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Getting Started with Digital Modes & WSJT Software The first digital mode was CW (Morse Code). Today, Morse code is not the only digital mode that is available.  Don’t look for CW on WSJT!  It is still done with mostly with paddle.   If you're looking to explore digital communications, WSJT is a very popular program to accomplish this goal. Most people associate the FT8 protocol with WSJT.  WSJT does more than FT8, it also does FT4, WSPR, MSK, Q65, J65, and more (see sidebar).  Switching between these modes is as simple as a click. There are two distributions of WSJT that are popular with Amateur Radio enthusiasts. WSJT (https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/) WSJT - Improved (https://sourceforge.net/projects/wsjt-x-improved/ Is there a correct version to use?  It is a matter of opinion of the ham radio operator.   The modes preformed are the same in either version. The main screen is organized differently.   Some Amateur radio enthusiasts like the improved version for some of the extras that were added.   But no matter which version you choose, both will get the job done.   WSJT Software screenshot WSJT-X Software screenshot	From the WSJT Website: WSJT='Weak Signal software from K1JT' WSJT-X implements communication protocols or "modes" called FST4, FST4W, FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, Q65, MSK144, and WSPR, as well as one called Echo for detecting and measuring your own radio signals reflected from the Moon. These modes were designed for making reliable, confirmed QSOs under extreme weak-signal conditions. JT4, JT9, and JT65 use nearly identical message structure and source encoding (the efficient compression of standard messages used for minimal QSOs). They use timed 60-second T/R sequences synchronized with UTC. JT4 and JT65 were designed for EME ("moonbounce") on the VHF/UHF/microwave bands. JT9 is optimized for the MF and HF bands. It is about 2 dB more sensitive than JT65 while using less than 10% of the bandwidth. Q65 offers submodes with a wide range of T/R sequence lengths and tone spacings; it is highly recommended for EME, ionospheric scatter, and other weak signal work on VHF, UHF, and microwave bands. FT4 and FT8 are operationally similar but use T/R cycles only 7.5 and 15 s long, respectively. MSK144 is designed for Meteor Scatter on the VHF bands. These modes offer enhanced message formats with support for nonstandard callsigns and some popular contests. FST4 and FST4W are designed particularly for the LF and MF bands. On these bands their fundamental sensitivities are better than other WSJT-X modes with the same sequence lengths, approaching the theoretical limits for their rates of information throughput. FST4 is optimized for two-way QSOs, while FST4W is for quasi-beacon transmissions of WSPR-style messages. FST4 and FST4W do not require the strict, independent time synchronization and phase locking of modes like EbNaut. WSPR mode implements a protocol designed for probing potential propagation paths with low-power transmissions. WSPR is fully implemented within WSJT-X, including programmable "band-hopping
What Do I Need To Get Started? You need four things to run digital. HF transceiver with SSB capability Audio interface - A way to get receive audio from the radio into a computer and audio output of the computer into the radio, typically a sound card interface A computer capable of running the FT8 software and time synchronization. Power source for radio and computer (if necessary) and Antenna used for any radio setup.
Radio All radios work as long as they are capable of transmitting on the frequencies you desire.   Although, your radio may put out 100W, for digital communication 50W is plenty.   But beyond that, what else makes a difference.   Sound Card It’s all about the sound card!  Some radios like an ICOM 7300 have the sound card included in the radio.  But don’t dispair, if your radio does not include it.  A popular option to add this feature to your radio is the  SignaLink USB Digital Communications Interface from TigerTronics. If you have a radio similar to the ICOM 7300, you will need one cable to connect between your computers USB port and the radio.  Do you have a extra printer cable around?  If not, look at your favorite store for computer supplies or Amazon. If you don’t, two wires will be required, a USB cable from computer to sound interface, and from the sound interface to your radio.  Do some research on your radio and find out the best option available to add this feature, if your radio doesn’t include a sound card. Computer A computer that runs WSJT is a key element.  What operating system is required?   Although, Windows is the most popular, LINUX and MacOS are also available.    Do you love your Raspberry Pi?  This is also a possibility for you to explore.    Make sure your computer has a USB-C port or convert from USB-A to USB-C.    If your using a laptop, it might come with a track pad built in.  If you like using it, great!   If you don’t or are using you setup at an event with mulitlple operators, you might want to bring a mouse. Time Synchronization So what’s this time synchronization thing?  Key element of using the digital mode is that all the computers using WSJT must be synchronized.  If you are not in sync, it can be disastrous for you.  You will not see anyone using a mode or no one will respond to you. Today, computers sync automatically.  So why do I need to add this feature?   As an everyday user, you don’t care if your computer is 3-15 seconds out of sync.   It doesn’t bother you and you probably don’t notice.   When using a digital mode, it must be EXACT! An example of FT8 is done in 15 second to recieve and to transmit.  If the computer is not in sync with everyone else, you will reduce or completely miss the timing window. If you want to check your clock, goto  Time.is website to check that your clock is on point.   The website should respond that your time is EXACT. How do I accomplish time synchronization?  It depends if you have internet available in determining  the method you chose. Internet or Hotspot availability through cellphone Great news!  If you have ability to connect to the internet, two popular options are CronyControl(Mac) or NetTime(Windows) No Internet GPS is the typical solution, when you don’t have an internet connection.   There are various software applications, both free and paid, that can use a GPS receiver to sync the system time.  Ready to Configure The Radio and Computer Once your get all these pieces together, you are ready to configure your radio and WSJT software!    Below are two PDF documents, that will help you start your configuration for a Windows machine. FT8 - Part 1 FT8 - Part 2 Am I finished? Technically, yes.   At this point you can start connecting to others.   To excel at using your prefered digital mode, you will need a few more things. Logging Program Although, WSJT logs your contacts, it does not connect to eQSL, QRZ, or LOTW.   WSJT createstwo of the most popular logging formats, Cabrello and ADIF formats for you.   Some logging programs can interface directly with WSJT.  If your logbook doesn't, you can load up the ADIF log supplied by WSJT.      If you haven’t chosen the logbook to use with your ham radio, talk to your local ham radio club and find out what programs they are using. GridTracker GridTracker is a warehouse of amateur radio information presented in an easy to use interface, from live traffic decodes, logbooks, real-time spot reports, weather, current solar conditions, and more. What does this mean to me?   It depends on the objective.   Are you looking for a POTA (Parks On The Air), or looking to make contact in every state or GRID?  This tool can help you find those contacts and what frequencies and modes they are working on. PSKReporter Ever wonder if they can hear you and what your signal strength being recieved is?  Goto https://pskreporter.info/ What can I learn from searching your callsign? It will show you callsigns that heard your signal, and you can find out the strength they recieved it. Want to see if a specific call sign hears you?Input their callsign into the query.   Goto your location on the map and click on your callsign to find what they are recieving.  This might be easier then finding their location when you input your callsign because you might not know exactly where they are transmitting from.  Operating WSJT and  the importance dB field in CQ's Use dB as a gauge to determine your odds of the other operator to respond to your answer to his CQ.  The dB that everyone responds to is a judgement call.   Over -15db, you have a good chance of someone responding to you.    Does this mean if the dB is -22 that you won’t get a response?  NO!  If you really want that station, give it a try.  You may get lucky! It might be that station that operates a few times a year and it’s on your bucket list.  Starting/Stopping Order for Digital Communication is Important. After you have all your connections to your radio, computer, and sound cards, follow these steps. Turn on Radio On computer, start your time syncronization first.   If you have this automatically starting every time you boot, you can ignore this step. Start WSJT When shutting down do in the reverse order. Close WSJT Shut off computer Shut off radio.