What Is WSJT-X?

If you’ve spent any time lately on the amateur (ham) radio bands, you’ve almost certainly come across the digital signals of FT8, FT4, or one of their relatives. Quickly, quietly, the software suite known as WSJT-X has revolutionized everything from DX chasing to weak signal DXpeditions and daily SSB operators looking for a new challenge. But what exactly is WSJT-X, and why do so many hams love it? Let’s dive in.

WSJT-X is a free, open-source software package created by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor, K1JT, specifically for digital weak-signal communication. Its primary claim to fame is a family of digital protocols (FT8, FT4, JT65, WSPR, etc.), each designed to enable reliable communication over challenging conditions such as low power, high noise, or extreme propagation.

Why Do People Love WSJT-X?

Here are some of the reasons for WSJT-X’s wild popularity:

• Make Contacts When You Can’t Hear Anything WSJT-X’s protocols allow operators to complete QSOs (contacts) even when signals are well below the noise floor—practically invisible to human ears. That means you can make global contacts, even with modest antennas and low power.
• Efficiency and Simplicity Most of the popular modes (like FT8) use fixed-length, structured messages: call sign, grid square, signal report. The software handles the details, so newcomers aren’t overwhelmed by technical settings or complex macros.
• Automation and Multitasking Once your station is dialed in, calling CQ or answering stations can be largely automated. Many hams enjoy the casual, hands-off ability to rack up new grid squares, DX entities, or band slots without being glued to the microphone all day.
• Small Footprint, Big Results Because these digital modes are efficient, you don’t need high-powered amplifiers or large antennas to make worldwide contacts. Apartment dwellers and those with antenna limitations find WSJT-X a practical way to explore HF and VHF.
• Community and Contests WSJT-X modes are increasingly featured in contests, awards (like ARRL’s FT8-based events), and global networks like PSK Reporter.

How It Works: A Snapshot

WSJT-X runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, providing an easy-to-use interface. You connect your radio via a simple sound interface (USB or even your computer’s audio jacks and a VOX circuit in a pinch). The app provides a waterfall display, control over transmission timing, and automation for logging, spotting, and even rig control.

The Z Mod: Enhancing the Experience

For advanced users, WSJT-Z (affectionately called the Z mod) is a popular fork that adds extra convenience and features:

• Enhanced Decoding and Graphical Tools: Additional waterfall options, advanced filtering, and real-time QSO mapping.
• Automation Tools: Auto logging, call muted & block lists, split operation aids, and more.
• Convenience for DXers: Better support for DXpedition and contest operation, plus features like auto-responder options or time slot lock-in.

The Z mod is a favorite for those who want a little more than the official release offers but don’t mind tweaking their setup for extra capabilities.

Final Thoughts

WSJT-X’s rise shows that ham radio keeps evolving—adapting to modern constraints (HOAs, QRM, declining solar cycles) and making radio more accessible. Whether you’re chasing rare DX from your city apartment or playing with propagation on VHF/UHF, WSJT-X and its mods prove that the magic of radio, and the global ham spirit, remain alive and well.

If you haven’t tried it yet, download WSJT-X (or the Z mod if you’re adventurous), connect your radio, and see how far a “silent” signal can go!

ICEMARC remains a cornerstone of emergency communication in Indiana County

When disaster strikes and conventional communication systems fail, amateur radio operators like Indiana County Emergency Management Amateur Radio Club (ICEMARC) become critical. Our ability to maintain communication networks during emergencies ensures the safety and coordination of relief efforts. Preparation is key to our success, and here’s how ICEMARC can enhance readiness.

Training and Certification
ICEMARC members should prioritize comprehensive training in emergency communication protocols. This includes completing FEMA courses such as ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 to understand the Incident Command System. Additionally, mastering digital communication formats like Winlink and Fldigi can enable efficient transmission of text messages, emails, and forms during crises.

Equipment Readiness
Ensuring all equipment is functional and accessible is vital. Members should maintain portable VHF/UHF radios for local communication and HF radios for long-distance transmissions. Backup power sources like batteries or solar panels are essential for sustained operations during prolonged outages. Durable antennas and interface units should be inspected regularly to prevent failures.

Building Relationships
Strong partnerships with local emergency management agencies, hospitals, and public safety organizations are crucial. ICEMARC has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the Emergency Management Agency that ensures integration into disaster response plans. Scott Roberts KK4ECR emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “Amateur radio operators must work hand-in-hand with emergency officials to deliver reliable communication when it matters most”.

Drills and Simulations
Regular participation in tabletop exercises and simulated disaster scenarios helps volunteers stay sharp. These drills should mimic real-world conditions, such as total cellular or internet shutdowns. Practicing net control operations during Indiana County community events also builds confidence in handling high-pressure situations.

Interoperability
Amateur radio’s ability to bridge communication gaps between agencies is invaluable. Operators must be adept at setting up interoperable systems that connect various frequencies and technologies seamlessly. During Hurricane Katrina, amateur radio volunteers repaired repeaters and antennas while coordinating relief efforts—a testament to the versatility of ham operators.

Community Awareness
Educating the public about ICEMARC’s role in emergencies fosters trust and support. Outreach programs can encourage new volunteers to join, ensuring a robust team ready for any crisis.
By focusing on training, equipment readiness, collaboration, and regular drills, ICEMARC can remain a cornerstone of emergency communication in Indiana County. As Scott Roberts KK4ECR aptly states, “Preparedness isn’t just about equipment; it’s about people who know how to use it effectively when everything else fails”.

Ham Radio Makes its Mark in California Fires.

As the devastating firestorms continue to rage across Southern California, amateur radio operators are playing a crucial role in emergency communications and fire prevention efforts. The Palisades Fire, which has been burning since January 7, 2025, has already destroyed thousands of structures and forced countless residents to evacuate. What can we learn from this as an Indiana County volunteer communications organization? Read on to see how ham radio oeprators – and ultimately organizations like ICEMARC – do what they do for lifesaving efforts through amateur radio.

In the face of this crisis, ham radio operators have stepped up to serve their communities in various capacities. The Orange County Fire Watch (OCFW) program has deployed ham radio operators to preassigned locations within parks and open spaces to report conditions and spot potential fire outbreaks.

These dedicated individuals use amateur radio bands to communicate in areas where mobile networks may be weak or completely unavailable. Towers are burnt out. Power is down. Cellular communications has gone up in smoke, so to speak. Gordon West, WB6NOA, an ARRL National Instructor, virtual speaker at ICEMARC University and one of the deployed volunteers, reports that hams are stationed on hilltops throughout the ARRL Orange Section. They are monitoring wind and humidity levels, watching for ash fall, scanning for spot fires, and maintaining a visible presence at trailheads.

The South Orange Amateur Radio Association (SOARA), an ARRL Special Service Club, has provided linked 2-meter and 70-centimeter repeaters to support OCFW hams during their deployments. A formal OCFW Net Control Station (NCS) coordinates these efforts throughout the emergency.

In addition to fire watch duties, radio amateurs are ready to serve at evacuation centers, providing vital communication support as needed. The ARRL Headquarters staff has been in contact with volunteers and ham radio groups in the affected areas, offering material support for any activations.

However, the situation is not without challenges. Firefighting efforts have been complicated by drone activity in the area. Officials report at least 40 incidents involving drones, which have forced firefighters to temporarily ground air operations.

This interference highlights the importance of clear communication channels and the valuable role that ham radio operators can play in coordinating emergency responses.

While some debate the extent of amateur radio’s impact in modern emergency situations, the current crisis demonstrates that ham operators absolutely continue to provide valuable services. From spotting fires before they get out of control to facilitating communication in areas with compromised infrastructure, these volunteers make a huge difference. As the Palisades Fire continues to threaten lives and property, the amateur radio community remains vigilant and ready to assist. Their dedication and expertise serve as a reminder of the enduring value of radio communication in times of crisis, even in our highly connected digital age.

Will we have an emergency as critical as this in Indiana County, Pennsylvania? One would hope not! But the readiness of ham radio operators like ICEMARC volunteers may provide life-saving service to our friends and neighbors right here in Western Pa.

For new ham radio operators looking to find free or low-cost equipment and supplies, there are several good resources to explore… starting with us:

ICEMARC

Connecting with ICEMARC is one of the best ways for new hams to find resources. And if you’re not in or around Indiana County, PA, you’re still in luck:

• Many amateur radio clubs have loaner equipment programs for new members
• Experienced members often donate or sell used gear at discounted prices
• Club events like swap meets or flea markets offer opportunities to find deals
• Members may have extra antennas, coax, or components they’re willing to share

Online Communities

Several online platforms cater to ham radio enthusiasts:

• Ham Radio Subreddit: Active community for asking questions and finding deals
• QRZ.com Forums: Large ham radio forum with classified ads section
• eHam.net: Another popular forum with equipment reviews and classifieds

Hamfests and Swap Meets

These in-person events are great for finding used equipment:

• Check the ARRL website for upcoming hamfests in your area
• Bring cash and be prepared to haggle for the best deals
• Look for “free” tables where hams offload extra parts and supplies

DIY Projects

Building your own equipment can be very cost-effective:

• Simple antennas like dipoles can be made with wire and insulators
• Kits are available for building basic ham radio transceivers and accessories
• Online resources provide plans for homebrewing various ham radio projects
• Indiana County’s ICEMARC members have been there and done that. Let us help

Repurposing Materials

Get creative with everyday items:

• PVC pipe can be used for antenna masts and supports
• Surplus military masts make great portable antenna supports
• Scrap wire from old electronics can be used for antennas

Government Surplus

Check government auction sites for potential deals on radio equipment:

• GSA Auctions sometimes has radio gear available
• Local police or fire departments may sell off or auction off old radio equipment

Remember that while finding free equipment is possible, investing in quality gear when you can will enhance your ham radio experience. Focus on gradually building your station over time, starting with the basics and expanding as your skills and interests grow.

Y FT-8?

Here’s a post from ICEMARC friend Dan Wolfe, KN4FYR. It may make you reconsider FT-8, and wonder why you never got started with it immediately:

As some of you may know, I am a licensed amateur radio operator known colloquially as a ham radio operator.  From time to time, I write something about ham radio even though it’s a very small community and not likely to be read by any other hams. 

This blog, sparse as it is, contains three ham radio posts.  They are:

• An Extra Slice of Ham
• Nerd Alert! This is a Ham Radio Post
• Another Ham Radio Post: Sentimental Journey

Feel free to read those if you like, but for those looking for the TL;DR version, Chat GPT tells me that:

“Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a hobby that allows people to communicate over long distances using radio frequencies. Unlike standard commercial broadcasts, ham radio operators use a variety of equipment to send and receive messages, often bypassing the need for the internet or phone networks. This can be especially valuable in emergencies, when other forms of communication may be unavailable. Ham radio operators often assist in disaster relief efforts, providing crucial communication links. Beyond emergencies, ham radio fosters global connections, enabling hobbyists to learn about electronics, communication technology, and to connect with others worldwide.”

There exist several ways to communicate among hams, for example, morse code, voice, television, or from computer to computer.  One of the computer modes is called FT-8.  I’ll rely on Chat GPT again for a brief description:

“FT-8 is a popular digital mode in ham radio designed for making reliable, short-distance and long-distance contacts under challenging conditions. Developed by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor, FT-8 uses a computer and radio to exchange minimal information, such as call signs and signal reports, in rapid, automated sequences. It’s particularly useful when signals are weak or the band conditions are poor, allowing operators to communicate with stations thousands of miles away, even when voice or other digital modes struggle. FT-8 is widely used for casual contacts and DXing (long-distance communication) due to its efficiency and ability to connect stations with very low power signals.”

All set?  Got the terminology?  OK, off we go!

Ham radio operators are divided on the legitimacy of FT-8 in ham radio.  Some operators believe that the automatic collection of contacts, or QSLs, is a cheat.  It’s not REAL ham radio.  Some believe that you can set up FT-8 in your shack and walk away from the computer and let it do all the contacting.  Others believe that using FT-8 for contests and awards is cheating, too, since the operator isn’t really contacting a person.  It’s just two computers talking to each other and that shouldn’t count towards anything. 

I fall into the other camp. 

I have found FT-8 to be a whole lot of fun, and I have learned a lot as an operator and improved my skills by learning how to get the most out of it.

So, whilst I understand the objections to FT-8, I do not agree.  I genuinely enjoy it as do thousands of other FT-8 operators around the world.  So, something about it is appealing to a lot of operators.

Objection:  “FT-8 isn’t REAL ham radio.”

Defense:  Ever since ham radio got its start, every new technology that’s been introduced has been labelled at least temporarily as not real ham radio.  When single sideband transmission (SSB) was authorized for amateur radio use, some operators thought that using SSB was cheating because it wasn’t the purest form of ham radio, CW, or continuous wave transmission, the OG of ham radio modes.

Since then, there have been many other modes authorized on ham radio frequencies and most have gone through the same “it’s cheating” criticism until meeting with wide acceptance. 

Bottom line: if it’s authorized on the worldwide ham radio frequencies, it’s just as real as CW, SSB or earth-moon-earth.  (Yes, that’s a thing.)

Objection:  “There’s no operating going on.  It’s completely automated.

Defense:  Operating a ham radio station involves a multitude of tasks including but not limited to adjusting output power, changing frequencies, listening before you transmit, and adjusting these and other parameters to get the signal through with minimal power, no interference, and courtesy for other operators. 

In my FT-8 experience, limited though it is, I’ve had to learn to operate my rigs carefully, making certain to listen before I allow the computer to key up the transmitter.  I’ve had to learn how to choose frequencies and power levels correctly, while adjusting receive gain, bandwidth and other parameters that help get the message through.  The difference is that I am using a computer to do some – not all – of the adjustments.  Note that I can adjust power and frequency while making sure that I don’t overlap other hams using FT-8.  (Click to make this image more readable.)

You are still required to operate your radio in accordance with FCC rules and regulations just as you would with voice or CW transmissions.  But, instead of a microphone or morse code keyer, you’re using a computer.

As well, if an operator really DOES automate the FT-8 process, which is not permitted, they are violating FCC regulations.  FT-8 does not automate ham radio.  You still must operate responsibly the way you would for any other mode.

Objection:  “It’s too easy to make lots of contacts.  Doing it with SSB or CW is much harder and besides that’s real ham radio.”

Defense:  Ok, it IS true that it’s easier to make lots of contacts using FT-8.  But why is this a bad thing?  Don’t we want people to be active in ham radio?  Don’t we want all the hams to be successful? 

Yes.  Yes, we do. 

It doesn’t cheapen your ARRL DX Century Club (DXCC) award that you earned using voice or code.  The DXCC award has multiple categories.  If you have one with CW and voice that’s wonderful and I am impressed.  (Yes, favorably!)  But those DXCC awards based solely on FT-8 QSLs is so noted on the award certificate.  It is not precisely the same award. 

Here are some of the reasons why I enjoy FT-8 and why it’s so useful for me:

1.  I am hard of hearing and even with hearing aids and headphones, I can’t always make out what other hams are saying if conditions are bad.  If my ears were better, I would be able to, but they’re not.  FT-8 gives me the opportunity to make contacts and be competitive with other hams because I am not struggling to hear speech that others can hear easily.  Using FT-8 means I get to play ham radio with everyone else. 

2.  FT-8 is what’s known as a weak signal mode.  That means that a computer running FT-8 can “hear” and decode messages that are undetectable to the average human ear.   That means for me that with a limited antenna system, I can reach out farther than I could  using voice.  Weak signal modes like FT-8 give me a greater reach with the equipment I can afford.  More ham radio bang for my ham radio dollar.

3.  Ham radio has a reputation for being an old technology used by old men.

They’re half right.  Most ham radio operators are older.  One only need attend a local ham radio club meeting to confirm these demographics.  It’s considered an old man’s hobby.

As you know by now, I am a computer geek.  Computer message exchange modes like FT-8 and others bring ham radio into the 21^st century.  I can send email messages, images, digital files like word processing files, and other data via ham radio.  Plus – and this is its real strength for me – using these digital modes allow me to meld both ham radio and computer geekdom into one.  It’s the best of both worlds and making it all work together is a blast!

Here’s a photo of my computer desk/radio shack at home:

Sidebar:  I’ve always believed that the nexus of computers and ham radio is the perfect entry point for young people to enter the ham radio world.  Young students in electrical engineering and computer science programs are perfect for ham radio.  It would give them practical experience in radio transmission and reception hardware, antenna theory, analog and digital modulation modes, among others.  Using FT-8 is just one of many ways to integrate computers into ham radio, making it more attractive and available to young operators.

4.  I can help other operators worldwide.  FT-8 software such as WSJT-X or JDTX can report back to a central server which plots out where FT-8 and other computer-based ham radio communications are being received.  In other words, even when WSJT-X is idle, it is reporting what is being received at my location and making that information available worldwide.  By leaving my radio and WSJT-X up and running, I am helping other operators learn where their signal is going and help them adjust their operations to get their intended message through.  I like doing that.

Here’s an example of my spots.  This shows the stations that received my FT-8 transmission just now.  Note the station in South Africa:

Ham radio is what you make of it.  Ham radio means to you whatever you want it to mean.  If FT-8 isn’t for you, that’s ok.  If, like me, you find it challenging and fun, that’s ok, too.  If you believe that I’m cheating using FT-8, that’s ok.  I promise I won’t think you’re cheating doing whatever it is you like doing in ham radio.  And even I did, so what?  You like it and that’s what really matters.

FT-8 is ham radio.  It can be fun and rewarding, and I have spent many hours chasing distant stations at all hours of the day and night.  It allows me to blend my love of computer and radio technology in ways that fascinate me and take up a lot of time.

You don’t have to love it.  But you never know.  You just might.

This blog provided for us by Dan Wolfe, KN4FYR