[Elecraft] K3 Question: AFSK-A or DATA-A for RTTY?

[Jim Brown]

On Mon,9/15/2014 7:07 PM, James Bennett wrote:
> What is the real benefit to switching to AFSK-A mode for RTTY? Is that what everyone is using, or is DATA-A just as good?

Hi Jim,

I read other folks responses without seeing your original post. Sorry  
about that. To use AFSK, you need a single decoder program like MMTTY 
that operates much like you would on CW and SSB, tuning up and down the 
bands with a narrow-band receiver. This is the standard for contesting 
and DXing, and it permits the RX to be very narrow, so that it is much 
less bothered by QRM. DATA-A is for multi-decoder programs like you have 
been using, and you may find it more satisfactory for general use in the 
same way you use WSJT-X and PSK31 software. Or maybe not. The major 
difference between RTTY and other digital modes is that there are no 
standard dial frequencies like there are for JT65, JT9, and PSK31. RTTY 
ops generally range all over the band, especially during contests, and 
also for DX operations.

So the best answer to your question is that DATA-A is for "dial 
frequency" operation like JT65 and PSK31, whereas AFSK-A is for tuning 
up and down like a CW op.

73, Jim K9YC