WSJT-X and LOG4OM Tutorial Free and Easy!
Hey guys if you saw my last post it was on downloading and installing Log for the Old Man (LOG4OM). This post will be configuring WSJT-X to log to Log4OM. If you’re looking for something free and easy for FT8 logging, this is it!
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I want to start off by updating something from the last post. Some Rig types in Omni-Rig have a"DATA" after the model. For the ICOM 7610 there is a radio in the list named IC-7610-DATA. That’s the one we want to use.
Important for IC-7610 operators: If you are using the Icom 7610, the mode set by WSJT-X and Omni-Rig will be USB-D2, so you will need DATA2 MOD set to USB. See other Icom 7610 screen captures here.
WSJT-X and LOG4OM Software Integration
In the Log4OM Program configuration we will need to add WSJT-X to the Software integration>Connections. This is very simple and I’ll show you step-by-step in the video below.
Don't forget this one below located in Configuration>Applications.
Install WSJT-X
You can find the download file here. It's very straight forward, download and install. The software is updated frequently. Uninstalling and installing the newest version is in the video below.
Tips that I use for operating FT-8 can be found here.
WSJT-X Radio Tab
In WSJT-X, on the Radio tab, we need to setup Omni-Rig as the Rig. More than one program can control the transceiver via Omni-Rig at the same time. You'll also need to set the Soundcard input and output too. The reporting tab is also very important. See the screenshots below for more.
One last thing about operating. This is from one of my subscribers and he makes a very good point.
One thing I noticed when I use the Hold TX Freq is that my Enable TX doesn’t turn off when the caller responds to someone else. With the checkbox off, it will stop my xmit. It seems like the logic only applies when it sees someone else’s call on the Tx freq. Any way to enforce good behavior here?
-KM6DOV
Being courteous is part of being a good operator. My thought is the behavior mentioned above is not intentional, it is just part of the learning curve.
Please don’t continuously call someone who is calling or working someone else, even if you are calling them off-frequency. Be nice: wait your turn! It’s polite to wait until the DX sends RRR, RR73, 73 or CQ before calling them. If you call continuously, or try to barge-in on a QSO in progress, you will simply waste watts, create QRM, cause delay, and you may even be blacklisted by the DX.
-FT8 Operating Tips
Video
- 00:57 Upgrade WSJT-X
- 4:24 Log4OM Config
- 6:14 Omnirig
- 8:10 WSJTX Settings
- 11:09 IC-7610 Users Important Note
- 13:07 Operating Tip
- 14:02 For CW Operators
- 14:50 QSO Logging to Log4OM
Support Log4OM
You can support Log4OM development in various modes: probably the most important mode is helping us creating a stronger community. Share experiences, support new users, talk about Log4OM to your friends is something we really want and need.
- Daniele Pistollato IW3HMH. More on that here.
Next
I will be out of town and operating from the Black Hills National Forrest on the Wyoming side. I believe these should be rare grid squares. I'll be using a new inverted vee antenna on my campers 30' flagpole. Of course the Icom 7300 and Hi-Q-5/80 mobile antenna mounted on the rear of it.
You will get a video of my new “Dog Gone” antenna launcher. I'll demonstrate how it's done, knock on wood.
Thank you for subscribing to this website. You can also follow my travels on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Have you found the perfect antenna launcher yet? Please post your comments below.
Best 73, stay safe and good DX! - Rich, K0PIR
WSJT-X and LOG4OM Sources
Not using ICOM gear. I have a Yaesu FT-991A. Is the setup similar, just using Yaesu parameters?
Hi Jon,
It’s nice to hear from you and yes. I may be getting a 991A so I can do more specific videos with it.
Best 73!
Rich, K0PIR
Great Job & just what I wanted to do. I much prefer a direct connection for logging, rather than needing to start an intermediary program to handle it!
Thank you Chris and thank you so much for commenting. Take care, GL and Good DX!
73,
Rich, K0PIR
Hello.
I need your help.
I do like you say, but ow have a problem:
I connect Log4OM (V.2.11.0.0)
I connect WSJT-X
and on IC-7610 turn’s to RTTY-R mode.
Wha I need t do, to the mode pass auto to DATA ?
Tks in Adv.
73’s, Carlos CT1GFQ
Hi Carlos,
Thanks for commenting here and that happened to me.
In WSJT-X under settings and the Radio tab look under Mode and check none.
You will have to set the mode manually via the radio and switch to USB-D2. That is what did it for me.
I thought I put that in the video, but I could be wrong.
From above “Important for IC-7610 operators: If you are using the Icom 7610, the mode set by WSJT-X and Omni-Rig will be USB-D2, so you will need DATA2 MOD set to USB. See other Icom 7610 screen captures here.”
Best 73!
Rich, K0PIR
Hello Rich.
I made some changes and now is OK.
In OmniRig I’ve selected IC-7610, and now I have IC-7610 Data. And pass to USB-D2.
Tks.
Carlos, CT1GFQ
RR Thanks for letting us know and GL, Best 73!
Rich, K0PIR
Looks like this is for ICOM I have Yaesu FT-991A and FTDX 10
I like the logbook. Just can’t get pass ICOM stuff
It’s good to hear from you Paul, sorry I don’t have a 991A.
Probably worded differently in the Yaesu radio.
GL and Good DX!
Log4omV2 works fine with wsjts and omnirig with my 7610. I use the latest versions. When I use the cluster in log4om to change the band and frequency it does so. But it also change the filter settings from 3,6K to 1,2 K. How do I prevent that from happening?
Hi Roland,
It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting. That’s a interesting question. I’ll have to try it myself. Are you changing modes or staying with FT8?
As a workaround have you tried disabling Mode in WSJT-X?
Settings>Radio>Mode = None
Best wishes and thank you again.
Rich, K0PIR
Hello Rich, Thanks for having me here. Yes I did not change the mode and still in FT8.
The solution came from Bruce N7XGR. He wrote me a mail and I hope he doesn’t mind to copy it into this site to help not just me but also others. He wrote this:
Roland, It sounds like the filter number is changing.
Try this modified .ini that I edited to have FIL2 selected
all of the time. You can change the filter bandwidth (FIL2)
by pressing and holding the FILTER button then tap the BW button
then rotate the VFO to your desired bandwidth then tap the BW again
to set this. Remember to save this new setting via the SD card
save in the menu.
Attached is this, IC-7610-DATA-FIL2.ini In Omnirig select this via the dropdown
after you copied and pasted this .ini into the Rigs folder in Omnirig.
Mine is located here, C:\Program Files (x86)\Afreet\OmniRig
C:\Program Files (x86)\Afreet\OmniRig\Rigs
This is the change,
[pmDIG_U]
; These lines select USB-D Data Mode 1 (DATA1 MOD) which defaults to USB sound card modulation,
; FIL2
Command=FEFE98E0.2600.01.01.02.FD
ReplyLength=16
Validate=FEFE98E02600010102FD.FEFEE098FBFD
Bruce N7XGR
Rich, thanks again and best wishes.
regards from Holland
Roland PE1PIN
Thank you so much for the information!