WSJT-X version 2.7.0 RC-5 can be downloaded from the sourceforge.net repository.
WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 introduces a powerful new mode called SuperFox designed to help DXpeditions make digital QSOs at very high rates. Some key features of SuperFox mode:
- It uses a constant envelope waveform for the Fox’s transmissions, allowing up to 9 messages to be sent simultaneously with no signal-strength penalty, resulting in a system gain of about +10 dB compared to conventional Fox/Hound operation
- Hounds must use WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 or later to receive SuperFox transmissions. Older versions will not be able to decode them
- Hounds can call at any frequency in the Fox’s received passband, including 0-1000 Hz, and do not need to QSY to a lower frequency for their final transmission
- Every SuperFox transmission includes a unique digital signature. Hounds will see a “callsign verified” flag if the signature is valid
- SuperFox stations can send free text messages of up to 26 characters together with messages to as many as 4 Hounds
The release also includes several other enhancements and bug fixes, such as correcting issues with “Log automatically” for the ARRL Digi Contest, disabling inapplicable control elements, and improving mouse press event handling
How does the SuperFox mode improve DXpeditions
The SuperFox mode significantly improves the ability of DXpeditions to make digital QSOs at very high rates with an innovating anti-piracy feature.
– The SuperFox transmits a single constant-envelope waveform that is 1512 Hz wide, rather than up to 5 concurrent 50 Hz FT8 signals. This allows the SuperFox to send reports or RR73 acknowledgments to up to 9 different “SuperHound” stations simultaneously, with no reduction in received signal strength.
– This results in a system gain of about +10 dB compared to the conventional Fox/Hound operation with 5 slots.
– Hounds can call the SuperFox at any frequency in its 1512 Hz passband, including the 0-1000 Hz range, and do not need to QSY to a lower frequency for their final transmission.
– Every SuperFox transmission includes a unique digital signature (provided by Northern California DX Foundation) that allows the receiving SuperHound to verify the legitimacy of the DXpedition, reducing the risk of piracy.
– SuperFox stations can also send free text messages of up to 26 characters along with messages to up to 4 Hounds.
– The new mode requires both the SuperFox and SuperHound to use WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 or later, ensuring compatibility.
In summary, the SuperFox mode provides a significant boost in QSO rates for DXpeditions while also improving security and flexibility compared to the previous Fox/Hound mode.
Read more also:
https://jarvisisland2024.com/operating/super-fox-mode
https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/FT8_DXpedition_Mode.pdf
WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 Release Notes:
July 1, 2024
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WSJT-X 2.7.0 Release Candidate 5 introduces “SuperFox” mode, a powerful new tool designed to help DXpeditions make digital QSOs at very high rates. RC5 also brings several other improvements and bug fixes.
SuperFox mode:
- The SuperFox mode behaves operationally like the present Fox and Hounds mode but uses a constant envelope waveform for Fox’s
transmissions rather than sending concurrent streams of up to five normal FT8 signals. This approach means that up to 9 messages can
be transmitted simultaneously with no signal-strength penalty, resulting in a system gain of about +10 dB compared to the conventional Fox/Hound operation with 5 slots. - IMPORTANT: Older revisions of WSJT-X and derivative programs will not be able to decode SuperFox transmissions. Hounds must use WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 (or a later release, when available) to receive SuperFox messages.
- Hounds chasing the DX station will transmit normal FT8 signals, as in the old-style Fox and Hound mode. QSOs will be logged as FT8
mode. - When using SuperFox mode, Hound stations may call at any frequency in Fox’s received passband, including the range 0 – 1000 Hz.
Hounds do not QSY to a lower frequency for their final transmission. - SuperFox Operation requires the Fox operator to use a valid digital key. Keys will be issued in advance to legitimate DXpeditions by
the Northern California DX Foundation, and will be kept secret. - Every SuperFox transmission includes a unique digital signature. Hounds receiving a SuperFox message will see a ” verified” flag if the transmitted signature is valid, and the on-screen “Super Hound” label will turn from red to green.
- Hound operation should begin by selecting “Special operating activity”, “Hound”, and “SuperFox mode” on the Settings -> Advanced tab. Alternatively, right-clicking on the FT8 button toggles SuperFox mode on/off for either Fox or Hound, allowing quick transitions between SuperFox and old-style Fox and Hound operation.
- SuperFox stations can send free text messages of up to 26 characters together with messages to as many as 4 Hounds.
Other enhancements:
- Corrected a flaw that caused “Log automatically” to not work for the ARRL Digi Contest.
- Control elements for special operating activities are now disabled (grayed out) if the respective function is not applicable.
- Corrected a longstanding flaw that caused “Start new period decodes at top” to stop working properly after some time.
- Right-click mouse press events are now less error-prone.
- Improved the readability of the first line when “Start new period decodes at top” is checked.
- 4-digit grids are now logged for certain contest modes to ensure that the log complies with contest rules.
- The Fox Tx frequency is now saved and restored separately.
About Release Candidate versions
A release candidate (RC) version is a pre-release version of a software product that is considered to be feature-complete and relatively stable but may still undergo further testing before the final release. Release candidates are typically made available to a wider audience, including beta testers and the general public, to gather feedback and identify any remaining issues or bugs.
About WSJT-X
WSJT-X is a computer program designed to facilitate basic amateur radio communication using very weak signals. The first four letters in the program name stand for “Weak Signal communication by K1JT,” while the suffix “-X” indicates that WSJT-X started as an extended branch of an earlier program, WSJT, first released in 2001. Bill Somerville, G4WJS, Steve Franke, K9AN, and Nico Palermo, IV3NWV, have been major contributors to development of WSJT-X since 2013, 2015, and 2016, respectively.