How to Download and Use WSJT-Z for Amateur Radio Digital Communication
If you are interested in exploring the world of digital modes for amateur radio, you may have heard of WSJT-X, a popular software that supports various protocols such as FT8, FT4, JT65, Q65, MSK144, WSPR, and more. But did you know that there is a clone of WSJT-X that offers some additional features and functionality? It is called WSJT-Z, and in this article, we will show you how to download and use it for your ham radio activities.
What is WSJT-Z and what are its features
WSJT-Z is a clone of WSJT-X software by Joe Taylor K1JT (( It was created by SQ9FVE as an automation project, but recent versions focus on providing extra functionality to an already great tool. Some of the features of WSJT-Z are:
download wsjt-z
Download: https://urlgoal.com/2vuvaM
Modified user interface, including a larger Band Activity window
Extended filtering features, such as prefix/DXCC filtering and continent filtering
Auto CQ and auto responding, which allow you to call CQ or reply to stations automatically
QRZ.COM integration, which shows you the QRZ page of the station you are working with
Audio alerts, which notify you when a new station or a wanted station is decoded
WSJT-Z supports all the modes that WSJT-X does, such as FT8, FT4, JT65, Q65, MSK144, WSPR, FST4W, and Echo. These modes are optimized for different types of radio-wave propagation, such as HF DXing, contesting, meteor scatter, EME (moonbounce), ionospheric scatter, trans-equatorial VHF propagation, LF and MF DXing with extremely weak signals, and propagation probes.
What are the benefits of using WSJT-Z for amateur radio operators
WSJT-Z offers some benefits for amateur radio operators who want to enjoy digital communication. Some of these benefits are:
It allows you to work more stations in less time with less power and bandwidth
It enables you to make contacts in poor or challenging propagation conditions
It helps you to explore new modes and techniques of digital communication
It enhances your user experience with a more convenient and customizable interface
It automates some tasks that can be tedious or repetitive
How to download WSJT-Z
If you want to try WSJT-Z, you need to download it from its official website at ( There you can find the latest installers for different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac. You can also check the changelog and the wiki pages for more information.
How to install WSJT-Z on Windows
To install WSJT-Z on Windows, follow these steps:
Download WSJT-Z for Windows 10
How to install WSJT-Z on Linux
WSJT-Z vs WSJT-X: which one is better?
WSJT-Z tutorial: how to use auto CQ and auto responding
WSJT-Z features: extended filtering and QRZ.COM integration
Download WSJT-Z source code from SourceForge
How to update WSJT-Z to the latest version
WSJT-Z review: pros and cons of the software
How to configure WSJT-Z for FT8, FT4, JT* and WSPR modes
WSJT-Z license: GNU GPL v3
How to uninstall WSJT-Z from your computer
How to troubleshoot WSJT-Z issues and errors
How to contact WSJT-Z developer SQ9FVE
How to donate to WSJT-Z project
How to join WSJT-Z user group and forum
How to use WSJT-Z with different transceivers and antennas
How to optimize WSJT-Z settings for best performance
How to use WSJT-Z with DXCC and continent filtering
How to use WSJT-Z with audio alerts and sound card
How to use WSJT-Z with Raw View and Band Activity window
How to use WSJT-Z with POTA, VOTA, etc.
How to use WSJT-Z with logging software and online databases
How to use WSJT-Z with CAT control and rig interface
How to use WSJT-Z with split operation and frequency offset
How to use WSJT-Z with DXpeditions and special callsigns
How to use WSJT-Z with contesting and awards
How to use WSJT-Z with propagation prediction and solar data
How to use WSJT-Z with spotting networks and clusters
How to use WSJT-Z with remote operation and internet access
How to use WSJT-Z with digital signal processing and noise reduction
How to use WSJT-Z with macros and shortcuts
How to use WSJT-Z with multiple instances and profiles
How to use WSJT-Z with grid locator and map display
How to use WSJT-Z with time synchronization and clock accuracy
How to use WSJT-Z with calibration and signal report
How to use WSJT-Z with decoding and encoding options
How to use WSJT-Z with waterfall and spectrum display
How to use WSJT-Z with message generation and transmission
How to use WSJT-Z with callsign lookup and station information
How to use WSJT-Z with statistics and analysis tools
How to use WSJT-Z with alerts and notifications
How to use WSJT-Z with keyboard and mouse control
How to use WSJT-Z with color scheme and font size
How to use WSJT-Z with help menu and documentation
Download wsjt-z for mac os x
Download the installer file wsjtz-2.6.1-1.33-win64.exe (or win32.exe if you have a 32-bit system) from (
Run the installer file and follow the instructions on the screen.
Select the destination folder where you want to install WSJT-Z.
Select the components you want to install (such as shortcuts or documentation).Click Install and wait for the installation to finish.
Click Finish and launch WSJT-Z.
How to install WSJT-Z on Linux
To install WSJT-Z on Linux, follow these steps:
Download the installer file wsjtz-2.6.1-1.33.tgz from (
Extract the file to a folder of your choice.
Open a terminal and navigate to the folder where you extracted the file.
Run the command ./wsjtz to launch WSJT-Z.
How to install WSJT-Z on Mac
To install WSJT-Z on Mac, follow these steps:
Download the installer file wsjtz-2.6.1-1.33.dmg from (
Double-click the file to mount it.
Drag and drop the WSJT-Z icon to the Applications folder.
Eject the disk image and launch WSJT-Z from the Applications folder.
How to use WSJT-Z
Once you have installed WSJT-Z, you can start using it for digital communication. Here are some basic steps to get you started:
How to configure WSJT-Z settings and connect to your transceiver
To configure WSJT-Z settings and connect to your transceiver, follow these steps:
Open WSJT-Z and click File > Settings.
In the General tab, enter your callsign and grid locator.
In the Radio tab, select your rig model, serial port, baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and handshake. You can also use CAT control or PTT control if your rig supports them.
In the Audio tab, select your input and output devices. You can also adjust the levels and test the audio.
In the Reporting tab, enable or disable logging and network services. You can also enter your eQSL or LoTW credentials if you use them.
In the Frequencies tab, select the bands and modes you want to use. You can also add or edit frequencies manually.Click OK to save the settings and close the window.
How to select a mode and a band
To select a mode and a band, follow these steps:
In the main window, click the Mode menu and choose the mode you want to use. For example, FT8, FT4, JT65, Q65, etc.
Click the Band menu and choose the band you want to use. For example, 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, etc.
WSJT-Z will automatically tune your transceiver to the default frequency for the selected mode and band. You can also change the frequency manually by entering it in the Dial Frequency box or by clicking the up and down arrows.
How to use the filtering and auto CQ features
To use the filtering and auto CQ features, follow these steps:
In the main window, click the Filter button to open the filter settings.
You can filter the decoded signals by callsign, prefix, DXCC entity, continent, CQ zone, grid square, distance, or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
You can also enable or disable the auto CQ feature, which will call CQ automatically at a specified interval. You can set the CQ message, the CQ interval, and the maximum number of CQs.
Click OK to save the filter settings and close the window.
How to make contacts and log QSOs
To make contacts and log QSOs, follow these steps:
In the main window, watch the Band Activity window for decoded signals. You can double-click on a signal to select it and see its details in the Rx Frequency window.
If you want to reply to a signal, click Enable Tx. WSJT-Z will automatically generate a standard message sequence based on the mode and the signal information. You can also edit the message manually if you want.
When you are ready to transmit, click Tx Even or Tx Odd. WSJT-Z will transmit your message at the next even or odd time slot (depending on your choice).
Wait for a response from the other station. If you receive a response, WSJT-Z will automatically generate the next message in the sequence. If you do not receive a response, you can try again or abort the transmission.
When you complete a contact (QSO), WSJT-Z will prompt you to log it. You can enter additional information such as name, QTH (location), power, antenna, etc. You can also upload your QSO to eQSL or LoTW if you have enabled them in the settings.
Click OK to log your QSO and clear the message boxes.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download and use WSJT-Z for amateur radio digital communication. WSJT-Z is a clone of WSJT-X that offers some extra features and functionality that can enhance your user experience and help you work more stations in less time with less power and bandwidth. We hope you have found this article useful and informative. If you want to learn more about WSJT-Z or WSJT-X, you can visit their official websites at ( and ( You can also join their online forums and mailing lists for support and feedback. We encourage you to try WSJT-Z and see for yourself how it can improve your digital communication skills. Have fun and 73!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between WSJT-Z and WSJT-X?
WSJT-Z is a clone of WSJT-X that offers some additional features and functionality that are not available in WSJT-X. Some of these features are: modified user interface, extended filtering features, auto CQ and auto responding, QRZ.COM integration, audio alerts, etc.
Can I use WSJT-Z and WSJT-X at the same time?
No, you cannot use WSJT-Z and WSJT-X at the same time on the same computer. They share some files and settings that may cause conflicts or errors if they are running simultaneously. You can install both programs on your computer, but you need to close one before opening the other.
Is WSJT-Z compatible with other software or hardware?
WSJT-Z is compatible with most software or hardware that works with WSJT-X. For example, you can use WSJT-Z with logging software such as DXKeeper, N1MM Logger, or Log4OM. You can also use WSJT-Z with digital interfaces such as Signalink, Rigblaster, or Microham. However, you may need to adjust some settings or parameters to ensure proper communication and synchronization.
How can I update WSJT-Z to the latest version?
To update WSJT-Z to the latest version, you need to download the latest installer file from ( and run it on your computer. You do not need to uninstall the previous version of WSJT-Z before installing the new one. The installer will overwrite the old files and keep your settings and logs intact.
How can I report a bug or suggest a feature for WSJT-Z?
If you encounter a bug or have a suggestion for WSJT-Z, you can report it or request it on the WSJT-Z forum at ( You can also send an email to the developer SQ9FVE at sq9fve@gmail.com. Please provide as much detail as possible, such as your operating system, rig model, mode, frequency, error message, screenshot, etc.
How can I support the development of WSJT-Z?
If you like WSJT-Z and want to support its development, you can make a donation to the developer SQ9FVE via PayPal at ( You can also share your feedback and experience with WSJT-Z on social media or ham radio forums. You can also spread the word about WSJT-Z and encourage other amateur radio operators to try it. 44f88ac181
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