WSJT-X 3.2.0 introduces a new mode, JTTY, along with new capabilities in Q65, MAP65, and QMAP and a large number of improvements and bug fixes. JTTY, a new digital mode for fast RTTY-style contest exchanges and other keyboard-to-keyboard communication. JTTY has an operational feel similar to RTTY but far better weak-signal performance and a very low error rate. It can transmit at any time rather than in fixed T/R periods. Its 4-tone GFSK waveform uses 1.888-second frames and about 127 Hz of bandwidth. Function keys F1-F8 provide contest-style exchanges, and messages can be queued while transmitting. Signal subtraction and adaptive decoding help recover overlapping or fading signals. Received and transmitted text is recorded in ALL.TXT, and an MMTTY-compatible interface connects to N1MM Logger+ version 1.0.11449 or later.
ARRL is following two new federal proceedings concerning radio frequency (RF) exposure. On September 17, 2026, the FCC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated parallel comment periods on RF safety issues. Neither inquiry changes the current FCC RF exposure rules that apply to all radio amateurs but could lead to changes in later proceedings if the current rules are found to be deficient.
Webinar: The Yagi Turns 100 - Many amateur radio operators use antennas based on the design developed by Shintaro Uda and Hidetsugu Yagi 100 years ago. These directional antennas use a driven dipole with parallel passive antenna elements arranged as reflectors or directors. Greg Ordy W8WWV recently presented a webinar about the antenna for Contest University.
WSJT-X Improved is becoming the "WS - Digital Mode Suite", commonly referred to as "WS" or "WS Suite". This rebranding was done so that there's no longer any risk of confusion with the original version of WSJT-X.
Watching, Listening & Reading
Special presentationfeaturing Brian Harrison, KN4R, and Wilson Lamb, W4BOH, as they explore the RCA AR-1496 Commercial Shortwave Receiver and discuss why this classic piece of radio equipment remains interesting (via YouTube).
DX Mentor Podcast Episode 103 - The ARRL Board Meeting - a discussion with ARRL CEO NA2AA, David Minster. David brings us the highlights of the July Board of Directors meeting and will update us on a few other ARRL activities (via YouTube).
