Establishing separate spot frequencies for each mode seems a bit impractical. The 003 frequency is close to where I operate on any mode except PSK31. On the later, I usually set my dial frequency on the watering hole frequency and use the cursor to pick out individual signals or to set my transmit frequency.
Since some of us can not wisely use a 1000 Hz center frequency for the best filtering, it seems to me that we should specify the actual frequency of the signal. If I want to be on 3583 for MFSK16, I put my dial frequency in such a position that my transmitted data is centered, or close to centered on that frequency. Since my equipment is designed to center on 1500 Hz, I typically set my dial for 3581.5 and then my signal is on 3583 when I move the cursor to 1500 Hz on the waterfall. Other stations may have different requirements, but not all would necessarily be on 1000 Hz above the dial frequency. Indicating Dial frequency +1000 though would be perfectly acceptable. Then I would realize that if you were 3583 dial +1000, your actual signal would be on or near 3584 and I would place my dial at 3582.5 in order to center you on 1500 Hz on the waterfall. Very basic math of course, but unless everyone has identical center frequencies, quite necessary. Andrew O'Brien wrote: >Should we consider trying to establish calling or beacon frequencies >for the non-PSK31, non-RTTY, non-ALE, digital modes? I'm thinking >along these lines because I'm having to dial between 14072 and 14110 >on 20M for those few opportinties to catch MT63, Olivia, MFSK16, >Hell, PSK63, PAX2, DominoEx, Throb, Chip64, etc, etc. 40M is a >similar "chore". If I park on ,say, 14075 ...with a wide filter I >can hear some of the folks that start up but often miss the guys that >are riding high on 14108.5 > >I wondering if we could informally establish a calling frequency for >MT63, Olivia, MFSK16, Hell, PSK63, PAX2, DominoEx, Throb, where we >all agree to less than 20 second CQ calls and 60 seconds taken to >coordinate a move to a free frequency. Ideally I would love to have >an APRS-type beacon system where we can see who is on frequency via >our maps, and then move people off the freq to arrange QSO's , all >control operated not unattended beacons. My recent 300 baud packet >tests and PAX2 tests suggest that these two modes are not robust >enough fo weak signal detecting. Olivia would be idea but is slow >for beacon-type work. I guess we could establish it so that any >digital (data) mode could be used to "beacon" with, but perhaps >encourage nothing more than 500 Hz wide signal . I would probably >beacon with 16/500 Olivia. > >Any thoughts on this? What would be a good 20 , 40, and 80M >frequency? We would need one that all IARU regions could use, one >that most ham license classess can access, one that is not common for >others to CQ on. One that does not have a lot of automated PACTOR >traffic, and ideally one that is outside the usual RTTY contest >range . Suggestions ? > >How about 14073, 7073, and 3573? These would be the radio dial >frequency , all USB, AF frequency standard would be 1000 Hz. > >Would they work for most parts of the world? "73" would be easy to >remember! >Of course, we would refrain from beaconing if the frequency is in use. > > >Andy K3UK. > > > > >
