[digitalradio] 10m PSK
Hi, Am watching 10m for any Sporadic-E PSK31 / digital - I assume the correct frequency is still 28.120MHz? Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Get more out of digital with RISD
Hello Dan, On Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:24:17 -, d_ziolkowski dan.ziolkow...@gmail.com said: I use FLDIGI 3.1 for Linux, I set it up for RSID. I get nothing, all decoding stops. Is this normal? or did I miss something. At present, RSID is mutually exclusive with normal decoding. This makes the audio plumbing simpler from our point of view, though I believe also that there hasn't been much demand for concurrent RSID from users. After all, when you turn RSID on you say that it's OK for fldigi to change the mode and frequency at any time, which makes it unlikely that you'll be having a QSO during that period. Of course if you could decode at the same time you might decide to turn RSID off and do something else (e.g., work that DX station), and it's a little annoying to see signals on the waterfall and not be able to receive them. This will be addressed in some way. The next version of fldigi (3.12) will have a generic pattern matching and notification engine that can also be extended for RSID. At that point it will definitely make more sense to implement background RSID decoding because it will be possible to specify actions other than switch to that mode and/or frequency immediately for RSID events. So, in summary, this will be fixed in the near future, possibly for 3.12. I also noticed the waterfall speeds up significantly This is normal. Thanks Dan kc2sta -- 73, Stelios, M0GLD.
[digitalradio] possible purchase
I would go with the antenna, since your 480 does not need an interface, working well with a direct connect from your sound card to the rig data port. Use menu item 60 to see a VOX signal at the port. I have also not had many problems with sound cards as supplied with computers, especially if you take the time to calibrate them. The 480 is perhaps the best rig on the market right now for digi use, in my not-so-humble opinion cheers John VE5MU
Re: [digitalradio] possible purchase
On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:20:21 -0500, John Bradley jbrad...@sasktel.net said: [...] The 480 is perhaps the best rig on the market right now for digi use, in my not-so-humble opinion Errr, 10Hz tuning, no IF DSP, no external reference input. Perhaps the best for some unspecified definitions of market and digi use? :-) cheers John VE5MU -- 73, Stelios, M0GLD.
Re: [digitalradio] possible purchase
1Hz tuning, IF DSP not desirable for digital modes, Rock-solid stable, Remote-mount the radio head next to your monitor, Excellent value for money (especially the 100watt version) - it's a Kenwood! Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com - Original Message - From: Stelios Bounanos digra...@enotty.net Errr, 10Hz tuning, no IF DSP, no external reference input. Perhaps the best for some unspecified definitions of market and digi use? :-)
[digitalradio] Re: DM 780 Drift
I second Mikes advice/observation here. As you receive and decode the other station may be slightly off the same frequency and the AFC takes care of this. Additionally I have noted that if the noise breaks the squelch then you can move a bit. Andy LY/ES2DY --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, mikea mi...@... wrote: On Sun, Jul 12, 2009 at 12:34:19PM -, ac0mj wrote: Good Morning to the group, I have a question about the drift in Digital Master 780. I am sending out CQs in RTTY this morning on 20m and noticed as on other modes in the past that the signal I send drifts to the right slightly over time. I started on 14.084.10 and a half hour later I am at 14.084.35. I realize this is a minuscule drift, but I was wondering why it is happening. I'll bet that you have AFC turned on, and that the frequency is drifting because of AFC. -- Mike Andrews, W5EGO mi...@... Tired old sysadmin
Re: [digitalradio] 10m PSK
Yes, the 10m PSK31 frequency is 28.120. Regards Patrick AE5PW On 7/13/2009 2:33 AM, Simon (HB9DRV) wrote: Hi, Am watching 10m for any Sporadic-E PSK31 / digital - I assume the correct frequency is still 28.120MHz? Simon Brown, HB9DRV www.ham-radio-deluxe.com http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
[digitalradio] Re: Possible Purchase
I have had one of these (actually two - one at work, one at home) for 20 years; best investment I've made in the way of shop equipment: http://store.dazor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPRODProdID=12 They're the bee's knees for close work! 73s, john W3JKS --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Stelios Bounanos digra...@... wrote: On Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:25:10 -0500, Rick W mrf...@... said: As was mentioned, construction may be impractical for many hams. In my case, I have been soldering since around age 13 or so with my first crystal radio kit and later many kits and dozens of projects over the years, so it is not too difficult to make a simple interface. Today, because of my age, it is increasingly difficult to do close work without special help. I normally wear trifocals and the close-in distance is for book reading at around a foot, but it is very much at the bottom of the glasses and difficult to use so I sometimes use magnifying googles. There must be a lot of cheap second hand camcorders out there, many with both analogue and digital video outputs and plenty of optical zoom. I imagine you could easily display a good 10-20x image of the work on your monitor (perhaps with the aid of an external lens). That's a lot of magnification and as a bonus you can sit straight and not spend hours hunched over your desk looking at the work with magnifying goggles on. You also inhale less flux fumes and avoid solder splashes. -- 73, Stelios, M0GLD.
[digitalradio] Re: Possible Purchase
As others have said on the group, if possible home brew the sound card interface. They are very simple and many examples can be found. I went to my local computer recycler and got two old modem cards for free, and pulled the transformers for isolating the sound signals. All in all the most expensive component was a new box to put it all in which was less than $5. You can find USB rig control computer interfaces on ebay for less than $10. No need for all of the complexity of an expensive interface, which unless you are always changing rigs is in my mind overkill. So now you need to know where best to spend your money, between a new radio and an antenna. If your present radio does not have DSP in it then go for that first. I was delighted with the improvements that this feature makes when I got back into the hobby and bought something to replace an ageing TS830 two years back. I went for the Icom 7000, but any with DSP will probably serve you. I especially liked the 7000 as I have only the head unit on my desk, thus there is no bulk to find space for on the desktop. You mention a screwdriver antenna so I presume that you must be working mobile as otherwise there is no real need for a screwdriver, again the 7000 fits well in that environment. All the best in your decision making, let us all know on the list what you finally decide on doing. Cheers - Andy - VE3NVK --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Gmail - Kevin, Natalia, Stacey Rochelle spar...@... wrote: Hi All, I am in the proceeds of purchasing a new piece of radio equipment. I am tossing up between buying a new radio, new screwdriver antenna or a new sound interface. The first two are a lot more then the last. But that depends on which one I decide to buy. I had a look at the Rigblaster Pro, but at US$299 I felt this was a little high (I could be wrong here) I also looked at the Tigertronic at around $100 (a bit better price) My interest is in using it with my TS-480S/AT and any future rig I decide to buy. I am using all the digital modes. I would like it to be used on a couple of radios but that is not a high priority. I know this is very limited but what else is there to the interface. Some I have heard have better filtering and protection. Any thoughts would be grateful, direct would be fine too, see my address in the header. Regards Kevin, ZL1KFM.
[digitalradio] Double Entries on Waterfall
Why do I sometimes see double entries for the same call sign in the waterfall. Is this some one working split? It seems like it is a duplex issue or am I way off the boat on this one? 73, Ralph (AJ4GR)
Re: [digitalradio] Need help adjusting sound levels.
On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 06:42:10PM -, Ralph Lambert wrote: This is my first post on the digitalradio group so play nice (please). [:)] I have a couple of questions that I need clarification on. Also I need some help related to the questions. When I was first started learning about the digital modes i.s. PSK31, RTTY. I read that you need run your power never more than 50% of what the transmitter (FT-857D) puts out. Presumably to protect the finals. Then adjust the audio levels never higher, once again 50% or less. Makes sense But wait then recently I have been reading on this group about how operators (DX) are running at 100w or greater... Once again keeping the audio levels under control. So without starting a war will I blow out my finals running at 100w? ...and is there anybody willing to sked a contact to help get my signal where it needs to be. Some contacts tell me I am doing realy well while other say I am splattering and to turn down my input. Although how my input effects someone else is a mystery to me. I would think that my output would be the culprit. ...and RSID rocks thanks to all involved. My setup: FT-857D at 50w G5RV at 28ft Z100 auto tuner Buxcom Rascal GLK (me and sodering irons don't get along) DM 780 v5 beta Sorry for the long post just wanted to get it clear for all including me. 73, Ralph (AJ4GR) I run my FT-897D at 40 Watts; I certainly wouldn't want to run it at 100% (100 Watts) in any digital mode, just because it's a good way to fry the finals. I'm monitoring 20 meters right now. Send me a note in reply to let me know where and when you'd like to meet me. -- Mike Andrews, W5EGO mi...@mikea.ath.cx Tired old sysadmin
Re: [digitalradio] Double Entries on Waterfall
On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 07:08:36PM -, Ralph Lambert wrote: Why do I sometimes see double entries for the same call sign in the waterfall. Is this some one working split? It seems like it is a duplex issue or am I way off the boat on this one? What program are you running, Ralph? MixW? DigiPan? HRD? Other? -- Mike Andrews, W5EGO mi...@mikea.ath.cx Tired old sysadmin
[digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
--- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Ralph Lambert ralph.lamb...@... wrote: Why do I sometimes see double entries for the same call sign in the waterfall. Is this some one working split? It seems like it is a duplex issue or am I way off the boat on this one? 73, Ralph (AJ4GR) How do you know they are doubles? You can expect to see doubles if using multiple decode options like those listed as stations heard in Winwarbler or in the panoramic view in Multipsk. In regular decode for BPSK31 you can also see a harmonic every 1000 Hz if a station is transmitting with a badly over driven signal. You may simply be seeing other close by signals, or possibly mistaking the two parallel vertical lines normally seen in BPSK31. Andy K3UK
[digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
--- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, mikea mi...@... wrote: On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 07:08:36PM -, Ralph Lambert wrote: Why do I sometimes see double entries for the same call sign in the waterfall. Is this some one working split? It seems like it is a duplex issue or am I way off the boat on this one? What program are you running, Ralph? MixW? DigiPan? HRD? Other? -- Mike Andrews, W5EGO mi...@... Tired old sysadmin I am using DM 780 v.5 Beta and I was using the currant stable version of DM 780 I don't remember the build number but Itried to keep current. I vaguely remember seeing it on Fldigi (Linux). These are the to/three programs I had the most success with. - Ralph (AJ4GR)
[digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
--- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Andrew O'Brien andrewob...@... wrote: --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Ralph Lambert ralph.lambert@ wrote: Why do I sometimes see double entries for the same call sign in the waterfall. Is this some one working split? It seems like it is a duplex issue or am I way off the boat on this one? 73, Ralph (AJ4GR) How do you know they are doubles? You can expect to see doubles if using multiple decode options like those listed as stations heard in Winwarbler or in the panoramic view in Multipsk. In regular decode for BPSK31 you can also see a harmonic every 1000 Hz if a station is transmitting with a badly over driven signal. You may simply be seeing other close by signals, or possibly mistaking the two parallel vertical lines normally seen in BPSK31. Andy K3UK I don't, that's why I was asking the question. Sheesh! - Ralph (AJ4GR)
RE: [digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
If WinWarbler repeatedly decodes the same callsign on multiple frequencies, it compares signal strengths to identify the primary and suppresses the harmonics. Harmonics can be caused by stations generating PSK with modulated audio below 1500 Hz. 73, Dave, AA6YQ -Original Message- From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com]on Behalf Of Andrew O'Brien Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 7:40 PM To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Ralph Lambert ralph.lamb...@... wrote: Why do I sometimes see double entries for the same call sign in the waterfall. Is this some one working split? It seems like it is a duplex issue or am I way off the boat on this one? 73, Ralph (AJ4GR) How do you know they are doubles? You can expect to see doubles if using multiple decode options like those listed as stations heard in Winwarbler or in the panoramic view in Multipsk. In regular decode for BPSK31 you can also see a harmonic every 1000 Hz if a station is transmitting with a badly over driven signal. You may simply be seeing other close by signals, or possibly mistaking the two parallel vertical lines normally seen in BPSK31. Andy K3UK
[digitalradio] Digital modes and old husband's tales
The replies to Ralph's question about audio levels appear to be sound advice and certainly in keeping with what has been advised since sound card digital modes burst upon the scene. I wonder how accurate it is though?I have seen a few serious hams argue that no ALC is not really the case, that some ALC can be OK. I have also seen mention that the no ALC issue applies to some modes (like PSK) but not to others like (JT65A). I also wonder about the half-power advice that some advise. With my homebrewed interface, I could never get much above 40 watts before some ALC began to show. When I switched to a commerical interface with good isolation (Microkeyer by Microham) I can almost always get 100 watts output without any ALC action. I have not received any negative reports about my signal . If I run 100 watts SSB for phone contacts, why would I not want to do the same for digital modes assuming the signal was clean ? . Yes, I would agree I should not run 100 watts if communication was possible with less power, but I don't think a brief PSK CQ at 100 watts is going to do much more harm to my finals than a 3 minute ragchew at 50 watts, phone . Right ? Comments ? -- Andy K3UK
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
Let me try again, Sheesh ! Can you actually decode text from the same station on two different parts of the waterfall? How far apart on your waterfall are these doubles ? How do you know they are doubles? I don't, that's why I was asking the question. Sheesh! - Ralph (AJ4GR)
[digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
--- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Andrew O'Brien andrewob...@... wrote: Let me try again, Sheesh ! Can you actually decode text from the same station on two different parts of the waterfall? How far apart on your waterfall are these doubles ? First... Sorry if I offended, it wasn't the intent... I never had success with WinWarbler because of my sound issues (see my previous thread) and because I am using a laptop for digital and I also because couldn't fit all of the DXLab applications on the screen in a way that made sense. I've seen the doubling 14.070.150 14.070.20 (this operator was in the US) and today I saw one that was on both sides of the waterfall 14.070.15 and 14.072.90 (this operator was from EU) I thought to myself this is odd sohere I am once again. Yes, I was able to decode the text, and as far I as could tell they were the same text at the same time. The reason for the question I thought somebody had figured out a way to take over a freq to ensure that they made all the contacts. So it is safe for me to assume this not a natural occurrence and I am just being paranoid (again) - Ralph (AJ4GR) How do you know they are doubles? I don't, that's why I was asking the question. Sheesh! - Ralph (AJ4GR)
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall [1 Attachment]
Look at the line at 14.070.80 14.072.10 Thanks a bunch - R On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 9:22 PM, mikea mi...@mikea.ath.cx wrote: On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 01:07:12AM -, Ralph Lambert wrote: --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com digitalradio%40yahoogroups.com, Andrew O'Brien andrewob...@... wrote: Let me try again, Sheesh ! Can you actually decode text from the same station on two different parts of the waterfall? How far apart on your waterfall are these doubles ? Thanks for you input. I was able to get a screen shot on the super browser. Where can I post/send it. Not sure how big it is. Its a jpg so it shouldn't be to bad. Send it to me, and I'll put it on my website and post the URL to this list. -- Mike Andrews, W5EGO mi...@mikea.ath.cx mikea%40mikea.ath.cx Tired old sysadmin -- Ralph's Computer Services DELL, Lexmark, Vizio AJ4GR
Re: [digitalradio] Digital modes and old husband's tales
Digital modes are similar to any other modes whereby increasing power levels can mean the difference between no copy and solid copy. Because of the sharp line of demarcation of printing or not printing correct data, which can be only a dB or so, I guess that in that respect the digital modes are even more critical compared with other modes such as CW and SSB. There are a number of rigs that are designed to operate with 100% duty cycle for FM and RTTY and they can operate key down at 100 watts for an extended transmission. Running them at reduced power may extend the life of the transmitter, but it may not be a significant amount. If you start transmitting with ALC action, you are probably just starting to degrade the IMD, but maybe the tradeoff is acceptable if you are right on the cusp between printing and not printing. I completely agree that we should follow Part 97 (or whatever rules your country requires) and use the lowest amount of power necessary for effective communication. There have been a few (very few) times that I even used an amplifier to increase the power beyond 100 watts in order to keep the QSO going. 73, Rick, KV9U Andrew O'Brien wrote: The replies to Ralph's question about audio levels appear to be sound advice and certainly in keeping with what has been advised since sound card digital modes burst upon the scene. I wonder how accurate it is though?I have seen a few serious hams argue that no ALC is not really the case, that some ALC can be OK. I have also seen mention that the no ALC issue applies to some modes (like PSK) but not to others like (JT65A). I also wonder about the half-power advice that some advise. With my homebrewed interface, I could never get much above 40 watts before some ALC began to show. When I switched to a commerical interface with good isolation (Microkeyer by Microham) I can almost always get 100 watts output without any ALC action. I have not received any negative reports about my signal . If I run 100 watts SSB for phone contacts, why would I not want to do the same for digital modes assuming the signal was clean ? . Yes, I would agree I should not run 100 watts if communication was possible with less power, but I don't think a brief PSK CQ at 100 watts is going to do much more harm to my finals than a 3 minute ragchew at 50 watts, phone . Right ? Comments ? -- Andy K3UK No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.13/2236 - Release Date: 07/13/09 17:57:00
[digitalradio] Re: Double Entries on Waterfall
Hi Ralph. The second or multiple received streams may be caused by a non-linearity somewhere between his computer and your computer. It may be his sound card, his TX, your RX or your sound card. Yes, I experienced it also. The ghost signals are of much lower amplitude though, so they are easily recognized and ignored. If I were you, I would first verify, whether you do not overdrive your sound card. Secondly I would adjust attenuator to just get some slight atmospheric noise in your receiver. This way you will maximize your receiver's dynamic range. If you still get some ghost signals, it may be a good time to upgrade your sound card. 73, Vojtech OK1IAK --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Ralph Lambert ralph.lamb...@... wrote: --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Andrew O'Brien andrewobrie@ wrote: Let me try again, Sheesh ! Can you actually decode text from the same station on two different parts of the waterfall? How far apart on your waterfall are these doubles ? First... Sorry if I offended, it wasn't the intent... I never had success with WinWarbler because of my sound issues (see my previous thread) and because I am using a laptop for digital and I also because couldn't fit all of the DXLab applications on the screen in a way that made sense. I've seen the doubling 14.070.150 14.070.20 (this operator was in the US) and today I saw one that was on both sides of the waterfall 14.070.15 and 14.072.90 (this operator was from EU) I thought to myself this is odd sohere I am once again. Yes, I was able to decode the text, and as far I as could tell they were the same text at the same time. The reason for the question I thought somebody had figured out a way to take over a freq to ensure that they made all the contacts. So it is safe for me to assume this not a natural occurrence and I am just being paranoid (again) - Ralph (AJ4GR) How do you know they are doubles? I don't, that's why I was asking the question. Sheesh! - Ralph (AJ4GR)
