Although the JTDX-160 not yet released, I prepared a new version running with both JTDX-159 and -160. My first tests showed some serious problems with JTDX-160, especially when logging QSOs.
All functions are similar to JTDX-Helper-159, but two new features were implemented:
- Prompt-Call list: Entering wanted stations into this list, the stations will be preferred. It is similar to the "Wanted Call" list, but it is reachable from the main session, even during running S/P operatio, thus there is no need to open the configuration. During attempting the QSO with the wanted station, all other stations are ignored.
- New Strategy "DX-Chasing": This strategy was implemented to call rare DX stations. The wanted DX station is to enter into the "Prompt Call" list. It works similar to "Only-Wanted" but it starts in split-mode. The user must search and set a free frequency manually. After reception of the first CQ or RR73/73 the Helper calls the wanted station contionusly and does not stops if the station answers to another station. This is the so-called "Pitbull QSO" mode. During the QSO attempt all other stations are ignored.
- New field, QSO-with: Shows the callsign of the running QSO
Important notes!
Be sure using the original JTDX! There are some modified clones in circulation using the same name and version. It will not work!
When downloading the exe file, virus-alarm might occur. This is a false alarm. The FT8-Helper software use macro commands. Most virus checker cannot distinguish harmless and harmful macros, althought they are not encrypted. Upload and check the software to virustotal.com. You can trust the software.
New in JTDX-Helper-159-2
- bugfix in band-hopping if 73=CQ used: Does not stop correctly at the programmed end of cycle.
New in JTDX-Helper-159-1
The FT8-Helper and JTDX-Helper share the most part of the source code. The version numbering of the software has been changed. The first part of the number identifies the matching WSJTX/JTDX version, die number following the “-“ shows the actual version of the Helper. The current version for JTDX-2.2.159 the JTDX-Helper-159-2
- Selection of CQ, S/P, XCHG and MIX mode by menas of selection menu instead of dedicated Start-SP and Start-CQ buttons
- CQ+SP mode was re-named to XCHG-mode
- New MIX-mode: Combined CQ/SP-mode. If no CQ calling stationa are available, it calls CQ. MIX-mode is available for Band-Hopping
- Invalid or unwanted endings (e.g. /R) can be excluded by entering */R
- Exclude entries can be specified for both in- and outgoing calls or only for outgoing calls. Example: #DL would prevent calling DL stations, but calls from DL stations would be accepted.
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The JTDX-Helper program was developed as macro extension for JTDX using the Quick-Macros program. Comparing to other FT8-Robot programs, the JTDX-Helper is more “intelligent”, it interprets the received messages of WSJTX and acts according to the own auto-sequencing and programmable QSO strategy. The JTDX-Helper is a "portable" program, to execute it no installaton of Quick-Macros required! Simply copy and start it.
Main Features:
- Works with JTDX-2.2.159 32- and 64 bit version, but also works with the preliminary JTDX-2.2.160-rc3
- Automatic operation in both "CQ" and "S/P" mode.
- MIX-mode: If no CQ calling stationa are available, it calls CQ
- XCHG-mode: Changes between CQ and S/P automatically with programmable intervals
- Automatic find of free frequency in CQ-mode
- Repeat RR73 if no closing 73 received. Warning if no colsing 73 received.
- Skip-Tx1: calls stations with report instead of QRA-grid.
- CQ=73. When in split-mode, the Helper can call stations sending 73 or RR73.
- Comfortable set-up of all parameter
- Easy installation
- JTDX can start with the -rig-name argument
- Opens the QRZ.com page of the station when starting a QSO
- Counts logged and broken QSOs.
- Shows the average difference between received and transmitted reports.
Various strategies for incoming and outgoing calls:
- Best Priority acording the JTDX "Notification" settings.
- Best S/N: If Stations with the same priority received, the one with the best S/N selected
- Only DX: Minimum DX-distance can be specified in Km and Miles.
- Prefer-DX: DX stations are prefered.
- Most distance: Calls the station with the greatest distance.
- Prefer Wanted: prefixes, DXCC-entities and continents can be specified.
- Only Wanted: prefixes, DXCC.entities and continents can be specified
- Exclude stations, prefixes DXCC-entities and continents can be specified
- DXCC entities and prefixes can be excluded for outgoing and for both in/outcoming calls
- Keep-Even/Odd cycle for 6m DX-ing
Band-Hopping:
- Programmable on daily basis
- Two time ranges per day can be programmed
- Operating band, mode, and strategy can be selected.
Feedback to: dg5lp@darc.de