[Elecraft] RTTY Questions

[John Shaw]

 If I may, a few general comments about operating RTTY.

AFSK vers FSK.  AFSK set up correctly works just fine and if it is only a
causal venture into RTTY from already been setup for the likes of PSK then
it is just an easy way to do it as long as you are happy keeping the audio
levels correct from the computer and not overdriving the audio input to the
radio.  The big advantage of FSK is you are only sending switching signals
to the radio and so it is much easier to control the power levels and
quality of transmittions.  It does require some extra connections to send
the frequency shift signals from the computer to the radio that you do not
need for other audio derived digital modes.  IMHO it is worth the effort if
you are going to do much RTTY at all.

Power.  Operating RTTY is pretty much like putting a brick on your key for
the duration of the transmittion regardless to if you are doing it using
AFSK or FSK makes no difference so with that in mind reducing your power
output from maximum is probably wise.

I use MMTTY myself, always as a RTTY engine with another logging program.
There are many that will work with it and some have very clever features
that make picking calls etc especially in contest very easy and quick to do.

Interfacing.  From build it yourself to cheapies, then MicroHAM your choice.
I have used MicroHAM for several years now and yes I know people have nits
about them too but for my money and importing them into ZL makes them pricy.
I would not consider any other, just a well thought out and well made piece
of gear.  I have forgotten what I paid for mine but I still enjoy using it
every day.

73 John ZL1BYZ.

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dave
Sent: Thursday, 19 April 2012 07:03
To: Paul Milward; elecraft reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Paul - I am also very new to RTTY.  I am using MMTTY via the DXLab suite of
programs for logging etc.  I am using AFSK, but plan to switch to FSK if I
decide to do very much RTTY.  Many friends tell me FSK is best, a few say
AFSK is "good enough".  Everyone I know who uses a MicroHam interface for
FSK with DXLab and a K3 loves that combo.  

Very 73,
Dave - K9FN

Sent from my Samsung smartphone on AT&T

Paul Milward <nu4c at bellsouth.net> wrote:

>Hello
>I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility 
>Program and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I 
>have been using FSK D /45BPS setting on the K3.
>However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is 
>a better software program? And is there one that works with a K3 
>computer control radio and logging software?
>I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
>I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions. 
>Admittedly a very quick search.
>73
>Paul, NU4C
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