WSJT-X is an open-source software application used for weak signal digital communication. It is mostly used by amateur radio operators to make contact with other operators around the world.
It supports various communication modes, including FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, and WSPR. This guide will walk you through the process of installing WSJT-X on Linux Mint, one of the most popular Linux distributions available.
Contents
Installation Process:
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing WSJT-X, it is essential to make sure that your system is up-to-date. To do this, open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for “Terminal” in the menu.
Once the terminal is open, type the following command:
codesudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This command will update your system’s package list and upgrade all the installed packages to their latest versions.
Step 2: Download WSJT-X
To download WSJT-X, open a web browser and go to the official WSJT-X website at https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html. From there, click on the “Download” button and select the appropriate version for your Linux Mint system.
For example, if you have a 64-bit system, you should download the 64-bit version.
Once the download is complete, go to the Downloads folder in your home directory and find the downloaded file. The filename should be something like “wsjtx-x.xx.x-ubuntu20.04-amd64.deb”.
Make a note of the file location as you’ll need it in the next step.
Step 3: Install WSJT-X
To install WSJT-X, open the terminal and navigate to the directory where the downloaded file is located. For example, if the file is located in the Downloads folder, type the following command:
bashCopy codecd ~/Downloads
Next, install WSJT-X by running the following command:
cssCopy codesudo dpkg -i wsjtx-x.xx.x-ubuntu20.04-amd64.deb
Replace “x.xx.x” with the actual version number of the WSJT-X package you downloaded. This command will install WSJT-X along with its dependencies on your system.
Step 4: Launch WSJT-X
Once the installation is complete, you can launch WSJT-X from the applications menu or by typing “wsjtx” in the terminal.
When you run WSJT-X for the first time, you will be prompted to set up your radio and audio devices.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
1: Troubleshooting WSJT-X Installation
If you encounter any issues while installing WSJT-X, the first thing to do is to check whether all the required dependencies are installed on your system. To do this, open the terminal and run the following command:
csharpCopy codesudo apt-get install -f
This command will install any missing dependencies that were not automatically installed during the WSJT-X installation.
2: Configuring Audio and Radio Devices
WSJT-X requires audio and radio devices to function correctly. If you’re unsure how to configure these devices, you can follow the on-screen instructions provided by WSJT-X when you first launch the application. Alternatively, you can refer to the documentation provided by your audio and radio device manufacturers.
3: Updating WSJT-X
To update WSJT-X to the latest version, you can either download the new package from the official WSJT-X website and install it using the dpkg command, or you can use the system package manager to update WSJT-X. To do this, run the following command:
codesudo apt update
FAQs:
Can I install WSJT-X on other Linux distributions?
Yes, WSJT-X can be installed on other Linux distributions as well, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS.
Is WSJT-X free to use?
Yes, WSJT-X is free to use and distribute under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
What communication modes are supported by WSJT-X?
WSJT-X supports various communication modes, including FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, and WSPR.
Can I use WSJT-X without a radio device?
No, WSJT-X requires a radio device to function correctly. You can use a software-defined radio (SDR) or a conventional radio connected to your computer via a sound card or a USB interface.
Is there a user manual available for WSJT-X?
Yes, WSJT-X comes with a comprehensive user manual that covers all aspects of the software. You can access the user manual from the Help menu in the application.
Summary:
WSJT-X is an essential tool for amateur radio operators who want to make contact with other operators around the world using weak signal digital communication modes.
Installing WSJT-X on Linux Mint is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the instructions in this guide, you should be able to install WSJT-X on your Linux Mint system and start making contacts with other operators in no time.
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