Hi
again, it’s Chuck (KD0UIH) taking another crack at writing a blog
post. Quite a bit has been learned since my first post. This hobby
keeps me entertained and keeps my grey matter from getting mushy.
We
all know amateur radio has many avenues to explore and for a new
operator, such as myself, it can be a little overwhelming at times. In
other words, there are so many things to try and it is very exciting
right from the start. So, there I was minding my own business talking
to locals on the repeaters, reading articles, meeting fellow hams in
person and working HF on occasion. It happened. I decided to make the
leap into digital modes.
I
was doing my usual evening hangout on a local repeater, KA0KMJ
(444.425) when I heard talk about PSK31. I have seen examples of
digital modes online and read about it but the thought of actually doing
it didn’t really cross my mind... until that moment.
PSK31
is a text-based digital mode that has been around since the mid 90s.
It is keyboard to keyboard with no internet required. The narrow
bandwidth (2.5 kHz) makes this mode very effective with low power QRP
operation. Get this... because of the narrow bandwidth, nearly twenty
contacts can be interacting at the same time verses one SSB phone QSO.
That’s a very impressive use of the airwaves!
That
evening, the homework started and I knew that I had to try this! I
did some internet searching and talked to Tony (N0RUA) for a little
advice. He suggested the SignaLink USB would be worth looking at. He
pointed out having easy access to audio level changes via knobs on the
front of the unit vs. clicking through internal computer menus was
something to consider which sealed the deal for me. I ordered the
SignaLink USB and Icom-specific cable for it’s sheer simplicity and
popularity among fellow hams.
In
the meantime, I decided on the software I would use. Being a Mac
computer user, the choices are limited compared to Windows and I am not
running Windows on any machines at this time. CocoaModem 2.0 was the
choice for me. Aside from PSK31, this software does other digital modes
like RTTY, Wideband CW, and the crazy sounding Hellschreiber mode.
There’s an excellent User’s Manual that you’ll need to check out as well. Many great reviews were read and it is a free download. The software was installed and ready to go!
We all know that computers can either be for us or against us.
At first, the thought of interfacing a computer with the radio gave me
visions of a tangled mess of frustrating problems. I was completely
wrong! After receiving the SignaLink USB and cable, I simply connected
everything as specified. After turning the radio on and launching
CocoaModem, I made a couple of setting changes in the software Config
window to specify the input and output sources (USB Audio Codec to be
specific). A couple of quick clicks in the System Preferences/Sound
menu to change the input and output sources and before I knew it I was
looking at a very active “waterfall” display of PSK31 data! It really was that easy!
After
some time “listening” to other QSOs, I decided to give it a try. I
made my first PSK31 contact with Tom (K8TOM) in Washington and the
logbook is filling up quickly! While I am still learning, I have been
enjoying this new mode. It is perfect for someone interested in QRP,
portable ops, or something different.
If
you are interested in trying this, or any other digital modes, there is
a wealth of information online as well as your fellow knowledgeable
operators willing to help you along. Friendly reminder... keep
the power low, stay within your license class privileges and be sure to
check out the band plan before you “strut your stuff”.
Have fun with PSK31 and I hope to see you in the “waterfall”!
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