WSJT X Integration

WSJT-X Integration

AetherSDR provides full WSJT-X integration via built-in DAX virtual audio and Hamlib rigctld CAT control. No physical audio cables or external virtual audio software needed.

Quick Setup (Linux)

1. AetherSDR Setup

1. Connect to your radio
2. Set the slice to DIGU mode (for FT8/FT4/JT65/etc.)
3. Set the slice's DAX channel to 1 (VFO widget → DAX tab)
4. Enable DAX and rigctld in the CAT applet (or auto-start via Settings)

2. WSJT-X Audio Settings

1. Open WSJT-X → File → Settings → Audio tab
2. Soundcard Input: Select AetherSDR DAX 1
3. Soundcard Output: Select AetherSDR TX

3. WSJT-X Radio Settings

1. Go to Settings → Radio tab
2. Rig: Hamlib NET rigctl
3. Network Server: 127.0.0.1:4532
4. PTT Method: CAT
5. Click Test CAT — should turn green

4. Verify

• FT8 signals should appear in the WSJT-X waterfall
• The DAX 1 level meter in AetherSDR's CAT applet shows activity
• Click Tune in WSJT-X to verify TX (radio keys up, power gauge shows output)

Native FlexRadio SmartSDR Integration

WSJT-X has built-in native support for FlexRadio SmartSDR slices — including AetherSDR. This is the simplest setup and does not require rigctld.

1. Go to Settings → Radio tab
2. Rig: Select FlexRadio SmartSDR Slice A (or whichever slice you're using)
3. PTT Method: CAT
4. Click Test CAT — should turn green

WSJT-X communicates directly with the radio through AetherSDR's SmartSDR protocol. Frequency, mode, and PTT all work natively. You still need DAX enabled for audio.

Note: The rigctld method (described in Quick Setup above) is an alternative if you prefer Hamlib-style CAT control, but it is optional when using the native SmartSDR integration.

Multi-Channel CAT

AetherSDR provides 4 independent CAT channels, each bound to a slice:

Channel	TCP Port	PTY Path	Slice
A	4532	/tmp/AetherSDR-CAT-A	Slice 0
B	4533	/tmp/AetherSDR-CAT-B	Slice 1
C	4534	/tmp/AetherSDR-CAT-C	Slice 2
D	4535	/tmp/AetherSDR-CAT-D	Slice 3

This allows running WSJT-X, VARA, fldigi, etc. simultaneously, each controlling its own slice. Pair each app with its own DAX channel and CAT port.

WSJT-X Decode Spotting

AetherSDR can listen for WSJT-X decode messages and automatically spot decoded stations on the panadapter. See the SpotHub wiki page for full details on the WSJT-X tab, including decode filters (CQ, CQ POTA, Calling Me), per-filter color coding, and SNR-based alpha transparency.

DAX Audio Details

See the full DAX Virtual Audio page for:

• Per-channel gain controls
• TX audio routing (automatic mode-aware gating)
• Troubleshooting missing devices
• Wiring other digital mode apps (VARA, fldigi, JS8Call)

Troubleshooting

• No signals decoding: Verify slice is in DIGU mode with DAX channel 1 assigned. Check that WSJT-X input is "AetherSDR DAX 1" (not your microphone).
• WSJT-X "Test CAT" takes a long time: Normal. WSJT-X runs a test-tune sequence on first connect (10-30 seconds).
• PTT not working: Make sure the correct slice has TX assigned (red TX badge in AetherSDR). PTT method must be CAT in WSJT-X.
• Frequency not syncing: Verify the rigctld port matches in both apps (default 4532).
• "Error in Sound Input": DAX may have been toggled off. Re-enable in the CAT applet and restart WSJT-X.
• TX audio not reaching radio: Ensure WSJT-X output is "AetherSDR TX" and the TX slice is in DIGU mode.