Well after a few years of running WSJT-X on Windows, Linux, macOS and the Raspberry Pi, it looks like to me the winner is FT8 by a long shot. That's where the users are. My old post in 2017, WSJT-X FT8 and the Icom 7300 the Easy Way!  was a real winner for this website and is still a valuable resource.  So building on the past, lets try to make it even better in "WSJT-X Easy Method - v2.0 FT8."

Intro

Are you looking for an easy way to get on the popular FT8 mode? If you have the Icom 7300 I assure you this cannot get any easier or better. The Icom 7300 suffices. The only thing needed is a computer, a USB cable (install the driver from Icom before connecting a USB cable) and WSJT-X. This post can also be applied to other radios too. You will just have to adjust the 7300 specific information to your radio.

Many Hams Prefer WSJT-X by Itself

Over the past few years I have run across Hams who have been using WSJT-X by itself. No integration with any other programs. There is really no need for JTAlert, QSO Relay or any logbook. Stand-alone is the preferred way to operate for many Hams.

Using WSJT-X as a stand-alone software for digital communication has been the preferred choice for many HAM radio operators, including myself on many occasions. Several reasons to this method are:

1. Simplicity: WSJT-X is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. It does not require any additional software or tools for its operations. There's really no need for an external log, or companion programs such as GridTracker or JT Alert. Operators can simply download and run the installation, and after a few setup steps, immediately start using it for digital communication.

2. Functionality: WSJT-X provides all the essential features for digital communication without any additional software. This includes support for various digital modes, such as JT65, JT9, FT8, and FT4 (designed for contesting) which are popular among HAM radio operators. It's great for DXpeditions too.

3. Performance: WSJT-X is known for its efficiency and high performance. It consumes low system resources and runs smoothly on most systems (Windows, Linux and macOS), making it easy for HAM operators to accommodate it at their existing stations.

4. Reliability: WSJT-X has a solid reputation for being reliable and stable. It is actively maintained by a team of developers, ensuring that bugs are quickly addressed and new features are added regularly. If you have a standalone approach, other software on your computer won't interfere with it's operation.

5. Customization: Operating WSJT-X by itself gives the operator time to really explore all of it's possibilities. HAM radio operators can easily customize WSJT-X to suit their preferences, such as changing the display, colors, text or audio settings. Using it by itself, Ham operators have more time to explore it's full capability.

While integration with other programs such as JTAlert or QSO Relay might provide additional features and functionalities, many HAM radio operators prefer the simplicity and performance of using WSJT-X as a stand-alone application. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience, especially for those who might not need or want the additional features offered by other software. Overall, WSJT-X has proven to be an excellent choice for digital communication in the HAM radio community.

Installation

The newest download link is below and I'll show you in the video below. If you need addition help installing it see the post, WSJT-X FT8 and the Icom 7300 the Easy Way!

Time is of the Essence

It will not decode if your computer clock is not synced to an NTP server. Use a small application for automatically time syncing your computer. I use NetTime on Windows and ChronyControl for Mac. See my post, Time Synchronization for FT8.

Configuration/Settings

In WSJT-X there are just a few configuration settings to get the Icom 7300 on the air with FT8.

• In the software, under File and Settings, on the General Tab enter your callsign and grid square.
• On the Radio tab select the Icom 7300 for the Rig. You'll need to know your COM port number.
• On the Audio tab tell WSJT-X what your Soundcard Input and Output are. If you have a newer Icom radio it will be the "USB Audio CODEC" for both.

For Those Who Have an Icom 7300

The latest Icom 7300 firmware had a nice option added called PRESET and in PRESET there is one for FT8. So they give us a head start. I thought for this post we'd try that.

I reset my Icom 7300 to factory defaults and loaded the PRESET FT8. By gosh it worked!

To do that, on the Icom 7300, go to Menu>2>PRESET and select FT8. Load it up and now your rig is ready for FT8.

Latest Ver Setup Icom 7300 PRESET FT8 WSJT-X Install, Setup, In-depth video with DXPedition QSO

In this video I cover the FT8 PRESET, RF power output, AF input you won't want to miss! Also included are some additional settings, making a contact and finally importing WSJT-X log into common logging programs.

Thank You

Do you have any ideas on WSJT-X? Please comment below.

To stay up to date with Mr. B and I on our travels, follow us at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. If you have any questions or comments about our journey, we invite you to join the conversation in our comment section here or at YouTube–it not only helps you but other readers as well! We're incredibly thankful for all of our subscribers–their support makes this website possible. So please stay in touch and warmest regards & best 73s! - Rich, K0PIR

73's,

Rich, KØPIR

Sources and Reference

WSJT-X download

WSJT-X Main PDF Users Guide

FT8 Operating Guide

Using the Wide Graph

Icom 7300 Receiver Settings For Digital

Icom 7300 Easy Transmitter Settings For Digital

Icom 7300/7610 Adjusting RF Power Digital Modes

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