Two Instances of WSJT-X Running Simultaneously with Two Radios Two Antennas

I saw Hams asking about running two instances of WSJT-X in the forums, so I thought I would try it. If you have a couple of radios and a couple of antennas it's not hard to do and is pretty fun. I have done this on and off for a few weeks now and it'll keep a Ham busy. In my station I am running on 20 and 40 meters with the Icom 7610 and Icom 7300. I have a 2 element 20 meter beam and a 40/80 meter inverted vee. They are both attached to the same tower.

Two Instances of WSJT-X Running Simultaneously

Is it useful? I am sure Hams can find a use for it. I do not think transmitting simultaneously (like in the video below) is acceptable in a digital (FT8) contest (check the rules).  This technique should be useful  for hunting DX and you can certainly make a lot of contacts quickly.

It is fun, but this operation keeps me busy and is a little tiring after a while. Some Hams may like this high activity.

Two Instances of WSJT-X Software Setup

There is some instruction on the WSJT-X website.

How should I configure WSJT-X to run multiple instances?

Start WSJT-X from a command-prompt window, assigning each instance a unique identifier as in the following two-instance example. This procedure will isolate the Settings file and the writable file location for each instance of WSJT-X.
--rig-name=TS2000
--rig-name=FT847

My Screen Captures

WSJT-X JT Alert and Logging

I am running JT Alert, but I did not do anything special with it. In the WSJT-X Reporting tabs you'll see different ports. That's all that is needed.

Start one WSJT-X, then start JT Alert. Start the other WSJT-X, then start another instance of JT Alert. It'll do the rest.

JT Alert is logging to my HRD Logbook.  You can set up JT Alert to log to other logbooks.

I am using a USB cable for each radio.

Videos

In the second video below I am calling CQ and transmitting with both radios at the same time. This is not necessary because I can receive on one radio while transmitting with the other.  I don’t get much interference. Have a look at the videos and thanks for watching!

YouTube player

YouTube player

Thank you

Next up DM780 running digital modes.

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 TwitterFacebookInstagram and YouTube if you have those.

Sources:

WSJT-X 2.0 User Guide

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K0PIR

I'm an Amateur Radio enthusiast. I love the hobby and experimenting with radios, antennas and software. On my YouTube channel I upload videos on the Icom 7300 and Icom 7610 along with Ham radio software programs. I hope to inspire people to try new things in Amateur Radio.

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Larry Miles, N9AJI
5 years ago

I am interested in using DM 780 for cw. I have tried it on the free HRD version, but it doesn’t decode fist cw very well. I know the fist is the primary problem, but I was wondering if maybe my rig/ computer settings might be refined to help.
I am running on a IC 7300 using the free HRD software. If there would be an advantage to purchasing the current version of HRD, I would be open to that.
Thanks for your help.

Guest
Andy K5PO
4 years ago

Are you running bandpass filters to avoid intermod in the two radios while operating simultaneously?

Guest
George
4 years ago

I just got my 7610
There seems to be a lot of floor noise in the 7610?
With no NR, ATT, or NB, SSB OR SSB DATA 1 and the AF gain at 12 and vol at 12’o clock. It is a loud QRM hiss.
My old FT 990 was quite the opposite, almost silent.
Is this due to the SDR technology, or maybe an issue with the 7610.
The noise reduction and filtration works great, but I would think a loud floor without an antenna attached would not be what you need?

Thanks as always

Guest
Tim
3 years ago

I did this, but ran into a problem. I use HRD to control both radios and interface to WSJT-X. However, after I opened the second WSJT-X, it overwrote the settings on the first instance, from COM9 to COM4. So, I had both instances listening to the same radio on the same com port. How can I get around this

Guest
Bill
2 months ago

I instal my WSJTX in folder wwith version, say C:WSTJ/wsjtx 2.6/1. When I enter this and the rig names as per you info I get a target address error. I notice no ” in target and open addresses where on pasting originals contain “” around the text? I can’t see these in your screen shots or videos? Also how does the .ini files get sorted out for two radios? If I use “” the addresses are accepted but still need to chnage the radio setting each time. Hence my question about .ii files.

With N1MM+ you need to vreated rig named ,iin files at the start.
I would appriciate some help with this.
Regards Bill

Callsign
G8GHD
Guest
Bill
2 months ago
Reply to  K0PIR

I had to enter as follows to get rid of the error: “C:\Program Files (x86)\N1MM Logger+\N1MMLogger.net.exe” “ini=N1MM Logger – FTDX10.ini”

I didn’t alter the youtube view. But I could not see any ” characters used. I noticed in my pasted copies on desktop had ” characters arouns the string. I found I had to add ” around the rig name string to get rid of the error messge.

I realised the posting was sometime ago and was led to it from a .IO conversation I found on search the internet. I thought it might be helpful to others in the present time that they may need to include these. After that both rigs now work, note using one at a time. Glad they both point to the same database/log selected.

Also thanks for replying.

Regards Bill.

Callsign
G8GHD
Guest
Bill
1 month ago
Reply to  K0PIR

I was wondering if you had and recommendation/procedures to follow when updating to the next version of WSJT-X?
Regards Bill.

Callsign
G8GHD
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