FT8 Digital Mode with MacLogger DX and WSJT-X on a Mac

Working FT8 with MacLogger DX and WJST-X on a Mac

Lest you think I’m completely old-school or only work on old Ten Tec gear, I decided it was finally time to get on top of a digital mode like WSJT-X. I’ve dabbled some over the last few years, and even had a pretty complete Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) installation working. I prefer the Macintosh platform though. I used to run a Mac IT shop for the local university, and Macs have always been best for my personal interests in electronic music, photography and public speaking.

The problem of course is there are far more Ham radio apps for Windows machines.  To that end, I had Parallels running on the Mac Mini I use in the shack. That was mostly ok, but it was more trouble to keep up with two operating systems, and there were endless streams of Windows upgrades to install. I really wanted something simpler that would meet my modest needs without all the extra work.

Yes, There is decent Ham software for the Mac

So, a couple of years ago I began using MacLogger DX. While it doesn’t try to do absolutely everything like HRD, it handles logging and online QSLs very well, connecting easily with services like Logbook of the World (LOTW) and eQSL. It also integrates with QRZ.com for call sign lookups. I could control my Elecraft K3 remotely while capturing its operating parameters for the log. This is something I intend to get working on the Ten Tec Omni VI Plus and Paragon. I knew it was also capable of integrating with some of the newer digital mode software — I just hadn’t tried it yet.

WSJT-X for Weak Signal and Propagation work

I’m not necessarily interested in using the digital modes for my daily hamming. After reading several articles though, I realized it could give me some tools for understanding how my radios and antennas were working. I also used FLDIGI to work an RTTY contest last year, and was impressed with how efficient each contact was. After the contest, I looked up my call on PSKReporter and was amazed at how far away my signals were heard. Clearly there were reasons to get these modes working in my station.

And a nudge from K5WH . . .

What finally moved me off the mark was discovering the excellent mentoring K5WH and others are doing using Zoom on the Web. I read about him in the February 2022 edition of QST (Member Spotlight) and connected to the Zoom room a couple of weeks ago. There were eight or so other hams there, working with their WSJT-X installations and sharing advice. I was acknowledged immediately (no lurking here!) and invited to join in the conversation. While I didn’t ask for any specific advice, I was encouraged by the thought that help wasn’t far away if I needed it. You can these amazing hams at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2815436502?pwd=dGZ2VkFGei9LUHBRT1p0V2szaG1OUT09

So Let’s Get Started!

This short guide assumes you already have MacLogger DX working and connected to your radio. I was already using MacLogger DX, and had installed WSJT-X previously. The installation is pretty easy. Just go to the WSJT-X Home Page for the download. A link to the WJST-X User Guide can be found there as well.  The installer is a familiar .DMG file.

Once downloaded, simply double-click the installer and a file window will open. Drag the WSJT-X app into the Applications folder. Now here’s the Important Part! Read the Readme file. There are a couple of steps that must be done within the Terminal that are clearly documented in the Readme. If you don’t do these steps, WSJT-X won’t work. I won’t reproduce the instructions here, because they could change with newer software releases — so RTF-Readme!

A couple of smalls changes in MacLogger DX

In order to integrate the two apps, we need to make two changes on the MacLogger DX “Station” settings tab. Check the “WSJT-X” and “DXLab TCP” boxes. MacLogger DX now emulates DXLab TCP, and that’s how we transfer rig control to WSJT-X.

Integration with MacLogger DX

With MacLogger DX sorted, We need to configure a few settings in WSJT-X. Start with the “General” settings tab. I’m no expert, and others may recommend slightly different settings, but what’s pictured below works for me. Of course,  you’ll want to substitute your call sign and grid square.

Next is the “Radio” tab. This is where the magic between MacLogger DX and WSJT-X happens. Instead of selecting your radio, use “DX Lab Suite Commander” in the “Rig” menu. You must also select “localhost:5002” for the network server.  The other settings shown here were recommended by the K5WH crew, and so far, have worked fine.

Finally, you’ll need to set up your audio connections. I’m using a Tigertronics SignaLink USB with my Mac Mini, and use the following selections in the “Audio” settings tab:

That’s it. I recommend spending a little time on YouTube or finding a mentor, because using FT8 or FT4 is complicated. Although I had made a contact or two, a few minutes with the guys on K5WH’s Zoom call cleared up a lot of mysteries. I’m sure all of this is in the documentation, but there’s a lot of it, and it’s a little daunting. Better to let an experienced ham get you started.

The Digital Modes are a lot of fun!

I’m no expert, and expect to learn of refinements to this basic setup. That said, I have to say I’m impressed. It takes about 2 minutes to complete a contact once started, and it’s never hard to find someone to contact. The integration with LOTW or eQSL makes this mode especially nice, because you can have it uploaded as soon as it’s completed.

It might be my imagination, but FT8 and FT4 users seem to confirm contacts more quickly than other hams. One night recently, I made about a dozen contacts, and 80% or them were confirmed before I went to bed. The integration from discovery — to contact  — straight-through to confirmation is impressive. What a difference from waiting weeks for a QSL card through the bureau!

Finally, you may notice the lead image for this post shows WSJT-X on 10 Meters. Yup. 10 Meters was wide open today (2-11-2022) although you certainly wouldn’t have noticed from the phone and CW activity (there was none!).

Besides seeing where your signals are heard, the digital modes are an excellent way to understand propagation on the bands. Maybe working a few FT8 contacts at the beginning of a radio session would improve my performance on phone and CW?