WSJT-X 2.1.0 is Available to Download

WSJT-X implements communication protocols or “modes” called FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, and WSPR, as well as one called Echo for detecting and measuring your own radio signals reflected from the Moon. These modes were all designed for making reliable, confirmed QSOs under extreme weak-signal conditions.

JT4, JT9, JT65, and QRA64 use nearly identical message structure and source encoding (the efficient compression of standard messages used for minimal QSOs). They use timed 60-second T/R sequences synchronized with UTC. JT65 and QRA64 were designed for EME (“moonbounce”) on the VHF/UHF bands; JT65 has also proved popular and effective for worldwide QRP communication at HF. JT9 is optimized for the LF, MF, and HF bands. It is about 2 dB more sensitive than JT65 while using less than 10% of the bandwidth. With either JT9 or JT65, world-wide QSOs are possible with power levels of a few watts and compromise antennas. JT4 and QRA64 are optimized for EME on the VHF and higher bands, and especially the microwave bands from 2.3 to 24 GHz.

FT4 and FT8 are operationally similar but use T/R cycles only 7.5 and 15 s long, respectively. MSK144 is designed for Meteor Scatter on the VHF bands. These modes offer enhanced message formats with support for nonstandard callsigns and some popular contests.

Download WSJT-X 2.1.0 - https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html

New Orbitrack iOS App for Apollo 11 Anniversary

 New Orbitrack iOS App for Apollo 11 Anniversary

On the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s first manned moon landing, a new iOS app – Orbitrack – lets you explore the universe of spacecraft in orbit around our home planet today, using cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality technology.

Better yet: for just one day, 20th July 2019, Orbitrack (normally $4.99) will be offered for free on the iTunes Store.

The App includes spectacular new graphics, incredibly detailed 3D spacecraft models, fascinating illustrated mission descriptions, and a new database of more than 8,000 satellites updated daily from n2yo.com and celestrak.com.

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New SDRplay Diversity Software for RSPduo Released

SDRPlay has released SDRuno Version 1.32, API Version 3.04 and ADS-B (dump1090) Version 1.45

The purpose of the new SDRuno software release is primarily to add the MRC (Maximal Ratio Combining) Diversity functionality for the RSPduo, but it also contains other fixes and additions based on customer feedback. Diversity functionality is described on P.78 of the SDRuno User Manual from which the following is taken:

From V1.32 onwards, MRC (Maximal Ratio Combining) Diversity is supported using the RSPduo. MRC
Diversity can be used to combine the 2 tuner input streams together to potentially improved the SNR
(signal to noise ratio). The same frequency is used for both tuners in the RSPduo and the gain can be
adjusted either on each tuner independently or locked together (the default method).
Diversity mode is enabled by clicking on the RSPduo MODE dropdown and select DIVERSITY. Make sure both the 50 ohm ports are connected to the correct input source and note that the HiZ port is not available for Diversity mode. Trying to use the HiZ port will result in an error message being displayed.

More Information - https://www.sdrplay.com/new-sdrplay-diversity-software-for-rspduo-released-other-updates/