Generally, I find that if I move a kHz above the PSK31 watering hole on a given band, and call CQ in other modes, I have the best chance for a contact. As you point out, there are very few operators on other digital modes. PSK31 works well enough for many hams who are looking for a casual contact and a few errors does not seem to bother them.
At one time I had hoped that there would be some interest in having calling frequencies for the various modes, but almost no one else seems to want a specific frequency plus offset. It is when conditions are the most difficult that you might want one of the more robust modes and having a known frequency and offset would make it possible to have a contact since you could still find activity even though you can not clearly discern the signal on the waterfall. The main modes that seem to show up much beyond PSK31, are MFSK16, Olivia, (especially 500 Hz variants), and Hell. Another technique that I use is to ask the other operator if they would be willing to try some other modes. This can depend upon the software they are using since some of the most robust error correcting modes are only available on Multipsk and if they do not use this multimode software, you are more limited. But you can previously mentioned ones. Sometimes I use the RS-ID system from Multipsk or the waterfall fax ID that several programs offer, but I am not sure how effective that is. The frequencies that Andy suggests below, do not seem to match the ones that I have had the most success with here in the midwest U.S. I often find the main PSK31 watering holes at 3580, 7070, 10140, and 14070, thus I move up a kHz or two above that (plus the offset which is typically 1500 Hz). Has anyone found other frequencies that work the best for them? 73, Rick, KV9U Andrew O'Brien wrote: > There really is no need for a band plan in the detail that some have > suggested. PSK31 has carved out a standard place for it's self as has > JT65A , ALE has an established presence too. Beyond those modes, there > is simply so little activity that suggesting groups of frequencies for > each mode simply spreads everyone out and no one can find anyone. > Olivia, Dominoex, Hell, MT63, MFSK16, Throb, et al , would do better > simply staying a few kH above the standard PSK31 paces in each band. > For example > DIGITALRADIO VFO Dial Frequencies > > 18102.0 kHz USB > 14077.0 kHz USB > 10139.0 kHz USB > 7034.0 kHz USB International > 7065.0 kHz USB USA > 3577.0 kHz USB > > Andy K3UK >
