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.