FT8 setup with updated SmartSDR

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Looking for help with FT8 setup using WSJT-X and RECENT versions of Smart SDR.  I have tried to YouTube videos the Mike has created for us as well as the post I see here BUT most are 1 to 2 years old and in every case, something in the Newer versions of SmartSDR are just a bit different.  Everything I do works except NOTHING ever shows up in the band activity window.  Yes its getting audio, I'm in  DIGU,  the little green bar audio goes up and down, my PC time is perfect, but still a black band activity screen.  Anyone know of a new setup I can learn from?  (NOW I am assuming the stuff I see on 40 Meters at 7.074 MHz is FT8, correct)  FLEX 6400 , SmartSDR version 3.1.7 and Windows 10.

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Black Band should read Blank

Dwayne_AB6A

I’m traveling and returning Wednesday evening to California - if you want to a zoom meeting so I can review your configuration, happy to do so Wednesday/Thursday.

Mike NN9DD

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Thanks Duane and Mike (gotta love hams).

Gary m0gme

All sounds to me like you haven't installed Omnirig or set up omnirig. If that's the case install it, set it up,  and choose omnirig as, THE RIG in WSJT-X settings.

Timo - OH5KW

Erika - KØDD

Mike-VA3MW

Hi Brian

Some of the videos are much newer.  Did you watch the one using SliceMaster?  

https://youtu.be/_ww8CcGNAzg

You may find that makes it a few mouse clicks long.  

Make sure you watch in the Flex Channel.

Mike

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Thanks I’ll try that as well.

Brian Denley KB1VBF

What does Omnirig do?  I don’t see Flex as supported on their website but I assume from you that Flex is supported.
thanks
Brian

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Mike:
yes I did but I figured if I was having trouble with one program, adding a second to the mix might not be the best idea BUT, I’ll try anything.  BTW I am a recently retired Engineer from the Aerospace and Defense (that’s the American spelling ) ) business and bought my first PC in 1978. I appreciate so many trying to help.

Brian KB1VBF

Brian Denley KB1VBF

EE I forgot to say

Rick N0VT

Is the 'monitor" button (just about the WSJT-X frequency readout) green?  If not, click it.

Harold Rosee

Erika - KØDD

David Decoons, wo2x

Brian,

if you would like assistance via a TeamViewer session, let me know

my email is good on QRZ and I am available all day. Just email your phone number and I will call.

one thing to check is make sure you are using the latest version WSJT-X. 

Dave wo2x

Brian Denley KB1VBF

OK reset WSJT-X.  The mess that followed caused me to re-install the newest WSJT-X (I had 1.9.1 now I have 2.1.0)  Now the settings page doesn't show my network server ID.  It's just blank.  I didn't have this problem before.  Got to figure this out before I can try again.

Brian Denley KB1VBF

David Decoons, wo2x

Brian,

the 1.91 explains why no decoding. That is why I posted to check your version.

In SmartSDR CAT you need a TCP CAT port dedicated to WSJT-X. I personally created CAT TCP 5004.

Then in WSJT-X radio settings choose Flex 6xxx.
In the address box enter 127.0.0.1:5004 (replace 5004 with whatever TCP CAT port you created)
on same page select data/pkt and Fake It. 

Set the audio tab to the appropriate DAX selections.

you should be good to go.

Dave wo2x

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Thanks Dave will try...

David Decoons, wo2x

Brian Denley KB1VBF

Dave:
Got it!  With your help as well as all the others who offered help!
CAT is working PTT is working (but those worked before with 1.9.1) but now I see lots of Band Activity!  Thanks again to Dave and Mike and everyone else.

David Decoons, wo2x

Excellent! Now go have fun ;-)

Dave wo2x