Transcript PSK31 - Purple Sage

PSK31
What is PSK31?




A digital mode
Created by Peter
Martinez, G3PLX
PSK stands for
Phase Shift Keying
31 is the bit rate
Characteristics of PSK31


The power in a PSK-31 signal is
concentrated in a 31 Hz bandwidth, versus
250 Hz for RTTY and 3300 Hz for SSB
Transcontinental QSO’s using PSK-31 are
possible using less than 50 W under any
conditions and when conditions are good,
QRP (< 5W) PSK-31 contacts are possible
to any point on the planet.
Equipment

Amateur transceiver that has low
frequency drift
•

PC
•
•

Most PSK-31 software is
compatible with any version of
Windows
Sound card (16 bit Sound Blaster
or better) is required
An interface that connects the PC
and the transceiver
•

Any modern solid state rig is OK
(IC-706, IC-746, TS-940, TS2000,
FT-1000, Omni VI, etc.)
•
•
Commercially made (RigBlaster,
RASCAL, etc.)
Homebrew
Audio Coupled
•
•
•
Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD)
Digipan
Hamscope
Computer Software
My Shack




IC-718
Interface cables
purchased from
Associated Radio
eMachine
running
Windows 7
Ham Radio
Deluxe
PC Interface





The interface provides matching
and isolation between the audio
inputs and outputs of the PC and
the transceiver
The interface may also provide
connections between the
computer’s serial port and the
PTT input of the transceiver
Commercially made interfaces
provide lots of functions and are
very easy to install. However,
they can be expensive.
A simple homebrew interface can
normally be built for less than
$10.
Certain transceivers can be
connected directly to a PC:
•
•
ICOM 756
Yaesu FT-920
Acoustic Coupling
Rig’s speaker is placed near the PC’s
microphone
• Rig’s microphone is placed next to the PC’s
speaker
• VOX is used for T/R switching
• Advantages


Absolutely no extra equipment required.
Good electrical isolation between PC and rig
• Disadvantages


Transmit levels can be tricky to adjust
Ambient noise degrades signal
Basic PSK31 Setup





The HF rig should be in the USB mode.
Output power should be set to 30 – 50
(this is a full duty mode – do not set to
full power)
The transmit level should be set using the
level controls in the software or the rig’s
mic gain control so that the ALC level is
just tickled
The receive level should be adjusted to a
level that does not overdrive the sound
card
PSK31 software running
PSK31 Software

There is serveral good free software
packages available
• Ham Radio Deluxe
• Hamscope
• Digipan
The Waterfall
Receive
PSK31
PSK31
PSK31
PSK31
PSK31
CW
PSK31
PSK31
PSK31
Contesia
Transmit
HRD QSO Screen
Receive Screen
Transmit Screen
Waterfall Display
HRD Super Browser Screen
Waterfall Screen
Receive Screen
Transmit Screen
Where to find PSK31

PSK-31 activity is concentrated around the
following frequencies:
•
•
•
•
•
1.83815 MHz
3.580 MHz
7.035 MHz
14.07 MHz
18.100 MHz – great band for Europe and
Pacific
• 21.070 MHz
• 24.920 MHz
• 28.120 MHz
My Success with PSK31
Over 680 contacts on PSK31
 75 countries
 All HF bands except 160 meters

Contacts for Last 3 months
Questions?