I've been using the improved version for about 9 months now. I like it better than the standard version. The halt TX n high SWR is a nice feature. It works well when you forget to switch antennas when switching bands.
Thanks for making us aware of these upgraded features Mike! I would not have known this on my own! I do appreciate the work you put in to make a nice video like this as well. Cheers and happy holidays to you man
What I would like to see is a special color for new states. So if someone is calling CQ in a state you need, it would stick out. Just like with the colors for new grid, etc
When you right click on add it puts the call sign into your standard messages, if you are hunting POTA or see someone on ham alert and know the call sign you can type it in on the left, click add and then start calling them.
If you type in a call and a grid and hit Add, it will be saved. With just the call, Lookup will retrieve the saved grid. This is handy when using 6 digit grids on VHF, UHF, and microwaves. This feature has been in WSJT-X for some time.
I like that it does cloudlog natively. One thing that would be nice is an API for remote operation. Though i imagine the waterfall might be a challenge. Perhaps interpolate based on received signals...
@@vrb1960 Linux user so no dice on that I know I can do remote with WFView. Reminding me of that gave me a reason to think about getting a ZimaBoard/Blade
the .deb package does not work with Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat -- as of this date. ( The older libboost (ex. libboost-log1.62.0) dependencies are not available in the standard repositories)
JTDX has been able to do most of these improvements for a long time ! And: JTDX decodes faster, has higher signal (SNR-)sensitivity and uses much less processor resources... important for lower CPU Systems .
I’m glad they are making improvements 👍 was just saying yesterday how crazy it is that apps such as FT8CN exist with extra features on mobile devices but WSJT-X was staying stagnant and admittedly a little janky…so as grandma would say this “warms my heart” 😂
Mike, two things. First how did you get your rig to show up on your screen? You think I can do that with a IC-7300? Second. I have never tried FT8, should I use wsjt-x improved?
Tried this today with great results with my ic7300. Perfect! But the G90- may have some bugs, at least with the swr reporting. The g90 is tuned and the antenna is resonant but I’m getting swr 10 reports in wsjtx improved. Most likely the Flrig and Digirig confusing the wsjtx software?
What is weird about dark mode? I never understood why the default for every stupid app is high intensity white, even going back to Windows 3.1. I guess there are people that like that look, but I never have. Looking forward to trying this out.
Thanks for the video Mike. I would like to filter for CQ POTA and have the software play and audio alert. I’ll have to download the new version and see if this can be done. Cheers Marty Mad Dog, VK4KC
Hi there from the UK, I have a Xiegu G90 which has been widebanded to TX on 11m. I've added a 27.265.00 11m frequency, but WSJTX always says it's OOB on the far left in red. Any idea how to fix?
Its been out for a while, the dev the forked it originally now is part of the OG project's development. A good analogy would be comparing Fedora to Redhat linux now
Thanks for the video Mike. On macOS Sequoia I have a "Shared memory issue" when I try to start "wsjtx-2.7.1-devel_improved_PLUS_241014-RC7_Darwin" (the installation of the .dmg file went well)... Any suggestions
My biggest complaint for WSJT-X on the mac is the UI. I know its free and I do appreciate that but man, they need to do some updates. I was getting to the point I was about to compile my own version so I could fix some of the issues. I guess I better download this version and see if they have addressed any of the issues. thanks Mike.
What do you not like about it? I think it's pretty polished. Except for the persistent window that pups up if your radio isn't connected. That's on all OS's though. Drives me nuts!
@@hamradiotube Well I'm going to admit I have to rub some brain cells together to remember. I tore my office apart to update it and put all my radios away then decided to play musical chairs with rooms in the house and only now got my radios out, but need to move my antenna mast to get it going so lets just say its been a few months since I've messed with it. What I do recall is (on my mac) the mouse detection isn't smooth on some controls, you need to triple click instead of double click on the callsign text field (small but annoying) , if I double click on a callsign in the incoming list, I'd like it to try to contact that callsign instead of always choosing the sender callsign, sometimes when I switch bands it doesn't, I remember something about it calling CQ when I intend for it to call someone I clicked on but don't remember the details. Then of course that popup window if your radio isn't connected is damn annoying. Why not let me get into the app without the radio connected?
Where you been??? Seriously though, there is so much Schtuff in ham radio right now. I bet if I look at my stream on this, you're in the comments chatting around.
Nifty. I'll have to give WSJT-X another try when I get my new Mac. It doesn't like Ventura since that update 2+ years ago.(No, I can't update my Mac to Sonoma or higher. My Mac is too old.) 73!
Hi W3PDR here. I have HRD, WSJT-X and Grid Tracker via Ft857d receiving F8 nicely BUT I can not get station tags to show on my GT map. Tried all, hand shake ports match but zero stations show on my map. Any sugs appreciated. Thanks for your helpful YT vids. 73s
Very cool. I use GT2 for most all these new and improved functions already. I may try this version or stick with my current version. I am glad you gave us a complete look at this version. I also appreciate the reminder to be sure of what soundcard you are using. 73 de KN6ZVI
I think TO had the person on last year on a Nuggets.. There is 3 version of this.... Normal, Small screen and Wide Screen. Waiting for a quick video on GridTracker2? How come no one is talking about it?
I assume you're talking about that terminal thing you need to do when first installing WSJT-X on Mac? No, I did nothing when installing this version other than downloading it and installing it. It just worked. No terminal command needed.
I've been running it for a long time now. It's definitely "improved". It's kind of a pain to install it AND have JS8Call and some other things under Linux, the package needs tend to clash with each other. It's possible to sort it out, though.
Example: Want to only hunt POTA stations? In the whitelist, put in "POTA", and then click the "show only messages containing the following callsigns or keywords" AND click the box next to "use filters for wait and pounce..." and then click OK. Next RIGHT click the Enable TX, it should turn orange(ish) and then the next "(callsign) POTA" that comes through, you will respond to that callsign.
I realize this goes against the "spirit" of ft8 ( is there such a thing? it's KILLING ham radio after all :D ), but I like to use the "CQ: Max DB" in WSJTX-I for responding to the strongest signals for pota contacts. I'm all for making those weak signal contacts at home, but if I'm at a park I'd rather make the contacts instead of taking 5 minutes of retries to get that weak one.
I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s there for a reason. I don’t hear qrp stations a lot of times and I also don’t make a big habit out of stopping my activation and calling for qrp only stations. Life is not equal or fair. There’s no rules that say you have to do it one way or another. As a qrp operator myself sometimes, that’s a decision I make. I would never ask or expect someone to stop for qrp stations. Sometimes I do out of courtesy but it should never be expected.
Oh good point, I didn't even think about that. I did do a POTA a few weeks ago on FT8 at night and boy was my screen bright! Totally killed my night vision. Perhaps there is a good use for dark mode after all?
No nice development process, some bugs in macos binary (that are fixed in source but exist in binary - likely something messed with binary build/release process), lack of git repository (so hard to track anything and verify the reason for new bugs). So... partially improved, partially worse. I think that fork author joined official wsjtx team now (I can be wrong), so hopefully improvements will be done in a better way.
The filters are priceless to me to prevent CQ First, max dist, etc. from auto-answering responses from nearby Asian countries when I call CQ EU, CQ USA and so on. I've been using Improved for close to a year.
Do you not think the Filters are just going to piss folks off. Why not just stick to putting your requested zone/state/country on the CQ... CQ EU, CQ NA, CQ JA. It would save a lot of wasted bandwidth and radio time for the people being ignored/filtered without actually letting them know your ignoring them. I am however liking the rest of the features. SWR TX shutdown is the best.
You could give out bags of money and someone would complain they're too heavy. 100% of the time, someone is going to complain about something. Plus, people don't listen. I was calling CQ DX on FT8 the other day and had a 6 station try to come back to me. Of course, I ignored him, but the filters are an extra layer that I think would be quite useful in that case. Especially when people are being really persistent and keep trying to work you, even though you're specifically calling CQ DX. Plus, I kinda enjoy pissing people off lol!
Just to say - dark mode is essential to those of us with eye problems that muck up the dynamic ramge of our light sensitivity. It's a huge accessibility thing. Don't like it? Don't use it. Need it and it's not there? Game over! Live and let live...
Dark mode, for guys like me that have eye light sensitivity, is a fantastic setting. Everything i have is set on dark mode if it has it.
+1 Dark Mode.... :) - thanks for the video Mike.....
Perfect for a long sesh of ft8
Now you have to get GridTracker 2 setup! I'm glad to see WSJT-X picking up settings that JTDX has had for a while!
I've been using the improved version for about 9 months now. I like it better than the standard version. The halt TX n high SWR is a nice feature. It works well when you forget to switch antennas when switching bands.
Thanks for making us aware of these upgraded features Mike! I would not have known this on my own! I do appreciate the work you put in to make a nice video like this as well. Cheers and happy holidays to you man
Cool to see they finally implemented 99% of the features JTDX-improved has had for well over 18 months.
Thanks Mike. I just built a new computer and this video was so helpful.
Also in the Archlinux AUR for any Arch guys.
Another great video, Mike. I prefer dark mode at night when I'm camping. For me, it's much easier on my old eyes.
Cool improvements! Thanks for letting the rest of us in on the secret bud 👍👍
What I would like to see is a special color for new states. So if someone is calling CQ in a state you need, it would stick out. Just like with the colors for new grid, etc
When you right click on add it puts the call sign into your standard messages, if you are hunting POTA or see someone on ham alert and know the call sign you can type it in on the left, click add and then start calling them.
Immediate download, great video! thanks
Even easier to Remote operate now! Especially with SWR protection. 👍🏻
The fact it has a Mac OS version is enough for me. Good Stuff!
If you type in a call and a grid and hit Add, it will be saved. With just the call, Lookup will retrieve the saved grid. This is handy when using 6 digit grids on VHF, UHF, and microwaves. This feature has been in WSJT-X for some time.
Thanks for your time
Thanks for the great video. I hope you and your family have a wonderfull Christmas and New Year. 2024 flew by.
I like that it does cloudlog natively.
One thing that would be nice is an API for remote operation. Though i imagine the waterfall might be a challenge. Perhaps interpolate based on received signals...
N3FJP has this feature, I’ve used it for years.
@@vrb1960 Linux user so no dice on that
I know I can do remote with WFView. Reminding me of that gave me a reason to think about getting a ZimaBoard/Blade
If you double right click, it will move transmit/receive together, well on my windows version it does. Excellent video Mike.
I've been using the improved version for a while, but not having used it for a couple months I see they have been busy, adding even more features.
You can right click then left click to set your rx/tx markers. Or you can just ctrl click and it moves both at the same time.
You had me at “Oregon Trail”. 🤣🤘🐓🎸
It's a Fork of WSJT-X
Like all Forks...
Will it be maintained and kept up to date..??
It's been around since May 2021 IIRC..??
Thanks, Mike for another great video. With all the different versions for a Mac, how to find out, which is the correct version for my machine?
the .deb package does not work with Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat -- as of this date. ( The older libboost (ex. libboost-log1.62.0) dependencies are not available in the standard repositories)
JTDX has been able to do most of these improvements for a long time ! And: JTDX decodes faster, has higher signal (SNR-)sensitivity and uses much less processor resources... important for lower CPU Systems .
Nice! Thank you for sharing
Figured out the SWR thing, it doesn't seem to work when using CAT via Ham Radio Deluxe, when I connect direct to radio it works.
I’m glad they are making improvements 👍 was just saying yesterday how crazy it is that apps such as FT8CN exist with extra features on mobile devices but WSJT-X was staying stagnant and admittedly a little janky…so as grandma would say this “warms my heart” 😂
WSJT-Z has many if those features as well.
Mike, two things. First how did you get your rig to show up on your screen? You think I can do that with a IC-7300? Second. I have never tried FT8, should I use wsjt-x improved?
The filter mode will definitely help me to avoid annoying other people because I occasionally respond to DX request when I'm not DX. lol
Tried this today with great results with my ic7300. Perfect!
But the G90- may have some bugs, at least with the swr reporting.
The g90 is tuned and the antenna is resonant but I’m getting swr 10 reports in wsjtx improved. Most likely the Flrig and Digirig confusing the wsjtx software?
Nice Mike. Wonder if the filters filter for Grid tracker also. Will have to play it with it and see.
The old version I have doesn’t have 60 meters. Can we do digital on 60 yet? Legally I mean?
So instead of pressing the right and left mouse button you can just do cmd click and both rx and tx go the same spot.
FYI for everyone watching most of these new functions are available v2.7.1 "RC7" I was running RC4 and most of these functions weren’t available
What is weird about dark mode? I never understood why the default for every stupid app is high intensity white, even going back to Windows 3.1. I guess there are people that like that look, but I never have. Looking forward to trying this out.
Thanks for the video Mike. I would like to filter for CQ POTA and have the software play and audio alert. I’ll have to download the new version and see if this can be done. Cheers Marty Mad Dog, VK4KC
This is sweet. Makes me want to get back into FT8
Hi there from the UK, I have a Xiegu G90 which has been widebanded to TX on 11m. I've added a 27.265.00 11m frequency, but WSJTX always says it's OOB on the far left in red. Any idea how to fix?
Its been out for a while, the dev the forked it originally now is part of the OG project's development. A good analogy would be comparing Fedora to Redhat linux now
In wsjt-x (normal) you can also add new qrg's 👍
Take a look at JTDX. Looks like the new & improved WJTX
Most of these improvements have been in JTDX for along time. The one thing i do like is where wsjtx wont transmit based on high swr.
I'd like an option to ignore calls that don't start with TX1, Locator.
Thanks for the video Mike.
On macOS Sequoia I have a "Shared memory issue" when I try to start "wsjtx-2.7.1-devel_improved_PLUS_241014-RC7_Darwin" (the installation of the .dmg file went well)... Any suggestions
Aw, Mike. I wish I had told you about this way back. My bad.
better late than never
My biggest complaint for WSJT-X on the mac is the UI. I know its free and I do appreciate that but man, they need to do some updates. I was getting to the point I was about to compile my own version so I could fix some of the issues. I guess I better download this version and see if they have addressed any of the issues. thanks Mike.
What do you not like about it? I think it's pretty polished. Except for the persistent window that pups up if your radio isn't connected. That's on all OS's though. Drives me nuts!
@@hamradiotube Well I'm going to admit I have to rub some brain cells together to remember. I tore my office apart to update it and put all my radios away then decided to play musical chairs with rooms in the house and only now got my radios out, but need to move my antenna mast to get it going so lets just say its been a few months since I've messed with it. What I do recall is (on my mac) the mouse detection isn't smooth on some controls, you need to triple click instead of double click on the callsign text field (small but annoying) , if I double click on a callsign in the incoming list, I'd like it to try to contact that callsign instead of always choosing the sender callsign, sometimes when I switch bands it doesn't, I remember something about it calling CQ when I intend for it to call someone I clicked on but don't remember the details. Then of course that popup window if your radio isn't connected is damn annoying. Why not let me get into the app without the radio connected?
10:33 so that’s why I hear talking every once and a while on FT8?
I’d like to see a POTA color code. I suppose you could make a custom filter to sort out POTA.
That's what GridTracker is for.
THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO I USE JTDX
Gimme that dark mode - give it to me now!! Oregon trail is my FAVORITE!!!
Hahaha!
Where you been??? Seriously though, there is so much Schtuff in ham radio right now. I bet if I look at my stream on this, you're in the comments chatting around.
Nifty. I'll have to give WSJT-X another try when I get my new Mac. It doesn't like Ventura since that update 2+ years ago.(No, I can't update my Mac to Sonoma or higher. My Mac is too old.) 73!
I have never tried FT8 gotta give it a try sometime. Need someone to walk me through setting it up!!!
Not sure if the original had this setting, but Improved has an option to add db reports to comments.
yeah the old version has that. I always have it checked so it goes into my logging software that way.
What kind of monster prefers "light mode"?!
I tried it once and wasn't impressed .. I now use SDR Control.
Hi W3PDR here. I have HRD, WSJT-X and Grid Tracker via Ft857d receiving F8 nicely BUT I can not get station tags to show on my GT map. Tried all, hand shake ports match but zero stations show on my map. Any sugs appreciated. Thanks for your helpful YT vids. 73s
I musta been under a rock too ! Ha it's great !
Very cool. I use GT2 for most all these new and improved functions already. I may try this version or stick with my current version. I am glad you gave us a complete look at this version. I also appreciate the reminder to be sure of what soundcard you are using. 73 de KN6ZVI
Wall Street Journal? 😊
I think TO had the person on last year on a Nuggets.. There is 3 version of this.... Normal, Small screen and Wide Screen.
Waiting for a quick video on GridTracker2? How come no one is talking about it?
I just learned about GT2. Just downloaded it but I have to edit a video now.
a tip of the derby to these guys
It probably would’ve been worth pointing out that this is not from the same people that did WSJT-X. It appears to be a fork.
Saw there was a Mac version of the “improved” product. Anyone know if this install requires moving of the macOS memory block?
I assume you're talking about that terminal thing you need to do when first installing WSJT-X on Mac? No, I did nothing when installing this version other than downloading it and installing it. It just worked. No terminal command needed.
Thank you for the reply! Keep those vids coming! 73 KD8UWF
I've been running it for a long time now. It's definitely "improved". It's kind of a pain to install it AND have JS8Call and some other things under Linux, the package needs tend to clash with each other. It's possible to sort it out, though.
...the filters are excellent, also. I really think the mainline WSTJX needs these in it.
Example: Want to only hunt POTA stations? In the whitelist, put in "POTA", and then click the "show only messages containing the following callsigns or keywords" AND click the box next to "use filters for wait and pounce..." and then click OK. Next RIGHT click the Enable TX, it should turn orange(ish) and then the next "(callsign) POTA" that comes through, you will respond to that callsign.
This looks to be a Fork of WSJT-X. Keep that in mind folks. The software development could be merged within the trunk at some point? IDK.
Is there new version of JTDX?
no clue
Dark mode ❤
I realize this goes against the "spirit" of ft8 ( is there such a thing? it's KILLING ham radio after all :D ), but I like to use the "CQ: Max DB" in WSJTX-I for responding to the strongest signals for pota contacts. I'm all for making those weak signal contacts at home, but if I'm at a park I'd rather make the contacts instead of taking 5 minutes of retries to get that weak one.
I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s there for a reason. I don’t hear qrp stations a lot of times and I also don’t make a big habit out of stopping my activation and calling for qrp only stations. Life is not equal or fair. There’s no rules that say you have to do it one way or another. As a qrp operator myself sometimes, that’s a decision I make. I would never ask or expect someone to stop for qrp stations. Sometimes I do out of courtesy but it should never be expected.
@ my thoughts exactly! I'm glad that Improved added that as one of the options over the regular wsjtx
I've used JTDX for something like donkey's years, long before FT8. Never liked the WSJT-X GUI and still don't.
My only gripe is they don't have it for Freebsd or haiku OS, but I am glad they have it for Linux and worthless Microsoft and Apple.
Fear is the path to the dark side.
Does it support Super Fox/Hound?
Yep
@@hamradiotube Thanks oh great one!
Finally! Dark Mode! This is a God-send for us with light sensitivity.
I like the wsjtx-improved version of the colors for dark mode. I think I had to change the text on one but the rest were good.
Oh good point, I didn't even think about that. I did do a POTA a few weeks ago on FT8 at night and boy was my screen bright! Totally killed my night vision. Perhaps there is a good use for dark mode after all?
@@hamradiotube this is the way 🤣
I blame Gregg for this video
I rather watch grass grow or paint dry...it is more entertaining
No nice development process, some bugs in macos binary (that are fixed in source but exist in binary - likely something messed with binary build/release process), lack of git repository (so hard to track anything and verify the reason for new bugs). So... partially improved, partially worse. I think that fork author joined official wsjtx team now (I can be wrong), so hopefully improvements will be done in a better way.
32Bit really?
Be careful of these. WSJT is open source and there are many variations. Some good, some not good.
The filters are priceless to me to prevent CQ First, max dist, etc. from auto-answering responses from nearby Asian countries when I call CQ EU, CQ USA and so on. I've been using Improved for close to a year.
What? No Satan? I want to send him some cat toys. 73
Do you not think the Filters are just going to piss folks off. Why not just stick to putting your requested zone/state/country on the CQ... CQ EU, CQ NA, CQ JA. It would save a lot of wasted bandwidth and radio time for the people being ignored/filtered without actually letting them know your ignoring them. I am however liking the rest of the features. SWR TX shutdown is the best.
You could give out bags of money and someone would complain they're too heavy. 100% of the time, someone is going to complain about something. Plus, people don't listen. I was calling CQ DX on FT8 the other day and had a 6 station try to come back to me. Of course, I ignored him, but the filters are an extra layer that I think would be quite useful in that case. Especially when people are being really persistent and keep trying to work you, even though you're specifically calling CQ DX. Plus, I kinda enjoy pissing people off lol!
@@hamradiotubeI like the "hide stations worked today or yesterday" filter!
A WSPR button would have been nice. Dig your power out BTW.
Lol 69!!
Wooo. 73
FT8 is killing ham radio, thanks for the info!
It sure is lol!
@@hamradiotube hey btw im running the same version, i don't see where i can add the band buttons in view... ill figure it out
@@GreggK6EGG. Interesting. I learned it from you so I’m not sure what to tell you.
@@hamradiotube thats scary!
@@hamradiotube found it.. I was on RC 4 you were on RC 7
Bello ma rimane ancora molto inferiore second me a JTDX ... provalo
It needs a dedicated button to block Cuba
No thanks WSJT is deaf, use JTDX or MSHV...
Just to say - dark mode is essential to those of us with eye problems that muck up the dynamic ramge of our light sensitivity. It's a huge accessibility thing. Don't like it? Don't use it. Need it and it's not there? Game over! Live and let live...
Stop this robotic translation it doesn't work with radio jargon.
Schwachsinn! Mach doch diese dämliche automatische Übersetzung aus 👎
Great, now I can block Ruzzian stations
OMG!!!! This ROCKS N1PHR
huh, in current wsjt-x moving transmit/receive is a couple of clicks
I know, but these are different clicks!
It’s just not radio. It’s a computer speaking to a computer whilst the operator mows the lawn
try the WSJTZ it works just like WSJTX