Questions about PSK

[ae2ny]

Quick question for those of you active right now on the boards... OK Actually 2 questions split into 3 parts.

1) I know that the lower end of 10M is for Novice CW. Can I also work PSK in that part of the band or is it CW only?

2) If I can work PSK... I just bought an old Pakratt 232 MBX. Anyone know where I can get the upgrade for its software so I *CAN* run PSK with it?

3) And last but not least... The CQ Contest coming up this weekend, are digital modes allowed or is it voice only?

Thanks all.


Anthony - KI4VPR

[W3MIV]

Anthony:

This weekend's contest is SSB only.

Yes, you can work PSK on 28MHz CW portion. I think the usual frequency is 28.120 or thereabouts, though I have never worked there. Most PSK work is carried out at less than fifty watts; often far less.

You don't need a TNC to run PSK, but you will need an interface to link your computer's sound card and COM port to your radio. Buxcomm carries an inexpensive unit called "Rascal GLX" that many folks seem to favor. It only costs around $40 or so. Look on internet for BuxComm. Many other interfaces are available, again search on internet. Check out the retailers on QRZ. I use a Rigblaster Pro, which gives great flexibility in use both radio and computer, but that is at the top of the cost chain.

Best software, in my opinion, is MixW which is available for free download at several internet sites. Do search. If you want full support, you can register for a small fee. MixW will permit you to work with several other digital modes as well as PSK31, including MFSK and RTTY.

[n5rfx]

Quote[/b] (KI4VPR @ Oct. 27 2004,00:12)]Quick question for those of you active right now on the boards... OK Actually 2 questions split into 3 parts.

1) I know that the lower end of 10M is for Novice CW. Can I also work PSK in that part of the band or is it CW only?

2) If I can work PSK... I just bought an old Pakratt 232 MBX. Anyone know where I can get the upgrade for its software so I *CAN* run PSK with it?

3) And last but not least... The CQ Contest coming up this weekend, are digital modes allowed or is it voice only?

Thanks all.


Anthony - KI4VPR
1. You can run PSK there, but the frequency where there is most PSK activity is 28120.15 kHz.

2. The PSK upgrade to the PK-232 is only an "interface" between the soundcard and the rig. The PK-232 does NOT decode PSK. You can get info on the interface upgrade from Timewave (http://www.timewave.com/) at their web site.

73,

Mark N5RFX

[AG3Y]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Oct. 28 2004,07:54)]Best software, in my opinion, is MixW which is available for free download at several internet sites. Do search. If you want full support, you can register for a small fee. MixW will permit you to work with several other digital modes as well as PSK31, including MFSK and RTTY.
I'm not sure that everyone would agree with you that $50 is a "small fee" for registration. # There are several other programs out there that will do as good a job on PSK31 as MixW, and they are "Freeware".

I made the mistake of downloading MixW and starting to use it first, and by the time I was starting to figure out what was going on, my two week trial period was over, and the software became very obnoxious about the need to register! # I wasn't even familiar enough with the modes to know if MixW did the best job with them or not!

If you do want to try MixW, I would suggest that you try the mode out with one of the freeware programs first and get your feet wet without spending the registration fee up front.

Then if you find you really enjoy the digital modes ( and I can't imagine why you wouldn't ! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #) try the MixW out. #If you find it worth the money, go ahead and pay the fee. #It does remain the most popular program for the digital modes, and obviously have some very good, strong points!

The soundcard modes can be used with a PK-232, but in my book isn't worth the hassle of building up the interface and working out the macros, etc. #Best to use it for the modes it was originally built for ( especially ARQ AMTOR I , Packet, and RTTY ) and use the soundcards with interfaces to the audio portion of your rig for the "soundcard modes".

BTW, there are a lot of us "digital freaks" that monitor the Q&A section of this board. Hop in and ask away!

73, Jim

[N6WK]

Anthony,

I just got into PSK31 about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I built the Interface that I downloded from Wm2u. It is very simple, 2 resistors. I also built the PTT interface which is just a transistor,2 resistors and a couple of Diodes. used the cord from an old Serial mouse. it works great. I downloaded and use Digipan V 1.7 (FREEWARE)
I have already worked 16 states and 9 countries using less then 50 watts. it is a blast. jump in and Have some fun!

I'll be happy to try and Answer any questions you have.

Congratulations on passing your Code Test. good Job!!

Gordon
N6WK

[K8YS]

Quote[/b] (KI4VPR @ Oct. 28 2004,03:12)]Quick question for those of you active right now on the boards... OK Actually 2 questions split into 3 parts.

1) I know that the lower end of 10M is for Novice CW. Can I also work PSK in that part of the band or is it CW only?

2) If I can work PSK... I just bought an old Pakratt 232 MBX. Anyone know where I can get the upgrade for its software so I *CAN* run PSK with it?

3) And last but not least... The CQ Contest coming up this weekend, are digital modes allowed or is it voice only?

Thanks all.


Anthony - KI4VPR
Anthony,

you can run PSK31 in the CW portion, and as pointed out, the common frequency is 28.120. You may also find activity on 28.070.

28.120 is most active since it is in the Novice sub band.

You should also note that you need to be a Novice, Tech-Plus or higher to operate on 10M, a no-code tech is not legal there.

The AEA PK232MBX does not do PSK31.

There are many excellent FREEWARE programs out there, my favorite is Ham Radio Deluxe, which includes PSKDeluxe. There is also Zakanaka, HamScope and many others. I have tried MixW and always go back to HRD.

I have schematics for interfaces on my website
www.k8ys.us My Webpage (http://www.k8ys.us)
or look at www.qsl.net/wm2u

I don't do contests, so I have no idea about this one.

73 Bob K8YS
070 Club #003
WR "31 on 31" award #12

[N7AAO]

There is also a PSK31 group on Yahoo! Groups with lots of helpful folks.