Digital Modes - Weak Signal Transmission

WSJTS

• WSJTS Software Installation
• WSJTX User Guide
• Amateur Radio Ham Radio Maidenhead Grid Square Locator Map

Notes on WSJT-X Installation for Mac OS X

• If you have already downloaded a previous version of WSJT-X then I suggest you change the name in the Applications folder from WSJT-X to WSJT-X_previous before proceeding.

• I recommend that you follow the installation instructions especially if you are moving from v2.3 to v2.4 or later, of WSJT-X or you have upgraded macOS.

• Double-click on the wsjtx-...-Darwin.dmg file you have downloaded from K1JT's web-site.

• Now open a Terminal window by going to Applications->Utilities and clicking on Terminal.

• Along with this ReadMe file there is a file: com.wsjtx.sysctl.plist which must be copied to a system area by typing this line in the Terminal window and then pressing the Return key.

sudo  cp  /Volumes/WSJT-X/com.wsjtx.sysctl.plist  /Library/LaunchDaemons

• You will be asked for your normal password because authorisation is needed to copy this file.
• (Your password will not be echoed but press the Return key when completed.)
• Now re-boot your Mac. This is necessary to install the changes.
• After the reboot you should re-open the Terminal window as before and you can check that the change has been made by typing:

sysctl -a | grep sysv.shm

• If shmmax is not shown as 52428800 then contact me since WSJT-X might fail to load with an error message: Unable to create shared memory segment.

• You can now close the Terminal window.
• It will not be necessary to repeat this procedure again, even when you download an updated version of WSJT-X.
• It might be necessary if you upgrade macOS.

• Drag the WSJT-X app to your preferred location, such as Applications.

Audio Configuration

• You need to configure your sound card.
• Visit Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI
• Setup and select your sound card and then set Format to be 48000Hz 2ch-16bit for input and output.

Preferences

• Now double-click on the WSJT-X app and two windows will appear.
• Select Preferences
• Under the WSJT-X Menu and fill in various station details on the General panel'.
• I recommend checking the 4 boxes under the Display heading and the first 4 boxes under the Behaviour heading.

• Depending on your macOS you might see a pop-up window suggesting that wsjtx wants to use the microphone.
• What this means is that audio input must be allowed. Agree.

Audio Panel

• Next visit the Audio panel and select the Audio Codec you use to communicate between WSJT-X and your rig.
• There are so many audio interfaces available that it is not possible to give detailed advice on selection.
• If you have difficulties contact me.
• Note the location of the Save Directory.
• Decoded wave forms are located here.

Reporting Panel

• Look at the Reporting panel.
• If you check the "Prompt me" box, a logging panel will appear at the end of the QSO.
• Visit Section 11 of the User Guide for information about log files and how to access them.

Radio Panel

• Finally, visit the Radio panel.
• WSJT-X is most effective when operated with CAT control.
• You will need to install the relevant Mac device driver for your rig, and then re-launch WSJT-X.
• Return to the Radio panel in Preferences and in the "Serial port" panel select your driver from the list that is presented.
• If you do not know where to get an appropriate driver, contact me.

Clock

• WSJT-X needs the Mac clock to be accurate.
• Visit System Preferences > Date & Time and make sure that Date and Time are set automatically.
• The drop-down menu will normally offer you several time servers to choose from.

Help

• On the Help menu, have a look at the new Online User's Guide for operational hints and tips and possible solutions to any problem you might have.