PSK31 presentation & pictures
Chad, KM5QF, showed the Klub members a live demonstration of "silent digital radio" and opened his presentation with "Today's computer software allows use of digimodes with more ease than ever before. PSK31 is getting a lot of attention these days and for good reason. Work the world with ten watts and a compromise antenna on a consistent and reliable basis. Don't forget RTTY, Feld Hell, SSTV, CW, and other PSK variants, as well as the newer soundcard based modes such as Olivia, MFSK, MT63, Domino, Throb, and others."

The big advantage of using the digimodes is that the software can hear and print signals that can't be heard by normal voice signals - all by using 25 watts or less. The only noise that is heard during a QSO is the sound of the printer (if you want the QSO printed).

The software demonstrated was DM780 which is a free download from Ham Radio Deluxe. The only drawback noted was that the installation and setup of the software would take some time and tinkering to get the sound card adjustments made plus other adjustments to make your radio operate the way you want. Once they are done they are good for the life of the radio (or the computer). There is a good help desk at the link noted below which can be used to determine what kind of cable connections you will need to connect the interface to the computer and the radio.

Links to free Software

Program DM780 (what Chad was using) download from:  www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

Free online help for installation or operation issues:  http://forums.ham-radio.ch/index.php 

Lots of digimode advice in the forum threads at:  www.qrz.com 

 

The only external hardware needed is a soundcard interface.

There are plenty of plans on the internet for "home-brewing" but Chad was using and recommends Rigblaster Plug & Play from West Mountain Radio online. He likes this one above all others.

 

Digimode Frequency Guide

PSK31                                                                                         Olivia (and others)                                                              80m           3.580 Mz                                                                   3.584 Mz                                                                             40m           7.035 & 7.070                                                           7.038 & 7.074                                                                     20m         14.070        Feld Hell calling freq.  14.063              14.074                                                                                     30m         10.140        You can find about any digimode 30m here.                                                                                       10m         28.120        Technician Class can operate here.

14.070 is the universal PSK31 frequency for daylight operation.   At night try 7.070 first.