Monday, June 12, 2017

Setting up WSJT-X with Flex SDR and PowerSDR

http://wsprnet.org/drupal/

It took me a week to figure this out so it's good to document for my own future reference.

First off it I tried the WSPR 2.0 software for Windows from  K1JT and the CAT control would not respond at all to the Flex radio and PowerSDR.

When I switched to the WSJT-X software (ver 1.7.0) from K1JT that did work with CAT and appears to be a much more versatile program working with many other modes like JT65 (not just WSPR).

Flex Radio settings under PowerSDR v2.7.2

  • 2x VAC lines active in settings. Input VAC1, Output VAC2, Sample Rate 48000
  • 2x CAT COM ports active. COM10 for primary CAT, COM12 for PTT.
  • ATU = On
  • AF = 100
  • AGC-T = 120
  • Drive = 1 or 5 watts depending on output choice
  • SQL = -160
  • DIGU mode selected for all bands being used by WSPR
  • 4k filter selected for all bands being used by WSPR
PC Settings
  • Virtual Audio Cable software installed and configured for 1 pair of cables (1 and 2)
  • vspMgr Virtual COM Ports installed and configured for 2 pairs (10-11) (12-13)
  • Start Menu to Control Panel to Sound
    • Line 1 = 48000 Hz, Level 75
    • Line 2 = 48000 Hz, Level 75
WSJT-X settings
  • Callsign = VA7AEJ
  • My Grid = DO00mf
  • Rig = Kenwood TS-2000
  • Serial Port = COM11
  • Baud Rate 115200
  • 8-N-1
  • PTT Method = CAT - COM13
  • Mode = None (other choices cause CAT errors)
  • Split operation - None (other choices cause CAT errors)
  • Soundcard Input = Line 2 - Mono
  • Soundcard Output = Line 1 - Mono
  • Enable TX = On
  • Input dB scale = drag slider until audio levels sit at approx 30db
  • Pwr output = leave at full (top)
  • Output level = 30 dBm 1 W or 37 dBm 5 W
Troubleshooting

Issue = Waterfall in WSJT-X displays solid red vertical lines and makes no contacts.
Answer = No audio reaching the WSJT software, check that VAC is enabled in PowerSDR. 

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