WSJT-X Wide Graph Getting it Right
I'm using my Icom 7300, WSJT-X, JT Alert and a Lenovo P580 laptop running Windows 10 with the latest updates and drivers.
After reading the WSJT-X user guide I realized my graph was not setup properly and neither was my radio. I probably wasn't hearing as many stations as I should have been. The user guide and samples provided by the WSJT-X program showed me what a good graph looks like. Here's a link to the site and section: WSJT-X User Guide Wide Graph Settings
WSJT-X Wide Graph - Radio Settings
First things first. You should be in USB-D mode if you're using the Icom 7300. Set your IF filter to wide (FIL1 on the Icom 7300). I have adjusted mine further. My bandwidth is set to 3.6k. Â (See video)
I have additional filtering turned off and AGC set to fast. So, NB and NR are off. If you turn AGC off as mentioned in the WSJT-X user guide you'll get a horrible overload unless you turn down the RF gain. My RF Gain is set to 12 o'clock and AGC is the default fast at 0.3s.
Turning AGC off and reducing the RF gain will help decode weak signals better. I'll show how to do this in the video below.
WSJT-X Wide Graph - Software Settings
My settings are different than what is shown in the WSJT-X User Guide. I like mine to scroll faster for one. Also I adjusted the width to be just above 2700 Hz., whether I'm using JT65 or JT9. With my current software settings I can't transmit above 2700 Hz on the graph. There's no power output.
I found out later to transmit above 2700 Hz you have to operate in SPLIT mode. In WSJT-X go to File>Settings>Radio and click on "Rig" underneath "Split Operation". I've been experimenting with it. It doesn't work properly for me when I have Ham Radio Deluxe used for Rig under the Radio tab in WSJT-X settings. I have to use the Icom 7300 for the Rig. It works beautifully that way.
Please take a look at my video. This will give you a good look at the WSJT-X wide graph.
I hope you found this informative and useful. If you have other settings that you use or suggestions for this, please comment below. Always happy to hear from fellow Hams. Best 73 - Rich, K0PIR
Sources:
I’ve been trying to get your email address. I’d like to help. Been a ham for 55 years. You are doing excellenly…..
Renee KC3NG
Hi Renee,
I am good in QRZ. Thank you for the e-mail.
Rich, K0PIR
Thank you! Very helpful.
K0LED
Very good. Liked the “interactive” nature of your video. Were you in JT65 mode? Seemed like you were seeing a boatload of activity. Was there a contest going on? (grin) That mode is mostly dead for me–a lot more stuff on FT-8/FT-4.
Hi John,
Thank you for commenting and I hope all is going well in your area.
Yes that was JT 65, but a while back when it was more popular. FT8 is the hot one now đ
I hope to hear you on and best 73!
Rich, K0PIR
Your discusson and video has been really helpful. But my problem is on the transmit side. I can operate for a while at about 40-50 W and then people stop answering my calls. I check the RF POwer out and it is near zero. I didn’t change any settings. Sometimes turning everything off (software adn hardware) and turning on again works for awhile and then POW, RF Power drops do nothing again. Got any suggestions?
Hi David,
Itâs nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting on my website. Itâs helpful to others.
If it starts out transmitting fine and then finally you lose power I would suspect a high SWR or your power supply.
I always leave the front panel of the radio on the meter so I can watch my SWR, ALC and power. I hope this helps. Let me know what you find.
Take care, good DX and best 73!