Configuring WSJT-X for the Aurora and FLEX Series Radios

This is a quick pictorial description for configuring a single slice/instance of WSJT-X for the Aurora and FLEX Series radios.  This is for use WITHOUT using SliceMaster6000.  (There is already an excellent tutorial for using SliceMaster.)  NOTE:  These basic principles also work for JTDX.

1) Create a TCP Port in CAT:

• Click on the "ADD" button in the CAT Program.
• Give a descriptive "Name" to the Port
• Select the TCP Button to configure a TCP Port, rather than a Cat COM Serial Port
• Define a TCP Port number.  (A value of 60000 is used for the starting values for TCP CAT ports.)
• Select the Slice letter that will match the slice receiver used for digital mode operation
• Click to ENABLE for the "Auto Switch TX Slice" option.
• Click on the SAVE Button

2) Configure the WSJT-X "File > Settings > Radio" tab as below:

• In the "Network Server" tab:  Use the same TCP Port number that you created in Step 1.
   
• For example, if you created TCP Port 60000: Set Network Server to:   "LocalHost:60000" 
      (Put a colon between "LocalHost" and the Port Number, with NO Spaces)
      (Hit the "TEST CAT" button.  If it turns GREEN, you are good!)
   
• PTT Method = CAT (PTT commands will be sent over the CAT TCP Port along with other Control data)
   
• MODE = "Data/Pkt" tells the radio to change to DIGU Mode when operating WSJT-X modes.
   
• Split Operation = "NONE"    (When operating Fox/Hound Mode, WSJT will give a warning.  Ignore it, click "OK", and keep operating.)
   
• NOTE:  Many operators prefer to use "Fake-It," which keeps the actual TX Audio frequencies below 1500 Hz.  This will also work, EXCEPT when transmitting on 60 Meters, when it will shift the radio "carrier Frequency" out of band.  In this case, the radio will not transmit.  
  (See the notes on Mic Profiles at the bottom of this article for more information.)

3) Configure the WSJT-X "File > Settings > Audio" tab as below:

In the example below, it is assumed that the DAX channel associated with the slice receiver you will be using for digital mode operation is the same as the one defined for the CAT port created above.

The SoundCard Input is for your Receive Audio Device, and should be set to "DAX Audio RX 1."

The SoundCard Output is for your Transmit Audio Device, and should be set to "DAX Audio TX."

4) Configure your FlexRadio for Digital Operation

• Use the MODE pull-down menu in the Radio "Slice Flag" to select "DIGU" Mode

• Select the Receive Channel from the DAX Pulldown menu in the "Slice Flag" in SmartSDR.
• Most users select DAX Channel 1 for Slice A.  
      (This must match the DAX AUDIO RX channel selected for the Audio INPUT in WSJT-X, above.)
• If you wish to use a different RX DAX Channel, you must also change it in the WSJT-X "Audio" tab.

5) Check your settings in the DAX Control Panel

• TX Gain = 45 (this will prevent overdriving the audio input level.)
  Adjust the DAX TX Stream slider so that with the WSJT-X "Power output" slider at FULL, the SmartSDR LEVEL meter reads just under 0 dB (just out of the RED).
   
• RX Stream 1 "Slice a" = 35 (gives a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in WSJT-X)
• The "Slice A" notation in RX Streaming 1 indicates that DAX Channel 1 has correctly been selected for "Slice A"  (see step 4, above.)
• The small square button for RX Streaming Channel 1 should be BLUE.  If it is Yellow, click on it.  If it does not turn BLUE, check that DAX Channel 1 has been selected in Slice A of your radio.  (see step  4, above).

Adjust the DAX TX Stream slider so that the LEVEL meter reaches just under 0 dB

6) Enable the TX DAX Button in the "Radio Controls" Panel > P/CW Sub-Panel  (See Yellow Arrow)

• You may also wish to enable the MON (Monitor) so you can hear your own transmitted signal.  
  You may not want it very loud, however, for comfort.
• Do NOT select the +ACC Button above it.  It is not needed.

7) Configure your FlexRadio Receive Filters for best Digital Modes operation 

Set the Digital Mode Filter to Low Latency.  (Turn "Auto" OFF in the Digital Line)

Do NOT check the "Low Latency Filters for Digital Modes" box if you are using WSJT-C Modes. (That setting is primarily for use with PACTOR and other digital modes that require low-latency operation.

8) Confirm that your Windows Microphone Privacy is set properly:

    Use this procedure to confirm your Microphone Privacy Settings:

    Enabling the Windows Audio Recording (Microphone) Devices – FlexRadio

9) Additional Consideration:

Create a dedicated Mic Profile for digital mode operation:

• In SmartSDR For Windows:  Click on "Profiles > Create Mic Profile."  Be sure the "Mic Profile" tab is selected.
• Click in the Box that says "New Profile Name" and name it "DIGITAL." 
• Hit "CREATE" and close the menu.
• Now make the appropriate changes to your Mic Profile settings for the Digital Modes:
• This Mic Profile should have the TX DAX button enabled (see above)
• Set the LOW-CUT = 50 and HIGH-CUT = 3100

• Select the newly created Mic Profile from the Mic Profile Pull-down menu and use it whenever you are running the radio in DIGU mode for WSJT-X (or JTDX) modes.  Once selected when in DIGU Mode, the radio will remember it the next time you change to DIGU Mode.

Operation on 60 Meters:

• Create a different Mic Profile for WSJT-X on 60 Meters.  Call it something like "DIGI-60 Meters."
  Set the LOW-CUT = 100, and the HIGH-CUT = 2900 to stay within the 60 Meter Frequency allocation.  Use this Mic Profile when doing Digital Modes on 60 Meters  (and have "Splits" set to NONE, rather than "Fake-It.")

MULTIPLE SLICES / MULTIPLE INSTANCES of WSJT-X?

This is most easily configured using the 3rd Party application SliceMaster6000

GitHub - K1DBO/slice-master-6000: Additional slice controls for your Flex 6000 series radio

Don has an excellent tutorial on his website for configuring WSJT-X, as well as many other digital programs using SliceMaster6000.

Now you should be able to operate the new Digital Modes with WSJT-X!

Enjoy the new modes!