07/12/2017

A beta release of WSJT-X[1], version 1.8.0-rc1, includes a new FT8 mode, featuring a faster turnaround, and it's already showing up on the bands. According to the notes[2] for the candidate release, FT8 offers "sensitivity down to -20 dB on the AWGN channel," and contacts 4 times faster than JT65 or JT9. An auto-sequencing feature offers the option to respond automatically to the first decoded reply to your CQ. The beta WSJT-X also offers a new mode for accurate frequency calibration of your radio, improved CAT radio control, and enhanced JT65, QRA64, and MSK144 decoder performance. According to The Daily DX[3], on July 11, Frank Donovan, W3LPL, reported what he called "lots of semi-rare DX activity" using the new FT8 mode. He mentioned A92AA, OY1DZ, VR2XMT, and YE2IJ on 40 meters, and TR8CA and YI3WHR on 20. - Thanks to The ARRL Contest Update[4] and The Daily DX[5]


[1] https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html
[2] https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Release_Notes_1.8.0.txt
[3] http://www.dailydx.com/
[4] http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-contest-update
[5] http://www.dailydx.com/

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