JTDX FT8 with Ham Radio Deluxe, JTAlert and the Icom 7610
Icom 7610 Settings
Have a look at my Icom 7610 screen captures page. The 7610 is in USB-D1 mode for digital operation. I have the filter BW at 3.6k, noise blanker off, noise reduction off and AGC set to fast. I have found I like AGC set to fast. Turning AGC off is good too, especially for JT65 and JT9.
JTDX
JTDX Download and Install
You can download and install JTDX from this link. I have installed version JTDX v2.0.1-rc135 because I want to use FT8. It appears to be working just fine for me and I like some of the features it has over WSJT-X. See the video below.
It's a simple installation, similar to WSJT-X.
JTDX Settings
I have some screen captures below. In the Icom 7610 and Icom 7300 I have left all of the internal radio settings the same.
While operating, one thing to be aware of is the RX level. Try to keep it between 30dB and 50dB. I show how to set this in the video below.
The Pwr level slider is the same as the one in WSJT-X. I use it to set the ALC on my Icom radios. I have an article and video showing how I set my power level for digital modes. See: Icom 7300/7610 Adjusting RF Power Digital Modes
JTAlert
If you want to log your contacts into HRD Logbook try using JTAlert. It works very well and has some other nice features. You can download and install it from this link.
I use it to log into HRD Logbook, but I also use it to pull the name and QTH from QRZ.com.
Screen Captures - JTDX and JTAlert Settings
Click on an image and use your back button to return to this page.
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- JTDX
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- JTDX Wide Graph Settings
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- JTDX Settings General Tab
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- JTDX Settings Radio Tab
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- JTDX Settings Audio Tab
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- JTDX Settings Sequencing Tab
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- JTDX Settings Reporting Tab
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- JT Alert Settings Logging
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- JT Alert Settings Online xml Callbooks
Video
Thank you
If you have any questions, please ask them here. I prefer the comment section here or in YouTube over e-mail because your comments and questions will help others as well.
Thank you for subscribing to this website. I appreciate the comments, questions and suggestions. You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
73,
Rich, K0PIR
Sources
JTDX
JTDX Manual
The guys supporting WJSTX are pretty firm about the ALC showing zero DB or no movement. I have made QSO both ways but I never can see my transmit output so I do not know the quality of my signal. I know the ICOM manual indicates ALC is needed so I am torn.
Great video as always.
Hi Brad,
Great to hear from you and thanks for commenting here.
I know, it’s very hard to overcome.
I was looking at the JTDX manual and saw,” Adjust the soundcard Output that the ALC of the connected Radio will not exceed the limit stated in the Radio’s user manual. It’s a hard to overcome the myth that ALC should be 0 and every move of the ALC needle is evil …”
If anyone is concerned then they should do what they feel is best. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you again for commenting and Happy Easter!
73,
Rich, K0PIR
is it available for Raspberry Pi?
Hi Don,
Great to hear from you and thank you for commenting here.
Yes it does have a Raspberry Pi3 download. Check out the JTDX homepage.
I haven’t tested it out, but I sure will and thank you again. Happy Easter!
73 and good DX ,
Rich,K0PIR