WSJT-X 2.0 Release Candidate 3 available for macOS
A third candidate release (“RC3”) of WSJT-X 2.0 is now available for
download and use by beta testers. WSJT-X 2.0 is a major upgrade to WSJT.
Candidate releases are intended for beta testers: individuals interested in testing the program’s new features and providing feedback to the WSJT Development Group. At the time of this release they have not yet completed the WSJT-X 2.0 User Guide. Potential users of the candidate release should read Quick-Start Guide to WSJT-X 2.0 before proceeding.
Installation instructions for version 2.0.3 can be found here in the User Guide.
Version 2.0.0-rc3 for OS X 10.9 and later can be downloaded here: wsjtx-2.0.0-rc3-Darwin.dmg
Changes in RC3 relative to RC2 include the following:
1 Improved SNR calculation for FT8
2 Test grid4 (not grid6) for matches in ADIF log
3 Auto-generate 77-bit messages for callsigns with /R or /P
4 Fix auto-sequencing for “CQ ABC …”, “CQ ABCD …”, etc.
5 Fix the “CQ RU RU …” bug
6 Implement AP decoding for contest messages and for Hound
7 Check Field Day and RTTY Roundup exchanges for validity
8 Implement “Select next caller” and use of the “TU; …” messages
9 Option to “Auto Log” in contests
10 Real-time display of contest log
11 Contest exchanges sent to the ADIF log and N1MM+
12 Function to export a Cabrillo log, ready for submission
13 Convert DXpedition mode to always use 77-bit messages
14 Fix bug associated with opening file “houndcallers.txt”
15 Remove end-of-line numbers from MSK144 decodes
16 Finish MSK144 encoding/decoding for Sh msgs and nonstandard calls
17 Halt Tx before resetting power after Tune
18 Auto update of LoTW info, and faster program startup
The “Quick-Start Guide to WSJT-X 2.0” has been updated and extended. If
you plan to use the beta-test release candidate RC3, be sure to read
this entire guide first:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Quick_Start_WSJT-X_2.0.pdf
Changes in RC3 relative to RC2 are described in a new section starting
on page 7.
Download links for RC3 on Windows, Linux, and macOS can be found on the
WSJT-X web site
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html
A one-hour “FT8 mock contest” will be held next week: Thursday, October
25, 0200-0300 UTC (that’s Wednesday evening, NA time). Watch for a
separate announcement with more details.
We look forward to your feedback on WSJT-X 2.0-rc3. Please help us by
testing all new features, including especially the contest-oriented
messages and the new MSK144 protocol. Reports should be sent to the
wsjt-devel email list, [email protected]. You must
subscribe to the list in order to post there.
— 73, Joe, K1JT (for the WSJT Development Group)
Support for new exchanges should expand the ability of contesters to use FT8 and other WSJT-X protocols during contests that allow digital contacts and where the exchanges is a traditional signal report and state/province/country.
According to the release notes, WSJT-S 2.0 also offers “significantly better sensitivity” (about 1 dB) for the WSPR decoder. In addition, color highlighting of decoded messages provides worked-before status for call signs, grid locators, and DXCC entities on a by-band basis. Color highlighting can also identify stations that have — or have not — uploaded their logs to “Logbook of The World” (LoTW) within the past year.
For the convenience of beta-testers, the –rc1 and –rc2 releases will offer receive and transmit capability for both the new FT8 protocol and the older one. Starting with –rc3 and the full release of WSJT-X 2.0, only the new protocol will be supported. In contrast, the new MSK144 protocol replaces the old one from the outset, with no backward compatibility.
Those participating in WSJT-X beta tests are expected to report their experiences to the developers and upgrade to the general availability release when it becomes available. Visit the WSJT-X web page for more information.