PSK31 Digital Mode
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- This is a comprehensive intro to the PSK31 digital mode. It's all of the major concepts and some demonstration crammed into a 30 minute class. I had to leave some things out but I believe a newcomer will find what they need to know to get in on the action. - Cliff
Nice presentation. thanks and keep them coming. You are a real asset to the Ham community.
Thanks for taking the time to do this...I could not have set this up without your help.
Thank you Cliff! I’m just getting into digital modes. This was the most clear step by step into into PSK31I have found so far.
Appreciate your well thought out commentary and the time you spend doing videos Reducing the complexity of digital is beneficial for many hams. Thanks Steve W5FOR
Thank you, Steve. - Cliff
Thanks Cliff, just started psk31 I find it very interesting, you put over some good and interesting points.Regards From the UK...
Dear Cliff: Thanks to your excellent video and explanation I have put my station into operation on PSK31 I already have more than 60 contacts in a period of 2 months ... You have ignacious skills as a teacher, a great greeting from KJ4GNR - Jorge
This is REALLY a great video for starting out! Thanks Cliff!!
Nice job Cliff. I’m just getting started so it’s very much appreciated👍🏽
Cliff - thanks for such a well made and informative video. I have learnt SO much from this and have just had my first PSK31 QSO - all thanks to you! 73, Jonathan M0XXJ
Excellent, Jonathan! So glad to have helped... - Cliff
That is so cool! I just got my Tech & General so digital is on the horizon. Thanks for your awesome videos.
THANKS Cliff. As you know, been waiting for another 'digital' mode from you. Nice job. Covered most of what anyone getting started needs to know.
I agree with what said about anyone who's a little 'mic shy' and/or doesn't happen to know CW. Digital modes are a great way to get 'radioing', not a great deal dissimilar from what we all do online (once you get the setup done). Like anyone 'txting', there are nuances to learn. But we had to learn those with cellphones too; and we all survived that learing curve.
Keep up the great teaching. Really enjoy your videos.
Thank you! - Cliff
I learned a lot about PSK and I want to try it! I like your presentation style -- it's clear, and you have a good pace. Thank you and 73 de KB3UYT
Thanks Cliff. This is really helpful. Just found your videos. Appreciate you sharing the good information.
Thanks, John. - Cliff
Great video! learned a lot! I have been wanting to learn PSK31 as I have an Icom IC-7200, which has the soundboard built in. Keep up the great work! Your channel is a wealth of knowledge!
Great video Cliff and probably something I'll be trying very soon. Thanks!
Wow...found your videos tonight and love them! I am a new ham, looking to experience QRP digital modes. I have an iCom 7300 as a base unit and will have to learn how to set it for digital. I love the idea of going mobil with a smaller rig and laptop. Thank you for your videos.
Dave
KD2LMR
Thank you for your encouragement, Dave. The 7300 is a neat radio and I'm sure you're going to have a blast with it. - Cliff
Nicely explained. I had heard about using digital modes, but this shows it in detail. Now I have to get the radio equipment necessary to utilize the mode. I guess all it takes is a little $$$$ and time.
Cliff, I must say your videos have been the absolute best of anyone out there to explain things to an old ham like myself. My call is W5HSJ down in Corpus Christi, Texas. I have been wanting to get on some form of digital, but really haven't found anyone else that can present this material to help me decide what would work for me. Your videos have done an excellent job of that. So Thank You very much. Keep up the good work! Mark W5HSJ
Thank you for the kind words, Mark. I haven't made any new videos lately but I'm still out here, hamming it up when I get a chance. I'll make some more videos at some point. Thanks again! -Cliff
Thanks for the help cliff, Larry KD6NSA your video helped a lot thanks again 73.
These videos are amazing, my first rig is a yaesu ft-818nd, starting this hobby only being allowed 25w, qrp is a nice start, only thing I don't like is the band conditions, and the challenges that come with them as a beginner, but making connections with qrp are that more rewarding
Thanks for an interesting video, been watching your series on digital mode and thinking about giving it a try..
That was really interesting - as was the intro to digital modes video that you linked to at the beginning of the video. Hoping to get an 817 one day and to try it out. Already have had a couple of different CRV's so I am good to go for the field. ;)
Well covered! Thanks for posting this.
This is a Godsend! Never heard about PSK3, until this video! I only wanted to do CW but never had the time and patience to learn it. This is the best of both worlds. SUBSCRIBED!
You're right. This is an excellent alternative to CW and can be a nice change of pace for those of us who love CW. Have fun! - Cliff
Cliff, I am just getting started with QRP and I really enjoy your videos. You take the time to explain whats going on and I appreciate that. You are a great instructor. More videos please. Wade KD9IBH -73
Thanks for the kind words, Wade. -Cliff
I realize it’s been 4 years since this video was made but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed and appreciated this video! You made it easy to understand and I have been wanting to learn how the digital modes work. I am working on my General license now. Can’t wait to try these modes out! Sure wish you were still cranking out videos!! Hope you are well! 73 -KM4OCJ
Thanks, Todd. I'm glad this helped! I'll get back to making videos again one of these days. In the meantime, I'm fat and happy. Maybe we'll run into each other on the air at some point. - Cliff
Consistently some of the best videos around. 73 de K7VLX, Mike.
Very good video Cliff. I got started in digital modes with PSK31 and still enjoy it. I use JT65 a lot also. Keep up the good work. 73, Bill KC5SB
Thank you, Bill. - cliff
Thanks for the lesson. Waiting for my signal link now. Usually work SSB phone. Can't wait to dive into psk31
Awesome video, Cliff! Thanks for making these. De NW4G
Very nice video. As a brasspounder, I'd love it if newcomers to CW would take your advice and spend quality time just copying other traffic before they try a QSO. You're so right: you learn protocol by listening first. I love working beginners, and QRS instantly for them, but some of the ignorance out there (I'm talking "doesn't know the first thing", or its cousin, "thinks contest protocol is fine in the real world") is hard to overlook. When I figure out PSK I'll to do the same thing I did when I learned CW: copy a lot first. Thanks for the instruction!
Thank you I am planning to go over all your videos to learn more about amateur radio
Great video, thank you Cliff
Congratulations for your amazing ability to explain complicated things in a simple way, your English for me who was not born in this country and arrived here as an adult, is perfectly clear and I understand everything. Thank you teacher for your lessons.
Jorge KJ4GNR
Jorge Perez you are very kind. Thank you! -Cliff
Excellent videos, thank you very much. Greetings from Switzerland.
Once again Cliff a very well put together and interesting video... I used to use the old steam driven creed teleprinter style data mode .....rtty !...recently got back into ham radio and didn't realise what signal link was till I watched yr video !...regards Dave
Great, Dave! Glad to hear you're getting back into the hobby. In the past, I have gone inactive a few times. This time around (the past 10 years) I've stayed into it, probably due to my involvement with a local ARES group. The monthly meetings and weekly informal breakfasts keep me connected to other hams. -Cliff
David RaymondExcellent video. Clear and well demonstrated. Just getting into psk31 so very useful to me.Thanks73 David M6HVU
Excellent video,thank you for the detailed explanation of psk31. 73
I have a new IC-705 being delivered tomorrow, cant wait to get it set up and give this a try.
Great video Cliff. You're a talented presenter. I recently got an icom 7600 which purports to have built in psk feature. Your video inspires me to try it. Hope to see you on the air one day. Vinny WZ2J
Thanks, Vinny. Have fun! - Cliff
Great tutorial Cliff-- just getting back on HF after a long intermission and PSK31 is for me!
Sam, N7DTW
Excellent, Sam! Jump on back in... the water's fine! - Cliff
I immediately liked this video because i LOVE your shirt.
Great Vid. I plan on trying PSK31
A great video. Thanks
Very cool video Cliff
Brilliant video!
I like PSK, had no idea there were so darn many macros that i have never used. I need a month of tutelage to get good at this pgm. But still like psk31 cause i am old timer and never got the hang of morse. Tnks 4 all the info. 73
Great video, learned quite a bit.. Stoked to connect my FT817. 73 de N2YDC
Excellent, Arnold. Connecting your FT-817 to your computer will open up a new world! - Cliff
I've been following your videos for quite a while now, Cliff, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. You just have a really easygoing way with words and explanations. Keep up the good work ... you're really doing a great job explaining things.
de Dick K4FTW
I appreciate the kind words, Dick. 72! - Cliff
Thank you for that interesting video. You just opened a new world of possibilities for me. I´m a new operator and so far have only done QRP CW with self taught Morse code and a homebrew rig. I´ve learned a great deal watching your videos. Last week I purchased an old Yaesu 757GX ( in perfect condition) and after watching this video I think it has everything required to connect it to the computer. I´m QRP converted thanks to you! Hope to talk to you on the air in digital mode someday. N4CCB DE HJ3CRG thank you, best wishes and 73.
Excellent, Carlos!!! Congratulations on taking the time to learn Morse Code. I believe you will enjoy PSK31 if you try it. Hope to type to you in the ether someday... - Cliff
Thanks I learned a lot from your videos. New tech, general and extra in last 1 1/2 years at 67 yrs old. Thinking of going to some digital modes near future as I'm 2/3 deaf and cant copy cw well. Icom 7200 and 80m doublet at 28 ft. 73 de KI7MJU
very detailed and interesting
Great movie. I often work in the field on FT-817 + SCU-17 + CF-18...
Very useful info. Many thanks. 👍
Thank you for the great Video i just getting started in some Digital Mode ted KD2ARD NJ
Hi Cliff. I just wanted to say a big thank you for your wonderful, clear, informative style of presentation. Your enthusiasm is infectious ! A personal query, but I wonder if you have ever been in education ... your delivery style would take the world by storm! I really hope to work you one day. Regards Neil G4LRV, South West England.
Hello, Neil. Thanks for the kind words. I am the CEO of a small (12 persons) software company. I don't have a background in education but I've always enjoyed helping people to better understand technical topics. Maybe we'll run into each other on the air someday. I hope so. Thanks again. - Cliff
Excellent video, Cliff! Thanks for sharing! 73 de KF5RHI...Richard
Great Video! I am using an android app to do psk-31 on my phone. I really enjoy watching your videos, they are very professional and entertaining. 73! de Cory
@VE3ZCV - I’m using the “PSKer” app on my iPad with my TS-570S. It works really well! But I now have a Surface Pro 4 so I’m going to set up FLDigi. I’m also using an RTTY app on my Android phone for that mode, but again will start using FLDigi. 73 de Jeff, KF5KWO
Great video, Cliff, appreciate it. 73 de WA5SAT, Steve
Thanks Cliff. I've watched most of your videos and you've sparked my interest in trying digital. I've only done QRP CW up to now (HW-9). The dreaded antenna restrictions have kept me off the air for a while, but a portable station like the one featured in this video looks quite doable for me. Your vids are the best quality and very helpful. any chance of a JT65A video, real time with your excellent narration? Andrew KB5ZGU
Outstanding video! Now I have to get up on PSK31... keep up the good work. 73 dwight N7KBC
Learning a lot of the basics from your videos. I want to use PSK31 with my TS 590SG. I want to use HRD for rig control. Any specific tips for the 590SG will be appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff KB1ZHS
Great lesson. Thanks!
Thanks cliff. Still very new to this stuff and considering QRP as my primary mode. Looks a lot less intimidating then voice modes, for those of us used to sending instant messages.
Digital is a different... opening up a new facet to our wonderful hobby. And it's really great for QRP since the software can decode weak signals. Have fun! - Cliff
Excellent video Cliff! Thanks a lot! Cheers from down under... vk6LB....
Thank you, Peter! - Cliff
Excellent Cliff ...... I will refer your RUclips for new Hams Digital =)
thanks, Pat! - Cliff
Great videos, thoroughly enjoyed watching ! New to digital modes. Have a KX2, and wondered which mode you think is better to try out first, being a total beginner - either PSK31 or JT65. Both look interesting to me. Thanks - Martin
Martin Salt JT-65 doesn't require any typing or setting up text macros or learning any protocols, etc... you basically just click your way through a QSO with the software automatically sending the next appropriate message. If you're wanting to get going with the least amount of work/training, I'd go with JT-65. Bear in mind that PSK31 will let you have an actual conversation with someone so you'll want to learn that soon. Have fun - Cliff
I have a question that someone might be able to help with. I have an old RCI-2950 that I want to find a way to use for PSK31. The receive audio is not a problem but transmitting is a different story. I was wondering if I could use the front microphone plug for the PTT and the transmit audio. It seems feasible and I was wondering if anyone has ever tried that. Great videos by the way.
Thanks for the great video! What is the fastest digital mode? (i.e. x bits per second)
nice video man
Great video tnx .. helps a lot
Hi Cliff, enjoy your videos. Question, any issues with the FT817 re heat at 5w 100% duty cycle on PSK31? Thanks and 73.
Just seeing this, Paul. I haven't noticed any trouble with my FT-817 getting too hot but I don't tend to type for minutes at a time on-the-air. If you back off the power from 5 watts to 2.5 watts, your signal will only be down 1/2 an S-Unit to the receiving station and will run cooler. Another option is to clamp a heatsink on the back of the radio as shown in this video: ruclips.net/video/zqtH8i7HtP0/видео.html
Cliff, thanks for your lessons. I was just issued my call (AG7TX) and am looking forward to working digital during this poor propagation time. The upcoming 7th Area QSO Party will be here on 4May and I want to work digital during that event. I may very well be working my KX3 as I am still bringing my more powerful radio online. Your lessons will help me get started and hopefully make some good contacts.
I'm planning on using my MacBook Pro as the host computer and am looking at software to make that work. I don't really want to buy another computer ifI don't have to. But I need a computer to do station work, so we'll see how this works out.
73 de ag7tx...
Congrats on your new call, David! You will be surprised how many stations you can work with only 5 watts... with the KX3. Most people doing digital aren't transmitting more than 20 to 30 watts. The difference between 5 watts and 20 watts is only 1 S-Unit so expect success with 5 watts. As for software for your mac, I'd probably get FLDIGI for psk31 and WSJT-X for the FT8 digital mode. Honestly, those are the only 2 digital modes that have any real activity these days. Have fun, David! - Cliff
Great video series, very informative! One (hopefully) easy question: Are the MFJ series of HF SSB transceivers compatible with digital modes? Thank you for your time.
Hello, Joe.
Normally, any SSB radio would work fine for digital. However, the radio must be capable of tuning down the band into the CW/Data portion of the band. You'll have to look but I think some (all?) of the MFJ radios don't tune down into that range. For example, the MFJ 9420 only transmits SSB from 14.150 to 14.350 MHz. However, the digital "watering holes" are found far below that. PSK31 on 20m is 14.070 MHz. There is a "CW Adapter" that allows you to transmit CW on the lower portion of the band but I believe you cannot transmit SSB down there, even with the adapter. - Cliff
Great job ! Very comprehensive and explained well. Great for someone new to digital. Kirk KE0THO
Fantastic video mate, thank you. Very well made and informative. I hope you keep making videos!
Do you do any amateur television? I'd love to learn more about that.
Hello. No, I haven't tried amateur television. I think it's interesting and I may dabble in it at some point down the road. Thanks for the kind words. - Cliff
Sir, your t-shirt is BRILLIANT! 😂
From the birthplace of LEGO:
73’ de 5Q3M
Tak for at have set videoen (og for legos).
Great video (as usual). If you're looking for some ideas, I'd love to see a beginners guide to using CW for field day (hints and tips, etc). I've always used SSB for FD, but this year I'm hoping to try CW. 73, Paul.
Thanks, Paul. Field Day CW is a trial by fire! It's wonderful but it's intense. If you're serious about it, you should consider using the N3FJP Field Day logging software and connect your computer to your radio for sending CW. If you're less serious, any setup will do. You'll hear a LOT of stations frantically calling CQ so you'll want to use a narrow audio filter in order to hear fewer signals at the same time. The good news for beginners is that you'll find a lot of strong stations "running a frequency"... sitting still, calling CQ, and letting stations find them. That's great because you can hear them giving their information multiple times to figure out what they're sending, exactly. You can then contact them and send your information without having to decode their information in real-time. Have fun... you're going to have a blast, I promise! - Cliff
I really appreciate all the work you did to create this video. Very informative as I'm just learning about PSK31. One question - since I have been working FT8 with my Yaesu FTdx10 and laptop, wouldn't the change over to FSK31 be fairly straight forward - just download the appropriate software and make a few audio tweeks? Thanks for your help!
Yes, the behind the scenes setup of your radio’s/computer’s audio is the same for all digital modes. To use a mode that your current software doesn’t support, it’s just a matter of installing and configuring the software you need for your desired mode. -Cliff
Hi Cliff, thank you for a great upload. I'm having a big issue with my FT-817nd connecting to my Win 10 HRD. Im using a cat cable from DATA port back of radio- signalink, then from signalink to usb 2 on pc. I've set everythin up but there is no connection. I've been told by HRD support I need to buy ANOTHER device to make it connect, (you have got to be joking right??) As i live in UK its v difficlt to contact signalink support. Would you have any ideas? if not I'm selling it as im losing the will to live and life is really to short. Hope you are well. 73's Si M6IMN.
Great video Cliff. I'm looking to get a KX2 as my first HF radio and am very interested in PSK31. Would you recommend the KX2 as a first and only HF radio? Also can you connect the KX2 directly to the computer using the included elecraft usb cable for audio I/O and ptt?
KC9RAV
Hello, Corey. If the challenge of operating with lower-than-normal power levels AND using a compact radio in the field appeals to you, then the KX2 would be a great fist radio. If you stay in the hobby for a while, it's probably not going to be your ONLY radio - although it's good enough that it could be. Think of radios like cars. The KX2 is a small sports car. You might decide someday that you'd like a luxurious sedan as your daily driver. The sports car will still be fun on the weekends. Heck, you might even want to get a dune buggy for some off-road adventure.
As for the Elecraft USB cable for audio... it doesn't work that way. The USB cable for the radio is used to update the firmware and you can also use it to control the rig with ham radio software... but no audio flows down that cable.
You can get cables to connect the radio's headphone jack to your computer's line-in audio jack AND connect a cable from your computer's headphone jack to your radio's mic jack. You can do this without buying a Signalink box as shown in the video. However, the Signalink makes everything easier AND you can use the Signalink box with any radio... just buy purchasing other cable sets.
Have fun! - Cliff
Im fairly new to HAM....got my Tech first week of June, passed my Extra one week ago. Ive been practicing tuning in hf frequencies, and recently started trying to decode psk31, as well as others, through sdrplay unit using sdruno, vb-audio cable, virtual serial port, and finally fldigi.
Im struggling with understanding how to tune in the mass amount of frequencies within the various bands, and understanding how to know where to even begin as to determining what it is I need to decode. How do I know if it is rtty, cw, psk31, or any of the other 100 types within the fldigi. I spent hours getting everything connected so that I could control the sdruno through the fldigi, but all I observed was a bunch of letters and characters that didnt make any sense at all. Just jumbled letters etc.
Any help?
Congrats getting your license, it's a fun hobby for life. One big problem with digital modes is that a lot of hams don't use the tx/rx id set in the software which sends out an identifier code and the software can identify this with a link so you click this link and it will send you to this qso taking place and set the proper mode.
It's worth looking up the frequencies for each mode, for instance check this out, groups.io/g/Olivia this will show you the frequencies for Olivia which is a fun weak signal mode, sometimes you can't hear the signal or see it on the waterfall so the idea is to hang out on the calling frequency and wait a few mins because there could be a qso taking place, if you hear nothing then keep calling CQ, this can take 10 to 20 mins of calling, be sure to give someone a chance to reply before transmitting again. Make sure you know the difference between dial and centre frequency, dial is the dial you set your radio frequency to and the centre is the frequency on the waterfall usually 1500.
You need to look up the frequencies for other modes too and some vary depending whether you're in North America or Europe.
I'll be on Olivia tonight around 8pm UTC 21st September 2020 and probably every night for a while until maybe 10 PM UTC. So be good to try have some qso with People.
On Friday night last with my ft-891 and Chameleon MPAS 2.0, 20 Watts on 20 Meters I had a QSO with a guy in Argentina on Olivia, pretty fun mode.
I tried FT8, JS8Call and they are pretty boring, can't have qso on FT8 and so many people will only reply if you are registered with LOTW which is pretty sad, JS8 Call People only want to click HB and get ACks, at least People on PSK31 and Olivia are looking for QSO so if you do see a signal you know they want a QSO using these modes.
But also get on SSB and call CQ it's most fun of all. :-)
Thank you for the 'down-to-earth' easy to understand introduction to this Digital Mode. I have a question about the PSK-Reporter site you mentioned at the end of the video: you indicated that a person can check to see who's heard their call sign -- do the rcv'ing stations have to be connected to PSK-Reporter like a beacon? If I want to be able to show signals I've heard at my location and communicate that to PSK-Reporter, do I need any other software or equipment other than radio/software/computer such as you showed in the video?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Raymond - WF7BSR
Software like "CW Skimmer" will listen to incoming audio and search for call signs being heard and then report the ones they've heard to a centralized server. PSK Reporter "talks" to the server to display callsigns that were reported to the server. There are other sources for the call signs that PSK Reporter is showing in addition to those obtained via CW Skimmer. So, if you call CQ DE [Your Call Sign] or send TESTING DE [Your Call Sign], someone's computer that is listening may here you and report your call sign, frequency, and signal strength to the centralized server. If you want to be able to show signals you've heard and have those call signs reported to the centralized server, you'll need to be running software that is listening to the audio, decoding the signals, and reporting those signals to the server. The Digital Master software that is part of the Ham Radio Deluxe suite of applications does this. That is what I use for PSK-31. I sometimes use CW Skimmer when listening to CW stations. Thanks -Cliff
Thank you!
Good Video, I do both QRO and QRP as needed. Interesting how to alienate the QRO ops with a distracting shirt. Seems like a good idea to stick to the technical and save the snide shirt comments for the twitter and facebook crowd...
Just a question, when I rmb click and high light on their callsign the sub menu page is greyed out so I can't use callsign name location qth or any other label in the list. Does anyone know why this is the case? Regards Dan
Are their any iPhone or iPad apps for JT65? Or, do we need a laptop? Also, would love to see a video showing us the difference/similarities to the digital modes (PSK31, JT65 and RTTY) in this detail. Very informative channel! Can't thank you enough.
Hello, Julia. I'm sorry but I'm unaware of any iOS apps for JT65.
PSK31 and RTTY are extremely similar. The software you use will almost certainly provide support for both modes. RTTY is old but still used. There are contests for RTTY stations. PSK31 is newer, more popular, and is used more for conversations.
JT65 is a different animal all together. I'm going to make a video about it. In a nutshell, you don't have a conversation with JT65. Once per minute stations calling CQ will transmit for about 50 seconds. Then, your computer decodes all of the signals it has heard and shows you the conversations that are taking place. You can click on a station calling CQ and, at the top of the minute, your computer will starting transmitting your Call Sign on that station's frequency for 50 seconds. His computer decodes all the signals he's heard and, if he sees you replying to him, he can click on your entry to have his computer start sending you his signal report at the top of the next minute. There is no typing to each other like you're used to. You're just clicking and the computer is generating the appropriate next pack of data for the QSO process. The beauty of it is that you can transmit with very weak signals and still make contacts. Again, I'll make a video about it. Stay tuned! - Cliff
Great video, thanks! One question, where did you get the stand to raise the front of the 817?
You can find it here: www.ebay.com/itm/WINDCAMP-Bracket-Stand-for-Yaesu-ft-817-amateur-radio-/141960013591
I got it as part of the combo, here: www.ebay.com/itm/WINDCAMP-WLB-817S-LIPO-3000mAh-battery-for-yaesu-FT-817-hatch-stand-/141936642049
Cliff
Will you please do an example of split digital using HRD? KF5YUB
Awesome video. I definitely learned a lot. What type of antenna did you use in your demo?
I was using a SOTABEAMS linked dipole at about 25 feet. - Cliff
Cliff I was wondering how can I chat with you in ref to getting my kenwood ts-940 hooked up to rec and transmit cw. Thanks 73`s Jim N3EZX
That is really cool, i work asa a sysadmin so i know computers, and i am doing my HAM study in norway, but you 5 watt, how long can yoiu get with 5 watt??
Great PSK31 introduction video Cliff. I noticed the other station was using all cap letters , is that a software/PC setting or just the operator preference ?
It was that operator's preference. However, PSK31 uses "varicode" to encode the text. In this scheme, the most commonly used letters require fewer bits to transmit. Lower case letters are represented by fewer bits and are transmitted faster. In other words, if you sent a stream of 100 "a" characters, they'd be sent faster than 100 "A" characters. So, while you are certainly free to type in All Caps, it's more efficient to use lower case or mixed case. - Cliff
Cliff,
Great video. Showing the cabling was very informative. Also setting the correct receive and transmit levels.
Did you correct the typo in you QTH macro? Do you own a 3D printer? Noticed the octopus on your desk.
WB3BJU
Hello, Donald. I have corrected my typo, thanks. I do have a 3D printer. It's a Lulzbot Mini and it works great. The amber stand that the KX2 was sitting on in the video (@ 16:30) is a stand that I 3D printed.
Where can I get a QRP tshirt like the one you are wearing? It looks like great Field Day apparel.
Hey, Milen. If you're located in the USA, send me an email to cliff@qrpschool.com - Cliff
Cliff
Excellent presentation! What is that device on the back of your car?
Mike
Thanks, Mike. The device attached to my spare tire is a bicycle carrier. The arm is folded down in the picture but it folds out and locks to hold bicycles for transport. - Cliff
Excellent video ! KM6IKH , 73
Question: if the only connection between the radio and the computer is through the SignaLink box, does HRD (or whatever software you use) have the ability to change the tx frequency? I see you set the radio to 14.070, but the actual conversations occur throughout a small portion of band above that (up to 2400k higher). So, do you need to also have a ftdi cable connecting the radio's CAT port to the computer, or do you need to manually tune the radio each time you click a new frequency?
Hello, Simcha. Different digital modes (PSK31, RTTY, JT65, etc) can be found at different places in the bands. But, for 20m PSK31, just set the VFO to 14.070 MHz and leave it. Your radio is in USB mode so you've got a fairly wide pass-band to hear signals. (make sure your filters aren't closed down) I've never tuned up above 14.070 MHz to look for other PSK31 signals. Leave the VFO on 14.070 MHz and, when you click on a station in the waterfall, your computer will know the offset from the carrier and will generate audio at the correct frequency.
If you want rig control software to change bands/frequencies then you'll need to use a separate USB cable or other serial port. Only the audio is transferred with the Signalink's USB cable.
I hope this helps... -Cliff
Thanks again for all your help.
im a little late to the conversation but whats the difference between an external sound card and onboard sound from your computer, most computers have really good built in audio these days and sound cards are used for specific applications. so what are the pros and cons of having an external sound card for digital modes or any other modes for that matter???
You certainly CAN make cables and play around with your computer soundcard to get the levels right. The beautiful thing about the Signalink is that you get custom cables for your radio and the level controls are on the front of the box so you don't have to go digging around in your Windows/Mac sound card drivers. That same box can be used with multiple radios as you can buy the cables separately. (you may need to reconfigure the internal jumpers in the box for a second radio, although you can buy plug-in jumper modules that make this quick-and-easy.) You CAN do without a Signalink but it just makes everything so much easier. Big fan, here. Read all of the material on the USB Signalink on their website: www.tigertronics.com/
Cliff great video! What model signal link are you using? Are you still using the same one?
Hey, Steven. I'm just using the standard Signalink USB box... same as they've made for a number of years. I've got two of them because I keep one in a go-kit for emergency communications. -Cliff
Thanks fr posting, I really enjoyed ur video Cliff !
73 N8AUM