WSJT-X Installation & Radio Setup Guide (Windows)
Want to get started with FT8, FT4, JT65, or WSPR? WSJT-X is your go-to digital mode software.
This guide walks you through installing WSJT-X on Windows and configuring it for various radios — including Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft, Xiegu, and more.
Step 1: Download and Install WSJT-X
- Visit the official WSJT-X site:
https://wsjt-x.dev/ - Scroll to the latest release and download the Windows Installer (.exe)
- Run the installer and complete the setup
- Launch WSJT-X
Step 2: Basic WSJT-X Configuration
Settings > General
- My Call: Enter your callsign (e.g.
2E0XFD) - Grid Locator: Use your Maidenhead grid (e.g.
IO91)
Settings > Audio
- Input: USB Audio CODEC (or your interface’s sound input)
- Output: USB Audio CODEC (or output to your radio)
Step 3: Radio Setup – Select Your Rig Below
Click a dropdown to see how to configure WSJT-X with your specific radio model:
Icom IC-7300
Connection: USB cable (handles CAT & audio)
Driver: Install from
Icom Japan
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Icom IC-7300
- Port: COM port from Device Manager
- Baud: 19200 or 115200
- PTT: CAT
- Mode: USB-D
Audio: USB Audio CODEC (Input/Output)
Radio Menu: USB-D mode, DATA OFF MOD = USB
Yaesu FT-991 / FT-991A
Connection: USB cable
Drivers: Silicon Labs CP210x & USB Audio CODEC
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Yaesu FT-991
- Port: Check Device Manager
- Baud: 38400
- PTT: CAT
- Mode: Data/PKT
Audio: USB Audio CODEC
Radio Menu: Set DIGU mode and rear mic/PTT options (menu items 031–110)
Kenwood TS-590SG
Connection: USB (CAT + Audio)
Drivers: Kenwood Virtual COM Port & USB Audio
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Kenwood TS-590SG
- Port: Virtual COM port
- Baud: 115200
- PTT: CAT
- Mode: Data/Pkt or USB
Audio: Kenwood USB Audio
Yaesu FT-817ND
Connection: CAT cable (e.g. SCU-17, DigiRig) + soundcard interface (Signalink, DigiRig)
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Yaesu FT-817
- PTT: CAT or VOX
- Mode: USB
Audio: USB Audio CODEC
Tip: Use VOX on the interface or CAT for PTT control
Elecraft KX3
Connection: KXUSB cable for CAT + built-in or external audio interface
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Elecraft KX3
- PTT: CAT
- Mode: USB or Data A
Audio: USB or external soundcard
Xiegu G90
Connection: CE-19 interface or DigiRig
Drivers: CH340 USB serial + USB Audio CODEC
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Icom IC-7000 (best match)
- PTT: CAT or VOX
- Mode: USB
Audio: USB Audio CODEC
Xiegu X6100
Connection: Direct USB cable (CAT + Audio built-in)
Drivers: CH340 for CAT + USB Audio CODEC
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Icom IC-7000 or Generic
- PTT: CAT
- Mode: USB or Data
Audio: USB Audio CODEC
Q900 SDR (Radioddity / Vero)
Connection: USB cable with internal soundcard and CAT support
Drivers: USB Audio + CH340 or CP210x depending on model
WSJT-X Settings:
- Rig: Icom IC-7000 (or Kenwood TS-2000)
- PTT: CAT or VOX
- Mode: USB
Audio: USB Audio CODEC
Radioddity Digital-Ready Radios
Radios like the GD-AT-D878UV or GD-77 aren’t HF rigs, but can use digital modes via interfaces for UHF/VHF digital experiments.
For HF use, check out Radioddity’s partnership models like the Xiegu G90.
Step 4: Test Everything
- Set your radio to an FT8 frequency (e.g.
14.074 MHz) - Watch for received signals in WSJT-X
- Use Test CAT and Test PTT in WSJT-X Settings
- Click Tune to check transmit function
Bonus: Using Signalink, DigiRig, or Other Interfaces
- Select “USB Audio CODEC” for audio in WSJT-X
- Use VOX or CAT for PTT (depends on your interface)
- Set audio levels carefully – avoid ALC spikes!
Final Thoughts
Once you’re up and running, check PSKReporter.info to see where your signal is being heard!
Have a rig you’d like added? Just let me know and I’ll update the guide.
73 de 2E0XFD
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