[Elecraft] PSK31, RTTY, and CW -- all conversational modes, all alive and kickin'

[Wayne Burdick]

Just a follow-up on this topic for those using PSK31 mode:  The K4 handles upper- and lower-case characters, in both transmit and receive. Previously we handled upper-case only.

73,
Wayne
N6KR




> On May 9, 2020, at 10:18 AM, Wayne Burdick <n6kr at elecraft.com> wrote:
> 
> Recently we've been testing and enhancing the K4's built-in text decode/encode. This feature is very convenient on the K4, with multiple lines of received text, and the ability to use a keyboard (wired or wireless) at any of the three USB-A jacks. You can also transmit in any of these modes by sending CW with the keyer paddle.
> 
> At present the K4 can handle PSK31, RTTY, and CW, as on our other transceivers. We hope to add other in-box text modes in the future. 
> 
> I was happy to discover lots of activity in all three modes over the past week. PSK31 -- which provides below-the-noise-floor copy -- is found primarily on 20 meters from 14070-14073, and I've also heard it on 80, 40, and 15 meters. RTTY is common (especially during weekend contests) around 14080-14090 or higher. And of course there's CW at all times of the day or night. Weekly CWT contests are a big draw these days.
> 
> Each of these modes has its idiosyncrasies. But one thing they all have in common is that they're conversational -- you can carry on real QSOs. They can also be used in contests, with no "canned" limitations on exchanges as with heavily automated data modes.
> 
> I encourage everyone to give these modes a try. If you have a K3, K3S, KX2, or KX3, you can use all three. Decoded text is scrolled across the VFO B display as signals are tuned in. (See your owner's manual for further details.)
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
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