60m with WSJT-X / FT-8

JohnK2CIB

Today I tried to use FT-8 on 60m. I successfully added the frequency to WSJT-X and tried both Region 2 and All. In both cases, if I click on it in WSJT-X, WSJT-X shows a frequency in black of 5.357.0 OK but the Flex 6500 goes to 10.713 MHz. If I move the frequency in the Flex, I get a long string of numbers and commas in WSJT-X. If I set the Flex to 5.357.0, the frequency field in WSJT-X goes to all zeroes in red.  WSJT-X and the Flex work fine on all other frequencies.  I am using the latest version of WSJT-X and SmartSDR. Confused.

Mike-VA3MW

@JohnK2CIB

Hi John

That is very strange and I would suggest that you do a 100% review of your WSJT setup as it is not communicating correctly to the radio.

You may find that using SliceMaster may help you out.

73

JohnK2CIB

It is strange because WSJT works perfectly on every other band. I have SliceMaster, but am not familiar with it. Last I changed the checkmark in the setup menu for Use TCP but it didn't make any difference.

There is a possibility that there is some RF problem at the remote site, but the problem is perfectly repeatable. I will use my RF sniffer and play with some toroids, etc. next time I get out there.

Mike-VA3MW

This is not an RF issue, but more likely that WSJTx is sending a command for the radio to change frequency.

Make sure that 'fake it is off' in WSJTx settings.

It would help if you post a screen shot of WSJTx while on 60M as that would allow for a more detailed review. Also, if you have any other programs connected to the radio, like FRStack, you may want to shut those down.

JohnK2CIB

Here are my screen shots:

Bill NE1B

Hi John,

Looks like your TX and RX frequencies are above the Bandwidth of your carrier (2700).

Also, have you seen the other Forum comments on this?

https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/7948091/60-meter-operation-with-flex-radios

73,

Bill, NE1B

JohnK2CIB

Hi Bill -

No that is not the problem. There is a communication failure between the Flex and WSJT-X but only on 60m for some reason. Today I fired up SliceMaster, which, I think, intercepts that communications, and 60m worked fine! Not sure I will leave SliceMaster in there, but it does have some benefits.

I am off to Northern Vermont for a couple of weeks at the end of the month. Wouldn't it be nice to have lunch together? Guess it would be too long a drive for that, though. Next time.

73 and best to you and yours, John