WSJT-X → Flex Panadapter Spots Bridge (very basic Python script)

ten98

Hi everyone,

I wrote a small Python script that takes WSJT-X decodes (via multicast UDP at 224.0.0.1:2237) and injects them as colored spots directly onto the Flex panadapter using the SmartSDR API (port 4992).

It's extremely basic — honestly it's mostly just a personal test/proof-of-concept to play with the API — but it actually works quite nicely for me during FT8 sessions on the 8600 + Maestro.
Current features:

Red spots (#FF0000) when someone calls your callsign (bypasses any filter)

Green spots (#00FF00) for CQ POTA decodes

Time-based deduplication & refresh (re-sends if the station is still active after your chosen lifetime)

Interactive setup: your callsign, filter mode (CQ only / CQ POTA only / none), spot lifetime (60–600 s)

Labels like "CALLING YOU" in console when your call is decoded.

Limitations / disclaimers:

No bells & whistles — no config file, no daemon mode, no error logging to file, etc.
Very little filtering beyond basic CQ/POTA

Assumes schema 2 (WSJT-X v3.0 era, tested on WSJT-X 3.0 251212 improved+) — may need tweaks for other schema versions

Only tested on Linux + 8600

If you're curious or want to hack on it, the repo is here:
https://github.com/ten9876/wsjtx-flex-spots

Feel free to fork, improve, or just use it as a starting point. Happy to hear any feedback or ideas.

73,
Jeremy / KK7GWY