Now as the first preliminary information has been published, I would like to give you some first-hand information on this topic:

We have been working intensively for several weeks/months on a so-called FT8 SuperFox (sub-)mode for WSJT-X. This SuperFox mode is technically far superior to the previous Fox/Hound protocol. And I'll be honest, this is also our answer to the many "fake" Fox stations that have been around recently.

Here are the key points:

• The SuperFox station can transmit up to 9 messages simultaneously without reducing the dB values received by the Hounds. This means a system gain of approx. +10 dB compared to the conventional Fox/Hound (or MSHV multi-stream) operation with 5 slots !! This is possible by transmitting a special single constant envelope, using a 1.5 KHz-wide waveform.
• The Hound stations will transmit normal FT8 signals as before, but can call on all frequencies when in SuperFox mode, i.e. also below 1000 Hz and up to 5000 Hz (provided the receiver of the SuperFox station supports this).
• There is a new verification system. A genuine SuperFox station can identify itself with a digital signature. The user recognizes this by an additional message such as "DG2YCB verified". And in parallel, the normally red "Super Fox" label switches to green.
• A SuperFox station can optionally send free text messages up to 26 characters long, for example to announce QSY or something similar.
• To make the daily use easier I programmed the following convenience feature: Right-click on the FT8 button to toggle SuperFox mode On/Off. This means that you will be able to switch to Hound mode via the "H" button like before. All you then have to do is to right-click on the FT8 button when a SuperFox station appears on the bands. Another right-click on the FT8 button will bring you back to the standard Hound mode. Pretty simple and intuitive!
• The right-click on the FT8 button also works when in Fox mode, by the way. This will allow SuperFox operators to quickly switch between Fox and SuperFox mode.

Important: Every Hound station will have to use at least the upcoming WSJT-X 2.7.0-rc5 version (or my 2.7.1-devel "improved" variant of it) to be able to receive SuperFox messages !!

How far are we and what's next?
The new SuperFox mode is already fully functional. But of course there are still a number of technical details to clarify and solve. Keep in mind that the technology under the hood is quite complex and brand new. That's why there will be a few more internal tests first.
The SuperFox mode will then be rolled out in time for the N5J Jarvis Island DXpedition.

So far nor now. Stay tuned!

73 de DG2YCB,
Uwe

(WSJTx - Improved)