GLOBAL WSJT-X v2.0 UPGRADE GOING SMOOTHLY


GLOBAL WSJT-X v2.0 UPGRADE GOING SMOOTHLY


 Congratulations to Joe Taylor and his team on the launching of version 2.0 of the WSJT-X application, including of course the tremendously popular FT8 mode last Monday December 10. Within a matter of a few days, literally thousands of successful upgrades have been undertaken by amateur radio operators and SWLs worldwide. 

 Usually, I am not what you would call an early adopter of new software versions, preferring to let others install app upgrades and alert developers to any issues. I'd rather wait for a "dot-point" version or two before implementing changes. However, on this occasion I took the chance, based largely on many successful installs reported by users on two WSJT-X email lists to which I subscribe and an FT8 Facebook group.

 The installation on my Macbook Pro (High Sierra OS) went seamlessly, retaining all the settings that I had used from v1.9.1. It recognised my existing wsjt.log and wsjt_log.adi files without any problems. And it sends all my 2.0 FT8 logs directly to my MacLoggerDX program through the JT-Bridge app. Great stuff!

 However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for everyone. A few Windows and Linux OS users have had issues, but these are mostly being resolved by some smart people in the WSJT-X user groups. 

 Overall, we can safely say that the upgrade has been implemented successfully. Indeed so successfully that Joe K1JT was able to report after only four days of the release:

 Many thanks to all those who are helping to further the transition to new protocols for FT8 and MSK144! This morning I ran an instance of WSJT-X v1.9.1 in parallel with WSJT-X 2.0. An informal count of decodes in the old and new protocols shows far more activity using the new 77-bit messages. Here are the rough statistics, given as the ratio of new- to old-style decodes:

 For FT8:
-----------
17m: 10:1
20m: 3:1
30m: 6:1
40m 20:1

 MSK144
------
Lots of activity on both 6 and 2m, all using v2.0

 Clearly upgrading process is going well.

 -- 73, Joe, K1JT

 Indeed, as I write this (Dec 15 at 0230 UTC) , I've just checked the PSK Reporter statistics page and see that after only five days since the release, more than half the WSJT-X users across all bands covered are now using V2.0. I bet other app developers wish they could have such a rapid uptake as this!!

 Of course, there is some urgency about the implimentation of the new version. If you want to keep using FT8 and MSK144, then it is essential that you make the jump to the upgrade....otherwise you will have no one left to make a QSO if you continue to use the old version. From the WSJT-X website:

The FT8 and MSK144 protocols have been enhanced in a way that is not backward compatible with older program versions.  The new protocols become the world-wide standards starting on December 10, 2018, and all users should upgrade to WSJT-X 2.0 by January 1, 2019.  After that date, only the new FT8 and MSK144 should be used on the air.

 Here's why! From the now-superseded Quick Start Guide:

 The most important new program features in v2.0 (relative to v.1.9.1) apply to operating modes FT8 and MSK144. These protocols now convey 77-bit information payloads, compared with the previous 75-bit (FT8) and 72-bit (MSK144) messages. Cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs) have been extended from 12 to 14 bits (FT8) and from 8 to 13 bits (MSK144). These changes enable new message formats for efficient, robust QSOs in North American VHF contests, European VHF contests, ARRL Field Day, and the ARRL RTTY Roundup. They also provide user-friendly support for nonstandard callsigns, smaller false decode rates, and many other benefits. Operating modes other than FT8 and MSK144 are unchanged from v1.9.1. 

 One modification I really like is the expanded colour range for highlighting message alerts such as New Continent, new CQ Zone, new ITU Zone, new DXCC, new Grid and, of course, New Call (see the above screenshot). If you are into the many ham radio awards available, then these alerts instantly call you to action. Very well executed. 

 Also, you may not be aware, but you can modify the default colour scheme. For example, I found that the default for "My Call in message" alert was a little dark for my old eyes. Making the colour slightly brighter allowed me to read the highlighted callsign information more clearly. (See the online manual for details.)

 The WSJT-X upgrade can be downloaded at the Princeton University, Department of Physics website.

VK3BVW QSL CARDS....

If you are a shortwave listener and use the FT8  mode or the WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) mode, I welcome accurate reports for any monitoring of my signal on 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15 and 10 meter bands.  Correct reports will receive a (real paper) QSL card. Watch out for my callsign - VK3BVW - on the bands.

You need to give me the date, time (UTC), band, the station I was in contact with (on FT8, if known), and my signal report (S/N) in dB. Also tell me your receiver and antenna used for the reception. I am only interested in reports from your own listening location (QTH), NOT for reception via some remote web-SDR receiver in another other part of the world! And, I definitely don't need any reception reports from listeners using Australian webSDRs, thanks!! You can send reports to: vk3bvwreceptionreport@gmail.com

 73 and have a great weekend everyone!

 Rob Wagner VK3BVW


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