Mac Mini M1 and WSJT-X Automation With RUMLogNG
DX Chasing with FT8! With this software combo you won't miss needed DX. It's possible with the latest RumLogNG update and WSJT-X. I set my DX Alarms (countries, grids, continents I need) and when they pop up, the software starts the transmission automatically.
I purchased a Mac Mini with the M1 chip. These are faster than the Intel Macs. The problem I see, if you want to run Windows with Parallels on your new Mac with the M1 processor, you may have trouble with drivers. I have not resolved the Parallels drivers' issues, however I have Windows running in Parallels on my Mac Mini.
Mac Mini With M1 Processor
This is the fastest computer I have ever owned, so far. We all know how that can change. The computer starts off out of the box extremely fast, but later on with loading programs, everything slows down.
So far I haven't noticed much slowing. RumLogNG still runs extremely fast.
RumLogNG Update
RUMLogNG is a free logging program for the MacOS. I have a previous post on this and you can find it here, Ham Radio iMac (iCOM Macintosh) In The Shack. There have been many updates since that time. Support is excellent for RUMLogNG and you can find the forum here.
RumLogNG Update Transceiver Control
RUMLogNG has, IMO, the best rig control software out there for the Icom radios and using a simple option in RumLogNG you'll never have to reset the transceiver port again. Just check the option "Auto Discovery." This is not to be confused with the TX "Auto" enabled below.
DX Chasing - RumLogNG "Auto" Enabled
This is for calling DX spots. Before using this you'll have to install WSJT-X. I have a previous post on this, Icom 7300 WSJT-X Using DXLab Suite Commander, JT Bridge And RUMLogNG.
Getting WSJT-X running on a Mac takes a few extra steps. See the video on the above link.
With "Auto" enabled the program will automatically call DX that is seen in the DX Alarm settings. See the video below for more explanation.
You can view the "Network" and "DX-spots" windows from the Window Menu in RumLogNG.
Video
Video
Thank You
More on the Icom 7610 and 7300 radios to come.
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.
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Please stay in touch and best 73,
Rich, K0PIR
Reference Screen Captures of RumLogNG
I have tried out Mac RumLogNG several times but despite many features this program have they are not enough to beat Windows Log4OM features. Do you agree? 73 Cesar
py1sw
Hi Cesar,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here.
Each of the programs I use (Log4OM, HRD, DXLabsuite, RUMLogNG and MacLoggerDX) have their strong points.
RUMLogNG has a terrific rig control interface which Log4OM lacks, but one can be added if needed. Realistically, I find myself using the front of the radio more than the software. So I guess it’ll depend on whether you want a Mac or a Windows PC. We can’t forget Linux though, hi hi.
Agreed, Log4OM is my Windows choice.
Thanks again and best holiday wishes to you and yours.
Rich, K0PIR
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the cool program using your Mac. I may have missed something in your presentation. Can I use my Icom 7300 and do WSJT-X automation with another software program other than the one you used with your Mac? I have a HP with Windows 10. What would I need?
Deryl, WB4DOC
Hi Deryl,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here. Yes there is another program and it works on windows. It is called WSJT-Z and I may do something on it later. Check it out and tell me what you think.
73 and good DX!
Rich
Logging – in general
I also use both mac and windows and sometimes Linux in my ham radio adventures. Logging is something that I’m not happy with. I’ve been using N3FJP ACL which is GREAT but only works on Windows, I’ll give Log4OM a try but it’s still a windows app. I see you are using RumLogNG for your Mac. I saw you using maclogger before.
One would think that we would have a cloud based multi platform log storage available in this day and age. I see that HRDLOG.net is an option but have not tried it yet. I find it hard to believe I have to deal with ADIF file copies back and forth between programs. looks like HRDLOG supports most logging programs but not my beloved N3FJP :).
Would love to see you do a pure logging video about all the different apps you run and the pros and cons for each as well as how you do file management.
Thanks Rich for the time you take to help people with your video. I know you have helped me out many time via youtube!!! Thanks for that.
Hi Fred,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here. That’s a good idea and thank you.
I like uploading to HRDLOG.net too and I like to upload to QRZ.com since I am paying for it, hi hi.
Many hams are using LOTW so that is almost a necessary one to upload to. I upload to that one in groups and not individually.
Clublog is real popular online log and I am using it more and more as time goes on. The DX stations use it a lot.
I’ll save your suggestion and hopefully get to it soon enough. Thanks again and best wishes to you and yours.
73,
Rich, K0PIR
P.S. MacLoggerDX is a great logging program too.
Thanks for all the posts you’ve made. They are very helpful.
I am using RumlogNG with my 7610 as well. It is perfect except I cannot get the DX spots window to work. It opens but remains blank. I have set it up for both DXSummit andDXCluster but cannot receive any traffic. Thoughts/ideas? Thanks/73 Jim
Hi Jim,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here. It is usually the filtering that holds back spots. Try different filtering options. Once you connect to the cluster can you see spots coming through on the terminal?
Thanks Jim and have a great day!
Rich
Thanks for the video and article. I’m using exactly same setup as you but can’t get logging from WSJT-X to Rumlog working correctly. I get two QSO’s recorded in Rumlog for each QSO made. Pulling my hair out here. You couldn’t post a screen shot of your WSJT-X reporting preference could you?
Thanks again
Alan
Hi Alan,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here.
I have all checked off under UDP Server in Reporting.
Are you using GridTracker? That could cause a duplicate if it is adding to the log.
Rich, K0PIR
This happens when you have multiple network connections. Make sure you are not connected via LAN and WLAN.
73 de Tom, DL2RUM
Great to hear from you Tom. Thanks for the info! Vry73!