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Cover the SimTX desktop app: install, sign in, first station, first transmission, receiving
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This guide takes a new user from installing the SimTX desktop app to a first transmission and to listening. '''TX means transmit''' and '''RX means receive'''. All signals are simulated; no physical transmitter, antenna or microphone is needed.
This guide goes from installing the SimTX desktop app to a first transmission and listening to it. TX means transmit and RX means receive.


== 1. Install the app ==
== 1. Install the app ==
Download the app for your system from the [https://manifest.simtx.net SimTX downloads page]:
Download the app from the [https://manifest.simtx.net SimTX downloads page]:
* '''Windows''': the 64-bit <code>.exe</code> installer.
* '''Windows''': the 64-bit <code>.exe</code> installer.
* '''macOS''': the <code>.dmg</code> for Apple Silicon. The first time, right-click the app and choose '''Open''' to get past the macOS security warning.
* '''macOS''': the <code>.dmg</code> for Apple Silicon. The first time, right-click the app and choose '''Open''' to get past the macOS security warning.
* '''Linux''': <code>.deb</code>, <code>.rpm</code>, Arch and Void packages, or a portable AppImage. The [https://manifest.simtx.net/install install page] explains how to add the package repository and check its signing key. Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 13 or newer is needed.
* '''Linux''': <code>.deb</code>, <code>.rpm</code>, Arch or Void packages, or an AppImage. The [https://manifest.simtx.net/install install page] explains how to add the package repository. Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 13 or newer is needed.
 
The older Java transmitter is still on the [https://simtx.net/downloads downloads page]. Its controls differ from this guide.


== 2. Sign in and connect ==
== 2. Sign in and connect ==
# Open the app. The window '''Sign in to SimTX''' appears. Press '''Sign in'''.
[[File:SimTX Guide Getting Started server.png|thumb|center|482px|alt=Connect to a server dialog showing Signed in at auth.simtx.net, the Server menu set to SimTX Demo, and the Work offline and Connect buttons.|The Connect to a server dialog after sign-in, with a server chosen.]]
# The app shows a code and asks you to approve this device in your browser. Press '''Open browser''', sign in to your SimTX account and approve the device. '''Copy link''' copies the address if you want to open it yourself.
# Open the app. In '''Sign in to SimTX''', press '''Sign in'''.
# Back in the app, '''Connect to a server''' lists the servers that are online. Choose one under '''Server''' and press '''Connect'''.
# Press '''Open browser''', sign in to your SimTX account and approve the device. '''Copy link''' copies the address instead.
 
# In '''Connect to a server''', choose a '''Server''' and press '''Connect'''.
Your SimTX account is separate from a wiki account. '''Work offline''' skips connecting; you can connect later. The top right of the window shows the connection; select it to connect, change server or disconnect. '''Settings''', '''Account''' has '''Sign out'''.


'''Checkpoint:''' the window shows the tabs '''Transmit''', '''Receive''', '''Stations''', '''Catalog''', '''Health''' and '''Settings''', and the top right shows '''Connected'''. [[Troubleshooting]] covers an unavailable server or a failed sign-in.
The top right of the window then shows the server and '''Connected'''. '''Work offline''' opens the app without connecting.


== 3. Create your first station ==
== 3. Create your first station ==
Transmissions run from a '''station''': your callsign, location, antennas and radios, saved to your account. See [[SimTX Guide/Stations]] for everything about stations.
[[File:SimTX Guide Getting Started first station.png|thumb|center|640px|alt=Top of the Transmit tab with the Station section outlined, a guide tag reading Create the station you transmit from, and a Create a station button.|The getting started guide outlines the Station section and points to Create a station.]]
 
A '''station''' holds your callsign, location, antennas and radios. On first start, the in-app '''getting started guide''' points at each control in turn.
On first start, a short '''getting started guide''' outlines the next control to use, with dots for the four steps: '''Sign in and connect''', '''Create your station''', '''Choose what to transmit''' and '''Start TX'''. '''Skip guide''' hides it. To see it again, open '''Settings''', '''Help''', '''Getting started guide''' and press '''Show again'''.
# In the '''Transmit''' tab, press '''Create a station'''.
 
# In the '''Transmit''' tab, the '''Station''' section offers '''Create a station'''. Press it. (The '''Stations''' tab, '''Mine''', '''New station''' does the same.)
# Under '''Basics''', enter a '''Name''' and your '''Callsign'''.
# Under '''Basics''', enter a '''Name''' and your '''Callsign'''.
# Under '''Location''', press '''Pick on globe''', click the globe where the station stands and press '''Done'''. The app fills in the ground height.
# Under '''Location''', press '''Pick on globe''', click where the station stands and press '''Done'''.
# Under '''Antennas''', open the dipole the station starts with. Set the length to <code>31</code> m and the '''Height''' to <code>10</code> m. This suits the frequency used below; see [[Antenna System]] for other frequencies.
# Under '''Antennas''', open the dipole and set the length to <code>31</code> m and the '''Height''' to <code>10</code> m. This suits the frequency below.
# Leave the radio under '''Radios''' as it is.
# Press '''Create station'''.
# Press '''Create station'''.


'''Checkpoint:''' the '''Station''' section of the '''Transmit''' tab shows your station under '''Transmit from'''.
The station now shows under '''Transmit from'''. See [[SimTX Guide/Stations|Stations]].


== 4. Make a first transmission ==
== 4. Make a first transmission ==
[[File:SimTX Guide Getting Started transmit ready.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Transmit tab with Demo hilltop as the station, an EFHW antenna, a 100 W radio, an SWR graph, frequency 4625 kHz, power 100 W, AM Double Sideband Full Carrier, and an empty Radio deck.|The Transmit tab set up for a first transmission on 4625 kHz in AM.]]
In the '''Transmit''' tab:
In the '''Transmit''' tab:
# Under '''Station''', check '''Transmit from''', '''Antenna''' and '''Radio'''. '''SWR around your frequency''' shows how well the antenna matches.
# Set '''Frequency''' to <code>4625</code> with the unit '''kHz''', and '''Power (W)''' to <code>100</code>.
# Under '''RF signal''', set '''Frequency''' to <code>4625</code> with the unit set to '''kHz''' (4.625 MHz). Set '''Power (W)''' to <code>100</code>; the field shows the most your radio allows.
# Choose the '''Modulation''' '''AM Double Sideband Full Carrier''' and tick '''Auto''' beside '''Bandwidth (Hz)'''.
# Choose the '''Modulation''' '''AM Double Sideband Full Carrier''' and tick '''Auto''' beside '''Bandwidth (Hz)'''. Leave '''Transmitter imperfections''' closed.
# Under '''Source''', choose '''Audio file''', press '''Choose…''' and pick a short audio file.
# Under '''Source''', choose '''Audio file''', press '''Choose…''' and pick a short audio file. Leave '''Loop playback''' off for the first test, so the session ends when the file ends.
# Press '''Start TX'''.
# Press '''Start TX'''.


The new session appears in the list on the right:
The session appears in the '''Sessions''' list as '''Running'''. '''Queued''' means every transmitter slot is taken; it starts by itself when one is free. Select the session to see the '''Radio deck''' meters. '''Listen to own TX''' plays your signal as transmitted. '''Stop''' ends it.
* '''Running''' means it is on the air.
* '''Queued''' means every transmitter slot on the server is taken. It starts by itself when one is free; don't press Start TX again.
 
Select the session to see the '''Radio deck''': '''FWD''' is the outgoing power, '''REF''' the reflected power, '''SWR''' the antenna match, '''ALC''' the level control, '''TEMP''' the simulated amplifier temperature and '''BUF''' the audio waiting at the server. '''Listen to own TX''' plays your signal before propagation. It tests your audio, not whether a distant listener hears it. '''Adjust while on air''' changes frequency, power and a few other settings without stopping.
 
To stop, press '''Stop''' in the Radio deck, or '''Stop all'''. '''Clear finished''' removes ended sessions from the list.
 
If the session fails, read its message before changing settings. [[Troubleshooting]] covers silence, queueing, high SWR and heat. 4625 kHz is an example, not a reserved channel; choose another frequency and retune the antenna for normal use.
 
== 5. Save your settings ==
'''Presets''' at the top of the Transmit tab saves the current settings under a name, or to a file with '''Save to file…'''. Choose a saved preset from the same menu to load it. Your station stays on your account and doesn't need saving.


== 6. Receive ==
[[SimTX Guide/Transmitting|Transmitting]] covers every control. If the session fails, its message says why; see [[SimTX Guide/Troubleshooting|Troubleshooting]].
You can listen to the simulated band with any SDR program that supports rtl_tcp, such as SDR++. Receiving works without an account when you listen ad hoc.


# Open the '''Receive''' tab. Under '''Where you listen''', choose '''My station''' to receive at one of your stations, '''Public station''' for another account's public station, or '''Ad-hoc''' to listen from any location with a callsign and antenna of your own.
== 5. Receive ==
# Under '''Tuning''', set the '''Center frequency''' and the '''Sample rate (Hz)'''.
You need an SDR program that supports rtl_tcp, such as SDR++.
# Press '''Start RX'''. The app starts a bridge on your computer. The '''Bridge''' section shows its address, by default <code>127.0.0.1:1234</code>.
# Open the '''Receive''' tab. Under '''Where you listen''', choose '''My station''', '''Public station''', or '''Ad-hoc''' for any location without an account.
# In your SDR program, connect an rtl_tcp source to that address. [[How to receive]] shows the SDR++ settings, and [[Guide to setting up sdr console with simtx|the SDR Console guide]] covers SDR Console.
# Set the '''Center frequency''' to <code>4625</code> kHz and the '''Sample rate (Hz)''' to <code>250000</code>.
# Press '''Start RX'''.
# In your SDR program, connect an rtl_tcp source to <code>127.0.0.1:1234</code> and tune to 4625 kHz in AM.


To hear your own transmission, receive at a station some distance away and tune to 4625 kHz in AM. In a station's details in the '''Stations''' tab, '''Tune RX''' next to a transmission sets the receive frequency to it. [[Propagation Basics]] explains why a distant receiver may hear a weak signal even when your own monitor sounds clear.
[[How to receive]] shows the settings in SDR++, and [[SimTX Guide/Receiving|Receiving]] covers every receive control. [[Propagation Basics]] explains how distance, band and time of day change what a receiver hears.


== Continue from here ==
== Continue from here ==
* [[SimTX Guide/Stations|Stations]]: antennas, radios, public and unlisted stations.
* [[SimTX Guide]]: all user guides.
* [[SimTX Guide/Satellites|Satellites]]: launch a satellite and work it from the ground.
* [[SimTX Guide/Rotators and tracking|Rotators and tracking]]: turn an antenna and follow a satellite.
* [[Transmission Sources]]: microphones, streams and other sources.
* [[Transmission Sources]]: microphones, streams and other sources.
* [[Modulation Modes]]: choose AM, SSB, FM or a data mode.
* [[Modulation Modes]]: choosing a mode.
* [[Antenna System]]: change frequency and choose an antenna.
* [[Antenna System]]: changing frequency and choosing an antenna.
* [[Lua extensions]]: install an extension or theme.
* [[Lua extensions]]: extensions and themes.
* [[Documentation]]: every guide.


[[Category:SimTX]]
[[Category:SimTX]]
[[Category:SimTX Guide]]
[[Category:SimTX Guide]]

Latest revision as of 20:48, 24 October 2026

Home · Start here · All guides · Solve a problem · Radio terms · Developer API

This guide goes from installing the SimTX desktop app to a first transmission and listening to it. TX means transmit and RX means receive.

1. Install the app[edit | edit source]

Download the app from the SimTX downloads page:

  • Windows: the 64-bit .exe installer.
  • macOS: the .dmg for Apple Silicon. The first time, right-click the app and choose Open to get past the macOS security warning.
  • Linux: .deb, .rpm, Arch or Void packages, or an AppImage. The install page explains how to add the package repository. Ubuntu 24.04 or Debian 13 or newer is needed.

2. Sign in and connect[edit | edit source]

Connect to a server dialog showing Signed in at auth.simtx.net, the Server menu set to SimTX Demo, and the Work offline and Connect buttons.
The Connect to a server dialog after sign-in, with a server chosen.
  1. Open the app. In Sign in to SimTX, press Sign in.
  2. Press Open browser, sign in to your SimTX account and approve the device. Copy link copies the address instead.
  3. In Connect to a server, choose a Server and press Connect.

The top right of the window then shows the server and Connected. Work offline opens the app without connecting.

3. Create your first station[edit | edit source]

Top of the Transmit tab with the Station section outlined, a guide tag reading Create the station you transmit from, and a Create a station button.
The getting started guide outlines the Station section and points to Create a station.

A station holds your callsign, location, antennas and radios. On first start, the in-app getting started guide points at each control in turn.

  1. In the Transmit tab, press Create a station.
  2. Under Basics, enter a Name and your Callsign.
  3. Under Location, press Pick on globe, click where the station stands and press Done.
  4. Under Antennas, open the dipole and set the length to 31 m and the Height to 10 m. This suits the frequency below.
  5. Press Create station.

The station now shows under Transmit from. See Stations.

4. Make a first transmission[edit | edit source]

Transmit tab with Demo hilltop as the station, an EFHW antenna, a 100 W radio, an SWR graph, frequency 4625 kHz, power 100 W, AM Double Sideband Full Carrier, and an empty Radio deck.
The Transmit tab set up for a first transmission on 4625 kHz in AM.

In the Transmit tab:

  1. Set Frequency to 4625 with the unit kHz, and Power (W) to 100.
  2. Choose the Modulation AM Double Sideband Full Carrier and tick Auto beside Bandwidth (Hz).
  3. Under Source, choose Audio file, press Choose… and pick a short audio file.
  4. Press Start TX.

The session appears in the Sessions list as Running. Queued means every transmitter slot is taken; it starts by itself when one is free. Select the session to see the Radio deck meters. Listen to own TX plays your signal as transmitted. Stop ends it.

Transmitting covers every control. If the session fails, its message says why; see Troubleshooting.

5. Receive[edit | edit source]

You need an SDR program that supports rtl_tcp, such as SDR++.

  1. Open the Receive tab. Under Where you listen, choose My station, Public station, or Ad-hoc for any location without an account.
  2. Set the Center frequency to 4625 kHz and the Sample rate (Hz) to 250000.
  3. Press Start RX.
  4. In your SDR program, connect an rtl_tcp source to 127.0.0.1:1234 and tune to 4625 kHz in AM.

How to receive shows the settings in SDR++, and Receiving covers every receive control. Propagation Basics explains how distance, band and time of day change what a receiver hears.

Continue from here[edit | edit source]

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