[Elecraft] K3 FSK D Mode use in RTTY contest

[N6JW]

This is a two part contribution to the list: first, in this email, a report
on how well
the K3 works in FSK D mode (RTTY without an attached computer); the second
is 
a report of a possible bug in the firmware, which I will raise in a
follow-up email.

First: the K3's FSK D mode (self-contained RTTY) is NOT just a novelty!  It
is a 
perfectly capable performer, particularly in a situation like the CQ WW RTTY
contest 
taking place over this weekend.  I found my new P3 made working this contest 
without software a breeze.  What follows below is a detailed "how-to-do-it"
(with
or without the P3) for the uninitiated, from someone who dabbles casually in
a 
contest or two, from time to time.  It is quite simple.  But be warned, it
is LONG.

-------------

Of course, the K3 is an exceptionally good performer using normal contest
and data
mode software using an attached computer.  However, for many reasons, some
of 
us don't always want to do it this way.  The FSK D data mode in the K3 makes
it 
possible to operate very effectively with minimal effort.  In just a few
hours of 
operating I have thus far made over 100 DX contacts with nothing but the
K3's 
FSK D mode, running 100w (using a 3 element tribander at 37 feet; and G5RV), 
and a simple logging program running on an ancient laptop.  I do have a new 
P3 and it certainly makes it easier, but it is not essential.  For those who
have 
not yet tried it, but would like to do so, here is how I go about it for
this contest, 
for what it's worth:

1. Switch the K3 to Data mode [use Mode Button], and make sure you are set
to 
45 BPS FSK D mode [use Data MD button]. Set Pitch to your preference (I like 
Mark Tone either 915 or 1275, using Pitch button].  Set Filter width to
about 300 Hz
(this uses the 500Hz roofing filter in my setup; I also have the 200Hz
filter but 
tuning is more critical when it is engaged).

2. Turn CWT on [CWT button]; and Text decode on [Text Dec] ('T' will show on
right
side of screen).  Set the 'Threshold' level somewhere 8-10 [Text Dec
button]. Make 
sure VFO B is reading frequency (if not, tap Display button).

3. Using your paddle, record your callsign and store it in M1:  Tap REC then
M1 and
then send your callsign (I do it twice) and immediately after the last
character send 
the IM (..--) prosign to stop the RTTY idle.  You should hear both CW and
RTTY in the 
monitor while doing so.  With TX inhibited (Test mode; 'TX' flashing) press
M1 and 
make sure it sends, scrolls and stops correctly (watch VFO B space).

4. Do the same for your exchange and store it in M2:  Tap REC then M2 and
then
send something like this "RR 599 zone state TU de yourcallsignIM (..--)".

5. Now you are ready to go [remember to switch Test mode off, 'TX' stops
flashing].
Tune to the RTTY part of the band (e.g. 14073-14120), and tune slowly
through the 
RTTY signals (distinctive alternating two tone rhythm) until you have equal
number 
of bars either side of the CWT mark above the S meter and are getting good
copy 
scrolling across VFO B. [If not, check FSK POL = 1 in the CONFIG menu; make
sure
you are not in REV].  Put the call in the log, and to reply after a "QRZ?"
or "CQ test", 
just tap M1.  If the station comes back with your call, copy down the
exchange info 
(just zone number if DX; zone + state for US) and when carrier cuts, press
M2.  
Check for "CFM" or "QSL" or "TU" and you are done.  Now you can tune for the
next 
one, or go looking for the specific DX of your choice.

6. Of course, you could also use FSK D mode for running (i.e. calling CQ
test). But
it is a little more complex in that you would have to use the paddle to
insert the
callsign you have copied, live.  Here is how I do it:  I switch to memory
bank 2 
(M5-8) and program M1 (really M5) for my CQ test string; and program M2
(really
M6) for the fixed part of the exchange (for me in this contest, "03 03 CA
CA..--").  
When someone answers my CQ, I send their call with my paddle and then press
M2.
I program M4 (M8) "TU N6JW test..--" and use that to confirm the contact.

7. Of course, you can use the K3 Utility program to store the above CW
messages
in the memories of your choice, if you prefer.  If you do, remember to use
the "|" 
symbol for IM (..--) at the end of every line.  BTW, the memories will work
just 
fine as set for either CW or DATA (the IM is just ignored in CW).  What I
outlined
above is how to do it without the computer :)


Having the P3 makes operating a RTTY contest very easy and even more
efficient.  
It becomes like shooting fish in a barrel!  Here is how I happen to do it:

1. I have the second receiver in my K3 but keep it switched off for the
following.
So this will work on any K3 + P3.

2. I set the P3 for maximum waterfall area, and appropriate Ref-Level and
Scale.
I run with Averaging On.  I set the Scan to 6 khz (yes, -+ 3 khz). This
allows you 
to just fill the K3 passband (set to 300 hz) with the two tones (easily seen
at this 
scale) and hardly ever have to touch the VFO A dial for fine tuning.  If you
do 
need to do so, adjust so that the mark tone is exactly on your center
frequency.  
Tune in the first signal either manually with the VFO A knob, or using the
VFO A 
marker and select knob on the P3.

3. Now for a neat trick!  Press A>B button twice to set VFO A & B to the
same
settings and frequency.  Now, use VFO B on the K3 to slide around the P3
screen
to find your next QSO.  The P3 screen does not move and is perfectly stable,
so
you can visually align with a signal with ease.  Just center the RTTY tones
in the
VFO B passband marker (cyan), and when you are finished, tap the A/B button 
and you will instantly start copying (or be ready to copy) the next contact. 
What
is nice about doing it this way is that the P3 waterfall/spectrum scope does
not 
"slew", and remains much more stable, so that signals are easy to identify
and 
switch to.  In fact, one can become quite good at this, and move VFO B to
the 
next contact even while the QSO is still ongoing on in VFO A. Finish, tap
A/B, 
and you are ready for the next one.

4. Now for neat trick two!  If you set your RIT/XIT knob for fast QSYing
[set
CONFIG menu: VFO OFS to "on"] you can move your "6 khz window" smoothly
and fast across the whole RTTY band, while the P3 display remains relatively
stable.  This way it is easy to spot new signals, which 'sharpen'
immediately 
you stop 'tuning'.  In effect you work everything in your 6 khz window and
then
move to the next one up or down the band.

And that's all there is to it!

Finally, a word to those who are wondering WHY anybody would WANT to do
this contest thing?!  Well, that is another story . . . but apparently, some
do, 
and it even seems to be quite addictive.  So be warned! :)

73

John
N6JW
-- 
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