In the above diagram, the interface device, RigBlaster, is pictured in the middle toward the bottom (where the microphone is plugged in). This came from wb5mxo, Guy, via ke5lep, Stan. Thanks to both!
PSK31
The topic for the March 27th edition of the Tech Net was PSK31. We were lucky to have Guy, wb5mxo, sit in and be our "Elmer".
To start off, Guy gave us a brief summary of what PSK31 is: He compared it to teletype over the ham frequencies. Typically, in today's world, four items are needed to send and receive in the PSK31 mode:
1. A radio transceiver
2. A computer
3. In interface device between the two
4. A program for the computer
Since most of us have computers and radios, usually all we need is the interface device and the program. The interface device that Guy likes is the "RigBlaster", but Guy advised us that there are many available that will work and some you can build for yourself.
Once you have the interface device, you just need software. Guy mentioned here that there is a ton of software available, some free, some for sale. He said that much of the free software works just fine.
One issue that came up while in QSO with w5ydl, Dan, was that he had heard that even when the bands are dead, PSK31 gets through. So that even in poor conditions contacts can often be made. Guy, more or less, confirmed that by saying that there is a drop off at night on some of the bands, but daytime contacts are usually possible and often abundant.
In additon Guy mentioned that a lot of information can be found regarding PSK31 on wm2u's page at http://www.qsl.net/wm2u/psk31.html
Not only does wm2u describe how PSK31 works, but he has schematics for interface devices and mentions the software and other products available to make contacting easier. In addition, he has a lot information on contesting, if you're in to that sort of thing (as many PSK31'ers are!).
Also Guy furnished another link that has info on PSK31. It is http://www.mymorninglight.org/ham/psk.htm
Guy made a particular point in driving home two important issues.
1. Don't over-modulate your signal. That's a big no-no in the world of PSK31 in that is uses more bandwidth that is needed and practical, and it interferes with other PSK31 signals. You just don't need to do it, and it botches things up for others.
2. PSK31 is used on specific frequencies on each band on upper sideband only.
w5okl, Richie, related that he had downloaded some free PSK31 software and found a website (somewhere in Europe) that allows you to operate a receiver and listen in on PSK31 traffic. He was able to get a "taste" of this mode of communication without hooking up an interface or even using his radio. It will be necessary to look around internet for the site, but it turned out to be a great way to check things out.
kc5rbh, Jeff, asked if you can do this as licensed only as a Technician. Guy said that it is possible but, practically speaking, the bulk of the PSK31 traffic will be found in the General class frequencies.
w5okl, Richie, provided the following three address to sites that he has visited to "listen in" and control the radio in the PSK31 mode.
http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/
http://www.globaltuners.com/
http://www.remotehams.com/
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