HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar /...
Transcript of HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar /...
![Page 1: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
HF Digital Communications
How to work those strange
sounds you hear on the air
John Clements KC9ON Stephen H. Smith WA8LMFJoe Miller KJ8O John Mathieson AC8JWBrian Johnston W8TFI 1 May 2014
![Page 2: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Contents
� Introductions
� Why Digital?
� Digital Modes of Operation
� Hardware : Radio, Computer, and interfaces
![Page 3: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Contents
� Software
� Tips and Tricks
� Q&A
![Page 4: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Introductions
� John Clements KC9ON� Licensed in 1979 at age 16� Retired from electronics
manufacturing and IT systems� Active experimenter and home
brewer� [email protected]
http://kc9on.com
![Page 5: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Introductions
� Stephen Smith WA8LMF
� Land-Mobile-Radio Systems & Field Engineer
� Ham since 1964
![Page 6: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Introductions
� Joe Miller KJ8O
� SWL since 1967, first licensed in 2006 and collects QSL cards
� President of OCARS (W8TNO)
� Certified Public Accountant
![Page 7: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Introductions
� Brian Johnston W8TFI� Licensed in 1976
� Computer operator for a major news paper
� Avid experimenter and home brewer
![Page 8: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Introductions
� John Mathieson AC8JW
� Licensed since about 2005
� Active in CW and digital modes
![Page 9: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Why Digital?
� Send and receive text, images, data, and audio
� Some modes work very well in noisy and weak signal environments� If you can’t hear them you can’t
work them is no longer true!
![Page 10: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Why Digital?
� Some modes can provide error free or reduced error transmissions.
� Good for Emergency Communications
![Page 11: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Why Digital?
� Many modes use smaller bandwidths than voice
� 97.1(b) contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
� 97.313(a) use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.
![Page 12: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Digital Modes of Operation
� There are more digital modes than you can shake a stick at!� RTTY, PSK, QPSK, MFSK, Olivia,
MT63, JT65, Contestia, Hellschreiber, Throb, Packet, WSPR, SSTV, FreeDV and many many more!
![Page 13: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Digital Modes of Operation
� Each have their own good and bad
� We will just look at a few popular ones……
![Page 14: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
The Old Timers of DigitalCW
� CW is the oldest digital mode
� Started before the birth of radio
� Computers are not required
� From QRSs in seconds per ‘dit’
� To QRQ speeds greater than 150WPM
![Page 15: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
The Old Timers of DigitalRTTY (Radio Teletype)
� Became popular in the 1950’s using WWII surplus equipment.
� 60WPM / 45 baud (changes per second)
� FSK - Shifts between 2 frequencies, typically 170Hz apart.
� Sensitive to QSB and QRN, no error correction.
![Page 16: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
PSK31
� One of the first sound card modes� Popular for keyboard to keyboard� Narrow 31Hz bandwidth� 5 conversations fit in the same
space as RTTY� 30% slower than RTTY
� 40WPM / 31 baud� Sensitive to QSB and QRN, No error
correction but outperforms RTTY
![Page 17: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
MFSK16
� Like RTTY but uses 16 different frequency shifts
� Old technology mode - required complicated hardware before sound card software was available
� Speed of 78WPM / 62.5 baud with a 316 Hz bandwidth
� ARRL Bulletins are transmitted in MFSK16
![Page 18: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
MFSK16
� Uses forward error correction (FEC)� Typically this is done by sending
redundant data� The cost penalty is extra time to
send the data multiple times� Result is greatly reduced errors
from QSB, QRN and Multipath propagation
![Page 19: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Olivia
� Another MFSK Variant
� Has forward error correction like MT63
� Good with QSB, QRM
� Will decode 10-14dB below the noise floor
![Page 20: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Olivia
� Common bandwidth, shifts, and speeds
Mode BW Shifts WPM
500/16 500 16 20
1000/32 1000 32 24
![Page 21: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
MT63
� MFSK Variation using 64 frequency shifts
� Great for sending large amounts of data
� Forward error correction, can lose up to 25% and still have perfect copy
![Page 22: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
MT63
� 3 Modes of operation� MT63-500 50WPM 500Hz BW� MT63-1000 100WPM 1KHz BW� MT63-2000 200WPM 2KHz BW
� Typically MT63-2000 is used by EMCOMM and MARS
![Page 23: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
JT65/JT9
� QRPp & EME Weak signal mode� JT65 uses 65 shifts in a 355Hz
bandwidth� JT9 – Fairly new mode
� Uses 9 shifts in only 15.6Hz bandwidth
� Sounds like a constant tone
![Page 24: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
JT65/JT9
� Very slow mode!� 45 seconds long to send 72 bits or ~13 characters
� Standard messages typically contains two call signs, a grid locator or signal report, the message type.
![Page 25: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
JT65/JT9
� Now also used on HF
� W6CQZ wrote “JT65-HF”that makes HF operation easy, especially for low power stations.
� http://sourceforge.net/projects/jt65-hf/files
![Page 26: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
JT65/JT9
� Actual off-the-air RX in central MI with mobile whip on 20 meters.
![Page 27: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
SSTV� Started with dedicated hardware using surplus
long-persistence RADAR CRT’s; now all done with sound-card software.
� Commonly called a “digital” mode, but most SSTV is analog, except for “EasyPal” which is actually a general-purpose digital-file-transfer-over-radio program.
� Various formats of SSTV exist but most software automatically detects and handles formatting
![Page 28: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
SSTV
� Weather Fax (WeFax) is a similar mode, not used in amateur radio but can be found on the SW bands.
![Page 29: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Digital Voice
� The future of radio??
� About ½ the bandwidth� 1.25KHz wide using a 16QPSK signal
� FM-quality noiseless voice on HF!
� Most activity on 14.236MHz
� Free software at:http://freedv.org
![Page 30: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Digital Voice
� Requires 2 sound cards
� One for radio-to-speaker (RX)
� One for mic-to-radio (TX)
� USB sound cards are cheap
� From $1.80 to $25
![Page 31: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Hardware
� Only 3 components needed� Radio� Computer� Audio / PTT Interface
� Optionally a Computer Aided Tuning (CAT) interface� Not required but nice to have if
the radio supports it
![Page 32: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Hardware
� How much does it cost?� Assuming you have the radio and
computer…….
� Build your own interface from free to $25
� Buy commercial interfaces from $60-300
![Page 33: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
HardwareRadio
� Almost any USB HF Transceiver� Older mechanical analog VFO rigs
may NOT be stable enough for narrow modes like PSK31 but work well on modes like RTTY and SSTV.
� Newer radios with stable frequency synthesizers are best.
� Some high end rigs have PSK and RTTY built in!
![Page 34: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
HardwareVHF/UHF Radio
� These modes also work on VHF/UHF FM radio’s such as 2M rigs.� Great when the HF bands are bad and coverage is local.
� Also works through repeaters.
![Page 35: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
HardwareComputer
� Big and fast not required� Most “XP” computers work fine!� Minimum Requirements
� Available USB or RS-232 port� Sound Card� 1GHz CPU, 100MB free RAM� 300MB Drive space� Depends on software - YMMV
![Page 36: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
InterfacesReceive
� Start today with a simple attenuator cable
� Parts are about $10 at Radio Shack, cheaper elsewhere!
� wa8lmf.net/miscinfo/Universal-Sound-Card-Cable.pdf
![Page 37: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
InterfacesReceive
![Page 38: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
InterfacesTransmitting
� Transmitting is a little more complex
� PTT keying
� Isolate the audio to prevent ground loop issues
![Page 39: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
InterfacesCommercial
� Several Manufacturers� MFJ� West Mountain (Rig Blaster)� TigerTronics
� Some models include cables� Other models require
purchasing cables for your rig
![Page 40: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
InterfacesCommercial
� Better models include a sound card built in
� Your internal PC sound card is available for regular use
� Prices from $60 - $300
![Page 41: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
InterfacesCommercial
� Older models only handle the TX side� These models use a straight RX
cable and the PC LINE-IN instead of the MIC jack!
� An RX attenuator cable is still required to go into the PC Micjack
![Page 42: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
InterfacesHomebrew
� As basic as two 600-600 ohm audio transformers, a few resistors, and a $1.00 opto-isolator chip for PTT keying.
![Page 43: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
InterfacesHomebrew
Computer Audio In
Radio ReceiveAudio Out
![Page 44: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
InterfacesHomebrew
Computer Audio In
Radio Spkr/AuxAudio Out
Computer Speaker/Line Audio Out
Radio Mic/Aux Audio In
![Page 45: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
InterfacesHomebrew
Computer Audio In
Radio Spkr/AuxAudio Out
Computer Speaker/Line Audio Out
Radio Mic/Aux Audio In
Serial Port RTS Pin Radio PTT
Line
1
2
3 4
5
6
![Page 46: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
InterfacesTypical Setup
![Page 47: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
SoftwareHam Radio Deluxe
� Ham Radio Deluxe includes a program called Digital Master 780 (DM780)
� Current Commercial version 6 $100
� Older version 5 is free!
� Handles most modes including SSTV
![Page 48: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
SoftwareHam Radio Deluxe
� Also contains:� Integrated radio (CAT) control� Log book� Satellite Tracking� PSK31 super sweeper� Remote Control� And more…..
![Page 49: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
SoftwareHam Radio Deluxe
![Page 50: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
SoftwareFLDigi
� FLDigi is FREE!
� Handles most modes including SSTV and WeFax
� Also contains a log book and radio control
![Page 51: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
SoftwareFLDigi
� The program of choice for EMCOMM
� Handles radiogram and ICS forms
� Note: additional software needed for these on the FLDigi site.
![Page 52: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
SoftwareFLDigi
![Page 53: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
NBEMSNarrow Band Emergency Message System
� Easy Deployment using existing VHF/UHF equipment.
� Uses FLMSG – An addon of FLDigi
� Forms for ARRL, ICS, Red Cross, MARS and others.
� Confirms message was received correct.
![Page 54: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
NBEMS
![Page 55: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
NBEMS
� FLWRAP/FLAMP – FLDigiadd-ons allows Documents, Spreadsheets, Pictures, and multiple files to be transmitted.
![Page 56: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
NBEMS
� MT63-2000L� Center Frequency: 1500Hz
� Fast 30 second Forms
� Olivia 8-500� Slower, Handles Marginal signals better
![Page 57: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
SoftwareOthers
� Special modes such as JT65/JT9 and digital voice require their own software
� Many other software program exists – both free and commercial
![Page 58: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
SoftwareOthers
� MultiPSK, Digipan, MixW, mmSSTV, and WinPSK are a few
� Most choices are personal preference
![Page 59: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Comparison of modes found in DM780 versus FLDigi
PSK both Olivia both
QPSK both * RTTY both
PSKR FLDigi * RTTYM DM780 *
Contestia both Thor both *
CW both Throb both *
DominoEX both * WEFAX FLDigi
Hellschreiber both Navtex FLDigi
MFSK both SITOR FLDigi
MT63 both WWV FLDigi
SSTV DM780
![Page 60: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Tips and TricksPower
� Reduce your power!� Unlike SSB, these modes either run at
100% duty cycle, or use multiple tones sensitive to intermodulation distortion!
� Be kind to your finals! � Keep peak power out well below key-
down CW maximum to minimize distortion.� Keep ALC to zero
� Turn off speech processing or compression
![Page 61: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Tips and TricksJacks
� Use the Auxiliary, Accessory, “Data”, or “Packet” jacks on the radio.� Most radios from the major
manufacturers have one or more of these jacks on the rear panel
� May have constant audio input, output, and PTT lines
![Page 62: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
Tips and TricksJacks
� Typical Jacks6-pin Mini-DIN 13-Pin Full-size DIN
![Page 63: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
Tips and TricksJacks
� No need to adjust the volume or mic gain all the time
� No need to unplug the speaker to hear the radio
� No need to swap the mic in and out
�You may need a mic switch!
![Page 64: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
Tips and TricksJacks
� Some radios have an audio out line in the microphone jack. This can help reduce extra cables.
![Page 65: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
Tips and TricksRSID
� Use Reed-Solomon Identification
� Short code at the
beginning of a transmission which identifies the mode
� Several programs automatically detect this and pop up a box
![Page 66: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
Tips and TricksSound Device
� Check your sound card settings in the control panel!� Turn off special effects
� Turn off pass-thru or “Listen to this device” modes
� Set rate to 16 bit 48000Hz
![Page 67: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
Tips and TricksSound Device
� Use the mixer to adjust your transmit audio using a dummy load and short 5-10 second intervals
![Page 68: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
Tips and TricksWaterfalls
RTTY-45 PSK31 MFSK16 JT9
JT65 Digital Voice
![Page 69: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
Tips and TricksWaterfalls
MT63
Olivia
SSTV
![Page 70: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
Tips and TricksFrequencies
� Common PSK31 frequencies
1.828 10.140 21.070
3.580 14.070 24.920
7.035 18.100 28.120
� Other modes are usually a few KHz from this area
![Page 71: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
Tips and TricksFrequencies
� SSTV 14.230 is popular
� Digital Voice 14.236
� MI Digital Traffic Net (MIDTN)
� 3.583Mhz Olivia 8/500
� Tu, Th, & Sa 8PM local
� http://www.midtn.ws/
![Page 72: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
Tips and TricksReferences
� ARRL www.arrl.org/hf-digital
� Ham Radio Deluxe – Free V5
� www.amateurlogic.tv/MISC/HRD/HRD_Archives.htm
� FLDigi
� www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html
![Page 73: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
Tips and TricksReferences
� JT65/JT9 hflink.com/jt65/� www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjtx.html
� FreeDV (Digital Voice)� www.freedv.org
� Olivia www.oliviamode.com
![Page 74: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
Tips and TricksReferences
Commercial Sites� Software:
� Ham Radio Deluxe V6 www.hrdsoftwarellc.com
� Interfaces� MFJ www.mfjenterprises.com� RigBlaster www.westmountainradio.com� SignalLink www.tigertronics.com
![Page 75: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
Getting started on FLDigi
Home: http://www.w1hkj.com/
Downloads: http://www.w1hkj.com/download.html
Beginners’ guide: http://www.w1hkj.com/beginners.html
![Page 76: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
Questions?
![Page 77: HF Digital Communications - 3rd Planet Solar / KC9ONkc9on.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HF-Digital-2016-03.pdf · HF Digital Communications ... 2M rigs. Great when the HF bands are](https://reader031.fdocuments.us/reader031/viewer/2022022511/5ae02d3d7f8b9a8f298de4dc/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
Errata
� This presentation and other notes can be found here:
� http://kc9on.com/ham-radio/hf-digital-modes/