You can find a Video Introduction to WSJT-X and FT8 here on our blog to help you get started and get on the air with FT8 using WSJT-X.WSJT-X implements communication protocols or “modes” called FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, and WSPR, as well as one called Echo for detecting and measuring your own radio signals reflected from the Moon.
If you are new to FT8, I’d suggest you begin with WSJT-X and use it to learn the basics of the FT8 protocol and how to operate using FT8. WSJT-X also supports important modes like MSK144 for Meteor Scatter QSOs. WSJT-X is a better tool for contests as it contains support for specific contest exchanges via FT8 – a feature which JTDX does not yet support.
I also like the more sensitive decoder in JTDX for weak signal FT8 work on the 6m band. JTDX has some important advantages in crowded band situations and is my tool of choice for working DX with FT8. We run both here and they both work well. I don’t think that JTDX is a replacement for WSJT-X. The best source of information on the more advanced features is the JTDX groups.io group. There is a basic getting started guide that helps to get JTDX setup and configured at your station and some useful FAQ documents to help you learn about some of the JTDX features. There is a learning curve with JTDX and it takes a little time to learn to use all of the new features. More complex rules are possible via configuration in the Filters tab. The image above shows a very simple application of this capability to limit the decoded message display to only CQ messages. JTDX has some good filtering options to selectively hide decoded messages to enable the operator to focus on messages from stations that they are looking for. It is almost impossible to read and process all of the information a large number of decoded messages in the 15 seconds available. It appears to have most of the features of the current version of WSJT-X with the notable exception of support for specific contest exchanges.įinally, you may have experienced a flood of decoded messages on a busy band.
The JTDX software is derived from WSJT-X and we’ve been using it here for DX’ing and for weak signal work on 6 meters. the JTDX feature additions definitely provide some useful enhancements. We’ve been testing JTDX V2.0 release candidates here for about a month now.
The stated purpose for JTDX from the JTDX website is: The JTDX software is created by Igor Chernikov, UA3DJY, and Arvo Järve ES1JA. We’ve recently begun experimenting with a WSJT-X derivative for FT8 and other JT Modes.