WSJT-X
Weak Signals Communication Application
Description
WSJT-X implements communication protocols including FST4, FST4W, FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, Q65, MSK144, WSPR, and Echo. These modes facilitate reliable, confirmed QSOs under extreme weak-signal conditions. JT4, JT9, and JT65 utilize a nearly identical message structure and source encoding, employing timed 60-second transmit/receive sequences synchronized with UTC. JT4 and JT65 are designed for EME on VHF/UHF/microwave bands, while JT9 is optimized for MF and HF, offering 2 dB greater sensitivity than JT65 with less than 10% of its bandwidth. Q65 provides submodes with varying T/R sequence lengths and tone spacings, suitable for EME, ionospheric scatter, and weak signal operations on VHF, UHF, and microwave.
FT4 and FT8 operate with T/R cycles of 7.5 and 15 seconds, respectively, supporting enhanced message formats for nonstandard callsigns and contest operations. MSK144 is engineered for Meteor Scatter on VHF bands. FST4 and FST4W target LF and MF bands, achieving fundamental sensitivities near theoretical limits for information throughput; FST4 is for two-way QSOs, and FST4W for quasi-beacon WSPR-style transmissions, without requiring the strict time synchronization of protocols like EbNaut. WSPR mode enables propagation path probing via low-power transmissions, incorporating programmable band-hopping.
The WSJT-X 2.7 General Availability release introduces the QMAP program, Q65 Pileup, SuperFox mode, a Hamlib update option, and a Message System. SuperFox mode transmits simultaneously to up to 9 Hounds with a constant envelope waveform, providing approximately +10 dB system gain compared to older Fox-and-Hound operations. WSJT-X 2.7 for Windows platforms includes MAP65 3.0, a wideband polarization-matching tool for EME. The WSJT-X 3.0.0-rc1 candidate release represents a major revision with new features, some ported from WSJT-X Improved. This software is available for Windows 7 and later (32-bit/64-bit), various Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RedHat, Raspberry Pi OS), and macOS (10.13 through 15).
DXZone Focus: Weak Signal | Digital Modes | WSJT-X | Windows
Featured by DXZone Editorial
FT4 is a special-purpose mode designed for rapid-fire contest QSOs
FT8 Frequencies for HF and VHF bands as listed on WSJT-X. Region 1 exceptions and JS8Call frequencies.
FT4 Frequencies for HF and VHF bands as listed on WSJT-X.