Welcome to the Tilly Project: Making Digital Amateur Radio Accessible to Blind Hams
Tilly is a dedicated accessibility companion for WSJT-X, specifically designed to make FT8 and FT4 digital modes accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for blind and low-vision amateur radio operators.
Historically, digital weak-signal protocols have been challenging for blind hams because standard interfaces can be difficult to navigate with screen readers. Tilly changes this by providing a streamlined, keyboard-driven interface that works alongside a modified version of the latest WSJT-X software.
What is Tilly?
Tilly is an assistive application that runs alongside WSJT-X, acting as an accessible dashboard that translates radio data into a manageable, audible experience.
- Accessibility First: It is optimized for use with the NVDA screen reader and is designed to be operated entirely without a mouse.
- Keyboard-Centric Design: Navigation relies on specific Alt, Control, and Function keys rather than the Tab key or numeric keypad.
- Intelligent Filtering: Tilly provides an easy way to find and select “interesting” calls from a “Calls waiting reply” list.
- Seamless Integration: It automates the QSO sequencing—matching the standard auto-sequencing of WSJT-X—and offers one-key uploading to Logbook of the World (LotW).
How It Works
Once Tilly and WSJT-X are connected, the connection is automatic, and the operator generally does not need to interact with the WSJT-X window again.
- Home Base (Ctrl-S): This is the primary command used to read the QSO and radio status. The status is typically replayed every 15 seconds to keep the operator informed.
- Managing Calls (Alt-N & Ctrl-W): Operators can use Alt-N to quickly reply to the next call in the waiting queue. Ctrl-W allows for a detailed review of callsigns, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and distance.
- Audio Precision: Use Alt-Q to check audio input levels and Alt-T (combined with F11/F12) to set the correct audio output level to the radio.
Getting Started
To begin using Tilly, you will need to install two components: the Tilly application and a specific modified version of WSJT-X.
- Download: Access the latest installers via the Official Tilly GitHub or the project’s permanent Dropbox links.
- Alternative Download: Get Tilly and Modified WSJT-X by way of their Dropbox links.
- Security Configuration: Because these tools interact closely with your system, you may need to create Windows Security exclusions to prevent “waterfall freezes” or antivirus warnings.
- Learn the Commands: Press Alt-K within the application at any time to read the full list of shortcut keys.
“Tilly’s main value is providing an easy way to find and select ‘interesting’ calls, then monitor all aspects of the QSO progress… The pacing is designed to be comfortable and enjoyable.”
— Andy van Tol (WM8Q), Head Wrangler, Tilly Project
Learn About the Namesake: Tilly is named after Tilly Aston, the blind Australian teacher and activist who dedicated her life to helping others access information and literature.