Configuring WSJT-X for the Aurora and FLEX Series Radios using DAXv2

This is a quick pictorial description for configuring a single slice/instance of WSJT-X for the Aurora and FLEX Series radios.  

NOTE:  This is for use WITHOUT using SliceMaster6000, which is not currently compatible with the new DAXv2

NOTE:  These basic principles also work for JTDX.

For a more thorough understanding of the  new DAXv2, please refer to this document:

    DAX Version 2 - Improvements and Updates – FlexRadio

Now, let's Start Configuring Things For WSJT-X

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 may 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.

Be certain that your DAX Program is running before you try to configure the Audio Ports

NOTE:  DAX Audio Devices will not show in Windows Device Manager and may not be available in the WSJT-X Configuration until DAX is running.

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

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

• Set the TX Stream Slider to 45-46 (this will send the proper audio drive to the radio, but 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).  
• Set the RX Stream 1 "Slice A" to 35 (This 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" in SmartSDR for Windows  (see step 4, above.)
• The Small square button for RX Streaming Channel 1 will be BLUE if the DAX Channel 1 has been selected on slice A in SmartSDR for Windows' DAX Pull-down menu. 
• If it is Yellow, it means that you have not selected DAX Channel A in SmartSDR.  Check that DAX Channel 1 has been selected in Slice A of your radio.  (see step  4, above).

• The indicator will turn GREEN when WSJT-X has properly "connected" to the audio stream, and data is flowing.

  (NOTE: Slice B & C show BLUE, because they are selected in SmartSDR, but not "connected" to an active program like an instance of WSJT-X that is using the audio feed.)

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

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 "Use Low Latency Filters for PACTOR" box if you are using WSJT-X Modes. (That setting is primarily for use with PACTOR and other digital modes that require low-latency T/R switching operation.)

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

    Use this procedure to confirm that your Windows Microphone Privacy Settings are allowing WSJT-X and DAX to the Windows Audio system:

    Enabling the Windows Audio Recording (Microphone) Devices – FlexRadio

9) Create a dedicated Mic Profile for digital mode operation: (Highly Recommended)

• 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:

In most jurisdictions, 60 Meters operation is limited to a narrower transmitted bandwidth. This requires setting a narrower TX Bandwidth (Low-Cut and High-Cut) when using 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
• Set the WSJT-X "Splits" option to "NONE," rather than "Fake-It" or "Rig."  
  ("Fake-it and 'Rig' will move your 'VFO' when trying to transmit, putting your possible transmit bandwidth range "out of band," which will trigger the radio to inhibit transmitting.)

MULTIPLE SLICES / MULTIPLE INSTANCES of WSJT-X?

Configuring multiple Instances of WSJT-X is beyond the scope of this article.

Instructions for configuring multiple instances of WSJT-X are found on the WSJT main site and many other posts on the web.

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

Enjoy the new modes!