Version 1.12 10/20/2004 (Document Changes)
NOTE: This Primer for Versions 3.x.x & 4.x.x If you have
a latter version (WSJT 5.x.x or 6.x.x)click here.

WSJT Primer: Writen and edited by the WSJTGROUP. Thanks to Eric (WB5APD) for his very useful links
and to all the other operators who contributed to this effort. Do not expect this work to answer every question; however
if you follow these steps you should get very close if not completely operational in a short period of time. (The link to
WB5PAPD's help pages is: http://bobthayerjr.com/wb5apd/ (we recommend both this page and Eric's WSJT Help files,
take your choice or use the WSJT Users Manual. The important thing is to get set-up and running)

Purpose:  To assist newbie’s with the setup and use of WSJT and to provide all the information at one place on the
WSJTGROUP Webpage.

Ok, lets review your current status.

First please verify that all the following statements are true for your station. If any statement is false follow the link and
complete that task before going any further. 

• I know how to operate a computer & mouse (basic pc skills are required)
• I have a good quality radio (some equipment presently being use)
• I have a working interface  Second Interface Link (build your own or purchase)
• I have a “Horizontal Polarized Antenna” (you must be horizontal for meteor scatter)
• I have downloaded WSJT
• I have downloaded Dimension 4
• I have read the WSJT Technical Manual (at least print it and read it when you have time)

 Getting Started: FAQ's taken from the WSJTGROUP email reflector are placed last in the steps because it is hoped all
your questions and needs are handled in the below links. Also at the end is a section on XP & Win 2000 issues that can be
reviewed if 1) Your com port is stuck in transmit or 2) your transmit audio is interrupted while browsing. It is recommended
you follow the below links in the order listed.

First Steps:.

•  Dimension 4
• Set-Up WSJT Software (entering your personal information)

Radio / WSJT Steps:

• Setting the Receive Level (Radio / PC Marriage)
• Setting the Transmit Tone Level Adjustment (Making the radio happy)

Must Know Steps:

• Which Meteor Scatter Mode Should I Use
• Realistic Meteor Scatter Ranges and Best Times To Operate
• Where Do I Operate
• Meteor Scatter Messages

Final Steps:

• Receiving (Monitor Mode)
• Simplified Standard Operating Procedures
• Putting it together Tx & Rx (Auto Mode)
• Screen Captures with Explanations from K1SIX

Let the Good Times Roll / Meteor Scatter for Life:

• Camaraderie:
• Meteor Scatter Awards

XP & Win2000 Issues,Laptop Issues & FAQ's from the wsjtgroup reflector:

• XP & Win 2000 Issues (Stuck Com Port & Interrupted Tx Audio while browsing)
• FAQ's answered by WSJTGROUP members
• Most common mistakes made...

 

---

Dimension 4: This application sets your computer to the correct time. This is absolutely necessary for all WSJT modes.
This might seem like a strange place to start your WSJT Experience, just trust us. (Get this working first them proceed)

Note: An alternative to Dimension 4 is NMEATime. You might consider this if you plan to use a GPS i.e. portable. (Most
stations are using D4)

How to set-up Dimension 4:

            Settings:
                        Server: tick.usno.navy.mil
                        Check: Load Dimension 4 at startup
                                    Once loaded, wait until online
                                    Every 10 minutes
                                    Maximum correction     1 hours
                                    Start minimized
                                    Display icon in tray
            Advanced:        Check if online, every 5 seconds
                                    Timeout after 5 seconds
                                    On error, retry after 2 seconds
                                    Check Display errors
                                    Check Display synchronization

 How to test if Dimension 4 is working properly:
                        Note: Dimension 4 requires an internet connection in order to work. If you’re not “on-line” then connect  before
making the following test.

                         Open Dimension 4
                        Click on <OK> Button
                        Verify PC time adjusted viewing the Popup Window

 If Dimension 4 does not work:                       

• First... It is possible that the Server you selected is not responding! Try several Servers including this one. cuckoo.nevada.edu
  If you still have problems using D4 with XP
                      1. Go to Control Panel/Date and Time/Internet Time tab. 
                          Be sure "automatically synchronize with an internet time server" is NOT checked
                                                  NEXT
                      2. Go To Control Panel/Admin Tools/Services
                      3. In services pick WINDOWS TIME . Right click for properties.
                          STARTUP TYPE change to DISABLE. Then click SERVICE STATUS =
                          STOP. "NEXT click OK"
                                                  Thats it! 
                       Note - Good idea to then re-boot PC and double check that the changes you made actually
                                   were saved correctly
                         FYI: This is the exe that would run normally for windows XP time sync.
                         C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
                         You can reverse the process anytime if you like. Of course if you do
                         Dimension 4 won't work again.
  

End of Dimension 4 discussion (use your back button)

Setting Up the WSJT Software:

•             Open the WSJT Application on your computer
•             Click on Setup & select <Options>
•             Enter your Call in <My call> pane
•             Enter your Grid Locator (all six characters)
•             Enter UTC offset hours for your time zone
•             Accept Default Settings for TX and RX delays
•             Audio Output (Both)
•             T/R Period 30
•             Check Fast CPU but if in doubt leave “Unchecked” at this time
•             No Sh (do not check this)
•             If your in Europe Click EU defaults If North America Click NA Defaults
•              NOW CLICK THE DONE BUTTON …

Click on Setup & select <Set Comport>

•    Enter your comport, if not sure enter 1
•   Click on the <OK> Button
•   Now Close WSJT by clicking on File and selecting <Exit>

 Now you will check that your information was saved properly.

•             Open WSJT Application on your computer again.
•             Click on Setup & select <Options>
•             Verify your call and other data you entered appears in the Options Window.
•             Now Click on the Done Button…
•             Click on Setup & select <Set Comport> & verify your prior entry
•             Now Click the OK button

End of WSJT Software section (use your back button)

 Setting the Receive Level: The desired receive level is 0 dB. WSJT will measure and display the received strength
but you must set it using the windows sound controls.

 Note: Your interface should be properly connected between your radio & computer from this point on. This is necessary for isolation.

Practice bringing up the Set Receive Level Controls (Picture of 0dB received signal showing proper gren line position)

•         Click on Set-Up
•         Click on <Adjust Rx Volume Control>
•         Find Microphone Adjuster Slide Control
•         Find Line In Adjuster Slide Control
•         Exit by clicking on the “X”

 Note: Your Windows Soundboard Controls could be slightly different depending on your Operating System.

 Note: It is important to select either the “Line In” or “Microphone” slider controls. This is done with the mouse by clicking
in the Select Box on the appropriate slider. After selecting the appropriate Audio Input Slider then move the Slider to about midrange.

 In the next step you will set your radio controls. I recommend the following and this is generic for all receivers.

•             Set the Noise Blanker On
•             Set the AGC to “Off” (In no off set to “Fast”)
•             If you have receive filters tighten them but allow a passband between 600 – 2400Hz
•             Set the Receive Frequency to 144.140MHz or 50.260MHz

Note: If you hear a birdie or other signals on frequency move slightly off frequency till nothing but receive noise is heard.
 

•              Click on the Record button
•             Count to five (actually wait a few seconds)
•             Click on the Stop button
•             Read the third pane on the bottom Status Bar (Rx Level in dB)

If you see some value of Rx dB displayed GOOD! The desired value is zero and can be adjusted easily by doing the following.
If you see this message "Rx Level High"
If you see this message "Rx Level Low"

  Setting the level to Zero dB

•             Click on Set-Up
•             Click on <Adjust Rx Volume Control>
•             To increase level move the slider upward; to decrease move the slider downward
•             After the adjustment is made minimize the slider control. (Click on the " - " top right)
•             Now Click on the Record Button
•             Count to five
•             Click on Stop
•             Read the Rx Level in the third pane on the bottom Status Bar
•             Continue till setting is “0 dB”

 If you see Rx level too high, then you should do the following.

•             Click on Set-Up
•             Click on <Adjust Rx Volume Control>
•             Move the slider downward very near the bottom.
•             Now Click on the Record Button
•             Count to five
•             Click on Stop
•             Read the Rx Level in the third pane on the bottom Status Bar
•             Continue till setting is “0 dB” but if you cannot achieve 0 dB go to the next step.

 Unable to achieve Rx Level of 0 db using the Microphone Slider

•             Click on Set-Up
•             Click on <Adjust Rx Volume Control>
•             Click on Options in the Slider Control and select <Properties>
•             Now select the Playback Radial Button
•             High Light Microphone and Click the Ok button
•             You should now see an Advance button in the Microphone Slider control
•             Click on the Advance Button
•             Find the Boost Check Box
•             If it is checked remove the check and retest the Rx level

     Note: If your receive level continues to be too hot there are three options. Some interfaces have adjustments internal to
adjust or you might need to swap the receive audio from the “Mic Input” on the soundcard to the “Line In” connection
however if your using a "LAPTOP" computer it is likely you only have a microphone input only. If an attenuator is needed
to pad down the signal they are simple to build. This link should help. http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/line_to_mic.html

If you see Rx level was too low:             

•             Unable to achieve Rx Level of 0 db using the Microphone Slider
•             Click on Set-Up
•             Click on <Adjust Rx Volume Control>
•             Click on Options in the Slider Control and select <Properties>
•             Now select the Playback Radial Button
•             High Light Microphone and Click the Ok button
•             You should now see an Advance button in the Microphone Slider control
•             Click on the Advance Button
•             Find the Boost Check Box
•             If it is unchecked then click and check the Mic Boost and retest the Rx level

 If the receive level is still too low I recommend first checking the cable for a complete circuit. Check the interface and
double check the mixer settings. If you find you only need about 3dB more of signal wire the TWO computer audio input
lines together and you have 3db more audio. If you just cannot get enough audio from the rig you might hook-up an external
preamp. (Check your rig it might have an internal pre-amp that is turned off) If you do need to increase the audio external
of the radio you can. Try building this simple circuit which is powered off the PTT 12VDC.

End of Setting the Receive Level (use your back button)

Note: The next steps will require you to transmit single tones using your radio.
We recommend all test be at low power 10 - 15 watts.

 Practice bringing up the Set Transmit Level Controls

•                         Click on Set-Up
•                         Click on <Adjust Tx Volume Control>
•                         Find Playback Adjuster Slide Control
•                         Find Wave/MP3  Adjuster Slide Control
•                         Click on Mute for all controls except the two above
•                         Set the Playback and Wave/MP3 sliders to mid-range.
•                         Exit by clicking the Close “X”

Note: Your Windows Soundboard Controls could be slightly different depending on your Operating System. Sometimes
the Playback Control is labeled "Master Out" and the Wave/MP3 will just be labeled "Wave".  

IMPORTANT: If your computer has 3-D Sound, Turn it off! The 3-D controls might be found in a folder for
your particular soundboard or the advanced button in the slider controls.

 For the next step turn your Radio Off and check the Sh Msg Box below the Erase button.

•                         Click on Mode
•                         Select <FSK441A>
•                         Find the 4 Tune Buttons (Bottom Right)
•                         Hit the Stop button (you cannot be in monitor mode for this test)
•                         Click the A button
•                         Observe that the interface indicates PTT activated (if your interface uses VOX then ignore this step)
•                         You should hear the 882Hz tone in the speaker

Note: To stop the transmit or turn the tone off click the “Tx Stop” button. If you do not click the stop button it will Auto-Stop
after a few seconds.

•                         Now click each tone B,C & D one at a time.
•                         Become familiar with each Tx Tone and Tx Stop Buttons

      The next step is to learn the difference between multi-tones and single tones.

•                         Still in the FSK441A mode do the following
•                         Click Tx 6 Button (This will force a CQ with your call)
•                         Listen to the Multi-tone CQ
•                         Click Tx Stop button
•                         Click the A button and listen to the single tone
•                         Click Tx Stop button

In the next steps you will set your radios transmit controls. I recommend the following generic for all transceivers.

•             Set the Speech Processor Off
•             Turn off any Tx Equalizers
•             Set the rig Mic Gain to Normal SSB talking position

Test Equipment needed, a power meter set to average power attached to the radio.
Turn off all amplifiers, only 5 – 15 watts is required to set the tone levels.

Set Windows Mixer for Initial Tone Level Adjustments.This procedure is for Setting the ALC where it just starts to
move with the 1764Hz tone. All tests should be done close to the call frequency being careful not to cause qrm.
(It has been reported that some rigs need a little more tx audio, like the FT-847. You can set the ALC to mid-scale
without any fear of overdriving)
         

•             With mode set to FSK441A
•             Click on the Tone C button
•             Observe ALC meter on the radio
•             Adjust the Playback Mixer (wave out) slider to the point where the ALC just starts to indicate or move on the meter

 Note: To stop any transmission click on the Tx Off button or let it Auto-Time out.

Next we will set the level of the PC and WSJT so that the four individual tones are transmitted at an equal level. This
will make certain that the reciever of your signal hears all of the four tones used by WSJT to send a character at an
equal level. To accomplish this we will set the PC sound out level and adjust the four tones used by WSJT. Once this is
accomplished, we will check the power output for each tone. The need for this is driven by the fact that not all PCs and
transmitters respond equally to the four different frequencies used by WSJT.

Test for determining if Tones A; B; C; D need adjusting.

 Quickly verify Tone Level Default Settings 

•             Go to Set-Up click on <Options>
•             Verify that Tone Amplitudes are all set to 1.000
•             If all tones not set to 1.000 then set them to 1.000
•             Click the Done button

Note: Amplitude settings are voltage levels that range from 1.000 to 0.000

Amplitude Test

•             Click on each Tone Button and read the power output.
•             Verify that all tones read the same or no more than 20% difference between the four tones.

Making Tone Adjustments
 

•   Starting with Tone A record the power output
•   Click on Tone B and adjust the value of the Tone Amplitude to match tone A
•   Do the same for tone C and D
• Click Done when finished to save settings

Example setting for my TS2000 A=1.000 B=0.770 C=0.660 D=0.600 (Various radios will have different characteristics)

When you are completed all the tones should read the same on the wattmeter or within 20% of each other. With a little
time you can get all the tones very close.

 Note:  You set the drive to any amplifiers via power control on the rig for the desired output power level.

If more help is needed with setting the Amplitude Tones look at: http://home.alltel.net/wb5apd/wsjt.html

End of the Setting The Transmit Tone Level Adjustments Section (use your back button)

Modes for Meteor Scatter:
            The meteor scatter mode in most common use is FSK441A. This is because it is the fastest mode in WSJT
designed for all meteor scatter conditions. For Six Meters, often time schedules are made using JT6M but again the
default mode for the magic band is FSJ441A. JT6M has been optimized by Joe for conditions most often found on
50MHz however because sometimes pings are too short for effective decoding FSJ441A has become the default mode
for six meters. All six meter operators should become familiar with JT6M.

End of the Meteor Scatter Modes Section (use your back button)

Normal Meteor Scatter Range & Best Times to operate:
          The normal meteor scatter range is something less than 1200 miles but more than a couple of hundred miles.
The shorter distances are possible especially when backscatter is employed.

         The best times to operate are early morning when the earth is spinning towards the sun collecting all those small
meteors being hurled at us. However contacts can be made anytime of the day or night using sporadic meteors. The
absolute best time to operate is during major meteor showers.

End of the Normal Meteor Scatter Ranges & Best Times to operate. (use your back button)

Where to operate:
            The call frequency for two meters is 144.140 and 50.260MHz for six meters. Schedules are made around
those areas.(schedules are usually made off of the calling frequencies) Know areas of SSB operations should be
avoided. WSJT modes are not compatible with voice or other modes.

End of the Where To Operate Section (use your back button)

Meteor Scatter Messages:

            Schedules: For schedules all operators should use the “Default Messages” found in WSJT. If your in North
America use the NA Default messages selected from the Options Set-up. When schedules are made both parties
should agree if Sh (Short Hand) Messages will be used.

            Call Frequency: The Call Frequency is used for calling CQ. When using the call frequency messages 3 – 4 should
include the other stations call or some part of their call. No Sh Messages should be used on the call frequency. This is to
prevent all users of the frequency from receiving messages without a known destination.

             Random Hour Messages: Random Hour messages are identical to the above Call Frequency Messages. See the
Random Hour Manual at: http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/WSJTGROUP/randomhour.htm

Differences between Schedules & Random Contacts

End of The Meteor Scatter Messages Section (use your back button)

Receiving (Monitor Mode)

 Normal monitoring…

•             WSJT Started
•             Set the Receive Frequency on the Radio VFO
•             Click the Monitor Button
•             Verify S = 2
•             Verify W = 20
•             Verify Tol = 400 Hz (for six meters you can start off at 200)
•             Observe each 30 second receive period displayed
•             Check for a Rx level of 0dB & adjust as necessary
•             If you like listen to received audio in real time from the radio speaker
•             When text is Decoded in the Receive Text Window note the DF
•             DF reading is in Hz positive or negative
•             Adjust the radio RIT to match indicated DF
•             Adjust WSJT Tol to 100 Hz
•             The next ping should be less than 100
•             When decode is not perfect, click on the green line spike to enhance if possible

Intense / Serious monitoring (Perhaps during a schedule or when working DX or new initial)

•             WSJT Started
•             Set the Receive Frequency on the Radio VFO
•             Click the Monitor Button on WSJT
•             Verify S = 1 ( Lower setting can be used if you like, I found that .6 is a good setting)
•             Verify W = 20
•             Verify Tol = 400 Hz (for six meters you can start off at 200)
•             Observe each 30 second receive period displayed for prospects of pings or signal
•             Check for a Rx level of 0dB & adjust as necessary
•             Listen to the received audio in real time from radio speaker (often times pings are heard that don't decode)
•             When a ping is heard note the time in seconds using the WSJT clock
•             When text is Decoded in the Receive Text Window note the DF
•             DF reading is in Hz positive or negative
•             Adjust the radio RIT to match indicated DF
•             Adjust WSJT Tol to 100 Hz knowing that the next ping should be less than 100 Hz
•             Right Click the location on the green line of all pings heard
•             Scan the green line for “Prospects” pings possibly not heard
•             Right Click prospects and look for partial calls or messages
•             Observe closely messages decoded for any drift from the transmitting station
•             Make adjustments to your radio RIT if DF is moving out of the Tol range set at 100 Hz
•             Single Tones can be heard but not decoded. Listen carefully but be careful to not be fooled…
•             When decode is not perfect, click on the green line spike to enhance / force decoding

End of the Monitoring Section (use your back button)

 Putting it together Tx & Rx

           Procedure for schedule

•              Type the other stations call in the To Radio box
•             Click on the look-up button
•             Verify the Grid Square is in the Grid Pane but if not Enter It Manually
•             If the last two letters of the grid are unknown enter mm i.e. EL19mm
•             If over 1000 miles aim antenna at Az given on WSJT
•             If less than 1000 miles use the Shaded Red Hot direction direction for aiming antenna
•             Verify that the Time Period is set to 30 seconds
•             If using Sh Messages enable them, if not leave Sh Msgs blank (un-checked)
•             Verify your proper antenna is selected (Horizontal Polarized)
•             If you are going first sequence, verify Tx First is checked
•             If you are going second verify Tx First is un-checked
•             Click on Gen Std Message button
•             Verify proper calls in Tx 1 Message
•             Verify all radio / antenna controls ready for first transmission

• If in the Monitor Mode click on the Stop button

• NOW Click the 'Auto is Off' button to start the sequence (you will tx next sequence)

Note: During the qso attempt, to verify which message you should be sending next based on what you have received
click on the F5 Key. The F5 Key provides text of the Standard Operating Procedures.

To review the Simplified Standard Operating Procedures Click Here ...

• To change messages while the QSO progresses click on Tx Stop
• Then click the appropriate   message. Tx 1 – Tx 5
• When the QSO ends click on the Auto Is On button to stop the Auto Sequencing of Tx/Rx

 Random Hour
            Random Hour is the name for the Weekly Activity Period. For complete information relating to how to
operate activity periods like Random Hour go to: http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/WSJTGROUP/randomhour.htm

 Meteor Scatter Contesting
          Meteor Scatter Contesting is great fun and one of the few contests with a level playing field. To learn more
and view the results of past contests go to: http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/Rally/NAHSMS.htm

End of the Section (use your back button)

Camaraderie:
              WSJT operators are some of the greatest people in amateur radio. They have unique skills and enjoy
the vhf bands regardless of rather it is open or not.  The Ping Jockey is the default place operators go for making
real time schedules. The WSJTGROUP is a large group of operators sharing information and participating in
group activities such as Contesting; Awards; Sprints and Random Hours.

A gentle reminder to not exchange info on PJ during a "run" unless you don't care about it being a VALID contact.
Some "newbes" watch us "old timers" checking rocks exchanging info, not knowing that we have worked dozens
of times and are just "playing". It is stated elsewhere, but a problem non-the- less, so worth mentioning here.

 WSJTGROUP http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/ ( You should join this group... Activity Periods, Awards, Contests,
Sprints, this group is "on the cutting edge"!)

 Ping Jockey Page http://www.pingjockey.net/cgi-bin/pingtalk

 WB5APD Web http://home.alltel.net/wb5apd/

 Hot News http://www.qsl.net/w8wn/hscw/hscw.html

 Note there are many operators who have WSJT WebPages. I recommend doing some web browsing.

Equipment being used, data from the WSJTGROUP Database. This is representative of equipment being used by different stations.