Quick Start

This is the shortest path to your first automated pounce. It assumes WSJT-X / JTDX is already running with Accept UDP requests enabled (see Installation).

1. Launch and connect

Start Wait and Pounce. Look at the status bar at the bottom:

• Red / "Waiting for data packets…" — no UDP yet. Check the port and that WSJT-X is decoding.
• Yellow / connected, no decodes — connected but nothing heard yet.
• Green — receiving decodes. You're connected. 🎉

The status bar also shows your mode (FT8/FT4), frequency, buffered packet count, and the heartbeat state.

2. Choose your band tab

Wait and Pounce has one tab per band (160m … 3cm). The tab matching your radio's dial frequency auto-selects. Targets are configured per band, so enter them on the right tab.

3. Add a wanted callsign

In the Wanted Callsign(s): field for the current band, type the call you want, e.g.:

TX5S

You can enter several (comma-separated) and use wildcards:

TX5S, 3D2*, VP8*

That's it — the moment TX5S decodes on this band, Wait and Pounce will reply to it.

Right-click is faster

You don't have to type. Right-click any decode in the table and choose "Add to Wanted Callsigns (this band)" or "Make <call> your only Wanted Callsign".

4. Start monitoring

Click Start Monitoring (or press Ctrl+M). The button cycles through:

• Monitoring… — listening
• Decoding… — decodes arriving
• Transmitting… — replying to a target

The large focus label at the top shows the station currently being worked, with a suffix that tells you why it was chosen: / WANTED, / ZONE, / MARATHON, / GRID, / WILDCARD, or / POLITENESS.

5. Let it work

When your target answers, Wait and Pounce completes and logs the QSO automatically:

• It writes an ADIF record to its backup log.
• It removes the call from your Wanted list for that band.
• It appears in the Worked Callsigns history panel on the right.
• If enabled, it uploads to LoTW and Club Log.

6. Stop

Click Stop all (or Ctrl+M again) to stop monitoring and TX.

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A recommended starter configuration

Setting	Suggested value	Why
Enable reply	On	Actually transmit replies.
Worked-before mode	Not worked B4 in current year	Avoids dupes but lets you re-work for a new year.
Watchdog	On, 10 attempts / 20 min	Don't loop forever on a deaf station.
Minimum report	−22 to −24 dB	Skip the truly un-completable decodes.
Offset / Gap Finder	On	Find a clear TX slot automatically.

Then explore Wanted / Monitored / Excluded and the Reply & Priority Engine to fine-tune behaviour.