PSK31

1
PSK31 A Popular Digital Mode

• Presentation to the
• Ole Virginia Hams
• Amateur Radio Class
• by
• Karl W4KRL
• March 18, 2006

2
What is PSK31?

• It is a digital mode using a computer keyboard
• It is real time other stations see your
  typing immediately
• Enables live contacts between two or more hams
• It works great with low power, simple antennas,
  and bad conditions
• It is cheap and easy to connect your rig to a
  computer - great software is cheap or free
• It is a fun way to make contacts around the world
  at practically any time of the day

3
PSK31 Details

• PSK Phase Shift Keying modulates the phase of a
  carrier. ''31'' is the baud rate of the PSK31
  signal.
• Developed by Peter Martinez G3PLX in the 90s
• Initially required expensive, complex hardware.
• Took off in the spring of 1999 with soundcard
  software. Another boost with panoramic tuning.
• Uses varicode to speed up transmission
  Frequently used characters are shorter than
  others.
• 50 words per minute is normal typing speed.

4
Typical PSK31 Station
Simple Antenna
HF Transceiver
Personal Computer PSK31 Software
Soundcard Interface
5
Commercial Hardware

• RigBlaster www.westmountainradio.com
• RASCAL www.buxcomm.com
• MFJ1273/6/9 www.mfjenterprises.com
• DigiMaster (USB rig control)
  http//g4zlp.co.uk
• Donners - home.att.net/n8st/
• EZ-PSK www.hamstop.com
• RigExpert www.mixw.net/hardcon.htm
• PSKMeter - www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter
• PSK-series Transceivers - www.smallwonderlabs.com

6
Homebrew Interface
7
PSK31 Software

• Freeware
• DigiPan www.digipan.net
• HamScope - www.qsl.net/hamscope
• Ham Radio Deluxe hrd.ham-radio.ch
• Commercial
• MixW www.mixw.net
• TrueTTY www.dxsoft.com
• RCKRtty www.rckrtty.de

8
Where to find PKS31

• HF (High Frequency) PSK frequencies
• 160 meters - 1.838
• 80 meters - 3.580
• 40 meters - 7.035
• 30 meters - 10.140
• 20 meters - 14.070 ?The place to start!
• 17 meters - 18.100
• 15 meters - 21.080
• 10 meters - 28.120
• 6 meters - 50.290
• 2 meters - 144.144
• Operation is typically Upper Side Band (USB)
  mode.
• Frequencies range from the lower frequency,
  upward by three (3) kHz. 
• In theory, a hundred PSK31 signals fit into the
  same spectrum as one SSB signal might occupy.

9
Other Digital Modes

• Morse Code (CW) When All Else Fails
• The first digital mode
• Very simple equipment
• Can be read by ear
• Radio Teletype (RTTY)
• Hardcore hardware now much easier
• Difficult to tune, no lower case letters
• Packet Not dead yet
• Store and forward no live contacts
• APRS Automatic Position Reporting System
• Soundcard Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
  Revolution
• A simple path to nearly all digital modes
• If youve got it use it

10
More Digital Modes

• Hellschreiber
• AMTOR, Throb, Clover
• Slow Scan Television (SSTV)
• PACTOR and WinLink
• Digital Radio Mondiale
• HF Digital Handbook ARRL
• ARRL HF Digital Communications Course (EC-005)

11
PSK31 in Action
12
Thank You!

• Good luck with your course.
• See you on the air!