing as separate windows. The 32-bit versions of WSJT-X even work well under WINE (implemented by Crossover) on Intel and M1 Macs (if you do not want or need direct serial USB CAT control). This means the Windows versions can be run on Macs without Windows. CAT control under WINE can be implement via DX Lab Commander using RUMLog, or with a registry edit linking a virtual COM port to the Mac's serial/USB output.
G3RCE Rating: 2018-08-08
Deserves a 5 rather than 4.3 average rating Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use wsjt-x almost every day, particularly FT8 and I do like JT9
I can only say thank you to Joe Taylor and his team for all your excellent work.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by G3RCE on 2016-05-20

I have been using wsjt-x 1.6 with the
Sunsdr2 PRO, Flex6300 and Icom7300 and HRD for CAT control with no problems.
Great having WSPR included.
I mainly use JT9 which only requires 17Hz
Thank you Joe Taylor
WC4R Rating: 2018-08-07
Flawless Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
A true gift to Amateur Radio! Runs perfect on 2 of my Windows 10 machines. No issues or errors. Setup is not 'idiot proof' or 'appliance operator grade' but not difficult for a technical-minded ham. Each version is a pleasure to upgrade. Hats off to the creator!
WM4RB Rating: 2018-08-07
Great Program Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Easy to setup and use. Love it!
WB9MSM Rating: 2018-08-06
Great Software Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This software works very well. Absolutely no issues using it. There have been a number of updates and they install quite easily. Thanks to K1JT and Team for all the hard you have done to create this FREE software and to make it available to radio amateurs throughout the world. This software works great with ACLog and JTAlert. Denny WB9MSM
N6BIZ Rating: 2018-08-06
Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Great for me
AJ9C Rating: 2018-08-06
Works fine Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I see reviews with low numbers. Here I downloaded the program, clicked to install the file and everything worked right out of the gate. No editing, gremlins or gnashing of teeth.
KG6TT Rating: 2018-08-05
I use it literally every day Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Started using WSJT-X in August of 2017 so it has been just about one year now. Thus far I have used this software for FT8 only. I now have over 3000 completed FT8 QSOs. I am using it on several Windows 10 Professional systems where installation and updates have gone without a hitch. Shortly I'll be installing it on an OpenSuSe Linux system where I am expecting a bit more difficulty (I'll see how that install goes). In my Windows environment I've integrated WSJT-X with DXLab, JTAlert and microHam's Router software. Working together these four programs provide my logging, spotting, and rig and station environment control functions.

Using the FT8 mode of WSJT-X I am able to effectively and efficiently complete 'genuinely basic' QSOs with other hams who's signals are well into my local noise level - all using modest power levels and low gain antennas. It doesn't hurt that the FT8 sub-bands are full of activity even when it appears that all other forms of HF communication modes are scarce or non-existent (other than during contests of DXPeditions...). Many DXPeditions are now incorporating FT8 as a part of their communication strategy using both standard FT8 and now the WSJT-X's newly added FT8 DXPedition mode.

Back to the software itself - my experience with WSJT-X has not been without its occasional issues (mostly operator errors on my part and perhaps a an occasional software glitch) nor am I always completely instep with this programs GUI design and intuitiveness (to me) - thus the reasons I gave the software a '4' rating rather than a a perfect '5'. Had there been a 4.5 choice I would have gone there. As with almost any software product some level of improvements are not only possible but anticipated. The current release is version 1.9.1 and the developer(s)are already teasing us with an upcoming version 2.0 and I don't anticipate the evolution of this product ending there by any means.

I'll end my review by adding a wish of my own to some future WSJT-X evolution. How about incorporating a redesign of the PSK/BSK protocols? Crazy I know but I think a significant number of WSJT-X users would like to revisit that digital mode... actually any additional digital mode that allowed the WSJT-X user an option for a more free style keyboarding QSO experience without having to change programs. Maybe version 3.0? One can wish.


NN2X Rating: 2018-08-05
Works well for me.... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have the HRD/DM780 using USB interface (Sound and control) to the Kenwood 590s, and I have the WSJT-X, which connects to the HRD platform.

Well, it is free, and it works real well. Like I state with other programs that are free, if they only charged 100 (USD), reviews would be more positive.

I use the FT8 mode, when band is dead, this program is simple to use. Basically point and click DX mode!

It does take a little to set up all the software, (HRD) and have all the interfacing, but once you do, all is awesome..

But the WSJT-X is free and works, and the technology (FT8) is getting edge, working a levels of -24dB below the noise floor! That is great!

C U all on the bands

NN2X, Tom

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Earlier 5-star review posted by NN2X on 2017-10-14

I would had easily paid at least $ 50...or even $100...for the program

It is free, works seamlessly with HRD and it is easy to install, configure and operate...(I used with HRD), that made it incredibly easy...

How any Ham Operator can complain for something free, and uses cutting edge technology is beyond me...

I am more of a ragchewer, but when the band is dead, I use the FT8 mode(Or others like Olivia). Great program, and again, it is free, what more can these folks do?
2E0EUG Rating: 2018-08-05
Problem Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This software needs work, I know my way around software but this has major connection issues on windows 8, the usb cat control wont connect, it fails every time, HRD has no problem connecting but not this sucker, also closing the program does not actually close it, you find this out because if you close it then try to reopen it you get a error stating
"another instance may be running, try to remove stale lock file ?'
All in all I would have expected better from a Princeton crew, sorry guys but this software is like windows 95 in its config setup, its show great promise but it needs a lot of work, at the moment its more misery than fun for me.


My previous review stated the problems in connecting this software to an Icom 7300, it seems I have found a solution, select 7700 instead and then it works. sort of.