[1000mp] PSK/RTTY on MP

[George VE3YV]

A couple of comments that may be useful for KJ7UN and W4HBM:

PSK and RTTY work fine on the MP.  By using the packet jack on the back, 
no other switches or unplugging the microphone is needed, just change 
the mode and away you go.  I keep the common PSK frequencies in the QMB 
and scan the bands when no other DX is on (or the VU7 still isn't 
hearable).   You do need to be in PKT mode, with LSB lit.  That doesn't 
mean you're LSB as you can set up via the USER menu, although the 
description isn't easy to follow.  Lots of resources on www.va3cr.net.  
There are a few  tips that have surfaced here over the years that may be 
of help:

1.  If you can't get anything to decode,  it could be your PC.  There 
are calibration programs with most PSK programs that will let you 
compensate if the sound card or on board clock isn't quite on 
frequency.  I upgraded to a new desktop I couldn't get to work (may have 
been a non-standard clock rate), so added a SB card ($5 @ hamfest) and 
ignored the PC on board sound functions.  Another hint that your clock 
is slightly off is when you receive fine but each transmission the other 
guy sends back is always a few hertz higher or lower (you're both using 
net and AFC).

2.  Opto isolators don't always pull the PTT down close enough to ground 
for the MP to think it's been keyed.  Use a resistor in parallel with 
the PTT and ground, either in the interface or mounted in a jack plugged 
into the PTT socket.  I "think" I used about 50 ohms for mine.  Try a 
few values from the junk box until you find one a bit above the point 
the rig goes into PTT.

3.  On the Mark-V, I generally set for 30-50 watts out (of 200 max).

4.  For split operation chasing DX, I use the TX clarifier.  The display 
still looks like simplex - so could confuse.

Laura and Hal - I know these don't directly answer your questions, but 
both modes do work well with the MP series - maybe some of this will be 
helpful in thinking through what to try next.   GL  

73,  George VE3YV / K8HI




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