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WSJT-X is free, open-source software that helps licensed amateur-radio operators communicate using very weak radio signals. It works with a standard SSB transceiver; it is not a radio or transmitter on its own. Its modes serve different tasks, from HF contacts to meteor scatter, lunar communication and propagation tests.
What WSJT-X is used for
WSJT-X encodes, transmits, receives and decodes digital signals through a computer connected to an amateur-radio station. The project describes it as software for weak-signal amateur communication, including situations where ordinary voice communication may be difficult. Its official homepage illustrates a signal about 28 dB below the noise floor that the program decodes; that is an example from the project, not a guarantee of what any particular station will receive. WSJT-X official homepage
Many modes use structured, timed transmit-and-receive sequences synchronized to UTC, rather than free-form typed conversation. The official repository says the first nine modes are designed for reliable, confirmed contacts across different weak-signal propagation conditions. WSJTX project repository
Which modes WSJT-X supports
The project lists eleven modes. They are not interchangeable: choose according to the propagation conditions and activity you want to pursue.
#1 Best Overall
- Detachable Display Unit - The display unit and the radio body can be separated. This allows you to place the head remotely. FCC ID: 2BGMW-G90
- Wide Range Auto Antenna Tuner - Unlike other QRP radios, the G90 has a wide-range internal automatic antenna tuner so you can load up your favorite field antenna! The G90 also comes with a built-in mediumwave (AM broadcast) high-pass filter.
- Beautiful Color LCD Screen - All vital operating information is clearly visible in daylight conditions. 48KHZ wide spectrum display with waterfall gives you excellent awareness of the signal conditions around you.
- Easy to Use - You can use the Quick Mode button to turn on or off various functions. Instead of setting up different functions in the menu, you can directly adjust them by pressing corresponding function keys.
- We provide a 18 months warranty on Xiegu G90. As usual, if you modify the radio's hardware, the warranty is void. [Latest Firmware Version] - Firmware V1.81 is available on Radioddity official.
| Mode | Typical purpose or context |
|---|---|
| FT8 | Worldwide HF DX contacts |
| FT4 | Worldwide HF DX contacts |
| MSK144 | Meteor-scatter contacts on VHF |
| JT4 | Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, especially on VHF, UHF and microwave bands |
| JT65 | EME communication, especially on VHF, UHF and microwave bands |
| Q65 | EME and other weak-signal work |
| FST4 | Listed as a supported mode; the cited project summary does not specify a particular use case |
| FST4W | Listed as a supported mode; the cited project summary does not specify a particular use case |
| JT9 | Listed as a supported mode; the cited project summary does not specify a particular use case |
| WSPR | Low-power propagation probing, not an ordinary two-way contact mode |
| Echo | Detecting and measuring reflections of your own signals from the Moon, not an ordinary two-way contact mode |
The project describes FT8 and FT4 in the context of worldwide HF DX, MSK144 for VHF meteor scatter, and JT4 and JT65 for EME on VHF, UHF and microwave bands. Q65 is used for EME and other weak-signal work. WSPR and Echo have distinct measurement purposes rather than the usual goal of completing a two-way QSO. WSJTX project repository
What equipment you need
WSJT-X is software, so transmitting and receiving over the air requires an amateur-radio station. The project says it works with a standard SSB transceiver, but that does not establish compatibility with every radio or setup. Existing operators may already have suitable equipment. Before choosing a radio or interface, check the specific transceiver’s computer-audio and CAT-control options and the requirements for the way you intend to operate. No single cable or interface is established as universal.
Rank #2
- Frequency Range: 144-148MHz, 420-450MHz. Please kindly know that UV-5R would not transmit without this frequency range.
- 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation, High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
- High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO),128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation, Keypad Lock. Voice companding: 50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS coder & tone searching, Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades VOX selectable. Large LCD Display, Emergency Alert: 12.5KHz Switchable, LED Flashlight: High/Low RF Power Switchable, Support manually program. Easy to program via PC. Support CHIRP quick programming
- Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades VOX selectable. Large LCD Display
- Emergency Alert: 25KHz/12. 5KHz Switchable, LED Flashlight: Hight /Low RF Power Switchable
WSJT-X is intended for amateur-radio operation, which is subject to licensing and band rules in your jurisdiction. Check the rules that apply where you operate before transmitting.
Current version and supported computers
As of 4 October 2026, the official project homepage lists WSJT-X 3.0.2, dated 18 June 2026, with downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux. WSJT-X official homepage A legacy SourceForge downloads page still lists 3.0.1 as its latest general-availability release, so the two official pages do not agree. WSJT downloads page
Rank #3
- Powerful Performance: The QT40 10 meter radio boasts a 40 watts transmission power and 28.000-29.695MHz frequency range that delivers crystal-clear communication over long distances, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, truckers, and emergency responders. FCC ID: T4K-ARESII
- Noise Reduction: With TX and RX digital noise reduction technology, the QT40 ensures that you'll never have to strain to hear or be heard in noisy environments.
- Accurate Signal Meter: The PWR/RX RSSI Signal Meter provides you with a clear picture of your signal strength, helping you to optimize your communication for the best possible results.
- Weather Channel: With its impressive weather band and NOAA alert feature, you can stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for any sudden changes in the weather. Whether you're out camping, hiking, or simply enjoying a day out in the park, this radio has got you covered.
- Customizable Features: The QT40 is equipped with a range of customizable features, including CTCSS/DCS, ASQ, SQ function, RF gain control, TOT, VOX, HI-CUT function, and echo function, giving you complete control over your communication experience.
The software is distributed under the GNU General Public License, according to the project repository. WSJTX project repository
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MENUS THAT MAKE SENSE. 1,000 MEMORIES. 10 NAMED ZONES. Built for amateur operators who want organized analog control. Use clear English menus and the full keypad for common changes; group home, travel, club, event, simplex, and receive channels as your plan grows.
- SCAN THE ZONES THAT MATTER. Choose which named zones scan together. Temporarily skip a busy channel without changing your saved scan list. Scanning is for conventional analog channels; it does not decode DMR/digital or trunked systems.
- MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE. Choose Name + Frequency in the two-channel view. Dual Watch alternates one receiver between the two displayed channels. Turn Dual Watch off and enable Single Watch for a full-screen view of one channel's name, zone, and frequency. Approximate dBm adds signal context.
- START ON THE RADIO. BUILD LARGER PLANS ON A COMPUTER. Make common changes from the keypad. For larger plans, use BTECH CPS or supported CHIRP-next with the separately sold PC03. Firmware updates require BTECH CPS, the PC03, and BTECH's matching instructions. USB-C charges the battery.
- TRI-BAND AMATEUR TRANSMIT. RECEIVE-ONLY LISTENING. Valid amateur authorization is required to transmit on amateur frequencies in the U.S.; use only supported amateur bands within your privileges. Airband AM, NOAA weather, and broadcast FM are receive-only.
Rank #4
- Dual Band Mobile Radio; 2 meter ham radio and 70cm mobile transceiver; it can quickly change the frequency band by the microphone; mini mobile two way radio; 6.42 x 4.88 x 1.54 inches; installation does not take up too much space; cables are included; FCC ID is 2ASNSRT95
- Upgrade mic gain; available via firmware upgrade; mic gain can make weak sounds louder; but the higher the level; the greater the background noise; please adjust the gain level appropriately to get clear sound
- VOX function frees your hands; especially when driving; built-in speakers in radio & microphone; give you a clear call experience
- 180 degree rotatable TFT LCD display; the screen can be rotated and the radio can be installed upside down; more options for installation positions; LCD brightness control for easy reading outdoors and indoors
- VFO Mode & CHIRP;the RT95 mobile ham radio has a VFO mode; which can change parameters such as frequency without a computer; Users can use the radio to complete 90% of operations and changes
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