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De: Psk31 Digest <owner-psk31@aintel.bi.ehu.es>
Para: <psk31-digest@aintel.bi.ehu.es>
Asunto: Psk31 Digest V1 #94
Fecha: jueves 1 de julio de 1999 4:30
Psk31 Digest Thursday, July 1 1999 Volume 01 : Number 094
In this issue:
[psk31] PTT
[psk31] SV9 active on PSK31
Re: [psk31] PTT
Re: [psk31] Comm Port 3
Re: [psk31] Comm Port 3
[psk31] PSK31/Field Day: Success!
[psk31] MIXW32 font
[psk31] Comm Port 3
Re: [psk31] 6 Meter PSK 50.300
Re: [psk31] PTT
[psk31] Re: Computer RFI
RE: [psk31] Comm Port 3
[psk31] Details of the Radio Shack #270-054 Ground Loop Isolator
See the end of the digest for information about psk31-digest
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 23:19:55 -0400
From: Robbie Robertson <rrobertson@ameritech.net>
Subject: [psk31] PTT
Hi Gang,
Reading a lot of comments on PTT problems, I thought of the
little VOX circuit kits you see at most all big hamfests.
Hummmm Wonder if they would solve a lot of those irq and
serial port problems as well as the problems some are having
with the built in vox ckts of thier rigs...
Just a thought ;-)
I added the "hard switch" to the ptt of my IC-730 and hot
glued it to my keyboard, just in case the vox acted up...
73
- --
- ---------------------------
Are we having fun yet?
Robbie - WA9INF
******* --... ...-- *******
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 04:03:14 EDT
From: RS174461@aol.com
Subject: [psk31] SV9 active on PSK31
Hi everyone!
Just to let you know that there is currently activity from Crete by
SV9/G4FRE. I have no idea how long he'll be QRV for, but I assume he's only
there on holiday. It's currently 0745z and he's on 14.070MHz with a 599
signal.
Yesterday brought me three new countries on PSK. DU1SAN, EW1EA and ZS6BTE
being those responsible. All were logged between 1630z and 1745z, and all
were on 20m. With the SV9 that brings me up to 59 countries heard from here
in the County of Northamptonshire (IO92RJ is the QRA locator) in England.
Vy 73,
Karl - RS174461
SWARL (Shortwave Amateur Radio Listening) List-owner
HTTP://swarl.lsitbot.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 11:34:04 +0200
From: Valentin <valonso@tid.es>
Subject: Re: [psk31] PTT
Dear all.
Agrees, I solved the PTT problem in general terms two ways
1) using a 2 circuit 2 position relay controled by the RS-232 (due to the
RCI 2950 needs)
It works well for all modes that I operate but to supply the relay was a
inconvenience.
2) Due that I have a homemade compressor base mic , I include a direct audio
input from the computer,
include the isolators for sound card and 3K3 Ohm pot. to adjust levels.
Finnaly I insert a Swicht to conmute from MIC to Line out. (Please, note
that the Line Out must NOT to go trought compressor electronics)
The second solution is taht I have working now and fulfill my requirements at
the moment.
73 de EA4CBH Valentin
Robbie Robertson wrote:
> Just a thought ;-)
>
> I added the "hard switch" to the ptt of my IC-730 and hot
> glued it to my keyboard, just in case the vox acted up...
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 20:00:33 +1000
From: Ken Jobling <kjobling@dbworld.net.au>
Subject: Re: [psk31] Comm Port 3
IRQ's 5 and 7 are often used for COM3 and COM4 depending, of course, on
what other hardware is installed in the computer.
Thomas Webb wrote:
>
> My comm ports 1 & 2 are in use(telephone modem and packet modem). Although a
> serial port switch box would allow me access to a DTS signal for PTT, I was
> considering adding a serial card to get comm 3. However, this raises the
> specter of IRQ conflicts. I was curious if other folks are using comm 3(or
> 4) and how they are getting around IRQ conflicts. Also, is anyone using a
> creative way to get the DTS line for PTT.
>
> Tom Webb, WA9AFM
- --
Ken Jobling
Email: kjobling@dbworld.net.au
or: k.jobling@bigfoot.com
or: vk3kjc@qsl.net
or: 29024253@pager.mirabilis.com
Web: http://www.bigfoot.com/~k.jobling/
http://www.qsl.net/vk3kjc/index.html
http://earth.dbworld.net.au/~kjobling/
http://members.xoom.com/kjobling/
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 06:35:44 -0400
From: "Doug Alspaugh (K3DUG)" <alspaugh@bellatlantic.net>
Subject: Re: [psk31] Comm Port 3
Tom,
I am using the Byterunner card. It allows 4 com ports and uses just on IRQ.
http://www.byterunner.com/
73 Doug K3DUG
http://www.k3dug.com/sstv/
- ----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Webb <tmwebb@ionet.net>
To: <psk31@bipt106.bi.ehu.es>
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 1999 9:13 PM
Subject: [psk31] Comm Port 3
> My comm ports 1 & 2 are in use(telephone modem and packet modem). Although
a
> serial port switch box would allow me access to a DTS signal for PTT, I
was
> considering adding a serial card to get comm 3. However, this raises the
> specter of IRQ conflicts. I was curious if other folks are using comm
3(or
> 4) and how they are getting around IRQ conflicts. Also, is anyone using a
> creative way to get the DTS line for PTT.
>
> Tom Webb, WA9AFM
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 07:40:22 -0500
From: "Nathan Odle" <nodle01@mail.coin.missouri.edu>
Subject: [psk31] PSK31/Field Day: Success!
Sounds like most of you guys didn't see much success with PSK31 over Field
Day. Well I'll tell ya, we (the Central Missouri Radio Assn.)had a great
time. We ran under the club callsign K0SI, and made almost *40* contacts
for points, covering 10m, 15m, 20m, and 40m. Nothing too significant about
our setup, aside from the fact that we were running the Linux version, which
doesn't have the waterfall display. We were running everything on a Caldera
OpenLinux 2.2 install...using a PII/450 and an FT-990. Antenna was a
generic tri-bander yagi up 25ft. or so on a portable mast. I've included a
short article I wrote for our newsletter to give you guys an idea about how
everything else went. Hope to see you guys on the air next year!
Nathan Odle, KB0NNV
President, Central Missouri Radio Association
Email: KB0NNV@go.com
<ARTICLE FOLLOWS>
Introduction:
- -------------
Many amateurs have been discovering a new digital mode created by Peter
Martinez - G3PLX, called "PSK31". PSK31's name comes from the acronym PSK,
for "Phase Shift Keying", and the fact that it transmits at a rate of 31
baud. Many people might balk at this slow speed, especially when they
expect so much more from a standard telephone modem, but when one considers
the advantages of this mode it's easy to overlook it's slow speed (which
really isn't that slow when you consider how fast most folks type). PSK31
is very narrow-banded, needing less than 100Hz between channels (as opposed
to an estimated 300Hz for CW). In addition, the mode is unique for it's
inherent "error prediction", which helps a user copy weak signals, even
those which can't be heard over the rig's speaker.
PSK31 was recently written up in QST, and has gotten very popular in recent
months; it seems that every ham you talk to is looking for a way to get on
the air with PSK31. Even the diehard CW fans (WY0B) are looking to get a
PSK31 rig together, impressed by the small fraction of bandwidth it takes up
on our crowded amateur bands. Because of its recent popularity, the
decision was made to include PSK31 in this year's field day effort.
Setup and Equipment:
- --------------------
The standard PSK31 rig consists of an HF transceiver, a computer with a
soundcard and PSK31 software, and assorted cables to link them together.
There are also solutions that use many of the Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
evaluation kits out there, but for practical purposes most hams use the
computer's soundcard for input and output. The software is currently
available in Windows 3.1/95 and Linux versions.
It was decided that we'd be brave this year, and attempt to use the Linux
version, called PSK31LX (which is labeled by the author as "beta", meaning
that it's still a work in progress). For those that aren't familiar with
Linux, it's a free operating system that has become very popular in recent
years - it is very efficient and scales well from an old '386 to the latest
and greatest hardware. Many hams also have a soft spot in their hearts for
it; the open nature of the operating system makes it a "homebrewer's
delight". We were surprised but proud when we later discovered that we were
the only Field Day participants (that we know of) daring enough to run the
Linux version of PSK31!
With Linux CD in hand the night before Field Day, we (Jason McFarland -
KC0EZP, and myself) set out to create a system capable of running PSK31.
After an easy install of the Caldera OpenLinux 2.2 distribution, it was then
time to compile the PSK31LX software we found on the Internet. For those
that aren't familiar with Linux or other UNIX variants, software is often
distributed as source code (the author's actual "typed-out" program
instructions) and the user is expected to compile it to turn it into an
executable program. Again, the ease with which a ham can go in and modify a
piece of software is a big reason for Linux's popularity in our community!
A few snags were found in compiling the PSK31LX source code on our new Linux
install, and eventually it was necessary to upload it to a University
machine (Shhh!), compile it there, and then download for use. I must
congratulate Jason on his part in this - without his ingenuity we would have
been PSK31-less! Of course by that time the conflict between Jason and the
Linux machine was getting personal, so there wasn't much that could have
stood in his way...
Once we had the PSK31 software installed, we proceeded to interface the rig
to the computer. This involves two audio cables (input and output) from the
computer's soundcard to the appropriate jacks on the rig. Once the cables
were connected, a few line-level adjustments were made to ensure our signal
wasn't distorted. With a press of the rig's VOX button, away we went!
Transmitting into a dummy load, we were able to monitor our signal and
record it using a receiver and another computer. By then playing it back
into the PSK31 rig's sound card, we were able to copy what we had just sent.
At that point, everything looked like it was ready to go so we packed up and
got some much needed sleep!
Field Day
- ---------
Once we reached the park, setup was easy. A few connections were made, and
the computer booted. Another check, and everything looked just fine...but
we had yet to make a "real" PSK31 Field Day QSO! After things got going we
called (typed!) "CQ CQ CQ de K0SI K0SI K0SI" and were immediately answered
by another station's call blinking up on the screen. Success! This started
a run of QSOs - we found that once we established a contact with one
station, a string of three or four more usually followed. This would
continue on through the night until the early hours. Eventually, new
contacts became rare - it seemed that everyone running PSK31 had already
found one another and made contact. At that point, more casual ragchews
ensued and we got to know a little more about our fellow Field Day
participants. Though we weren't scoring points, it was a welcome change of
pace, and not something that one normally gets to do during a big contest
like Field Day.
Besides KC0EZP and myself, several others got to try their hand at PSK31.
Amongst the most excited was Bill, KB0TCR. In addition, another Bill -
N0MAM, got some "screen time". There were many other onlookers who also
expressed interest, and they were all encouraged to take a turn at the
keyboard. In all, we made nearly 40 PSK31 QSO's, and probably could have
had more if there were more PSK31 stations participating.
Conclusion
- ---------
There's a first time for everything, and that pretty much sums up our
experience with PSK31 on Field Day. Overall, our points total probably
wasn't worth the "3A" designation it gave us, but at the same time we had
plenty of fun! The event was also a good opportunity for those who hadn't
experienced the PSK31 mode to see what it was all about. I hope that most
participants agree that it was a good thing to have, and perhaps we'll see a
digital station again next year. PSK31 is a relatively new mode, so
hopefully there will be plenty more contacts to make next June!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 09:11:39 -0400
From: Howard Teller <hteller@home.com>
Subject: [psk31] MIXW32 font
MIXW32 is a great program, but the Courier font it uses is not as easy
on the eyes as a darker font, and the bold Courier is not as clear as a
screen font should be. If you use MIXW32 and WIN95, and would like a
darker and cleaner font than the Courier font, you can trick MIXW32 into
using the SYSTEM font instead of Courier, if you are willing to give up
the Courier font:
1. Reboot the computer to pure DOS (not a DOS box).
2. In the Windows\Fonts directory, rename all Courier fonts. I renamed
the Cour*.fon to Cour*.fox and Cour*.ttf to Cour*.ttx for later easy
identification.
3. Reboot, and MIXW32 will use the SYSTEM font. "Bold font" in the MIXW
Setup/misc tab should be unchecked, as the SYSTEM font is bolded
already.
4. If you don't like the change, just reverse the procedure and rename
the Courier fonts back to their original names.
Try it. You'll like it!
73, Howard, KH6TY
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 08:46:14 -0500
From: John Chamberlain <chamber@cord.org>
Subject: [psk31] Comm Port 3
On Tue, 29 Jun 1999 20:13:48 "Thomas Webb" <tmwebb@ionet.net> wrote:
>My comm ports 1 & 2 are in use(telephone modem and packet
>modem)....I was considering adding a serial card to
>get comm 3. However, this raises the specter of IRQ conflicts....
Thomas,
Normally COM1 and COM3 share an IRQ. That's OK as long as you don't plan
on using them both at the same time. Since it's not likely that you would
use both the packet modem and PSK at the same time, you could use COM1 for
the packet modem, and COM3 for the PSK PTT control.
73 de AC5CV
John Chamberlain (AC5CV@arrl.org)
Waco, TX EM11jm
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 16:18:00 +0200
From: Peter van Daalen <Van.Daalen@cable.a2000.nl>
Subject: Re: [psk31] 6 Meter PSK 50.300
Hear, hear ! I'll try from PA to USA on 50.300.
Who else is interested ? ( I agreed with Rich, AA1Z/6 and Bruce, N0NHP
already ).
Please sched with me if coming F openings will allow.
( And ...please psk31 activity on 6 and up in Europe too.)
Peter, PE1ECM
Rich Filia wrote:
> 6 Meter PSKers,
>
> This is a reminder for PSK op.’s to use 50.300 MHz and up as the
> starting point for
> PSK mode operation.
>
> Openings to Europe/ Asia and from N. America on 6 should provide an
> excellent test for PSK on weak signal / DX contacts where voice is not
> copyable. Let’s get on frequency and make some noise on 50.300 MHz!
>
> Once the bandplan acknowledges PSK/QPSK modes I think we can exist
> along with CW and supplement the weak signal work with this mode. Until
> then look and listen to 50.300.
>
> Thanks for reading!
>
> Rich
> AA1Z/6
> CM88
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 11:34:38 -0300
From: py2pll@unetsul.com.br (Marcus Ramos (0946))
Subject: Re: [psk31] PTT
Hi ...
To left serial ports free for any other app:
One "COR" solution can be done using tone decoders (LM567), designed to lock
+/-10% of it's bandpass, etc etc ...
Ok, requires power to run so considering SB delivering 0dBm at it's line out
(so requiring external atenuator to drive mic/aux radio inputs) may be using
Ge or Schotky diodes we can detect this voltage and drive a bipolar xsistor
or even a power FET. No supply on that.
Left channel can be used to drive the radio and the right channel to drive
the COR ...
I have high serial ports/IRQ demand: Kachina, EVM Modem (one now, may be two
someday), KPC9612, Hamcomm interface, Kachina Knob (future), and some spare
ports to HighSpeed packet tests so COR here is necessary.
Besides, left the serial away from ground potential diferences ... It's not
a pleasure task replace an SMD device such as HIN237 RS232 damaged on
motherboard due to ground potential diferences :o(
73
Marcus (PY3CRX/PY2PLL)
http://www.unetsul.com.br/py2pll
- -----Mensagem original-----
De: Robbie Robertson <rrobertson@ameritech.net>
Para: psk31 <psk31@aintel.bi.ehu.es>
Data: Quarta-feira, 30 de Junho de 1999 01:35
Assunto: [psk31] PTT
>Hi Gang,
>
>Reading a lot of comments on PTT problems, I thought of the
>little VOX circuit kits you see at most all big hamfests.
>Hummmm Wonder if they would solve a lot of those irq and
>serial port problems as well as the problems some are having
>with the built in vox ckts of thier rigs...
>
>Just a thought ;-)
>
>I added the "hard switch" to the ptt of my IC-730 and hot
>glued it to my keyboard, just in case the vox acted up...
>
>73
>--
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 09:30:06 PDT
From: Ron Thomas <n4wyr@hotmail.com>
Subject: [psk31] Re: Computer RFI
Our club had several desk top computers at Field Day, with minimal
interference problems, for years. In my experience, if the computer has a
metal case, and it is grounded to the station ground, there will not be much
interference on HF. This is with computers ranging from XT's and 286's to a
Pentium 166 MMX. The modem seems to interfere a lot with 2 meters. I had
noticed it with my previous computer, interference which changed depending
on whether the modem was in use. Now I have an external modem and notice a
huge difference depending on whether the modem is powered on or not.
Ron N4WYR
n4wyr@hotmail.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 09:41:52 -0700
From: "Violette, Daniel R" <Daniel.Violette@West.Boeing.com>
Subject: RE: [psk31] Comm Port 3
Assuming the modem is external (if it is internal set it up for Com 3 or 4
and use the Com 1/2 for external stuff). Anyway, I would put the telephone
modem along with either of the other two you do not plan on using at the
same time.
Example:
If you do not plan on using the telephone modem the same time as keying PSK
then just use them as COM1 (modem) and COM3 (PSK keying). They would share
an IRQ (assuming your new board doesn't allow 'non-standard' IRQs), but
since they would not be talking to the computer at the same time, no
conflict.
The way I remember this:
- - Each serial device needs a separate COM port for the computer to talk to
the correct device when needed.
- - Each serial device that plans on talking to the computer at the same
time, needs a separate IRQ.
Before bi-directional printing, the printer IRQ was not used by the printer
since it did not talk to the computer, and this IRQ could be 'borrowed'.
An IRQ is used by the device to get the computer's attention. If the
devices with the same IRQ are not 'being used' at the same time, no problem
only one will ever be trying to get the computer's attention. I have my
radio control and internal modem on the same IRQ (COM2, COM4) since I am
never accessing both at the same time.
Hope I explained this clearly.
Dan KI6X
> ----------
> From: Thomas Webb[SMTP:tmwebb@ionet.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 1999 6:13 PM
> To: psk31@aintel.bi.ehu.es
> Subject: [psk31] Comm Port 3
>
> My comm ports 1 & 2 are in use(telephone modem and packet modem). Although
> a
> serial port switch box would allow me access to a DTS signal for PTT, I
> was
> considering adding a serial card to get comm 3. However, this raises the
> specter of IRQ conflicts. I was curious if other folks are using comm
> 3(or
> 4) and how they are getting around IRQ conflicts. Also, is anyone using a
> creative way to get the DTS line for PTT.
>
> Tom Webb, WA9AFM
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 17:33:31 -0400
From: "Robert Lay" <w9dmk@crosslink.net>
Subject: [psk31] Details of the Radio Shack #270-054 Ground Loop Isolator
Today I purchased a #270-054 Ground Loop Isolator at Radio Shack and expect to
use it at some point for the PSK31 mode.
I assume that others may be interested in the details of this device and its
price, which is $14.99 plus tax.
- --------------------------------------------------------------
I would like to point out that you can purchase the small 1:1 isolation
transformers (#273-1374) from Radio Shack individually for $3.99 each. The
approximately 11:1 step down (1000 ohm to 8 ohm) transformers (#273-1380) are
$1.99 each.
- --------------------------------------------------------------
You actually get two items in the Ground Loop Isolator package as follows:
Item 1)
Two 1:1 isolation transformers packaged in one assembly, with a pigtail
connector providing separate plugs for the primary and secondary of each. On one
side of the system the pigtails are 48" long and are terminated in RCA Phono
Plugs. As you would hope, NONE of the windings have any common connections. Each
transformer winding has its own RCA Phone Plug. On the opposite side of the
system there are identically organized pigtails that are only 6" long - that is
each transformer has its own RCA Phono Plug.
[Just in case anyone is challenged by the terminology "plug" and "jack", in my
parlance the "plug" is the male connector and the "jack" is the female
connector.
Item 2)
This item is a 6" long adapter provided for conversion from the RCA Phone plugs
to a 1/8" Mini Stereo Plug (ideally suited for the sound card jacks). At the
other end from the Mini Stereo Plug there are two RCA Phono Jacks. Obviously,
since the ground sides of those two jacks become common at the Mini Stereo Plug,
this adapter is not appropriate for all situations. However, for the PSK31 mode
and the typical sound card, it is not only acceptable, it is ideal.
Depending on the Make and Model of your Transceiver, the connections at the rig
could be anything from very minor effort to a slam dunk. For those lucky folks
having RCA Phono Jacks on the back of the rig, it's a slam dunk (with only a
possible difficulty relative to levels). For those who are taking all of their
connections through an accessory connector on the back of the rig, it would make
sense to wire up a couple of pigtails into an adapter assembly such that there
is an in-line RCA Phono Jack for each of the two audio circuits, and those
circuits would connect into the appropriate pins of the accessory connector.
As far as levels are concerned, I don't want to give anyone bad advice, so I say
this with some trepidation. The need for a potentiometer to reduce audio level
into the transceiver has not been required at my QTH. This is because I do NOT
feed the Microphone input jack. My rigs can take a substantial audio level into
the stage AFTER the microphone pre-amp stage - therefore, I will not be using a
potentiometer. For those users who will be feeding into the Microphone input
jack, they must be careful to not overdrive the microphone input circuitry, and
a potentiometer to set the level is necessary.
73 de Bob Lay, W9DMK, King George, VA
http://www.qsl.net/w9dmk
http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/albania/784
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------------------------------
End of Psk31 Digest V1 #94
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