Listed here are a few common mistakes “newbies” and sometimes “experienced” WSJT operators make.
We all realize no one is going to be perfect and mistakes are going to be made. After all FSK441, WSJT and
propagation mode meteor scatter are new and have to be learned and operating procedures can be corrected
when errors are pointed out.

1. Common WSJT Mistakes: Sending each message from Tx1 to Tx 5 in sequential order regardless
   of what has been received. The Standard Operating Procedures should be followed for three primary reasons:
   1) improves completion / failure ratio 2) shortens qso time 3) received messages will be in order expected. To
   avoid this mistake, study the SOP and use the F5 Key to see what should be sent nextduring a contact.
2. Common WSJT Mistakes: Giving up on a schedule too soon. Don’t expect to hear meteor bursts each
   sequence and unless you have problems, give at least 20 minutes minimum for each schedule made. Patience is
   required for meteor scatter contacts especially longer distances.
3. Common WSJT Mistakes: Using Single Tone Messages or Short Hand Messages on call frequencies. This
   will eventually cause confusion on shared frequencies and could put your contact in question as well as frustrate or
   wreck another qso on the same frequency. To avoid this, don’t use Single Tones of Sh Messages on the calling frequency.
   Adapt the messages Ts3 – Tx5 with the other stations Prefix or Suffix.
4. Common WSJT Mistakes: Discussion relating to what is being sent or received during the contact attempt in
   real time on the Ping Jockey Page. The problem is it disqualifies the contact making it “invalid”. The solution is to keep
   all contact details as to what is being sent and received to yourself until the contact is completed or abandoned. This is a good
   practice even if you have worked the station many other times.
5. Common WSJT Mistakes: Expecting to work stations out of “normal meteor scatter range”. The recognized
   normal distances for meteor scatter or in the range of a few hundred miles up to 1200 miles. Most contacts will be less
   than 1150 miles. Contacts are possible further distances but they are rare and best tried during major showers with a
   high ERP station.
6. Common WSJT Mistakes: Using “non-standard” reports. This generally confuses other stations that are expecting to
   decode either 26 or 27 for reports. It is best to stick with the standard reports, especially if you plan to use single tone messages.
7. Common WSJT Mistakes: Not calling the qso complete unless 73 is send and received. The Standard Operating
   Procedures clearly state that both stations should only receive Rogers. (R27 / R26 or RRR  i.e. Roger XX
   or Roger Roger Roger )
8. Common WSJT Mistakes: Failure to adjust RIT and to reduce tol based on decoded text DF. The first ping decoded
   will indicate a DF. Adjust the RIT in Hz by indicated DF in Hz and turn the tol down to 100. (If using JT6M adjust tol to 50
   or 25Hz) These adjustments will help WSJT decode received pings better and improve your success.
9. Common WSJT Mistakes: Mistake or typo in entering the callsign of the other station in the To Radio Pane. Everyone
   has probably done this before and when told or noticed adjust on the fly. The other station cannot progress to the next message
   until he has both calls correct.
10. Common WSJT Mistakes: Calling CQ on frequency other than the recognized calling frequency. Many stations
    now listen on 144.140 or 50.260MHz for FSK441 meteor pings. Calling cq is good but do it where others listen.
11. Common WSJT Mistakes: Listening to the call frequency for hours and giving up because "I don't hear anything". Working random
    contacts is hard. It is best to start off with a real time schedule on the Ping Jockey with a stations between 600 - 1000 miles apart.