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Re: Optimum RECEIVE Level dB setting. WSJT-X for FT8 and Q65
#Q65
#AudioIssues
#FT8
Jim Brown
On 5/12/2021 5:43 AM, Martin G0HDB wrote:
Finally, I believe that when Rob NC0B operates his Rx with AGC on he sets the audio levels to be at around the 68dB mark on the WSJT-X 'thermometer', which isn't too dissimilar to the setting of 60dB that I use.It's important to realize that distortion can be produced at multiple points in the audio chain between detector and A/D converter, and, as suggested by a post in this series, even in the IF due to poorly implemented AGC. My rig is an Elecraft K3, which has AGC that is pretty well behaved, so I use slow AGC. As a retired audio professional, I set RX audio level driving WSJT-X so that with the strongest signals present (that is, during decode), the green bar is as close as possible to the top without flashing red. I use an external sound card that has a front panel gain adjustment, so I can "ride gain" on it when loud locals fire up on 6M or 160M, which they often do. If I did not have that adjustment, I would "ride gain" on the RF gain. It's also important to realize that there are multiple gain stages between the detector and the A/D, and if any one of them is poorly adjusted, distortion can be produced, even if the green bar is fairly low. A good clue that this is happening is to look for harmonics of a very loud signal fairly low in the AF passband (for example, 550 HZ, with harmonics at 1100, 1650, 2200 Hz), or for intermod distortion (multiple thin vertical lines in the waterfall for very strong signals anywhere in the audio passband). One way this can occur is if Record Gain in Windoze is set too low, so that the input to the A/D is overdriven and hits analog clip. 73, Jim K9YC |
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johnsherry57 <Glecarron57@...>
Hi Bill, Regin hope you don't mind me replying. I have discussed this very briefly on ON4KST chat. In these chats we are asking Regin to try q65 so I think he is trying to install 2.4 or later with q65. Best 73 John GM0AZC On Mon, 10 May 2021, 10:57 Bill Somerville, <g4wjs@...> wrote: On 09/05/2021 22:23, Regin, OY1R wrote: |
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Re: #WSJTX_config
#WSJTX_config
Dave Garber <ve3wej@...>
False decode On Wed., May 12, 2021, 7:23 p.m. Tom V. Segalstad, <la4ln@...> wrote:
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Re: #WSJTX_config
#WSJTX_config
Tom V. Segalstad
Here is an example of P5 called upon, decoded on 50.313 MHz with FT8 at my QTH locator JP50:  131845 -24 -0.2 1455 ~ P5DUK/P I68NZL/P EC53  But at such a low -24 dB signal/noise ratio it is most likely a false decode.  If I68NZL/P is an Italian station, the call sign is not very likely (never seen an I68 prefix before) – and the QTH locator EC53 is not applicable to Italy at all, where JN and JM would be the correct QTH locator squares. The EC QTH locator square is located in the Antarctic Sea between South America and Antarctica.  73 from Tom, LA4LN   Fra: Dave Garber  is there activity from p5 at all, or was this maybe a false decode? why have an alert for a station you are not hearing??   Dave Garber VE3WEJ / VE3IE   On Wed, May 12, 2021 at 3:08 PM Larry Banks via
groups.io <larryb.w1dyj=verizon.net@groups.io> wrote:
 -- Tom (LA4LN) |
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Re: #WSJTX_config
#WSJTX_config
Gary - AG0N
On May 9, 2021, at 10:55, Wes Elton <wes@...> wrote:As Bill said, only QRZ and CQ is watched for. You also don’t say whether you decoded the P5 or not. One thing for sure, if you don’t hear him, you can’t work him and it shouldn’t say anything about him being there. Gary - AG0N |
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Re: #WSJTX_config
#WSJTX_config
Dave Garber <ve3wej@...>
is there activity from p5 at all, or was this maybe a false decode? why have an alert for a station you are not hearing?? Dave Garber VE3WEJ / VE3IE On Wed, May 12, 2021 at 3:08 PM Larry Banks via groups.io <larryb.w1dyj=verizon.net@groups.io> wrote:
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Re: #WSJTX_config
#WSJTX_config
Hi Wes,
Â
P5ABC would have shown up earlier for you, when calling GW3DEF, and would
have been highlighted.  Good luck with the pileup!
Â
You might
also want to look at JTAlert.
73 -- Larry -- W1DYJ Â Â
Hi
Bill, Many thanks for your response and advice. I'm using Logger 32 and JTAlert, both with the latest updates, but in neither help file can I find settings that will enable the feature I would like. To re-cap, The WSJT-X Band Activity window shows a decode of P5ABC GW3DEF 73. I don't need GW3DEF but DO need P5ABC but without a highlight, the P5 callsign could easily be missed. I am most definitely not into software so don't know if such a comparison is even possible but It just seemed to me that, since the countries previously worked log within WSJT-X and a list of available countries worldwide both exist, both callsigns could be compared with the worldwide list of countries at the time of the decode. This comparison would show I'd worked WALES but still needed N.KOREA and highlight the P5 callsign!. Do you consider that such a feature is possible? Is there some way I could post this as a request to the software wizards? 73 es Stay Safe Bill Wes GW3RIH.
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Re: WSJT-x 2.3.1 - CAT via HRD - Split operation Fake : possible bug
#IssueReport
On 12/05/2021 14:15, Rick I2BRT wrote:
HI. Hi Rick, when HRD is used as a proxy CAT control server all CAT commands are handled by HRD. 73 |
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Re: Error Writing Wave File
On 12/05/2021 15:29, Don N7BT wrote:
Thanks for your input, Bill. As it turns out I had almost 40,000 saved wave files along with a huge amount of backup files from Ham Radio Deluxe. My C Drive was nearly plugged solid. Once I addressed that issue and cleared more than 50 gigs out of my C drive by removing the old wave files and HRD's backups, everything is working fine.Hi Don, the WSJT-X default is not to save .WAV files, you must have enabled it at some point. 73 Bill G4WJS. |
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Jim Brown
I AM an expert on RFI, and I find the "knee-jerk" blame it on RFI unhelpful when there's no good reason to blame it based on the limited symptoms provided. Yes, many hams DO fail to do proper bonding in their shack, and do build and use antennas that put RF in the shack -- a prime example being an end-fed antenna with no counterpoise.
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73, Jim K9YC On 5/11/2021 11:34 PM, Karza wrote:
On 12.5.2021 2.36, Jim Brown wrote:On 5/11/2021 9:08 AM, Karza wrote:Just guessing. Intermittent problems while TXing or tuning /could /be caused by RFI, right?Sound like RFI in the shackOn what basis do you say that? |
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Alan G4ZFQ
Ive had problems with USB with the audio stopping after a number of TX cycles.Roger, That reminds me of a USB audio problem I used to have. If there is a temporary interruption in the USB audio then it seems WSJT-X stops. A restart brings it back. The disconnection was likely to occur when another USB device such as a memory stick was used. My solution was to fit a PCIe USB card which does not have this problem. Somewhat extreme but it solved a problem that had bugged me for months! 73 Alan G4ZFQ |
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Robert Lorenzini
Not for all of us. Happens after a band change.
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Bob - wd6dod On 5/12/2021 2:54 AM, William Smith
wrote:
That was my diagnosis as well, given the information provided. 🤷‍♂️ 73, Willie N1JBJOn May 12, 2021, at 2:05 AM, Jim Brown <k9yc@...> wrote: On 5/11/2021 9:08 AM, Karza wrote:Sound like RFI in the shackOn what basis do you say that? 73, Jim K9YC |
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Re: Error Writing Wave File
Thanks for your input, Bill. As it turns out I had almost 40,000 saved wave files along with a huge amount of backup files from Ham Radio Deluxe. My C Drive was nearly plugged solid. Once I addressed that issue and cleared more than 50 gigs out of my C drive by removing the old wave files and HRD's backups, everything is working fine.Â
I guess that is why JT put the "clear wave files" in the settings drop-down! It will be a normal thing for me now to clear those files every so often and keep an eye on the HRD backups in an attempt to keep those under control. 73, Don N7BT |
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WSJT-x 2.3.1 - CAT via HRD - Split operation Fake : possible bug
#IssueReport
HI.
Maybe some CAT bug somewhere I suppose... I'm using WSJT-X 2.3.1 with an FTdx5000. Rig is connected with Ham Radio Deluxe 6.7.0.323 WSJT-X radio pane configuration is set using "Ham Radio Deluxe" as a rig and 127.0.0.1 as IP (PTT via CAT). Using a scope and frequency meter on BF and clicking TUNE, IÂ observed the following (example on 6 meters, same for any band) : A) Using RIG as split operation DIAL freq + TX WATERFALL Hz = VFO B freq + audio TONE Hz
50.313,000 + 0500 = 50.312,000 + 1500
50.313,000 + 1000 = 50.312,500 + 1500
50.313,000 + 1500 = 50.313,000 + 1500
50.313,000 + 2000 = 50.313,500 + 1500
50.313,000 + 2500 = 50.314,000 + 1500
B) Using FAKE IT as split operation DIAL freq + TX WATERFALL Hz = VFO A freq + audio TONE Hz 50.313,000 + 0500 = 50.313,000 + 1500
50.313,000 + 1000 = 50.313,000 + 1500
50.313,000 + 1500 = 50.313,000 + 1500
50.313,000 + 2000 = 50.313,000 + 1500
50.313,000 + 2500 = 50.313,000 + 1500
Â
While in RIG as split operation, the TX frequency is always correct (according to the waterfall)While in FAKE as split operation, the TX frequency is almost always wrong (according to the waterfall is correct ONLY while on 1.500 Hz) Basically, the TX frequency is not set while in TX (don't change) and revert while in RX. Looking at HRD and WSJT-X screen, when I click TUNE I see just for half second the VFO A frequency change but then it goes immediately back to the original dial. The RIG never change it's display. It seems to me a sort of CAT command timing issue ... This happens only with fake. With rig it sworks so I suspect it's not a bug of HRD but maybe a timeing with HRD IP sever and Hamlib ... However in this scenario the user should avoid to use FAKE IT because it seems possible to change TX frequency but it is not (causing qrm..) Note : using WSJT-X and FTdx5000 as rig description in radio pane, FAKE IT works as by design. Hope it's understandable ... Kind regards. Rick I2BRT |
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I see the same thing here. If I don’t transmit for an hour or two, no TX audio is generated via Tune or normal TX. Computer is still “awake” the whole time and WSJT-X is still decoding on RX properly. Changing WSJT-X configuration or stop/start WSJT-X restores normal operation. This started happening a year or so ago, but can’t say if it was something in WSJT-X that changed or a Win10 “upgrade.” WSJT-X 2.4.0 RC4, Windows 10 Ver 20H2, Elecraft K3S ___________ 73, Jim – N4ST  From: main@WSJTX.groups.io <main@WSJTX.groups.io> On Behalf Of M0PWX
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 07:00 To: main@WSJTX.groups.io Subject: Re: [WSJTX] WSJT-X LOSES TUNE AND XMT CAPABILITY #general   I see similar (2.4.0 RC4, win10 latest updates / bugs from M$, FLRig 1.3.51)  TX but no audio / modulation If I don’t TX for more than about an hour the audio in WSJT-x goes to sleep, by doing nothing other than close and re-open WSJT-x the problem I resolved It only affects my FT-991a, my G90 i can leave idle for as long as I like and it works Both the G90 and FT-991a use named instances of WSJT-x I have checked all the eventlogs, nothing showing The fault is not RFI related as it occurs with both radios in RX only I have checked the power management settings on every thing USB to ensure windows is not allowed to power them down if not used And occurs whether the 991a is plugged in direct to PC or via usb hub, usb cable has been swapped for a better quality one with no difference  Peter  M0PWX  |
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Re: Optimum RECEIVE Level dB setting. WSJT-X for FT8 and Q65
#Q65
#AudioIssues
#FT8
Martin G0HDB <marting0hdb@...>
On Wed, May 12, 2021 at 07:04 AM, Bill Somerville wrote:
Hi Bill, I would hardly call a signal at -85dBm, which equates roughly to S3-4, a particularly strong signal yet this is the signal level at which distortion begins to appear on the audio output from my IC-7610 when I operate the Rx with AGC off. My previous IC-7600 showed almost exactly the same characteristic; however Rob NC0B has found that his IC-7300 doesn't begin to exhibit distortion on the audio output until the RF input signal is at a *very* much higher level. I can't recall the exact figure that Rob has mentioned but I believe he found it needed an input signal of around -30dBm, which equates to approx S9+40dB, to cause the onset of audio distortion with AGC off. Presumably the presence of distortion artefacts on the audio going into WSJT-X won't be particularly conducive to effective decoding. As I expect you're aware, Rob NC0B did some tests a couple of years ago to investigate how WSJT-X's decoding of off-air WSPR signals on 630m was affected by the presence of a strong, locally-injected in-passband unwanted signal when he operated his IC-7300 with AGC on. Rob found that the unwanted signal had to be at a level of approx -15dBm (S9+++!) before the decoding of the wanted WSPR signals, which were decoded at levels of -10 and -24dB, began to be affected. From his measurements Rob surmised that even with AGC on, WSJT-X was capable of decoding wanted signals that are 75-80dB below the level of a high-level signal within the same passband. I've briefly performed similar AGC-on tests to Rob, using off-air FT8 signals on 160m and injecting an interfering signal from a (calibrated) signal generator via a hybrid combiner, and found similar results, ie. the level of the in-passband interfering signal had to be quite a few 10s of dB (eg. 60-70dB) higher than the levels of the wanted signals in the passband before the decoding of the wanted signals began to be degraded. I suspect that many people who operate their Rx's with AGC off as per the guidance might not be aware that even medium-level input signals could be overloading something along their Rx chain with the consequence that the audio going from their Rx into WSJT-X could be horribly distorted. I would venture to suggest that, given the results of Rob's tests which I've partially verified by my own tests, there's a high degree of certainty that operating an Rx with AGC on will not result in any significant loss of the ability of WSJT-X to decode wanted signals that are several 10s of dB below the levels of the strongest signals within the passband even though those strong signals will have 'captured' the AGC. Furthermore, operating the Rx with AGC on will undoubtedly eliminate the possibility of the audio output from an Rx being driven into audio distortion by even medium-strength input signals - although the occurrence of this may vary between different makes and models of Rx (vis the significant difference between my IC-7600/7610 and Rob's IC-7300), any tendency for audio distortion artefacts to begin to appear on the audio output can't be good for WSJT-X's decoding. Finally, I believe that when Rob NC0B operates his Rx with AGC on he sets the audio levels to be at around the 68dB mark on the WSJT-X 'thermometer', which isn't too dissimilar to the setting of 60dB that I use. I also understand that Rob's approach was validated by Joe K1JT. 73 -- Martin G0HDB |
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Re: #WSJTX_config
#WSJTX_config
Wes Elton
Hi Bill,
Many thanks for your response and advice. I'm using Logger 32 and JTAlert, both with the latest updates, but in neither help file can I find settings that will enable the feature I would like. To re-cap, The WSJT-X Band Activity window shows a decode of P5ABC GW3DEF 73. I don't need GW3DEF but DO need P5ABC but without a highlight, the P5 callsign could easily be missed. I am most definitely not into software so don't know if such a comparison is even possible but It just seemed to me that, since the countries previously worked log within WSJT-X and a list of available countries worldwide both exist, both callsigns could be compared with the worldwide list of countries at the time of the decode. This comparison would show I'd worked WALES but still needed N.KOREA and highlight the P5 callsign!. Do you consider that such a feature is possible? Is there some way I could post this as a request to the software wizards? 73 es Stay Safe Bill Wes GW3RIH. |
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Re: Optimum RECEIVE Level dB setting. WSJT-X for FT8 and Q65
#Q65
#AudioIssues
#FT8
Hasan Schiers N0AN
Frank, I'm using a TS-590sg, and have been for several years. In terms of the USB output, I also set it at 1, or it has too much output. With the audio out (USB) at 1 (from the 590sg menu), and windows set to 0 dB as Bill suggests, I get the following readings on the WSJT-X rx audio thermometer: 1. AGC OFF: 54 dB 2. AGC ON: 45 dB This is on 6m with no signal, but the antenna noise and an ARR GAsFET preamp (external) and the internal preamp of the 590sg turned off. For weak signal work the AGC should be OFF, unless you are overwhelmed by local competing signals, in which case you either have to ride the RF gain , or put AGC on FAST. MSK144 the AGC can be off all the time and even distorted pings seem to decode (again, unless local and silly loud. Q65, which we run for an hour every morning on 6m, can be left with AGC off nearly all the time, as it is not busy, but very big signals will distort to the point of killing decodes, and if that happens, simply ride the RF gain, or turn AGC ON. For 6m, I run NB 1 and 2 both on and both set for maximum blanking. No problems with either MSK144 or Q65 in terms of NB causing issues. FT8, high Noise Blanking will produce images of the signal (multiple decodes). Hope this helps ya. 73, N0AN Hasan On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 7:07 PM invl160 Davis <invl160@...> wrote: I am using a TS590SG with version 2.4.0 rc4. I have been playing with Q65. Upon not decoding his transmission a friend asked me recently what my receive level setting was on the left hand "level meter". I said 60. He said "thats way too high". |
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Roger Corbett <roger.corbett@...>
Hi, Ive had problems with USB with the audio stopping after a number of TX cycles. You have to remember USB is a pretty ugly interface to anything and any noise introduced can really stuff it up. I invested in a couple USB Isolators which fixed the problem for me. I use one at home and in the portable setup. I still have the problem occasionally but thats normally because Ive moved some power cable or network cabe closer to the USB and its upset things. Try and use good quality screened cables too. The ones with the built in ferrite at both or one end work well. I have the isolator and the ferrite at the computer end. eBay has them too but get the faster ones. If they don’t tell you the bite rate they will support they will probably be the older slower ones. I cant remember what speed the better ones were but Im sure you’ll find them. From memory I paid something like $22 USD. Hope that helps Roger ZL3RC |
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M0PWX
  I see similar (2.4.0 RC4, win10 latest updates / bugs from M$, FLRig 1.3.51)  TX but no audio / modulation  If I don’t TX for more than about an hour the audio in WSJT-x goes to sleep, by doing nothing other than close and re-open WSJT-x the problem I resolved  It only affects my FT-991a, my G90 i can leave idle for as long as I like and it works  Both the G90 and FT-991a use named instances of WSJT-x  I have checked all the eventlogs, nothing showing  The fault is not RFI related as it occurs with both radios in RX only  I have checked the power management settings on every thing USB to ensure windows is not allowed to power them down if not used  And occurs whether the 991a is plugged in direct to PC or via usb hub, usb cable has been swapped for a better quality one with no difference  Peter  M0PWX  |
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