WSJT X FT8 The Easy Way with the Icom 7300

For beginners or people who don't want the work of integrating JTAlert and/or QSORelay and a logbook. The easiest way to make FT8 contacts.
In this video I cover the download locations for WSJT-X, Running WSJT-X and using it logging capability, Settings, Making a contact and finally importing WSJT-X log into HRD logbook.
Problems when transmitting? Radio switching to USB mode? Transmitting out of your PC speakers? It's in the video.
LINKS:
1. WSJT-X Home physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/...
2. WSJT-X Sourceforge sourceforge.net/projects/wsjt...
3. Icom Driver Download www.icom.co.jp/world/support/...
4. PSK Reporter pskreporter.info/pskmap.html
Other youtube videos I have:
1. • Icom 7300 EASY Transmi... - Transmit Settings
2. • Icom 7300 Receiver Set... - Receiver Settings
My website has articles on WSJT-X and the Icom 7300 www.k0pir.us
I'm an Amateur Radio enthusiast. I love the hobby and experimenting with radios, antennas and software. I have a lot of fun. On my KZbin channel I upload videos mostly on the Icom 7300 and Icom 7610 as well as Ham Radio software programs. I hope to inspire people to get involved in Amateur Radio.
○○○ LINKS ○○○
For parts and equipment I use, please visit my website ► www.K0PIR.us
My Instagram feed ► / k0pir.us
My Twitter feed ► / k0pir
Facebook page ► / hamradiok0pir
Visit my QRZ page ► www.qrz.com/db/K0PIR
Thanks for watching! Please like, subscribe and share!
Best 73 - Rich, K0PIR
DISCLAIMER: This description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Don’t miss my latest in-depth video using WSJTX kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmPRZYx9etaEgas

[@frasermderry]

Hi, Rich. I bought a CI-V cable and the difference is outstanding! I use HRD, WSJT-X, and JTAlert. The installation was completely dummy-proof. Thanks again for the terrific set of videos!

[@ab5cafredwilson896]

I have been trying to set this up for a few hours now and have had a hard time with it. But a friend of mine sent me this video and I got it the first time. I’m new to him radio and this is my first time on digital modes. Thank you for the help look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Fred, Great to hear from you and thank you for commenting. I really appreciate you taking time and I hope to hear you on the air. Glad you got it working. Best 73, Rich, K0PIR

[@msmolly3082]

Very good. Makes it look easier than I had expected.

[@cam-man7350]

Makes sense. Thanks a mil Rich. Your series of videos are very helpful. Will let you know how it goes. 73

[@cam-man7350]

Thanks Rich. Enabling monitor allowed me to hear the tx audio

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Fantastic Trent, I'm happy it's working for you. Have fun, 73's - Rich, K0PIR

[@fa18mhr]

You showing me how to keep my radio from changing from USB-D to USB whenever I transmitted was a (almost) divine revelation. I have been struggling to get my IC-7300 working with Ham Radio Deluxe and/or WSJT-X has me going bald because I am pulling my hair out. Thank you so very much.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

fa18mhr Thank you for commenting here and thank you so much for watching my videos. I sincerely appreciate it. Glad to be of help. Best 73 from Clovis New Mexico!

[@bruceweight7319]

Thanks good idea. I will do that. I did find the box checked for NA VHF Contest and un-checked and have gotten it to work again. Still playing with levels to see if I can make more contacts than I do. Seems kind of spotty to me. Now it's getting stuck at the RRR part him??

[@KX4UL]

Very helpful and informative video. Thanks!

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi and thank you for commenting and leaving feedback, I really appreciate it. Thanks, happy holidays and best 73 - Rich, K0PIR

[@davidbradley7277]

Marvellous info I really struggled to run on Win 10 ,followed your info and works flawlessly,👍👍Dave 2E0DTB

[@HamRadioAdventures]

David Bradley Thank you so much 😊 for commenting here and thank you for watching. I am glad this helps and hope to hear you in the air, best 73!

[@zsradioham]

Tnx, I learned from the RxTx button clicked. Makes life easier.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Emil, It's nice to hear from you. Thanks for commenting and boy this a fun program. Lots of activity, even with poor conditions. Best 73, I hope to hear you on. - Rich, K0PIR

[@boobalew]

Thanks, Rich! I didn't realize it was as easy as this! I'll be on FT-8 soon. Wow! de KK0MG - Bob

[@HamRadioAdventures]

booba loo Thanks for watching and thank you so much for the comment Bob. Take care and best 73!

[@stephenjohnson1579]

Very informative, understandable, and well done. TNX, N2FT.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Thank you so much for commenting. I appreciate the input. Good luck and good DX!

[@sschofs]

Many thanks for the informative video. Really first class instructions. 73

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Nice to hear from you Stuart. Thank you so much for commenting. Best 73!

[@toddhargrave9455]

HAHA! Great video. AB4BC is an old friend of mine and we used to do a lot of weekend operating together. Cheers! See you on FT8 someday.

[@SouthernManinDakotas]

Hi Todd, thank you for watching and thank you for commenting. Best 73!

[@shaftman75]

Help. I am running Win10 with the current WSJTX. I can hear the sound in speaker of the 7300 and I am getting Input Errors. No waterfall. No receiving signal. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[@TheRealBigfootChannel]

Great video, keep up the good work!😊

[@KenBlasor]

Is there any need to download the Icom driver file if you are already set up and using HRD? Seems that the driver would already be installed, correct? N7KB

[@jamesoberg8912]

Thank you Rich.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Nice to hear from you Jim and thanks for watching. Best 73!

[@rudiimbrechts2904]

Thanks for the USB-D tip! I have another tip: disable _all_ other playback devices except the audio usb codec! If not disabled then all other audiosignals will be transmitted unintendedly when you are meanwhile doing other things on your pc (like watching KZbin).

[@CliveDrone]

Hey Rudi, Where do you find this "disable all other playback devices except the audio usb codec" setting you mention. I have this problem also.

[@KevinTrotman]

Thanks for helping me figure out how to get the radio to stay in USB-D, Rich! BTW, I have my setup very similar to yours but when I am prompted to save to the log it also auto-adds it to HRD Logbook.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Kevin, Thanks for commenting! That's awesome and it does save time for sure. One of the features I like best about HRD Logbook is it can automatically upload to online logs like HRDLog.net and eQSL.cc. Automation is cool! 73 - Rich, K0PIR

[@ErnestGWilsonII]

Thanks for making this video and sharing it with all of us! I am subscribed with notifications turned on and of course thumbs up! 73 W3TCP

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Ernest G. Wilson II Thank you for watching and thank you so much for commenting. Stay safe and best 73!

[@thormusique]

Thanks very much for this thorough explanation! I'm about to get started with WSJT-X but I wasn't even sure where to begin. I'm also new to digital modes. You've managed to answer just about every question I had! One question I do still have: Is the only connection to your PC the USB port on the 7300?

[@bruceweight7319]

Yes I did install v1.9.1. with you video help I got everything up and making contacts on 20 and 40 I do have a problem with a blue toot speaker that is hooked up to the pc but once i get that sorted out and communications going it all worked. I have played with levels and the little bar graph stays in the green and my alc seems ok. My sound card settings are confusing but I have figured out I make more contacts at a lower level alc and around 25 watts When I call CQ it does not take long before someone calls me and I see their signal level on the right hand side and I get the signal report from them when I answer, so I know they see me and I see them but it just gets hung up on "TX3" and goes over and over untill the watch dog timer shuts it down.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

It's a little learning curve and it sounds like you're on the right track. If it keeps sending the same over and over, can you see that the other stations has anwered with the correct response? Sometimes I have to send a signal report over and over until I get a RRR.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Just a thought, verify you are in FT8 mode. The other modes do not use auto sequencing.

[@batfalcononyoutube]

First a BIG thanks for all your help. Second I am facing a connection problem with my ic 7300 and the laptop. I continuously get the message to "Reconfigure the radio interface" . When I click on the details, it tells me "Hamlib error : Communication bus error while getting current frequency". I can see that the software is communicating with the 7300, cause the waterfall has signals, the left vertical bar turns green when I reduce the mic gain, but I can not make it work. It neither brings the frequency, nor it brings messages on the left panel. Can you please make a suggestion? Thank you in advance.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Youbatfalcontube thank you for watching and thank you for the comment. Have a look at the Icom 7300 internal settings. Try CI-V USB Echo Back = ON. www.k0pir.us/icom-ic-7300-specifications-features/icom-7300-screen-captures/ 73!

[@MichaelVician]

Question...is there a way to use USB for the 7300 and stool have the computer speakers working as normal? Or wiil I need another sound card for the computer or an interface such as the MFJ1204 for the radio? Right now I'm using the USB. For the radio but miss having the speakers for the computer. Thanks!

[@MichaelVician]

Still not stool LOL

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Michael,Nice to hear from you. Yes, with Windows 10 I can still have my speakers working. I can watch and listen to YT videos while operating FT8. My default speakers in Win10 are set to the computer speakers. No additional hardware is needed. Rich, K0PIR

[@Yoshamedic]

ok so I'm new to ham and to digital mode kept dstar. Is this just for CQ's and getting logs? can you have conversions like texting with people. i read this signal in the 6m band when i was listening, so it got me looking up what i found. i have a Icom 7300, but only tech now, working on my general.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Yosha, Congratulations on your license. Get that General and you'll have a great time! Good questions. Yes, you can have conversations in digital modes like RTTY, PSK, etc. With the JT modes and FT8, it is just short exchanges, much like contesting. What software do you plan to use? I haven't been on 6M in some time, but occasionally I hear that it's hopping. 73's for now, Rich, K0PIR

[@Yoshamedic]

thank you! not sure what softwares im going to use yet, still doing research. this program looks easy enough to use and fun. got a lot to learn.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

It is easy! The only one for FT8 right now :-) - 73 Rich www.k0pir.us

[@aradarguy]

In answer to your question. There are no conversations with FT8 - they are all fixed standard replies as determined by the FT8 software.

[@bruceweight7319]

When I call CQ I usually get a response but not quickly. Occasionally I don't get a response though. In the audio scope part of the IC 7300 I can't get a wave form like one of the other utube presenters show, so I can verify that I'm not clipping or distortion the signal. I can't see any place to turn it (ALC) on or off or adjust ALC levels. Maybe you know if there is any ALC settings in the menus.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Not getting a response happens sometimes, band conditions may not be good, may be a bad time of day for the band you're trying. Could be many things, so I wouldn't be concerned. You're making contacts and that the important thing. There isn't one control for ALC. Have a look at this and it should help explain it better: www.k0pir.us/icom-7300-7610-rf-power-digital-modes/ Rich, K0PIR

[@hamadsarhan9097]

Tnx u helped me alot 9k2ow 73’

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Nice to hear from you and thank you Hamad! 73 - de K0PIR

[@hamradio1555]

Thanks for this video. I have followed it and keep getting a hamlib error: communications timed out while getting current frequency. Ideas please

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hello and thank you for commenting. Most of the time that error comes because there is a setting wrong on the radio tab and WSJTX. Either the serial port or the baud rate is wrong. Or there is anot her program on the computer conflicting with it. I have heard of hams that download Hamlib and install it on their computers and that solves the problem when it’s not a configuration error. You can find HamLib in Sourceforge. Before going to that extent you may want to check with the WSJTX forum at groups.io. 73!

[@bmwrider1]

@@HamRadioAdventures Thanks for the information. I will look further.

[@cam-man7350]

Many thanks Rich. Very helpful. I cannot hear any transmit audio. Not sure where I'm going wrong. Both receive & transmit codec have been selected under wsjt-x audio tab. Your input would be appreciated. 73 Trent ZS5TC

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Trent, Nice to hear from you. I have my monitor function turned on. Push in the MULTI knob and then tap MONITOR to select it and turn it on. Adjust the monitor to a suitable level. That should do it. It's not really necessary, but I like it on so I know what's happening. Thanks for commenting and best 73 - Rich, K0PIR

[@bruceweight7319]

Hi This is KA7QVE I had every thing working and something happened? I can call CQ I get answered but when it gets to TX3 it gets stuck there It will send them a string like AALD KA7QVE R DM39 I do not see anything like +7 or something to indicate that it sent a signal report. for some reason it never moves on to the RRR or next stage! I can see their signal level in the left hand display so I know they see my level It seems as if the program is not sending their level report and just keeps sending it over and over. Any ideas?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Bruce, Nice to hear from you. That's odd. Have you updated to v1.9.1 of WSJT-X? Is auto sequencing enabled? I've never had that happen, but maybe if you update to the latest version it will fix it. Rich, K0PIR

[@cam-man7350]

Many thanks for your reply Rich. Will try that later when I'm back at my qth. So by default, is there no transmit sound unless monitor is enabled?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

That's correct, you won't be able to hear your transmission on digital modes unless you have the MONITOR turned on and a little volume on it turned up. Let me know how it goes Trent. Also, I use the monitor turned on when transmitting SBB with my headphones on. It's not turned up loud, but I can hear what my audio sounds like. - Rich, K0PIR

[@PreparingForSHTF]

This has been the most informative subject that I've seen on the subject yet. Thanks! Would I need any special equipment such as a SignalLink to work with FT8? When you refer to a ICOM driver are you referring to the firmware? There's nothing new for my IC-7100 and yet I get a communication timeout on a port that I use for rig control with N3FJP AC Log without issue.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi and thanks for commenting and the question. With the Icom 7300 there's no need for anything else. Most other Ham radios require something like a SignaLink. The 7300 has it built in. Best 73, Rich, www.K0PIR.us

[@OH6IH01]

@@HamRadioAdventures I have problems with the sound(card) at a club station. Nothing to choose from on Sound Input and only one alternative on Sound Output: Högtalare (High Definiton Audi ? Is it a driver problem or something else?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

@@OH6IH01 it sounds like the driver is not installed and working properly. 73 from Parker Arizona!

[@OH6IH01]

@@HamRadioAdventures I have to check Icom USB-driver is downloaded and installed or not! Tank you.

[@haraldholt8824]

I have just started using the wsjt-x with my icom 7300, and it works fine. I have one qustion about the dataspeed. In my setup i try to connect with high spped, but it only works with 4800 b/s. Is that a problem? Am I loosing information? And if I want to get it working with higer data sppeds what is that I need to change in the setup?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Harald, nice to hear from you and great question. No you're not losing anything at the lower speed with WSJT-X. As long as your rig is switching to TX fast enough when sending a transmission it won't hurt. In other programs like Ham Radio Deluxe a slower baud rate just means the software follows the radio a bit slower and vice versa. Maybe the 7300 needs a tweak in the menu. To get the higher speed I have mine set to "Unlink from Remote". It is under Menu>Set>connectors and the CI-V USB Baud Rate is 115200. See screen captures here: www.k0pir.us/icom-ic-7300-specifications-features/icom-7300-screen-captures/ Then try 115200 in the WSJT-X Settings under the Radio tab. Rich, K0PIR

[@haraldholt8824]

Thanks, now it works fine and the dataspeed is 115200. I have also downloaded the HRD software. But before I had the time to use it, the free 30 days have expired. Can you give me some good links to tests of HRD, and how does it compare to WSJT-X ?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

HRD is great software, but it doesn't do the modes that WSJT-X does. HRD has a program called Digital Master and it will do lots of digital modes. HRD also has nice rig control program and a nice logbook. Much more to it than WSJT-X. I have HRD videos here and info on my website www.K0PIR.us www.k0pir.us/?s=hrd 73- Rich, www.K0PIR.us

[@delta1202]

What version of wsjt-x did you use for this demo. Thanks

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Great question I will have to mention SW versions from now on. It is an older version did bot have FT4. Probably v1.8 73s!

[@jaywardjulian6163]

Thanks for the very informative video, which site should I go for download? Thank you and 73

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Jayward Julian Link is at the bottom of the page www.k0pir.us/icom-7300-wsjt-x-ft8-easy-way/

[@brucerobson8284]

Forgive , me but what hardware do you need to connect between the radio and the computer. I have the software installed and set correctly but am having trouble receiving and transmitting.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Bruce, just a USB cable to start with. It is the same USB cable that a lot of printers use. Vry73!

[@brucerobson8284]

@@HamRadioAdventures thanks for the info

[@Marcos-pe8pk]

Nice video. I have a doubt: I don't know why JTDX receive stations better than WSJT for me. I tried many set up without sucess. Do you havê any sugestion? 73 de PY1FX - Marcos.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi and nice to hear from you. Thanks for watching and the question. Many others say the same, that JTDX is better receiving. I suppose it is just a difference in the two programs. For me, I can receive fine with WSJT-X. I tried JTDX and did not notice any observable difference, but that's just me. Have you tried turning AGC off and also NB,NR, ANF off? See: www.k0pir.us/icom-7300-receiver-settings/ Rich, K0PIR

[@Marcos-pe8pk]

@@HamRadioAdventures Hi Rich. Thanks for returning. I live im Rio and we have many issues witj electrical polution. I tried WSJT several times and I did not get the same performance as I got with JTDX...hihi.... I did what you recommended before and nothing. Well, as we say in portuguese " esta é a graça da coisa ". Thanks for all. Marcos, PY1FX

[@HamRadioAdventures]

I will give JTDX another try sometime when I get moved. Thank you! Best 73 - Rich, K0PIR

[@Marcos-pe8pk]

@@HamRadioAdventures The same to you. Have a blessing day. Best 73 (very heat in Rio...).

[@revoland]

I noticed that your frequency shift from 7074 to 7073... how come?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting. Sorry for the delay. I was out of town. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but I did not have data coverage in the Park. That is the split mode working during TX. Very nice feature in WSJT-X. 73, Rich, K0PIR

[@jaywardjulian6163]

Hi there Rich I've been with FT8 for a little while now with my IC 7300. AND RECENTLY I noticed that on the left side where the green round above the DB levels it started showing S which I think activate to SPLIT MODE how do I put that back to PLAIN GREEN mode? I really appreciate your help 73

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Jayward Julian Hello and thank you for commenting. That is a setting under the radio tab in WSJTX. Look for Split Mode check off none. I choose to use fake it with my 7300 because it puts the transmit in the sweet spot. Thanks for watching my videos and best 73!

[@jaywardjulian6163]

@@HamRadioAdventures thank you so much for an quickie fix and your great assistance NOW it's running like a Champ. One other question is that everytime I open up my WSJTX there is a window error that always pop out bout the ADI header. How do I work around that? Thank you Rich and 73

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Jayward Julian I had that problem too and the only solution that I saw was to erase the wsjtx_log.adi file. You’ll lose whatever contacts you have in that file. I have been logging to Log4OM so it wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t lose any contacts. In WSJTX you’ll see the option under File. After erasing I closed WSJTX and then opened it again, no error. 73!

[@jaywardjulian6163]

@@HamRadioAdventures thanks Rich I would look into that options under FILE and see from there. And also LOG40M definitely would check it out as well 73 from the beautiful island of Guam

[@HamRadioAdventures]

@@jaywardjulian6163 My error returned so I opened Log4OM, exported all the FT8 QSOs and copied to the to the WSJTX log directory then renamed it to wsjtx_log.adi. Now when I open WSJTX I don't get that error and all of my FT8 contacts are there for reference. 73!

[@tglenn3121]

When trying to use the 7300 with WSJT-X on my iMac, I keep getting this error message: "Hamlib error: IO error while opening connection to rig" Do you know how to correct this?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

T Glenn Hello and thank you for commenting here. That is usually a settings error under the radio tab in WSJTX. Check your com port and your baud rate. Does it work with logging software?

[@tglenn3121]

@@HamRadioAdventures Well, with Apple, I'm know I can select 'usb' as the port. I may just have to play around with the baud rate to see what speed it will work with. But there really aren't 'com' ports per se.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

T Glenn Right, have a look at this it may help you www.k0pir.us/macloggerdx-wsjt-x-jt-bridge/ Have a look at the screen captures www.k0pir.us/icom-ic-7300-specifications-features/icom-7300-screen-captures/

[@tglenn3121]

@@HamRadioAdventures I just recently bought the 7300, so wsjt-x is the first software I've tried interfacing with.

[@stephaneschmitz8030]

I just cannot get this software to work. I can see a lot of stations in the waterfall, my audio level is green, but no decoding happens. Do you have any idea what is wrong ?

[@HamRadioAdventures]

It’s nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting here. It is very important to have the correct time on the computer. It must be synced up. Good luck 73.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Have a look at this page, and there is a link to the program Netime k0pir.us/icom-7300-wsjt-x-ft8-easy-way/

[@stephaneschmitz8030]

@@HamRadioAdventures I've finally found what was wrong. The frequency of my transceiver was not correctly set. After fixing it, I could decode a lot of stations and I already made a number of contacts. 73' from ON4SSC.

[@steadfast666]

Thx - will give it a try 73 de HB9GNK

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi and thanks for commenting. It's a fun mode and WSJT-X works great with JT65 and JT9 too. Best of luck to you and best 73's - Rich, K0PIR

[@steadfast666]

Just doing my first ft8 QSO's :-) thank you for helping me

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Fantastic! Thanks for letting me know. - Rich www.k0pir.us

[@JosephMassimino]

I'm setting this up on Linux, and it is not going so well, I will have to find a Linux install, but you did a great job for Windows, Thanks.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Joseph, nice to hear from you and thank you for commenting. I had a Linux machine going and had trouble too. It was actually pretty easy to get it working on my Raspberry Pi 3. I'll have to get another Linux machine going and install CQRLOG, it's on my list of things to do. Good luck, best 73 and thank you again. - Rich, K0PIR.us

[@JosephMassimino]

Rich, do you use more than just the USB cable for control and audio from the laptop? The Radio control was the problem, so I am going to load Windows 10 and try again. I was getting the data, and it decoded properly, but I had no radio control. I see that some use a Cat cable. Joe Kq4bx

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Joe, I was doing it both ways. Initially I used a CI-V cable for rig control and the USB cable for the audio. Later on and in this video I just used a USB cable for both rig control and audio.

[@CT1BRM.]

73' Thanks - CT1BRM

[@martindrury9740]

Hi. What is grid ref? I'm in the uk.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Martin I hope all is well where you are. Grid reference? Grid locator?

[@burtfisher7059]

could not find usb drivers in icom site, cat does not work

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Hi Burt, Depending on the page, they are sometimes hard to find. See: www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/firm/IC-7600/usb1_30/ HNY! 73 de K0PIR

[@johnkelley8270]

the 7300 screen is blocking some of your important items on the computer screen.

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Yeah I didn’t see that until later. What are you looking afor on the screen? I’ll see if I can help.

[@TheRealBigfootChannel]

Rgr