If you use WSJT-X for FT8/WSPR/JTx etc, you should upgrade to V2.0.0 as soon as possible

WSJT-X version 2.0.0 has been released and everyone who uses this software for any data modes should update as soon as possible.  This new version is NOT compatible with previous versions so everyone is encouraged to upgrade to 2.0.0 as soon as possible.

New features in WSJT-X 2.0.0

  • Compound and nonstandard callsigns are automatically recognized and handled using new FT8 and MSK144 message formats.
  • The new FT8 protocol provides optimized message formats for North American VHF contests, European VHF contests, ARRL Field Day, and ARRL RTTY Roundup.  Similarly, the new MSK144 protocol provides optimized message formats for North American VHF and European VHF contests.  Full support is provided for “/R” and “/P” calls in the relevant contests.
  • The new protocols provide nearly equal (or better) sensitivity compared to the old ones, and lower false decode rates.
  • New logging features are provided for contesting and for “Fox” (DXpedition) mode.  Logging is optionally integrated with N1MM Logger+ and WriteLog.
  • Color highlighting of decoded messages provides worked-before status for callsigns, grid locators, DXCC entities, continents, CQ Zones, and ITU zones on a “by band” and “by mode” basis, and for stations that have uploaded their logs to Logbook of the World (LoTW) within a specified time interval.
  • The WSPR decoder now achieves decodes down to S/N = -31 dB.  For the particular benefit of LF/MF users, an option “No own call decodes” has been added.
  • The UDP messages sent to companion programs have been expanded and improved.

For the full release notes, see here.

Upgrading from earlier versions is seamless and there is no need to uninstall your previous version or move any files around.  You can download the installation packages for Windows, Mac and Linux here.

I’ve been using the release candidate versions of WSJT-X for some months and have been following the progress via the developers support list.  A lot of work has gone into this version and it really is important that everyone upgrades as soon as possible. If you’re not sure what version you are using then look at the top bar of the main activity (not the waterfall) where the version number is shown.  It will most likely be v1.9.1 but could quite well be v1.8 if you simply installed it a long time ago and haven’t upgraded.

Of special interest to me is the fact that it’s now possible to operate contests using FT8 and the inaugural FTU-Round Up contest was a couple of weekends ago. I spent a few hours operating in the contest and really quite enjoyed it.  It’s very different from other types of contesting but was very satisfying. You can see a full analysis of my entry with graphs, maps and statistics by clicking here.

The bottom line is that you really need to upgrade WSJT-X as soon as possible to maintain forward compatibility.  If you don’t upgrade then you will notice you are decoding and working fewer and fewer people.

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