[FARC] Digital Modes

[Kirk Talbott]

Hello all, KB3ONM (Kirk) here.  Just wondered how everyone was doing after 
hamfest and field day.

I've been experimenting with the digital modes on HF and I'm impressed.  I 
hooked up a Rigblaster Plus unit to my laptop and Kenwood TS-2000 and I use 
a freeware program called WinPSK.  On 20 meters, 14.07015, I've made 18 
PSK31 contacts in 2 days, two of which were DX in Russia and Eastern Europe, 
my first DX stations.  No fuss, no pileups, no slit operating, no waiting. 
Just listen for the warbling sound, click on a white mark on the waterfall 
display, and answer a CQ.  And to top it all off, I only needed between 10 
and 30 watts to do the job.  SSB phone and the brute force method, who needs 
it!

Another interesting digital mode I used was slow scan TV.  The "TV" part of 
it seems a bit of a misnomer because in reality it is just sending still 
pictures via radio. It kind of reminds me of Facsimile. I used a freeware 
software package called MSCAN for Windows and it is pretty simple to 
operate; note that some programs aren't. It's a neat mode and will give you 
a chance to practice your computer photo art work.

Now, not all is a bed of roses as I ran into some quirks and pitfalls.  The 
Rigblaster was a little tedious, at least for me, to install.  The unit 
comes with its case open and that is so you can install the 10 or so teeny, 
tiny, strap jumpers that are necessary for the type of radio you have and 
the software you want to use.  Want to change a microphone, radio, or 
software, you have to change the jumpers.  Add to this my first Rigblaster 
was damaged out of the box and I had to return it to HRO in Woodbridge VA 
and get it exchanged.  However, the Rigblaster's installation and testing 
instructions were clear and the new unit is working fine.

After years of working with mainframe and PC computers, usually when I 
encounter tedious installation problems and damaged or ill-designed units, I 
throw them against a wall as hard as I can in a fit of rage.  But I'm glad I 
stuck with the Rigblaster and got to see how PSK31 and some other digital 
modes work, it was worth the extra frustration.

FARC FARC de KB3ONM KB3ONM 73 clr