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146.865 minus, 100 Hz Van Buren, MO 145.310 minus, 100 Hz Eminence |
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PSK31PSK31 is a great digital mode for real time multi-way QSOs via text at hand typed speeds. It allows operators to chat back and forth similar to instant messaging, but over the airwaves instead of the internet. Some advantages of PSK31 over other digital modes are narrow bandwidth, low lag time, multi-way capability, and simplicity of operation and equipment. Narrow bandwidth means that your signal takes up less space on the band, allowing more QSOs to fit in the same amount of band space. It also means that less power is required to drive your signal. Most DX contacts can easily be made with half the power typically used for voice contacts. A low lag time makes quick exchanges in conversation possible without unpleasant delays. Many other digital modes that are geared toward automatic message forwarding have long lag times that make normal conversation impractical. Because of the complexity involved in other digital modes such as Pactor and packet radio, they are not well suited for multi-way conversations. This is another area where PSK31 shines. It's simplicity makes multi-way QSOs as easy as they are with voice. The best thing about PSK31 is that it doesn't require an expensive modem or other costly equipment. All you need to operate PSK31 is a radio, software for your computer, and a simple set of cables to connect the radio to the computer. Are you ready to get started with PSK31? Here's a quick explanation on how to get up and running. The first step is to install the software on your computer. There are many different programs with PSK31 capabilities. Most include several other digital modes as well. DigiPan seems to be the best freeware program. You can download it at http://home.comcast.net/~hteller/digipan/. Once you have the software installed, the next step is to get the audio from your radio into your computer so you can read the PSK31 signals. That can be as simple as running a cable from the audio output on your radio to the "line in" on your soundcard. Then you can practice tuning in PSK31 signals on your radio and begin getting comfortable with the software. Here is what PSK31 sounds like http://aintel.bi.ehu.es/Psk31Bpsk-c.wav. In order to transmit PSK31 you need a way to get the audio output from your computer's sound card into your radio's microphone input. The easiest way to do this is to key the radio's microphone next to your computer's speakers. However, this is far from ideal and not very convenient. The preferred method is to run a cable directly to the microphone input on your radio. This takes a bit of work because the normal audio level from your computer will severely overdrive the mic input on the radio. Of course you could just turn the volume way down, but it would be a good idea to insert a resistor in the cable that will attenuate the signal. Details on how to do this can be found at http://mysite.verizon.net/nb6z/psk31.htm#tips. Look in your radio's manual for information on which pins in the microphone port to connect the audio and ground from your cable to. You will probably have to buy a connector for the end of your cable that fits your radio. Some radios have an auxiliary input on the back that will accept the audio from your cable. That will allow you to keep your microphone plugged in for voice. Once you have everything connected, you can adjust the settings on your radio and begin transmitting. You should set your radio to SSB mode for PSK31. Turn on the VOX setting so the radio automatically keys when it senses a signal from the computer. You can find several tips to help you optimize your PSK31 signal at www.mymorninglight.org/ham/psk.htm. More information on getting started with PSK 31 can be found at http://mysite.verizon.net/nb6z/start.htm. I hope to hear you on the air soon. Jeremiah - KD0FCL |
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