All, Had several QSO's with first-time MT63 OPs this week. Some had a difficulty getting used to the software settings so I thought I'd pass along a few tips.
Peak Power: Peak power will be substantially higher than the average with this mode so it's best to use the software's tune feature to set the transmitters output. The most common mistake is setting the RF output power with the MT63 signal itself. This can cause distortion / throughput issues. A typical peak setting of 25 watts will show about 5 watts average on your rigs meter. Software: Fldigi, MultiPSK and Mixw all work well. Nino Porcino's MT63 Terminal has signal report and tune features that are useful for the beginner. It also has a couple of nifty "analog" gauges that measure confidence and SNR. It works well and is easy to setup. Use the asterisk * in the transmit buffer to allow the type-ahead feature. See http://xoomer.virgilio.it/aporcino/MT63/index.htm Reception: Use the markers in the waterfall and keep the signal centered between them. Nino's MT63 software has a two-tone transmit marker that helps the other party tune your signal. It shows the receiving station where the top and bottom edge of the MT63 signal is. This feature is especially helpful when signals are weak. Fast Chat Mode: It will take some getting used to MT631K if your typing is slow; it's best to use the type-ahead buffer to keep things rolling along. The 1K mode does 100 wpm so text files can be sent at a fair pace. The cut-and-paste works well for sending emails and other small files. The mode resists QRM / QRN very well and will usually print with a fair chunk of the signal overlapped by another MT63 signal. Use common sense when running a wide mode like MT63. Listen carefully to make sure your not causing interference. The 1K, long interleave mode gives the best bang-for-the-buck. Tony -K2MO
