Best Mac Jt-65 Software

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08/01/2017

It’s still in beta testing, but FT8 — the latest digital bauble to capture the imagination of the Amateur Radio community — has been luring away many of those already using the popular JT65 “weak-signal” mode. FT8 is included in a beta release of WSJT-X, version 1.8.0-rc1. Among its biggest advantages is a shorter transmit-receive cycle, meaning quicker contacts. The notes for the “candidate” release say that FT8 offers “sensitivity down to –20 dB on the AWGN channel.” Contacts are four times faster than with JT65 or JT9, and an entire FT8 contact can take place in about 1 minute.

Digitally Speaking Nets Host / Net Control - Lee Norup - K5WXR. JT-65 / FT8 Links.

Jt 65 made easy

The new mode is named after its developers, Steven Franke, K9AN, and Joe Taylor, K1JT. The numeral designates the mode’s 8-frequency shift keying format. Tones are spaced at 6.25 Hz, and an FT8 signal occupies just 50 Hz. Unlike JT65 or JT9, transmit and receive cycles in FT8 each last about 15 seconds. Like JT65, FT8 requires accurate time synchronization. An auto-sequencing feature offers the option to respond automatically to the first decoded reply to your CQ.

Best Mac Jt-65 Software

“FT8 is an excellent mode for HF DXing and for situations like multi-hop Es on 6 meters, where deep QSB may make fast and reliable completion of QSOs desirable,” Taylor’s release notes assert.

The beta release came out just days before the July CQ VHF Contest and proved to be a boon to many operators who took advantage of FT8 on 6 meters. In a limited outing for the CQ VHF, Frank Donovan, W3LPL, made 22 FT8 contacts on 6 meters, “during which the FT8 software reported SNRs from my receiver below –10 dB (measured in a 2,500-Hz bandwidth). Some of the 22 QSOs may have been difficult to complete on CW.”

Enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer for Logbook of The World (LoTW) to accept FT8 contacts as FT8 contacts. Because FT8 is still in beta, it has not yet been added to the ADIF tables. ConfiguringTQSL to automatically map FT8 contacts to “DATA” will enable users to upload FT8 contacts now, and confirmations will be valid for DXCC Digital, VUCC, WAS Digital, and WPX Digital awards. A new TQSL configuration will be released once the new mode has been accepted to ADIF, which could happen within a week.

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Operational documentation for FT8 has not yet been finalized. “We know that the advent of new mode FT8 means that new material is needed for the User Guide,” Taylor told the Yahoo Meteor Scatter and Weak Signal Group this week. “We will be working on that in the near future.”

It’s still in beta testing, but FT8 — the latest digital bauble to capture the imagination of the Amateur Radio community — has been luring away many of those already using the popular JT65. Home WSJT-X WSJT MAP65 WSPR SimJT Program Development References Support: Weak Signal Communication Software WSJT-X, WSJT, MAP65, and WSPR are open-source programs designed for weak-signal digital communication by amateur radio. Normal usage requires a standard SSB transceiver and a personal computer with soundcard, or the equivalent.

A new Facebook group has been established for FT8 experimenters.

If you search Google for Amateur (or Ham) Radio Software, you will get a lot of results, but not a lot of information. One of the biggest problems is that you get links to old sites with outdated information. I will attempt to keep this page up to date with recent information.

For now, this page will be limited to Windows 7/10 software (say no to XP!), and eventually may include Mac OS and Linux. It will not be limited to free software. Some software may be included in multiple sections (e.g., a logger that is also part of a suite).

This page is currently still under construction in early 2018.

Software Suites

Software Suites are designed to provided integrated applications that should cover the basic needs for operating a digital shack.

  • Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) ($) –
  • DXLabs Suite –
  • flDigi Collection –

Logging / QSL Software

Logging may be one of the most basic operations of a digital shack. Logging software obviously keep track of your individual contacts, but typically provides other services, including QSLing (including cards), filing with eQSL and LoTW, awards tracking, and interfacing with other software. Logging apps also typically provide basic rig control. Software suites usually provide at least basic frequency rig control.

  • HRD Logbook ($) –
  • DXLab DXKeeper –
  • Log4OM –
  • Logger32 –
  • Winlog32 –
  • N3FJP AC Log ($) –
  • DX4Win ($) –
  • N1MM Logger – contesting

Control Software

Software used to control your transceiver. Depending on your rig, control software can be used to set frequency, control transmission modes (CW, LSB, etc.), set filter settings, control VFOs, and more – all with your mouse.

      • HRD Rig Control ($) –
      • DXLab Commander –

Digital Modes

Software to operate using digital modes: RTTY, PSK31, FT8, JT-65, Olivia, etc. While there are many programs available, many are essentially old or have been superseded by better programs. This list will try to show only the most popular and current software.

    • WSJT-X – WSJT-X implements communication protocols or “modes”
      called JT4, JT9, JT65, and WSPR.
    • fldigi – A digital mode program for PSK31, RTTY, and many other operating modes.
    • HRD DM-780 ($) –
    • DXLab WinWarbler – RTTY and PSK31.

DX and Propagation

Software to track DX Clusters and current propagation predictions and reports.

  • DXLab DXView and SpotCollecter –

Station Control and Antennas

Best Mac Jt-65 Software Downloads

Rotor control, antenna control, etc. Antenna design.

  • PstRotator ($) – handles just about every controllable rotator in common use, provides automatic tracking for satelites and EME, and lots more.

Jt 65 Download

Other Interesting Software

  • Echolink -Software enabling a link between a radio or repeater to the internet for a licensed radio amateur.

Web Services

Important web sites for managing your station and contacts.