Re: [digitalradio] Fwd: [KenwoodTS-2000] D-Star with the TS-2000

2010-09-07 Thread J. Moen
There are people who probably have the answers to the points you make since 
some have already had DX QSOs using D-Star -- I haven't, so I'm looking to try 
this out on 10 meters.  Mostly I think your prediction will turn out to be 
correct.  I am expecting that only under near-perfect conditions between the 
two parties will D-Star make it via HF propagation.  My experience on VHF is 
that it's extremely susceptible to multipath.

On the other hand, during previous sunspot cycles, I've experienced 
near-perfect conditions on 10 meters.  I definitely would not see the present 
D-Star for everyday digital voice on HF, though I can see some value in a 6 
meter repeater, and some 10 meter activity, with callsign routing, 
repeater/reflector linking, low speed data, short messages, etc.  

10 meters has a lot of real estate, so I would think the wider bandwidth of 
D-Star will not be un-neighborly except possibly during a busy contest.  But 
then, that's true of a lot of modes on HF during contests.

It will be fun to watch David Lowe's Codec2 project evolve and see how narrow a 
bandwidth he can achieve.  For everyday DV on HF, that may be the best path.  
In the meantime, I'd just like to experiment and learn.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Tony 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2010 12:04 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Fwd: [KenwoodTS-2000] D-Star with the TS-2000  

  I have to agree that it would be interesting to experiment with the D-Star 
modem, but it doesn't seem practical for HF. In addition to gobbling up a fair 
amount of spectrum, I suspect that it would be difficult to maintain the 
required SNR with a modem that's 6KHz wide. 

  The narrow-band FDMDV modem worked out well by not only improving sensitivity 
over WinDRM, but by allowing one to "squeeze" the signal between the adjacent 
QRM. The modems quick recover time was a real plus as well - not sure how long 
it takes for the D-Star modem to re-sync.

  Tony -K2MO 


Re: [digitalradio] New

2010-08-29 Thread J. Moen
There's a good introduction to APRS at http://www.wa8lmf.net/bruninga/aprs.html

At the bottom of that page is a link to join the TAPR APRSSIG email list.  It 
is very active and I'd recommend you join.

My other suggestion applies if you would like to have some fun at home right 
off the bat.  Download a copy of UI-View32 from http://www.ui-view.org/

You can start out running this program to watch other position beacons as they 
are reported through RF digipeaters with IGate capability.  That is, you can 
play with APRS reporting from data on the internet even before you hook up your 
PC to your radio.  You can focus on any location you want, world-wide.  My 
first introduction to APRS, years ago, was when a friend took a vacation and 
beaconed the whole trip.  I could watch in near real time as he navigated 
across the US.  

In addition to UI-View32, you can use the findu.com site to lookup APRS info 
directly on the internet.  To focus on your home town of Joplin, MO, using 
findu.com, I looked for APRS activity near your lat/long as reported on qrz.com 
for your callsign:

http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/near.cgi?lat=37.034415&lon=-94.509317&last=240&distance=200&n=100&rate=1

It shows the activity in your area, and the fact that there's an IGate in 
Joplin.

Next you can connect to your radio and begin to have UI-View32 issue position 
reports from your home QTH.  You can configure UI-View32 with your fixed 
lat/long info and don't need a GPS for that.  Some people who have a home 
weather station that can connect to their PC will use that to have their home 
QTH APRS beacons contain the latest temp, wind, etc.

If it's still fun, I'd consider the other recommendations you've gotten.  As 
Jeff KE7ACY pointed out "If you want to send out APRS packets so that others 
can track your movements - all you need is a TinyTrak type device and an HT."  
That can be fun.  One time I was at Dayton for the Hamvention.  I typically 
bring along my HT and a mag mount for the rental car.  Hooked up the gps to the 
HT as I drove around the area.  I'd given my wife the findu.com link to track 
me, and she called me on the cell from back in California and asked why I was 
on the freeway going 8 miles per hour.  I thought that was pretty funny, while 
I sat there in the traffic jam.

As suggested by others, you can go whole hog while mobile and bring along a lap 
or netbook and hook your gps to that, and to the radio.  People do that, but I 
would first try some of the simpler ideas listed above to get started.  Good 
luck.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Dan 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2010 5:18 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] New 
  I would like to try APRS, but have no idea where to start. I now have a GPS 
unit from TomTom. What else do I need and where do I start?
  Thank you,
  Dan Walker WD5CND



Re: [digitalradio] Digital Voice News - VK5DGR's Open Source Codec

2010-08-26 Thread J. Moen
This is very, very good news, and it may turn out to be a very big deal.  It 
will be fun to hear reports from the early adopters.  There aren't many people 
who can write this kind of code -- if you like where Dave is headed, you may 
want to donate to his CODEC2 effort that's referred to in the link below.  

Ever since we all discovered that MELP was not legally available, we've all 
been waiting for something good that's open source.  CODEC2 may allow a narrow 
enough bandwidth for widespread use on HF, and it may provide an alternative 
for VHF/UHF digital voice in the future.  While I don't begrudge D-Star's use 
of the $25 AMBE proprietary codec on a chip, that approach prevents the kind of 
experimentation that hams are famous for.  A software only codec would be very 
welcome as the future unfolds

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Tony 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 12:24 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Digital Voice News - VK5DGR's Open Source Codec  
  All,

  Dave Rowe, VK5DGR, has just released an open source speech codec that 
  could potentially be used in such digital voice applications as FDMDV 
  and WinDRM. Dave says that his new CODEC2 needs work, but the speech 
  quality of the Alpha release is pretty good. He has a few audio samples 
  of CODEC2 and the proprietary codec MELP (for comparison) on his website:
  http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?page_id=452

  For more information, visit Dave's main site at http://www.rowetel.com/blog/

  Tony -K2MO



Re: [digitalradio] Re: New guy

2010-08-24 Thread J. Moen
Steve,

There have been some terrific responses with some great advice.

I'll focus only on the interface between the radio and the PC's soundcard.  
Even for casual usage, I'd recommend that you not use the built-in soundcard 
that came with your computer, and that you probably use for PC things like 
playing CDs or DVD sound, or even Echolink, VOIP or other PC mike/speakers 
usage.

So either get an interface with an external soundcard built into it (the 
Signalink USB is an excellent choice), or somehow get a 2nd soundcard for your 
PC that you will use only for digital mode applications.

Just a few years ago, I'd have recommended for your tower or desktop PC that 
you simply add a cheap sound card.  But many people now are using laptops that 
don't support adding cards to them.  So if you don't go with a combined 
interface/soundcard device like the Signalink, I'd recommend you get an 
external soundcard connected to the PC with a USB cable.  There are good ones 
from the Creative Soundblaster line, but I'm sure there are many other good 
ones.  There are even some tiny USB sound dongles, but they really vary in 
quality.  Still, if you get one that works, they are small and easy to connect.

The reason you want a second soundcard is so that you can keep all your cables 
connected up permanently and can switch to digital modes without any hassel.  
You won't have to unplug the PC's mike and speakers and connect up the cables 
to your interface.  All your PC sound level settings will stay the same and 
won't need to be adjusted when you fire up the digital mode.

The Signalink USB interface has a feature that some really like -- it has a 
built-in VOX circuit that will key PTT on your radio when it hears the PC 
generate output tone data.  This means you don't need an extra cable from the 
PC to the interface to carry PTT info.  Hooking up a Signalink USB the first 
time is really easy.

I personally prefer having the PC key the transmitter explicitly.  This is 
personal preference only, and many prefer the VOX approach.  Anyway, I have an 
external USB sound device connected to a Buxcomm Rascal interface.  So I need a 
cable from the interface to the PC (the current Rascal will suport either a 
serial or a USB cable) for PTT.  I don't mind this extra cable, and I like 
explicit control of PTT.  But that's just me.

Good luck!

Jim


  - Original Message - 
  From: KB3FXI 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 2:03 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: New guy



  Jon,

  Excellent explanation! You should be a teacher (if you aren't already).

  And, Stephen... welcome to the hobby and digital modes.

  Here's my personal preference with some elaboration:

  Interface: USB Signalink
  USB Signalink has an on board sound card so you don't have to tie up your 
computer soundcard. It also only has 2 cables... one to the radio and a USB to 
the computer. Power is supplied by the USB cable. I've found the devices with 
rats nests of audio and power cables hanging off them give a much greater 
chance for picking up RF and locking up your computer.

  Software: NBEMS / FLDIGI (www.w1hkj.com)
  FLDIGI multimode software is built for all major platforms. So, if you go 
from Windows to MAC, you just download the MAC version and away you go. This is 
a preference thing, but I like the single window display of FLDIGI. However, if 
you're going to get into contesting, I think the logging and automatic rig 
control may be a bit more advanced and better refined on HRD. Rig control is 
where your radio and software share info such as frequency, filter settings, 
volume, etc. You can change frequencies and settings on the rig from the 
software. I've not had much luck with NBEMS rig control but I don't care enough 
about the feature to bother to trouble shoot it.

  With regard to the software the good thing is both HRD and NBEMS/FLDIGI 
are free, so you can check them out and see what you think before going down 
one path or another.

  I'd take up some of the fellows offers to help you down your way. And if you 
can meet up and have someone give you a demo, that's the way to go. The first 
time you open some of these programs, it can look much more complicated than it 
actually is.

  Good luck and let us know when you're ready to make some digital contacts. 
I've chatted with quite a few hams in LA on both digital and phone... maybe 
we'll get lucky and meet up on a good path.

  -Dave, KB3FXI

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, "JonP"  wrote:
  >
  > Some of your questions are sort of "which taste better -- apples or 
oranges?" and you may get all sorts of different answers depending on personal 
preference. I'll give you some of what I believe are the differentiating 
factors. I'll also tell you my personal decisions but they are mine and others 
will not agree because it's a personal thing.
  > 
  > HRD vs. Others: There are a couple of programs like HRD, FLDIGI

Re: [digitalradio] Digital Modes With Netbook (Was 'Good USB Soundcard')

2010-08-16 Thread J. Moen
Jon KB1QBZ wrote: "the need to run HRD AND the logbook AND the IP server in 
v5.x in order to get a logbook and the real-time identification..."

I run a Beta version 5 of DM780 and often start it directly by itself, just to 
check the bands.  If I need the logbook, I can load it separately.  Logbook 
wants to start up the IP server.  But HRD itself is not required, in my 
experience.

I just create shortcuts to DM780 and HRD Logbook and use that to get these 
going.   On my machine, the shortcuts point to
  "C:\Program Files\Amateur Radio\Ham Radio Deluxe\Digital Master.exe"
  "C:\Program Files\Amateur Radio\Ham Radio Deluxe\HRDLogbook.exe"

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: JonP 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 3:57 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Digital Modes With Netbook (Was 'Good USB Soundcard')



  In the 'Good USB Soundcard' thread, someone was asking about using netbooks 
with digital modes.

  I've been testing digital modes with a couple of different netbook computers 
from Acer and HP using fldigi, DM-780 (version 4.x), and DM-780 (v5.x). All 
were running Win XP.

  The netbooks worked well with a Signalink USB and fldigi as well as DM-780 
(v4.x).

  HOWEVER, I found that I needed to upgrade the netbooks from 1GB to 2GB of 
memory for them to work well with the RIGblaster PlugNPlay and RIGblaster 
nomic. Before I upgraded, the computer had a tendency to lock up in receive. 
Once I upgraded, the computers worked well with the RIGblasters.

  I've tested with PSK-31 and PSK-63, Contestia (various), DominoEX (various), 
MFSK (various), MT63 (various), Feld Hell, Olivia (various), and Throb 
(various). I've also tested with NBEMS using MFSK and DominoEX without problem.

  I have not been happy using the netbooks with DM-780 v5.x. It seems to be 
because v5.x requires running HRD AND the separate logbook program AND the IP 
Server in order to get the logbook and real-time call letter identification 
(DM-780 v4.x didn't require all of that overhead). I've noticed a tendency for 
the netbooks to hang for at least a couple of seconds every so often.

  By the way, if I'm misinterpreting the need to run HRD AND the logbook AND 
the IP server in v5.x in order to get a logbook and the real-time 
identification, someone please tell me.

  Jon, KB1QBZ



Re: [digitalradio] Re: Good USB sound card ?

2010-08-14 Thread J. Moen
On another reflector, Jonathan Naylor G4KLX talks about his D-Star Client 
software which is a soundcard program to operate D-Star through an analog 
radio.  Since the fancier soundcards and even USB fobs typically have extra 
circuitry that ends up filtering the lowest audio frequencies that are used by 
gmsk, he recommends getting the cheapest and simplest USB sound fob you can 
find.  His own fob was purchased on eBay for 1 pound.  

I suspect the various digital modes have different audio requirements, and the 
gmsk requirement represents one extreme.  Perhaps some of the very weak signal 
modes require a sound device with minimal distortion and may represent the 
other extreme.

   Jim - K6JM
  - Original Message - 
  From: g4ilo 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2010 6:57 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Good USB sound card ?

  I had one that looks exactly like that though it was sold under another name, 
and I could not decode 300baud packet at all with it. When used to play back 
recordings of very weak EME CW all I could hear was band noise.

  I did try it on my Echolink node for a bit with no apparent problems. So my 
opinion is that while these cheap USB sound devices may work fine for normal 
computer audio they are not a good idea at all for digital modes. You may not 
even realize why it isn't working, or what weak signals you are missing.

  Julian, G4ILO

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Rik van Riel  wrote:
  >
  > The Asterisk (VOIP) people have even written up instructions
  > on how to create a PTT circuit with this device. However,
  > I am just using the radio's VOX mode for now :)
  > 


Re: [digitalradio] Good USB sound card ?

2010-08-11 Thread J. Moen
The Signalink doesn't require a separate line from the PC to the interface for 
PTT.  Instead, it has its own VOX circuitry to key the transmitter when it 
hears data from the PC.  

Some people really prefer this.  I happen to prefer having the PC program 
(HRD's DM780 in my case) directly control PTT.  My main pc has a spare serial 
port that I use for this purpose, but I've also used it on my laptop with a USB 
to serial adapter.

It's really easy to build just a serial PTT circuit from a few cheap parts. If 
I used the Signalink USB, I'd do that and not use its VOX.  Or, you can get an 
interface that expects the PTT line froom the PC and drives the radio's PTT 
pin.  

In my case, I'm using a Buxcomm Rascal as the interface.  It doesn't have a 
built-in soundcard like the Signalink USB, so I have used a US $10 soundcard 
that I added to my tower PC, and right now I'm using an external USB sound 
device (both the Creative USB Soundblaster and the Creative Audigy NX at 
different times).  It's a little more hardware than the Signalink approach, but 
I get my PC-driven PTT.

I have also played with the very inexpensive USB sound FOBs you can get on eBay 
for almost free.

But, as I say, some people really prefer the VOX PTT.  So we all have choices.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Raymond Lunsford 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 3:01 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Good USB sound card ?

  Yes,use Signalink USB.I've got one works great,K4YDI.



  On Wed, Aug 11, 2010 at 3:04 PM, graham787  wrote:

Looks like theRDX-150-EF  has been  dropped

any ideas on a 'good'  usb card for  data  use ??

Tnx - G.


Re: [digitalradio] Re: Direct RTTY Generation

2010-08-09 Thread J. Moen
I know this thread is about a simple QRP project for beginners, but the NUE-PSK 
does support RTTY as well as PSK31.  You could backback with an 817 and the 
modem, though they are nearing completion on an SDR board that apparently could 
be fit into the NUE-PSK enclosure.  Not much to haul around.

Jim - K6JM

- Original Message - 
  From: vsmith269 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, August 05, 2010 6:55 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Direct RTTY Generation

  Interesting idea with enough design challenges to make it fun. Have you given 
any thought to the RX end - decoding the received RTTY?

  I would love to see (and use) a system like this. Backpacking with an RTTY 
setup would be neat.

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, "Simon HB9DRV"  wrote:
  >
  > How will you get the shift correct? Doesn't have to be too exact but does
  > have to be +/- 25% or so.
  > 
  > I was thinking about this while walking the dog - for a simple solution a
  > SoftRock v6.3 would maybe a simpler / better hardware solution but you'll
  > need more presky software :)
  > 
  > Simon Brown, HB9DRV
  > http://sdr-radio.com
  > 
  > > -Original Message-
  > > From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  > > 
  > > 
  > > A simple QRP Tx suitable for beginners, for example, is usually the
  > > ubiquitous 1 Watt 40m thing for CW that all the magazines and book
  > > seem include ad-ad-naueam, built into sweet tins or whatever novel box
  > > they can think of. I want to be different, and publish a design for
  > > RTTY. A simple varicap across a crystal, needing a bit of applied
  > > science with SSB Rx and Spectrogram prog to set the shift - all part of
  > > the basic learning process.
  > > 
  > > But to do that needs a way of driving the Tx with a wire that just
  > > waggles 1/0 with RTTY data - just like the mechanical teleprinters of
  > > old. So long as it does it at 45 or 50 baud and is properly timed
  > > (perhaps not so easy using Windoze - could this be why there's nothing
  > > out there?)
  > > 
  > > I wanted to steer away from a design that linearly upconverted from a
  > > soundcard then filtered and amplified the result. The request was
  > > for "simple designs for beginners"
  > >

Re: [digitalradio] Re: The worlds nastiest PSK signal

2010-08-07 Thread J. Moen
You are not too fussy.  We should all try to have clean signals.  Imagine if 
everyone were that wide during a contest.  If enough people give the bad signal 
operators accurate feedback, perhaps many of those operators will try to fix 
the problem.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: raf3151019 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 11:40 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: The worlds nastiest PSK signal  
  I see some like that, and surprisingly they are often like London buses, you 
have two or three appearing at the same time ! The other day an horrendous load 
of krap was being generated by a German station and I told him three times, in 
an hour, about the poor quality of his transmission. But he continued on 
regardless, and made contacts and I don't think anybody else mentioned it. Its 
quite obvious then that I'm too fussy !

  Regards, Mel G0GQK



Re: [digitalradio] Re: World's nastiest PSK31 signal

2010-08-04 Thread J. Moen
Maybe, but I had a nice PSK31 QSO with a CO last week.   He had a very clean 
signal.

   Jim - K6JM
  - Original Message - 
  From: KB3FXI 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 3:21 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: World's nastiest PSK31 signal  

  Andy, 

  I've seen some CO psk signals that would beat that by a mile.

  -Dave, KB3FXI

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Andy obrien  wrote:
  >
  > On 10M tonight, from Mexico
  > 
  > See attached, the image around 500 Hz is his MAIN signal with LOTS of
  > side bars, and the image around 1700 Hz is also him !
  > 
  > Andy K3UK

Re: [digitalradio] Ubuntu - thank you

2010-07-28 Thread J. Moen
I think you got some great answers, with the general theme that Linux is an 
excellent operating system AND people have written native Linux ham programs 
that also are excellent.  Bottom line -- hams will be more than happy running 
Linux as their prime operating system.

There was one replier who felt the need to denigrate Windows ("You will be 
rewarded with inexpensive secure software that is very robust and stable. 
Something you never had with Windows and it's what makes Linux great.")  

That part is kind of hard to understand.  My Win XP SP3 machine has never 
crashed, not even once over these many years.  At work, our Vista machines 
never go down, except when Building Maintenance decides to cut power to the 
mains.  And I have used wonderfully robust Windows programs for many years.  

The fact that Windows is both stable and robust does not mean I think Linux 
isn't.  In fact, since I first read about Unix in 1977 and in the 80s played 
with various PC ports of Unix, and later Linux over the years, it's been 
fascinating to see this platform flourish and grow.  It IS an excellent 
operating system.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: n0alo 
  To: digiradio 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 4:53 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Ubuntu - thank you




  Thank you everyone for the very usefull information. The response was great!. 
I think I will install
  both on the HD so I can choose on boot-up for the time being. I have been 
told that once using
  Ubuntu for awhile, I will never want to go back to windows. We will see.
  Thanks again
  Lynn

Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating transceiver audio input"

2010-07-20 Thread J. Moen
Well, I set up a portable chair that has a small shelf on the side where I 
place my 817. Battery on the ground.  The NUE-PSK and very small keyboard sit 
on my lap.  Works very comfortably.  With PSK, I don't need to tune the radio 
very often, typically.  

I also liked the Commodore back in those days.  And my dad had a TI 99 (I think 
it was).  When computers were real and printed line by line on the screen.  
None of this namby pamby GUI stuff.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: James Hall 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 8:04 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"



  It'd be pretty cool if that nue-psk device was a little more like this: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80_Model_100 With the built in keyboard. Is it 
very cumbersome to have that, a keyboard and your radio going all at once?



  On Tue, Jul 20, 2010 at 10:20 PM, J. Moen  wrote:

  
 

Remote control. Very useful in some situations.  Especially if you aren't 
allowed to have decent antennas where you live.

The kick I get from battery-operated QRP operation is communicating without 
infrastructure.  I am out there with a battery, a radio, a NUE-PSK modem and a 
portable antenna.  No internet, no power company.

(Full disclosure --  I don't yet have a portable solar facility to recharge 
my battery, so right now I'm still tied to power company infrastructure for 
re-charging.   But architecturally, I don't have to be.)

As you say, both approaches have value.  This diversity is why Ham Radio is 
so interesting
   
   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Gary Edwards 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 6:25 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"




  NUE PSK is great for back packing and mobile operation so long as only 
PSK 31 or RTTY is of  interest. Computers offer a richer display with more 
options and the ability to generate many different modes. The idea is to go 
directly from the computer via IP to a back box  that is broadband and can be 
remotely located and is mode agnostic. Both approaches have their own 
advantages.






------
  From: J. Moen 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Tue, July 20, 2010 8:50:07 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"



  Will be interesting to compare this effort to the NUE-PSK, which takes a 
different appoach.  They have a modem that plugs directly into a transceiver' s 
Data port eliminating the need for PCs and soundcards, but they are now working 
on a "NUE-SDR" transceiver that either will fit as a card inside the little 
modem, or attach underneath it (not sure what their final design will be).  
This would eliminate both the PC and a separate transceiver.

  http://www.nue-psk.com/

 Jim - K6JM
- Original Message - 
From: obrienaj 
To: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com 
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:20 PM
Subject: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"  
"I am developing a 'modem' to directly modulate computer generated 
modes to RF thus eliminating the requirement of using a transceiver audio input"

Welcome to the group, tell us more.

Andy K3UK





Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating transceiver audio input"

2010-07-20 Thread J. Moen
Remote control. Very useful in some situations.  Especially if you aren't 
allowed to have decent antennas where you live.

The kick I get from battery-operated QRP operation is communicating without 
infrastructure.  I am out there with a battery, a radio, a NUE-PSK modem and a 
portable antenna.  No internet, no power company.

(Full disclosure --  I don't yet have a portable solar facility to recharge my 
battery, so right now I'm still tied to power company infrastructure for 
re-charging.   But architecturally, I don't have to be.)

As you say, both approaches have value.  This diversity is why Ham Radio is so 
interesting
   
   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Gary Edwards 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 6:25 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"




  NUE PSK is great for back packing and mobile operation so long as only PSK 31 
or RTTY is of  interest. Computers offer a richer display with more options and 
the ability to generate many different modes. The idea is to go directly from 
the computer via IP to a back box  that is broadband and can be remotely 
located and is mode agnostic. Both approaches have their own advantages.






------
  From: J. Moen 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Tue, July 20, 2010 8:50:07 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"



  Will be interesting to compare this effort to the NUE-PSK, which takes a 
different appoach.  They have a modem that plugs directly into a transceiver' s 
Data port eliminating the need for PCs and soundcards, but they are now working 
on a "NUE-SDR" transceiver that either will fit as a card inside the little 
modem, or attach underneath it (not sure what their final design will be).  
This would eliminate both the PC and a separate transceiver.

  http://www.nue-psk.com/

 Jim - K6JM
- Original Message - 
From: obrienaj 
To: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com 
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:20 PM
Subject: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"  
"I am developing a 'modem' to directly modulate computer generated modes to 
RF thus eliminating the requirement of using a transceiver audio input"

Welcome to the group, tell us more.

Andy K3UK



Re: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating transceiver audio input"

2010-07-20 Thread J. Moen
Will be interesting to compare this effort to the NUE-PSK, which takes a 
different appoach.  They have a modem that plugs directly into a transceiver's 
Data port eliminating the need for PCs and soundcards, but they are now working 
on a "NUE-SDR" transceiver that either will fit as a card inside the little 
modem, or attach underneath it (not sure what their final design will be).  
This would eliminate both the PC and a separate transceiver.

http://www.nue-psk.com/

   Jim - K6JM
  - Original Message - 
  From: obrienaj 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 5:20 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] directly modulate computer /thus eliminating 
transceiver audio input"  
  "I am developing a 'modem' to directly modulate computer generated modes to 
RF thus eliminating the requirement of using a transceiver audio input"

  Welcome to the group, tell us more.

  Andy K3UK



Re: [digitalradio] Re: Olivia vs. RTTY vs. PSK & spectrum efficiency

2010-07-20 Thread J. Moen
I completely understand the lure of the old mechanical teleprinters.  But I 
have to say I was surprised at my reaction to the addition of RTTY to the 
firmware in my NUE-PSK modem.  

I typically use the NUE-PSK battery powered plugged into my 817 while doing QRP 
in the field.  I don't need to lug along a laptop to do PSK31.  Apparently it 
was easy for them to add RTTY support, and by golly, I found myself doing the 
occasionally RTTY QSO using this little device.  And it was fun.

I would not have guessed a modern little device like the NUE-PSK would ever 
support RTTY, and I would not have guessed I'd get a kick out of it.  I mean, I 
still prefer other digital modes, but RTTY once in a while can be fun too, I've 
discovered.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Ralph Mowery 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 4:03 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Olivia vs. RTTY vs. PSK & spectrum efficiency

  - Original Message 
  From: g4ilo 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Tue, July 20, 2010 4:29:15 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Olivia vs. RTTY vs. PSK & spectrum efficiency

  Just because a mode is better doesn't mean that people will want to use it, 
  though, and I guess both RTTY and PSK31 are so established now that you'll 
never 
  persuade people to give them up.

  Julian, G4ILO

  

  While rtty can be replaced by other modes, they will not run on the 50 plus 
old 
  mechanical printers and the demodulators that go with them.  Just as some 
like 
  to run AM on the ham bands.  Not that good of a use of bandwidth, but just 
  something to play with that many enjoy.I doubt that many hams that run 
the 
  digital modes can really type very fast and depend on the micros in the 
  programs.  For the ones doing it in real time, psk31 probably has enough 
speed.



Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS back bigger and better !

2010-07-19 Thread J. Moen
I agree that traditional SS spread across a very large portion of the band 
would be bad here in the US if a lot of stations were using it at once.  ROS, 
though we know it's not as good as several other modes, is not that kind of SS. 
 It has limited bandwidth, not much different from a number of other modes, and 
the ban against it doesn't make sense.

So I don't agree with the FCC approach to their regulations, where they ban how 
the intelligence is transmitted rather than the bandwidth the signal occupies.  

At the same time, I just can't believe some of my fellow countrymen who think 
it's ok to pick and choose which rules you'll follow.  If you don't like the 
rules against petty theft, do you just steal?  

The right way is to campaign to get the rules you don't like changed, and until 
you do, follow them.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: KH6TY 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010 5:38 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS back bigger and better !



  I think there are valid reasons for the FCC only allowing spread spectrum 
above 222 Mhz (where there is plenty of room!). A single spread spectrum signal 
on HF may go unnoticed by most stations, but what happens if 100 (in range) are 
on at the same time? The statistical chances that where will be QRM on your 
frequency are much higher, the more stations that are on. 

  Our bands have very limited spectrum, and therefore it is up to all of us to 
cooperate in using the least bandwidth that will do the job. Perhaps it has 
been forgotten that five years ago, it was the practice for a single wideband 
Pactor-II mailbox to obliterate the entire PSK31 segment of the 20m band, 
displacing as many as 30 PSK31 stations. It was only after much discussion that 
the Pactor mailboxes agreed to move elsewhere. However there remains a Canadian 
Pactor-III automatic (not listening first) mailbox station just below 14.070 
that makes that area unusable by anyone else. The FCC regulations in the US do 
not allow US Pactor-III mailboxes to operate there, but, without consideration 
to others, the Canadian Pactor-III station (just across the border) just 
dominates that frequency at will when it could just as well operate in the 
automatic subbands with all the other Pactor-III mailboxes. This is a good 
example of "not getting along" with your neighbors!

  The FCC rules may seem unfair, and I am sure SOME are unfair, but there is a 
process of amendment that insures fair access by all parties, as best can be 
done. So, if you do not agree with the FCC rules (that PROTECT as well as 
hinder), take the step of filing a petition to amend the rules and make your 
case, but do not disregard the current rules because you think they are unfair, 
because others may not think the same, and they may be harmed by your breaking 
the rules.

  We all have to try to get along, and the best way to do that is to observe 
the local regulations, which have been made for the benefit of the many and not 
just for the benefit of the select few.

  If the regulations really deserve to be changed, make your case and let the 
process of public comment by ALL concerned parties determine what should be 
done. The FCC makes regulations only for the public benefit, and only after 
giving everyone a chance to comment.

  73, Skip KH6TY



Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS back bigger and better !

2010-07-19 Thread J. Moen
Your definition might be called what "good SS" is and the way ROS does SS might 
be called what "bad SS" is. But how wide is PSK31?  Is ROS wider?  So ROS is 
wider than needed to convey intelligence.  

What's sad is that one country's regulations (and they affect me since I live 
there) focus on the mechanism instead of the bandwidth. 

Your point is well taken, but not relevant to people under the FCC's 
jurisdiction.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: jsavitsky 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2010 2:39 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: ROS back bigger and better !





  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Alan Beagley  wrote:
  >
  > It seems to me that the developer of the mode may have cooked his own 
  > goose: he declared it to be a spread-spectrum mode, and spread-spectrum 
  > is mot legal on HF in the USA.

  In spite of what author claims, ROS is not a spread spectrum mode. Spread 
spectrum definition said that the SS signal is spread over the much wider 
frequency band (orders of magnitude) than the bandwidth minimum required to 
convey the intelligence. Let's take a pencil and do some math to check this 
with Shannon-Hartley law for channel capacity:

  C = B log2 (1 + S/N), where C  channel capacity in bps, B  channel 
bandwidth in Hz, S/N  signal to noise ratio.

  ROS1 mode is capable of 21 characters per second and -30 dB S/N. Assume we 
have 7 bit characters. So, it's 21 * 7 / 60 = 2.45 bps. S/N = (-30 dB) = 0.001. 
The required channel bandwidth to transmit 2.45 bps with -30 dB S/N ratio will 
be:

  B = C / log2 (1 + S/N) = 2.45 / log2 (1 + 0.001) = 1699 Hz

  It's not hard to see that 1699 Hz ~ 2250 Hz. With this example it needs to be 
at least 17 kHz for name it spread spectrum.

  > 73
  > 
  > Alan NV8A

  73 Ivan UR5VIB



Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS v4.7.4 Beta

2010-07-18 Thread J. Moen
I know this is out of fashion, but I really like PSK31, for its narrow 
bandwidth and effectiveness with low power.  It was the first mode I ever did 
where I could have a QSO with a signal burried by the noise.  I like some of 
the newer modes, and am happy to see the popularity of Olivia and Contestia.  
Of course, intellectually, I probably prefer CW to all of these, since its the 
first digital mode, but I just never developed the skill I wanted in that mode. 
 RTTY was something as a new ham in the early 1960s that I badly wanted to do, 
but teletypes were hard to get and life intervened, and I didn't actually do 
any RTTY until recently.  It was like driving a wonderful old car from the 
1930s -- slow, inefficient, unwieldy, but neat just because it's old.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: la7um 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 9:10 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: ROS v4.7.4 Beta

  Wow Steinar. This really tells the true story about your (and mine) love for 
RTTY (stoneage/museum,power wasting,polluting KW) KAANTEST MODE. TTY was 
created for cables, not radio, I believe. Hi.
  la7um Finn 

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Steinar Aanesland  wrote:
  >
  > 
  > Despite the massive criticism, this fascinating ROS guy has now released
  > a new version of his software.
  > 
  > http://rosmodem.wordpress.com/
  > 
  > Sorry Buddy, but I have to admit, I find ROS more interesting than
  > anachronistic contest mode like RTTY.
  > 
  > la5vna Steinar

Re: [digitalradio] RE-NEW LICENSE

2010-07-17 Thread J. Moen
Check out ARRL's web site at http://www.arrl.org/renewals which says:

"As one of the many benefits we offer ARRL members, ARRL members will 
automatically receive a form from ARRL with instructions on license renewal 
once they are just outside the 90 day window for renewal of their amateur 
license. This will be a letter with a form at the bottom of the letter to sign 
and return to the ARRL VEC. Amateurs can renew no sooner than 90 days before 
the expiration of the license. License modifications or NON-Vanity renewal 
procedures are a free membership service. Vanity renewals require a FCC 
Regulatory Fee and a $5 ARRL processing fee."

  - Original Message - 
  From: "John Becker, WØJAB" 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 12:42 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] RE-NEW LICENSE



  At 11:52 AM 7/17/2010, you wrote:

  >And if you are an ARRL member, they will do it for you free.
  > 
  >73 Buddy WB4M

  Thanks buddy, and yes, a life member

  Do I need to do anything or is this an "automatic" happens thing they do?

  John, W0JAB
  HOT & STICKY Missouri.

  Q " How do you know it's summer in Missouri"
  A "the blacktop melts"



  

Re: [digitalradio] RE-NEW LICENSE

2010-07-17 Thread J. Moen
John,

There is an FCC Registration Number (FRN) associated with your call.  You need 
the FRN and a password to logon to FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS).

Go to http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp and search 
for your callsign.  It's there, of course, and so is your FRN.  Write that 
down.  Before you go any farther, you should know the FCC database says your 
call expires 7/31/2011.  So you have a year to do this, and as I recall, you 
cannot renew until there are 90 days to go.

When you do the renewal process next year , you'll need your password.  If 
you've done this before in the past, it may be burried in your files.  

However, it is more likely that when you got your license, the VE did all the 
FCC paperwork for you, and you were automatically assigned an FRN but you never 
set up a password.  So you will need to set one up.  Go to 
https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp - enter your FRN and 
click on Forgot your password?  "Contact Tech Support".   First you'll need to 
"Set Personal Security Question".  

I'd recommend you get all that set up now, including a password, then save the 
FRN and password in your files so it will be easy to log on and renew when it 
is time.

There's a simpler alternative.  The major VECs like ARRL and W5YI Group offer 
renewal services for a small fee.

ARRL's is described at http://www.arrl.org/call-sign-renewals-or-changes

The W5YI Group's process is at http://www.w5yi.org/page.php?id=87

You've got plenty of time, the way I read the FCC database.

   Jim - K6JM


- Original Message - 
  From: Chris Robinson 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 9:28 AM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] RE-NEW LICENSE  
  I use the free method of the 
FCC.http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home
   



  On Sat, Jul 17, 2010 at 11:18 AM, "John Becker, WØJAB"  
wrote:

  
What does one have to do to re-new their ticket on-line
now? Been so lone I forgot



Re: [digitalradio] ROS back bigger and better !

2010-07-14 Thread J. Moen
Your Subject says ROS is better.  Where can I read about the changes and 
improvements?  Can users control whether ROS should generate the artificial 
spots?

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Peter L. Jackson 
  To: * Digitalradio 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 6:37 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] ROS back bigger and better !  
  Spain kicks another goal !!!

  > v4.7.0 Beta
  >
  > By suggestion of CO2DC and "The man of the Vara" I will continue to 
  > develop ROS.
  >
  > A new Sked page have been linked to ROS software. 

  http://www.ham2ham.com/room307_ros.php

  Peter
  VK6KXW
  vk6...@gmail.com


Re: [digitalradio] Re: Random data vs Spread Spectrum

2010-07-13 Thread J. Moen
This question of bandwidth for various modes and where to squeeze in the wider 
modes is a good topic.  Reminds me of the folks who really like enhanced 
fidelity SSB (3.5 out to nearly 5 kHz), or AM.  There are many bands at certain 
times of day that have lots of space for those modes, but I'd hope those hams 
would be kind to the rest of us, for example during a contest or when certain 
bands are chock-full.  I think if 3 kHz SSB is ok, that 2.25 kHz modes (ROS as 
an example) should be ok, as long as the frequencies chosen are prudent for the 
band and time of time.  That discussion is entirely separate from the US legal 
questions about SS modes on HF.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: g4ilo 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 2:35 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Random data vs Spread Spectrum

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Alan Barrow  wrote:
  >
  > - Simplistic bandwidth comparisons that do not factor in total
  > throughput. (IE: The effect of processor gain, FEC, etc). I don't think
  > ROS was stellar here, but the idea that a wider mode for X data rate is
  > worse than a narrower mode is flawed. Otherwise we'd all be using RTTY.
  > FEC increases bandwidth for the same data rate, but the trade off
  > surfaces over sustained measurement in real (difficult) HF conditions.
  > Skip's work did show there was not a big win for ROS, so we arrived at
  > the right spot. But many were banning just because it was wider than
  > their favorite mode!

  I don't know if that is a dig at one of the arguments I have made in the 
past, but I do believe that 2.25kHz ROS was too wide for our existing HF bands. 
Regardless of the merits or otherwise of a mode, people can't go on inventing 
new modes unless they can also come up with a place for them to be used that 
doesn't squeeze out existing users. Even three channels was patently inadequate 
for the number of users wishing to use ROS with the result that most of the 
contacts made, as evidenced by the spots posted here, were anything but weak 
signal DX as the chances of finding 2.25kHz of 20m unoccupied are pretty slim 
at any time.

  Julian, G4ILO

Re: [digitalradio] Re: Random data vs Spread Spectrum

2010-07-13 Thread J. Moen
There's the generally accepted definition of SS, quoted below and referring to 
bandwidths greatly exceeding what's necessary, and then there's the way the FCC 
regs are written, which do not refer to that definition.  

I think just about everyone, or maybe absolutely everyone who cares about the 
FCC regs, thinks in this case they are inappropriate, but the fact is, they do 
not allow for narrow-band SS, even though it would cause no real harm.  

The regs should be changed, but until they are, we in the US can not use SS 
below 220, or we can move to another country, or we can violate the regs, 
and/or we can campaign to change them.  But saying you don't agree with a law 
so you don't have to follow it is not the right way.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: rein...@ix.netcom.com 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 11:23 AM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Random data vs Spread Spectrum 
  Hi Alan, 

  Why did you wait so long with contributing here?
  Please explain.

  ++ In Feb of this year I quoted from the ARRL's Spread Spectrum Source book 
page 5-2 ++

  " Spread Spectrum Fundamentals "

  SS systems employ radio frequency bandwidths that greatly exceed the 
bandwidth necessary
  to convey the intelligence.

  Bandwidths for SS systems generally run from 10 to 100 times the information 
rate.

  etc etc.

  I got shouted out of the Group by addressing the use of ROS in the US by the 
experts on
  SS.

  73 Rein W6SZ



Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS

2010-07-13 Thread J. Moen
That, and the fact that if you believe the author's original description of ROS 
that it uses spread spectrum, then it's not legal in the US on bands lower than 
220.   What's frustrating about the FCC rule is that ROS appears to use a 
relatively narrow band form of frequency hopping spread spectrum, so while the 
FCC prohibition of FHSS below 220 might be defensible for the original wider 
bandwidth SS, it becomes much harder to defend in the case of ROS.  In fact, I 
don't remember reading any posts on any email lists that believe the current 
rule  (with a blanket prohibition of all forms of SS) makes sense.  But, right 
now at least, that's the rule in the US.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: "John Becker, WØJAB" 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 9:40 AM
  Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: ROS



  If one was to just disconnect from the net would the program
  later try to post?

  It seems that this is the main concern of many?

  John, W0JAB
  EM49lk




Re: [digitalradio] Re: Moving ROS forward in the USA?

2010-07-12 Thread J. Moen
I'm can understand how Garrett feels -- I felt something similar when we were 
all using the Melp codec for FDMDV on HF, and the owners of Melp kind of knew 
about it but since no one was trying to make money from it (we are amateurs and 
not in it for the money), they turned a blind eye to what we all were doing.  

But one of us just had to get an official answer from the Melp rights holder 
about our usage.  Once officially asked, of course, they had to state that we 
had no right to use it.  Melp usage went to zero in about three days.

On the other hand, this ROS thing is a lot simpler.  Forget the FCC. Here in 
the US, we also believe in doing the right thing and following the law, even if 
we are simultaneously trying to get the law changed.  Unfortunately (and 
stupidly, in my opinion, since it should be bandwidth, not technique that's 
important), SS is not allowed in US jurisdictions below 220.  Before all this 
stuff hit the fan, the author claimed it was SS, and various spectrum tests 
appear to back that up.  So as a US ham, I'm not planning to use it, 
particularly since we have lots of data to show other solutions are either as 
good or better.  In my opinion, my not using it is the right thing for me to do.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: AA0OI 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, July 12, 2010 1:51 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Moving ROS forward in the USA?  

  HI:
   I Just have one question... HOW THE HELL OLD ARE YOU PEOPLE ?!!  Grow Up, 
and let it die..You have all stabbed it enought to kill it 20 times over..
  The only problem with this mode is that you all have to run and ask Uncle FCC 
"what do we do , what do we do ?"
  If everyone would just shut the hell up and use the mode and not whine like a 
12 year old girl,  the FCC would not even know that it existed or EVEN CARE !!
  Ham Radio is AMATEUR RADIO--- NOT PROFESSIONAL...Some of its use is for 
EXPERIMENTATION  (if not we'd all be using spark-gap radios today  !!!
  So THANKS for screwing ROS up for the rest of us that don't need Big Brothers 
permission to pee in the night..
  And next time a new mode comes out... PLEASE just stay the hell away from it 
and go do something like PSK31or something else that you already have 
Permission to use from Uncle Government !!
  "Its better to ask forgiveness,, because you'll never get permission"  and 
American : Thomas Jefferson

   Garrett / AA0OI



--
  From: "rein...@ix.netcom.com" 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Mon, July 12, 2010 2:52:47 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Moving ROS forward in the USA?


  Skip,

  I have a lot of respect for you and appreciated every time you 
  emailed me. Honest.

  Went yesterday through all messages on ROSMODEM and got the idea
  of some anti biases built in here and there. Almost from day in.

  You have numerous messages about US ROS use and I sense it. Sure
  I have a bias the other way, difference though, ROS is not my program.
  Even more interesting as far as Jose goes I might be his biggest 
  enemy in the universe.

  73 Rein W6SZ

  -Original Message-
  >From: KH6TY 
  >Sent: Jul 12, 2010 3:04 PM
  >To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  >Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Moving ROS forward in the USA?
  >
  >No, the problem is that the spread spectrum variants are mixed in with 
  >the others, all inside the ROS program, so any overall approval of ROS, 
  >which undiniably includes the non spread-spectrum modes, would 
  >accidentally approve the spread-spectrum modes also. I'm sure that the 
  >FCC is not that gullible!
  >
  >The only possible avenue to ever using ROS in the US is to file a 
  >petition to modify the regulations, just as everyone else has to do.
  >
  >This is the official procedure and I am sure the FCC is not interested 
  >in any re-evaluation of ROS, given what has happened and the posting of 
  >a false FCC approval.
  >
  >I am tired of all this Graham, so please forgive me if I do not reply 
  >any longer to these questions. I have enough to do to keep up with kit 
  >orders for my July QST interface and no time to constantly sit in front 
  >of this computer.
  >
  >I hope you understand...
  >
  >73, Skip KH6TY SK
  >
  >On 7/12/2010 10:26 AM, graham787 wrote:
  >>
  >> That might be a way , what about the MF stations , could they not ask 
  >> evaluate the MF mode ? There is even a petition for a new band to be 
  >> allocated 70 MHz (not so new this side) so the process is available. 
  >> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fourmetres/message/2836
  >>
  >> Surely with the advertised technical base , it could be suggested by 
  >> some one, the 'spirit' of the clause is now compromised by modern 
  >> technology , and is no longer a valid point, as any attempt to adapt 
  >> digital noise reduction to hf/vhf data modes will stall
  >>
  >> I note interest in adding

Re: [digitalradio] Where are our innovators?

2010-07-11 Thread J. Moen
I think there's quite a lot of innovation going on in several areas of ham 
radio -- QRP (hardware design, in particular), digital (mostly software in 
various areas, including D-Star) and software defined radio.  In fact, I think 
you could say that even though digital ham radio is still in its infancy, this 
is nearly a golden age of creative new work.  It certainly is an exciting time 
to be a ham.  

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Trevor . 
  To: Digital Radio Group 
  Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 12:33 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Where are our innovators?



  We clearly need to encourage innovation in Amateur Radio. Many potential 
innovators may be people working in the fields of Software or Communications 
who are not currently Radio Amateurs. 

  The question is what can we do to encourage people with expertise in these 
areas to join the Amateur Radio community ? I'd be interested in the thoughts 
of those on this list. 

  While reading the article below I was stuck by the fact that an Amateur Radio 
Innovation Competition had only received one entry. This perhaps indicates that 
Amateur Radio innovators are in short supply at the moment! 

  From: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/july2010/innovation_in_ar.htm 
  
  The South African Amateur Radio Development Trust has thus far received one 
entry in the Innovation in Amateur Radio Competition from an Amateur in the UK.

  Radio amateurs and technologists are invited to submit projects that will 
innovate amateur radio whether it is software, amateur radio and the Internet, 
the development of compact HF antennas for flat and complex dwellers or 
innovation in Emergency Communications. 
  

  73 Trevor M5AKA



Re: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes????

2010-06-16 Thread J. Moen
Julian G4ILO asked "Does DM780 have a log, or do you need HRD for that?"

When DM780 is loaded by itself, you can have the "Add Log Entry" tab visible, 
but you can't actually use it.  But you can load up the logbook without loading 
the full HRD.

I created two shortcuts, so I can load each individually.   The logbook then 
works normally, but to be honest, when I need the logbook, I typically load all 
of HRD. But the following is likely to work (the actual path on your computer 
might be slightly different):

1st shortcut - Target = "C:\Program Files\Amateur Radio\Ham Radio 
Deluxe\Digital Master.exe"

2nd shortcut - Target = "C:\Program Files\Amateur Radio\Ham Radio 
Deluxe\HRDLogbook.exe"

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: g4ilo 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 8:47 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital 
modes

  I didn't realize you could use DM780 on its own. I have always found HRD way 
too complicated, and I don't need a screen full of radio controls taking up 
useful space when the radio's front panel is right next to me.

  The disadvantage of using different programs instead of standardizing on one 
is that you lose the benefits of computer logging. I guess the OP maintains a 
paper log so he isn't concerned with that aspect.

  Does DM780 have a log, or do you need HRD for that?

  Julian, G4ILO

  --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, "J. Moen"  wrote:
  >
  > I typically don't load up Ham Radio Deluxe, I go directly to DM780, so 
while there is a lot of extra functionality there if you need it, you certainly 
don't have to ever see that.



Re: [digitalradio] Individual software programs for various digital modes????

2010-06-15 Thread J. Moen
I typically don't load up Ham Radio Deluxe, I go directly to DM780, so while 
there is a lot of extra functionality there if you need it, you certainly don't 
have to ever see that.  I really, really like DM780's "superbrowser" mode that 
displays and decodes all accessible PSK signals in the passband.  Great for 
watching a bunch of QSOs in progress, then decide which one to go for as the 
QSO winds up.  CQs are also real easy to spot that way.  

While I have used it for RTTY and a couple of other modes, typically it's set 
for PSK31 and stays that way for many sessions.  So as a user, it feels like a 
simple PSK31 program, and for you, it could feel like a simple Olivia program.

   Jim - K6JM

PS Sometimes more function can pay off.  One of my upcoming projects is to set 
up HRD for remote controlling my HF radio over the internet so I can use it 
from the hotel room.  But for homestyle, day to day hamming, I am sympathetic 
with Johnne W1YB's interest in simplicity.  I think DM780 without HRD fulfills 
that.

- Original Message - 
  From: Ed G 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 2:42 PM
  Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Individual software programs for various digital 
modes

Jon,

Do you REALLY consider Ham Radio Deluxe/DM780 to be  "small, individual 
digital mode software programs" ???   Because that is what Johnne is looking 
for.   I consider HRD/DM780 to be software suites with a zillion bells and 
whistles,  which is exactly what Johnne is NOT looking for.

Ed   K7AAT

  From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On 
Behalf Of Jon Maguire
  Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 2:29 PM
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Individual software programs for various digital 
modes

   Johnne Lee,

  2 that come to mind are Ham Radio Deluxe/DM780 and fldigi. Google/Bing them 
and you won't be dissapointed. Both are outstanding and contain a plethora of 
modes.

  73... Jon W1MNK

  On 6/15/2010 4:40 PM, JLA wrote: 

  

Hi All,

I've been lurking a while and I've not found a clear (to me anyway) 
discussion of small, individual digital mode software programs, e.g., one 
program for RTTY; one program for Olivia, etc, etc...

I have a 7200 and I am not at all interested in computer control of my rig. 
Neither am I interested in a "software suite" with a zillion bells and whistles 
that I will never, ever use. I am neither a contester nor DX-er. I doubt very, 
very seriously if I will ever work any digital modes other than Olivia and 
RTTY. 

My only current "digital" software program is MRP40 which is FB for QRQ CW 
especially in bad/weak signal conditions. It is worth every penny to me as I 
can not copy CW at the faster rates (25+ wpm.)

Any guidance/advice anyone has will be greatly appreciated.

73 de W1YB

Johnne Lee



Re: [digitalradio] Why does the ARRL continue to push for Pactor III support...

2010-05-11 Thread J. Moen
John W0JAB wrote: "I Have only been a (ham) since 1968 and still learning.  But 
I don't recall all of this happening 10 or more years ago."

I got into amateur radio in 1959, and there were fairly strong disagreements 
between AMers and SSBers.  

In recent years, there have been disagreements between QROers and QRPers.  Some 
high power folks are happy to talk to you until you let slip you are only 
running 3 watts, then they drop the QSO fast. 

Clearly folks who've had QSOs wiped out by automated HF stations have some 
strong feelings about that.  

Heck, I've had PSK31 QSOs disrupted by a CW operator coming on frequency, 
though narrow filters can help there.  

For as long as I've been listening, particularly on 80 meters, there are people 
who believe they "own" a frequency and behave that way.

Right now, I see a lot of analog FM VHF/UHF operators quite upset with digital 
voice modes like D-Star.  In regions where 2 meter repeater frequencies are 
scarce, there's quite a war going on about these new modes.  

But all of these are examples of the minority of hams, in my opinion.  Most 
hams try to help each other, get along with each other and tolerate those who 
are into different facets of this great hobby.  

   Jim - K6JM
  - Original Message - 
  From: "John Becker, WØJAB" 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 2:17 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Why does the ARRL continue to push for Pactor III 
support...  
  Sorry to both of you.
  In the last week my mind has been elsewhere after my check up with 
  my cancer doctor. Really need testing to be sure but right now he
  thinks that it may have return. But to answer both. No it is not needed. 
  And if I may add that I only use it when connected to a BBS. Makes things
  a lot faster. 

  I for one can't see using P3 for kb to kb QSO. Again I can't type that fast 
to 
  keep up with the flow. But let's not just pick on pactor. What about RTTY?
  It seems that a lot will (for lack of a better work) *bitch* about anything 2 
hz
  wider that a PSK signal.

  Now I Have only been a have since 1968 and still learning.
  But I don't recall all of this happening 10 or more years ago.

  John, W0JAB



Re: [digitalradio] in need of a USB to DB9 cable

2010-05-11 Thread J. Moen
Some USB/serial converters don't work with all programs.  Probably something to 
do with the USB drivers.  The best one I have was purchased from 
www.buxcomm.com -- it works with all the various digital mode programs I use, 
plus programmers for my HTs etc.  It is US $15.

http://www.buxcomm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=678

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: "John Becker, WØJAB" 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 8:52 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] in need of a USB to DB9 cable

  Anyone know of a source?

  John, W0JAB



Re: [digitalradio] Why does the ARRL continue to push for Pactor III support...

2010-05-10 Thread J. Moen
John W0JAB wrote: "I like it (Pactor) and will operate it."  

You have every right to, assuming you don't interfere with an ongoing QSO etc.  
And someone calling  your home and swearing at you was uncalled for, so to 
speak, and not in the spirit of ham radio.

But several people have brought up some interesting issues.  One was the 
statement this is "an 'anti-Winlink without busy frequency detection' rant" not 
an anti-Pactor rant.  That never got answered.  

Another question was whether Pactor III's bandwidth was really necessary for 
live keyboard to keyboard QSOs.  I guess that was an anti-Pactor III question, 
but that one also never got answered.

Pactor III is reliable but expensive.  I personally wish there were equally 
good (with error correction) but inexpensive alternatives for HF, and also that 
Winlink would be changed to listen first.  Because I'm a big proponent of a 
diversity of modes, and I think we should work together to coexist.  Heck, I 
like the old modes almost as much as the new ones.

Also interesting was David KD4NUE's "When there is a race for control of 
long-haul spectrum (for which there is a renewed interest among military, 
agency and NGOs), it is nice to have a dog in the hunt."  That may help explain 
the ARRL's action, I guess.

   Jim - K6JM  
  - Original Message - 
  From: "John Becker, WØJAB" 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 2:09 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Why does the ARRL continue to push for Pactor III 
support...  
  I don't know Skip.
  Tell us. You seem to have an answer for everything and everyone.

  after thinking about that, don't tell us.
  I really don't care what you are others think about pactor.

  I like it and will operate it.

  John, W0JAB



Re: [digitalradio] Re : 3rd generation digital radio

2010-04-21 Thread J. Moen
Mel,

You make a good point about our differences.  In the US, EmComm is a "niche" 
that some hams fill enthusiastically, while others don't get involved but are 
grateful for those who do.  It's always there to learn about in the future, 
like digital modes, QRP, EME, UHF DX, low bands, etc.  So much to do, so much 
to learn, so little time

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: raf3151019 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 2:34 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Re : 3rd generation digital radio

  I believe a substantial number of American radio amateurs regard using radio 
tranceivers and their associated pieces of equipment in an entirely different 
way to their counterparts in Europe. The two continents are entirely different 
and consequently the people who live in the two continents are different.

  In America great stress is put upon emergency survival, luckily in Europe we 
don't have to contend with regular tornado's and hurricanes, ice storms which 
destroy electricity supply to vast areas of the country, and huge amounts of 
melting snow which can raise river depths by tens of feet and cause flooding 
and hardship to many many thousands of people.

  Situations such as these occur rarely, if at all, in Europe, the continent is 
more densely populated and services to support the population are provided by 
professional trained personnel in every country at a substantial cost to its 
citizens.

  Luckily most of us in Europe regard amateur radio as a hobby, somewhat akin 
to fishing, we sit there, put out a call and don't know what we are about to 
catch, its a lucky dip !

  Kind regards, Mel G0GQK



Re: [digitalradio] Re: 3rd Generation Digital radio

2010-04-21 Thread J. Moen
Simon, Interesting comment about EmComm in the UK.

I live in an eathquake-prone area.  We assume the telecoms infrastructure will 
be down for days or weeks, depending on severity.  Hurricane Katrina showed 
other weather problems can take out the telecoms and power infrastructure for a 
long time. 

So EmComm experts here build up the ability to get back on the air without 
infrastructure.  The DStar network, in my opinion should not be a primary part 
of the EmComm plan, but local unconnected repeaters running on emergency 
generators could help using DStar apps like DRats for accurate written forms 
over the radio.  Presumably the command center would also have long distance RF 
links on traditional HF. 

Hams involvement in EmComm provides another huge resource -- trained people.  
If public service employees can't get to their work during a disaster, there 
will probably be some nearby, trained Hams available.  The fact that they come 
with their own radios is a bonus.

Responding to Julian G4ILO, I am old enough to remember the AMers complain 
about the terrible squawk from the new-fangled SSB.  But the new technology 
(wasn't actually new, but new to many Hams in the late 50s) brought in new 
Hams, increased excitement, homebrewing, experimentation and fun.

I see much of the same going on in the DStar community.  Now that non-ICOM gear 
is getting on the air, a few Hams are homebrewing hardware and more are 
homebrewing software.  There's a lot of excitement in this space now.  Yes, it 
is a mixture of VOIP with RF technologies, and in normal times a cell phone 
would do the same thing, but that statement is true of traditional HF modes -- 
Hams worldwide could hang up their gear and go to telephones and the internet 
if simple communicating were the goal. 

I personally love to sit out in a field doing PSK31 with my NUE-PSK modem and 
an FT-817ND, both battery-operated, using a portable vertical that goes up in 3 
minutes.  No infrastructure at all, other than how the battery gets recharged 
every other day.  Some portable solar panels would fix that. 

I don't get the same thrill using my cellphone or internet email.

   Jim - K6JM


- Original Message - 
  From: Simon HB9DRV 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 12:54 AM
  Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: 3rd Generation Digital radio

  D-Star repeaters provide much better coverage due to the codec (I base this
  on one test made which was most impressive). As for technology - this is
  part of the Education benefits in Amateur Radio, my interest in radio
  resulted in a degree in electronics & mathematics. I listen almost all day
  while working on technology.

  Anyone can pick up a microphone and talk - so why not go 'down the pub'
  instead?

  Some believe that Radio Hams should be banned from all emergency situations
  in the UK. In countries with a much larger land mass such as the US it's
  arguable a different matter but for European countries with a good telecoms
  infrastructure?

  Simon Brown, HB9DRV
  http://sdr-radio.com

  > -Original Message-
  > From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
  > [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of g4ilo
  > 
  > Indeed, I don't really see
  > that even D-Star enhances the hobby in any way
  > 
  > I'm afraid that technology is starting to take the magic out of radio.
  > 
  > Of course, I have a different perspective coming from the UK where
  > amateur radio isn't regarded as primarily an emergency communications
  > service. :)
  > 



Re: [digitalradio] The cost of digital mode interfaces

2010-03-09 Thread J. Moen
I've had nothing but good luck with the Rascal.  Used it for about 7 years.  
The newer ones now support PTT over a USB cable. 

Some of the connectors, particularly radio connectors, can be difficult to 
solder up, so the radio cable for your radio included with the Rascal is very 
nice.

Support has been excellent, in my case.  I do suspect that negative emails to 
Buck result in negative emails back. I've been careful to research my question 
first, send a succinct email, and I've gotten quick and polite responses back 
from Buck.

For those who choose not to homebrew their own soundcare interface, I would 
definitely recommend the Rascal.  The current price of the Rascal that supports 
either serial or USB PTT is about US $80.
http://www.buxcomm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: David Struebel 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 7:21 AM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] The cost of digital mode interfaces




  A lot of hams have had problems with the RASCAL and the poor support and 
commications from the vendor of this product...See Eham reviews.
  http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/1384

  I use and reccomend the Donner interface here with no issues and they are 
only $40... they come with all the connections for your specific radio and I 
think it also provides isolation on both the receive and transmit audio lines.
  http://home.att.net/~n8st/DDI-index.html

  Review
  http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2073

  73 Dave WB2FTX
  -- Original Message - 
From: Ralph Mowery 
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 10:03 AM
Subject: Re: [digitalradio] The cost of digital mode interfaces


  
The basic sound card interface has never been very high.  Look for one 
called Rascal.  Here is one link to where to get them.

http://www.packetradio.com/

I don't recall the price from years ago, but it was under $ 50 then.
The kit was even less.  Almost just the cost of the parts if bought in 
single lots.

 

- Original Message 
From: Andy obrien 
To: digitalradio 
Sent: Sat, March 6, 2010 8:34:05 AM
Subject: [digitalradio] The cost of digital mode interfaces

I was helping a ham get set-up for digital modes recently and turned
to the issue of interfaces for digital modes.  I researched the price
for a Rigblaster Pro and was shocked that they sell for $299.  My
friend settled for another interface  that cost $69, new.  I was
wondering about interfaces and wondering about whether the era of high
priced interfaces might be coming to an end.  I'm not talking about
the ones that have extra features like electronic CW keying, high end
soundcards , etc etc.  I'm thinking that a device that has connectors,
isolation circuits, pots, and a good solid enclosure, should be in the
under $100 range.  I know you can build your own for $20 or so,  It
is nice to see that many low price options exist nowadays.
Andy K3UK









No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2726 - Release Date: 03/06/10 
02:39:00


  

RE: [digitalradio] Fabricating FCC approval

2010-03-07 Thread J. Moen
LA5VNA Steinar wrote: "This has taken a whole new turn for me. I don't
like this at all."

I don't like it either, including the threats of legal action and the
call for an ARRL official to resign (not that there isn't a good
argument about a double standard here in the US, but this is not the
time to make that argument).

But I am a "glass is half full" type person. While I haven't taken the
time to read everything carefully, and I'm travelling now and don't have
time to access all the posts, I'm guessing Jose's interaction with the
FCC agent was along the lines of "each US amateur radio operator must
determine what a mode is, and if it is legal" and Jose took that to
mean, or chose to take that to mean, that if a Ham read the new website
and concluded it was a non SS digital mode, it would be legal.

If that's true, and there's no way to know for sure, it's not quite the
same as fabricating something, but it was likely not reporting FCC's
full message, and it's understandable why FCC would ask ARRL to
communicate the correction, trusting them not to twist the meaning of
the message. 

In any case, it is time to move on. To amateurs worldwide, I hope you
experiment with this new mode. If I were you, I'd try to forgot this
sordid episode, and try to learn what's good about ROS, and suggest
improvements as you see fit. Enjoy. I wish I could join you.

Jim - K6JM


>  Original Message 
> Subject: [digitalradio] Fabricating FCC approval
> From: Steinar Aanesland 
> Date: Fri, March 05, 2010 6:01 am
> To: * Digitalradio 
> 
> 
> Hi all
> 
> I the past days there has  been a fair and square discussion about SS
> and FCC rules. Maybe some is "more Catholic than the pope" when it comes
> to arguing for the FCC rules, but that we have to tolerate .
> 
> Then a question about credibility comes into issue. It is no longer a
> question about SS and FCC rules, but IF there was a FABRICATED FCC
> approval on the  web page, then the situation is MUCH more serious.
> 
> This has taken a whole new turn for me. I don't like this at all.
> 
> LA5VNA Steinar
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 05.03.2010 04:33, Dave AA6YQ wrote:
> > You are in denial, Jose. Anyone here can call (877) 480-3201, ask for
> "Dawn" (agent 3820), and hear first-hand that you distorted her
> response. Since her conversation with you was recorded, there is no
> doubt about what she told you.
> >
> > Until someone un-does the damage you've done by characterizing ROS as
> spread spectrum and then fabricating FCC approval on your web page, ROS
> cannot be used by US amateurs on HF bands.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Dave, AA6YQ
> >
> > 



RE: [digitalradio] Re: Statement on Withdrawal of Support for ROS (K3UK Sked Pages)

2010-03-05 Thread J. Moen
Dave,

You make good points, and you've already hugely contributed and continue
to contribute to Ham Radio, so I don't mean to question you.  But if the
FCC agent does not consider us Hams a bunch of squabbling children, I
guess we are lucky.  We sure look that way to me.  I am deeply
disappointed about this ROS affair.  The major parties in the conflict
did not conduct themselves well.  

As a citizen of the US, it is embarassing the FCC rules don't take
bandwidth into account when defining what modes are legal on what bands,
and they don't, as you point out, technically define spread spectrum. 
This probably does not look good to most of the rest of the ham radio
world.  

But given the FCC's statement about each amateur radio operator being
responsbile for determining what a mode is and where, therefore, it can
be legally operated, I suspect the ham community in the US would have
been better off letting each amateur make that determination.  I don't
think it was wise to immediately contact FCC and ask them, given the
givens.  This is usually true in every general situation like this,
until all the facts can be gathered.  

At the same time, we have to admit that the author or ROS, similar to
FCC's lack of clarity in their rules, has not technically defined ROS
very well so far.  I hope that changes.

Overall, these past weeks have not been amateur radio's finest hours.

   Jim - K6JM   

>  Original Message 
> Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: Statement on Withdrawal of Support for
> ROS (K3UK Sked Pages)
> From: "Dave AA6YQ" 
> Date: Thu, March 04, 2010 10:25 am
> To: 
> 
> 
> I disagree. We are required to determine whether a mode is legal before
> using it. The author initially described ROS as being spread spectrum. Part
> 97 precludes the use of spread spectrum on HF, but gives no clear definition
> of spread spectrum. The FCC bears responsibility for this lack of clarity,
> and so cannot blame amateurs who seek their help in determining whether ROS
> is legal on HF. They do work for us, after all.
> 
> In my conversation with Dawn (FCC agent 3820), there was not a whiff of "why
> are you guys annoying us with this nonsense?". She wasn't happy about having
> her words publicly twisted into "ROS is legal on HF", though.
> 
>  73,
> 
>       Dave, AA6YQ
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com]on
> Behalf Of J. Moen
> Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 1:04 PM
> To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Statement on Withdrawal of Support for ROS
> (K3UK Sked Pages)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> "And think real hard next time before calling the FCC. Ham radio was the
> net loser in this episode. We are already viewed as squabbling children
> at the FCC, and this type of episode just reinforces that view of
> amateur radio."
> 
> AMEN.
> 
>Jim - K6JM
> 
>   - Original Message -
>   From: Alan Barrow
>   To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 8:06 AM
>   Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Statement on Withdrawal of Support for ROS
> (K3UK Sked Pages)
> 
> 
> 
>   pd4u_dares wrote:
>   > ... considering legal action ... has an apparent plan ... may have
> understandably frustrated Jose
>   >
> 
>   I really have mixed feelings about how this all played out as well.
>   While I don't agree with ban lists, I can see where the software author
>   could get very frustrated at what could be perceived as an attempt to
>   get a new mode banned.
> 
>   My observation is that when an "arms length" ham goes to the ARRL/FCC
>   with an "is this legal" it nearly always results in a "at first glance
>   we do not think so". Historically, this is nearly always done by people
>   opposed to the new mode, and looking to see it banned.
> 
>   Having seen this happen more than once, and having detailed information
>   on two of those cases, it's the wrong way to handle such a query, even
>   if done in good faith.
> 
>   And like most times this occurs, with more detail, and maybe a bit more
>   objective presentation (like making it clear it's ssb bandwidth with an
>   audio sample), the FCC Input is reversed. (it was never a decision, just
>   an opinion based on the facts at hand)
> 
>   In this particular case it's made much worse by the sparse, poor wording
>   in the fcc regs.
> 
>   The issue was not that ROS technically used SS type techniques. Or even
>   could clearly be called SS using the ITU definition.
> 
>   Instead, the core issue was: "did ROS behave like traditional SS in a
>   w

Re: [digitalradio] Re: Statement on Withdrawal of Support for ROS (K3UK Sked Pages)

2010-03-04 Thread J. Moen
"And think real hard next time before calling the FCC. Ham radio was the
net loser in this episode. We are already viewed as squabbling children
at the FCC, and this type of episode just reinforces that view of
amateur radio."

AMEN.

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Alan Barrow 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 8:06 AM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Statement on Withdrawal of Support for ROS 
(K3UK Sked Pages)



  pd4u_dares wrote:
  > ... considering legal action ... has an apparent plan ... may have 
understandably frustrated Jose
  > 

  I really have mixed feelings about how this all played out as well.
  While I don't agree with ban lists, I can see where the software author
  could get very frustrated at what could be perceived as an attempt to
  get a new mode banned.

  My observation is that when an "arms length" ham goes to the ARRL/FCC
  with an "is this legal" it nearly always results in a "at first glance
  we do not think so". Historically, this is nearly always done by people
  opposed to the new mode, and looking to see it banned.

  Having seen this happen more than once, and having detailed information
  on two of those cases, it's the wrong way to handle such a query, even
  if done in good faith.

  And like most times this occurs, with more detail, and maybe a bit more
  objective presentation (like making it clear it's ssb bandwidth with an
  audio sample), the FCC Input is reversed. (it was never a decision, just
  an opinion based on the facts at hand)

  In this particular case it's made much worse by the sparse, poor wording
  in the fcc regs.

  The issue was not that ROS technically used SS type techniques. Or even
  could clearly be called SS using the ITU definition.

  Instead, the core issue was: "did ROS behave like traditional SS in a
  way that would cause interference and thus was banned under 220 mhz. "
  And the answer to that is clearly no. It behaves like many other
  AFSK'ish modes that use an SSB bandwidth. Other legal modes use
  randomization in a way that by very strict interpretation could be
  called SS. Had it hopped across 100khz, using vco rf stages, it'd
  clearly be illegal.

  Personally, I think it's unfair to compare to the other authors, as they
  have never had such a (real or perceived) attack on their software, the
  product of many hours of work. And we had cross language/culture issues
  at play here as well. This was not an "I don't like it", or "it does not
  work well", all authors have to deal with that. It was a "we don't think
  it should be used" debate. And much more personal and at risk.

  So my view is that we should all learn from this, put the swords back in
  the scabbards, and not alienate someone who took the time to create
  something innovative, and made it available for use. For free.

  And think real net loser hard next time before calling the FCC. Ham radio was 
the
  in this episode. We are already viewed as squabbling children
  at the FCC, and this type of episode just reinforces that view of
  amateur radio.

  Sincerely,

  Alan
  km4ba



Re: [digitalradio] Re: Curious sound card modes question -

2010-02-23 Thread J. Moen
Skip KH6TY wrote: "In fact actress Hedy Lamarr invented spread spectrum, and 
you can read that here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedy_Lamarr.";

While frequency-hopping was first introduced in a patent filed by Nikola Tesla 
in 1900, I've always been fascinated by the role of Austrian actress Hedy 
Lamarr in the development of spread-spectrum.  

According to Wikipedia,  (following is quoted from their site): Avant garde 
composer George Antheil, a son of German immigrants and neighbor of Lamarr, had 
experimented with automated control of musical instruments, including his music 
for Ballet Mecanique, originally written for Fernand Léger's 1924 abstract 
film. This score involved multiple player pianos playing simultaneously.

Lamarr had learned about the problem at defense meetings she had attended with 
her former husband Friedrich Mandl, who was an Austrian arms manufacturer. 

Together, Antheil and Lamarr submitted the idea of a secret communication 
system in June 1941. On August 11, 1942, U.S. Patent 2,292,387 was granted to 
Antheil and "Hedy Kiesler Markey", Lamarr's married name at the time. This 
early version of frequency hopping used a piano roll to change between 88 
frequencies and was intended to make radio-guided torpedoes harder for enemies 
to detect or jam.

The patent came to light during patent searches in the 1950s when ITT 
Corporation and other private firms began to develop Code Division Multiple 
Access (CDMA), a civilian form of spread spectrum.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: KH6TY 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 5:30 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Curious sound card modes question -  
  It will be spread spectrum if the tone frequencies are controlled by a code 
as explained in the ROS documentation:

  "A system is defined to be a spread-spectrum system if it fulfills the 
following requirements:
  1. The signal occupies a bandwidth much in excess of the minimum bandwidth 
necessary to send the information.
  2. Spreading is accomplished by means of a spreading signal, often called a 
code signal, which is independent of the data.
  3. At the receiver, despreading (recovering the original data) is 
accomplished by the correlation of the received spread signal with a 
synchronized replica of the spreading signal used to spread the information.
  Standard modulation schemes as frequency modulation and pulse code modulation 
also spread the spectrum of an information signal, but they do not qualify as 
spread-spectrum systems since they do not satisfy all the conditions outlined 
above.

  Note that all three conditions must be met to be considered spread spectrum.  
I don;t know if it would be possible to send the data in less bandwidth, but, 
for example, PSK31 accomplishes the same typing speed in a bandwidth of 31 Hz, 
instead of in 2000 Hz, so ROS is probably truly spread-spectrum.

  Remember that spread spectrum was conceived as a way of coding transmissions 
so they could not be intercepted and decoded. In fact actress Hedy Lamarr 
invented spread spectrum, and you can read that here: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedy_Lamarr.  The difference is the use of a code 
to spread the data and signals to avoid detection and monitoring by those 
without the same code.

  Download the documentation from www. rosmodem.wordpress.com and read about 
spread spectrum and the ROS implementation. That will make it clear I think. 
Remembering that a single tone creates a single RF carrier makes it easy to see 
how just about anything can be done with tones, including sending data over 
several tones at once so if one carrier is lost, others carry the same data, or 
using a psuedo-random code to determine the carrier frequencies, as I think is 
done in ROS.

  That documentation also explains the difference between FHSS and modes like 
MFSK16.  However, a main point is that the data does not have to be scattered 
over such a wide bandwidth to achieve communication, but ROS does, so it 
qualifies as spread spectrum.

  If you have a receive bandwith of 10,000 Hz, and you spread over that 
bandwidth, you really are using way more bandwidth than necessary to send the 
same data at a given speed. MT63 uses 64 carriers with the data divided among 
the carriers for redundancy and about 40% of the signal can be obilterated by 
QRM and still produce good copy. I think the difference with ROS is that the 
carrier frequencies are varied according to a code, instead of being at a fixed 
position, but I am no expert on modes, so someone else can probably explain it 
better and with more accuracy.

  Generally it is qualifies as spread spectrum if a code is used for the 
spreading, and in military communications (and even cell phones, I think) the 
code prevents anyone else from reconstructing the signal so that the 
intelligence can be recovered if they do not possess the same code.


73 - Skip KH6TY

Re: [digitalradio] FCC Technology Jail: ROS Dead on HF for USA Hams

2010-02-21 Thread J. Moen
Bonnie's note describes the US/FCC regulations issues regarding ROS and SS 
really well.  It's the best description of the US problem I've seen on this 
reflector.

After reading what seems like hundreds of notes, I now agree that if ROS uses 
FHSS techniques, as its author says it does (and none of us has seen the code), 
 then even though it 1) uses less 3 kHz bandwidth,  2) does not appear to do 
any more harm than a SSB signal and 3) is similar to other FSK modes, it is not 
legal in FCC jurisdictions.

As Bonnie points out, ROS "doesn't hop the VFO frequency," but within the 2.5 
bandwidth, it technically is SS.  This would be true if ROS used 300 Hz 
bandwidth instead of 2.5 kHz, but hopped about using FHSS within the 300 Hz 
bandwidth.  So I have to agree the FCC regs are not well written in this case.

Regarding the corollary issue of US/FCC regulations focused on content instead 
of bandwidth, I'm not competent to comment.  

   Jim - K6JM
 
  - Original Message - 
  From: expeditionradio 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:09 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] FCC Technology Jail: ROS Dead on HF for USA Hams



  Given the fact that ROS Modem has been advertised as Frequency Hopping Spread 
Spectrum (FHSS), it may be quite difficult for USA amateur radio operators to 
obtain a positive interpretation of rules by FCC to allow use of ROS on HF 
without some type of experimental license or waiver. Otherwise, hams will need 
an amendment of FCC rules to use it in USA. 

  Sadly, this may lead to the early death of ROS among USA hams.

  If ROS Modem had simply provided the technical specifications of the 
emission, and not called it "Spread Spectrum", there would have been a chance 
for it to be easily adopted by Ham Radio operators in USA. 

  But, the ROS modem designer is rightfully proud of the design, and he lives 
in a country that is not bound by FCC rules, and probably had little or no 
knowledge of how his advertising might prevent thousands of hams from using it 
in USA. 

  But, as they say, "You cannot un-ring a bell, once it has been rung".

  ROS signal can be viewed as a type of FSK, similar to various other types of 
n-ary-FSK presently in widespread use by USA hams. The specific algorithms for 
signal process and format could simply have been documented without calling it 
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). Since it is a narrowband signal 
(using the FCC and ITU definitions of narrowband emission = less than 3kHz) 
within the width of an SSB passband, it does not fit the traditional FHSS 
description as a conventional wideband technique. 

  It probably would not have been viewed as FHSS under the spirit and intention 
of the FCC rules. It doesn't hop the VFO frequency. It simply FSKs according to 
a programmable algorithm, and it meets the infamous 1kHz shift 300 baud rule. 
  http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/news/part97/d-305.html#307f3 

  This is a typical example of how outdated the present FCC rules are, keeping 
USA hams in "TECHNOLOGY JAIL" while the rest of the world's hams move forward 
with digital technology. It should come as no surprise that most of the new ham 
radio digital modes are not being developed in USA!

  But, for a moment, let's put aside the issue of current FCC "prohibition" 
against Spread Spectrum and/or Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, and how it 
relates to ROS mode. Let's look at "bandwidth".

  There is the other issue of "bandwidth" that some misguided USA hams have 
brought up here and in other forums related to ROS. Some superstitious hams 
seem to erroneously think that there is an over-reaching "bandwidth limit" in 
the FCC rules for data/text modes on HF that might indicate what part of the 
ham band to operate it or not operate it. 

  FACT:
  "There is currently no finite bandwidth limit on HF data/text emission in USA 
ham bands, except for the sub-band and band edges."

  FACT:
  "FCC data/text HF rules are still mainly based on "content" of the emission, 
not bandwidth."

  New SDR radios have the potential to transmit and receive wider bandwidths 
than the traditional 3kHz SSB passband. We will see a lot more development in 
this area of technology in the future, and a lot more gray areas of 20th 
century FCC rules that inhibit innovation and progress for ham radio HF digital 
technology in the 21st century. 

  Several years ago, there was a proposal to FCC to provide regulation by 
bandwidth rather than content. However, it failed to be adopted, and ARRL's 
petition to limit bandwidth was withdrawn
  http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/04/27/101/?nc=1

  Thus, USA hams will continue to be in Technology Jail without access to many 
new modes in the foreseeable future :(

  Best Wishes,
  Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA


Re: [digitalradio] ROS, legal in USA? Letter to FCC

2010-02-21 Thread J. Moen
Excellent idea to ask FCC for an opinion.  

Dave K3DCW referred to Part 97, but the section he quoted really only describes 
emission mode designation codes for SS, and does not technically describe how 
FCC defines SS.  It's almost as if Part 97 assumes the definition is so well 
known that it's not necessary to define it.

Problem is, for many years, SS really did operate over a very large bandwidth, 
much wider than 2.5 kHz.  It was thought use of that form of SS had the 
potential of interfering with many narrowband users. That was not necessarly 
true, of course.  But now we are seeing modes that are much narrower band.  

I would be good if FCC responds to your letter with their technical description 
of SS.  It's possible they will say that if you modulate tones within 500 hz 
using frequency hopping SS techniques, then that is SS.  It's also possible 
they would agree that a transmission less than 2.5 kHz wide does not qualify as 
SS, even though the modulation technique use SS methods.

But right now, I think that since Part 97 does not appear to define what SS is, 
it is not possible to definitively say whether ROS is legal or not legal in FCC 
jurisdictions.  Asking FCC for an opinion is a great idea.

 Jim - K6JM

This is from Dave K3DCW's comment:
The closest you get to a true definition in Part 97 is in section 97.3 
Definitions, Para C, line 8: 

  (8) SS. Spread-spectrum emissions using bandwidth-expansion modulation 
emissions having designators with A, C, D, F, G, H, J or R as the first symbol; 
X as the second symbol; X as the third symbol.

  - Original Message - 
  From: Andy obrien 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2010 7:41 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] ROS, legal in USA? Letter to FCC



  I have compiled a letter to Laura Smith Esq, at the FCC,  with details of 
this mode.  I will let you all know when I receive a reply.

  Andy K3UK


  

Re: [digitalradio] ROS - make it legal in USA

2010-02-20 Thread J. Moen
What is the FCC definition of spread spectrum, and where can it be located on 
the internet?

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: John B. Stephensen 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 7:58 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] ROS - make it legal in USA 
   

  ROS is MFSK16 with frequency hopping so it is SS per the FCC definition as 
the bandwidth is expanded. However, the FCC never fined anyone during the 
period when Hellscreiber was used illegally so I doubt that they would do so 
with ROS. 

  What ROS users should do is email their ARRL representative and have them 
petition the FCC to change the rules. One solution is to eliminate the emission 
designators and change the RTTY/data segment of each HF band to 0-500 Hz wide 
emissions and the phone/image of each HF band to 0-8 kHz wide emissions with 
0-20 kHz above 29 MHz. 

  73,

  John
  KD6OZH

Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS, legal in USA?

2010-02-20 Thread J. Moen
Sticking with the USA/FCC-centric discussion, I agree with Alan KM4BA, when he 
wrote:

"If the radio stays on a single frequency in SSB mode the new mode does not 
meet the definition of spread spectrum that is restricted in HF. Many advanced 
digital protocols manage the spectrum in the SSB bandwidth to achieve 
performance. But since the implied carrier frequency is not moving, it's not 
spread spectrum in the classic sense."

It does not matter what the ROS authors write to describe it.  It isn't illegal 
in the USA because they call it SS, all that matters is how a competent 
engineer would technically describe it.  FCC rules do not say it is illegal to 
use a mode that describes itself as SS on HF, they say that SS is not allowed 
on the HF bands. And saying ROS is SS doesn't make that true.

I also agree with Andy G4JNT's point that Amateurs should be allowed to 
experiment.  Historically in the USA, the FCC has indeed allowed 
experimentation, then come along with appropriate rules once the new technology 
is better understood.

I think all this legal discussion is trying to make, as they say, a mountain 
out of a molehill.  

   Jim - K6JM 

- Original Message - 
  From: Alan Barrow 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 7:03 AM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS, legal in USA?

  Andy wrote:
  >
  > I find it rather amazing that 99% of the posts on ROS, and any
  > other new data mode, are related to its legality in the US. How
  > did you end up with such restrictive amateur licensing practices
  > that experimentation with any new ideas is almost regulated away?
  > Or worries the users that they make be flung in prison for
  > transmitting them :-)
  >

  Unfortunately the same way some of my brit friends found themselves in
  catch 22 regarding bio-fuels was not illegal. But was not taxed, so
  could not be used without paying tax. But there was no agency to pay tax
  to. IE: Bureaucracy! Big fines, court appearances, no law broken, yet
  all tangled up.

  I'll just say the US is not the only country with agencies restricting
  things based on red-tape rather than any legit reason.

  Even the FCC can be worked with if you go to the trouble to find the
  entry point, I've seen it done before more than once. But that's harder
  than having arm-chair lawyers make their declaration "It's illegal". :-)

  My read: If the radio stays on a single frequency in SSB mode the new
  mode does not meet the definition of spread spectrum that is restricted
  in HF. Many advanced digital protocols manage the spectrum in the SSB
  bandwidth to achieve performance. But since the implied carrier
  frequency is not moving, it's not spread spectrum in the classic sense.

  You might be able to argue if it's legal for use in certain band
  segments, etc. You could talk about effective symbol rate, though many
  modes are working around that as well.

  Have fun,

  Alan
  km4ba

Re: [digitalradio] ROS, legal in USA?

2010-02-18 Thread J. Moen
While frequency-hopping was first introduced in a patent filed by Nikola Tesla 
in 19000, I've always been fascinated by the role of Austrian actress Hedy 
Lamarr in the development of spread-spectrum.  

According to Wikipedia, " Lamarr had learned about the problem at defense 
meetings she had attended with her former husband Friedrich Mandl, who was an 
Austrian arms manufacturer. The Antheil-Lamarr version of frequency hopping 
used a piano-roll to change among 88 frequencies, and was intended to make 
radio-guided torpedoes harder for enemies to detect or to jam. The patent came 
to light during patent searches in the 1950s when ITT Corporation and other 
private firms began to develop Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a civilian 
form of spread spectrum."  The Antheil-Lamarr patent was granted in 1942.

http://www.women-inventors.com/Hedy-Lammar.asp

   Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Andy obrien 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2010 5:23 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] ROS, legal in USA?  
  The description says it uses spread-spectrun



  On Thu, Feb 18, 2010 at 7:47 PM, Dave Ackrill  
wrote:



Re: [digitalradio] New kenwood radio (video clip)

2010-02-08 Thread J. Moen
>From Kenwood's booth at the 2009 Tokyo Ham Fair, posted on YouTube in August, 
>2009.  It shows a mock-up of Kenwood's next mid-range (US $2,000) 160-6 meter 
>HF radio that targets most of the Elecraft K3's specs.  A real one should be 
>at Dayton 2010.  One assumes it will be as easy at digital modes as Kenwood's 
>TS-2000 is.

  Jim - K6JM

- Original Message - 
  From: Andy obrien 
  To: digitalradio 
  Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 9:42 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] New kenwood radio (video clip)


  -- Forwarded message --
  From: Jason 
  Date: Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 12:32 PM
  Subject: [KenwoodTS-2000] New kenwood radio enjoy
  To: "kenwoodts-2...@yahoogroups.com" 




  
http://dx-hamspirit.com/2009/09/new-kenwood-hf-transceiver-short-clip-from-tokyo-ham-fair-2009/

  Copy and paste link into address bar if you can't click on it



Re: [digitalradio] Super narrow filter: PSK31 with HB9DRV SDR-RADIO

2010-01-24 Thread J. Moen
Andy,

Thanks for sharing, and please keep us informed as things progress.

Regarding the narrow filtering for digital modes on the TS-2000, I think you 
are referring to the technique described by N0AN.  While it isn't that 
difficult to use if you employ it frequently, it really is a bit daunting if 
you haven't used it for awhile.  I think your phrase "radio equivalent of 
standing on your head" is appropriate. 

For TS-2000 owners who aren't prepared to get a SDR-IQ quite yet (Universal 
Radio is selling them for US $499.95), the N0AN procedure allows you to narrow 
your RX bandwidth down to as narrow as 50 Hz, but you have to be patient the 
first few times you try it.  You can find documentation on this in the Files 
section of the KenwoodTS-2000 Yahoo Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KenwoodTS-2000/files/PSK_Filtering_TS2000.pdf

But clearly SDR is the future.  That's an interesting preview of the Ham Radio 
Deluxe software that apparently will combine SDR and digital modes.

   Jim - K6JM (formerly K0ZXU)

  - Original Message - 
  From: Andy obrien 
  To: digitalradio 
  Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:30 PM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Super narrow filter: PSK31 with HB9DRV SDR-RADIO  
  Finally! When I bought my TS-2000 a couple of years ago, I was aware
  of one criticism for the digital operator super narrow filtering
  in SSB was not as easy to achieve as in other rigs.It can be done via
  a radio equivalent of standing on your head , using CW to receive and
  USB to transmit. The steps to achieve that are not easy to automate,
  so I have found it difficult to cope with those monster nearby PSK
  signals that swamp the waterfall, and could be eased out if I had
  better filtering in USB. So, tonight, I decided to see how that would
  be addressed with my new SDR-IQ receiver and Simon Brown's preview
  release of SDR-Radio . I was very happy to be easily able to dial in
  narrow filters, til my heart's content. All at the stroke of a mouse
  slider, couldn't be simpler. Simon's software is still very early in
  development , so not yet seamlessly integrated with his DM780. Take a
  look at this screen shot if you are interested,
  http://www.obriensweb.com/36hz.jpg

  I highlighted items of interest in a red ellipse. I used Mixw to
  decode the PSK31 because SDR-Radio does not do it itself. Yes, I
  know... Mixw displays 20M, but I was actually on 80M.

  I have yet to try this when there is a monster signal nearby that
  needs to be nulled out , but I think the results will be good.

  Andy K3UK


Re: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M

2010-01-11 Thread J. Moen
OK, I was thinking of the narrow bandwidth WinDRm and even better FDMDV that we 
used until it was discovered we were using a proprietary codec.  DRM for HF 
broadcast really is pretty wide, comparatively.  Thanks for the links.

  Jim - K6JM

  - Original Message - 
  From: Cortland Richmond 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 7:55 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M  

  Sure is. See the Wiki: 
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Radio_Mondiale

  Also see the complaints!  
  http://www.mail-archive.com/hard-core...@hard-core-dx.com/msg06085.html

  FWIW, we in the US still have some AM HD Radio stations on IBOC wiping out 
reception of adjacent frequencies.   
  http://www.radioworld.com/article/8714


  Cortland
  KA5S
  - Original Message - 
From: J. Moen 
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
Sent: 1/11/2010 10:41:14 PM 
Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M


Is DRM that wide?

  - Original Message - 
  From: Cortland Richmond 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 5:48 PM
  Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M



  There's some European DRM broadcasting in that range.

  Cortland

  > [Original Message]
  > From: jhaynesatalumni 
  > To: 
  > Date: 1/11/2010 8:27:07 PM
  > Subject: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M
  >
  > I was listening on the top end of 75M this afternoon about 4PM
  > CST and heard a strange wideband signal, sounded a little bit like
  > rushing wind. Brought up a digital waterfall and found that it
  > extended from 3990.15 to 3997.85. The waterfall display was rather
  > blotchy, suggesting some internal structure, tho I'm not clear on
  > how many carriers might be present or what their spacing is.
  >
  > I was beginning to suspect the neighbor's cable TV box which has
  > put noise on some other frequencies, but then the signal went away
  > about 5PM CST. I've heard the signal before, but didn't note
  > the times and spectrum. This is in NW Arkansas.
  >


Re: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M

2010-01-11 Thread J. Moen
Is DRM that wide?

  - Original Message - 
  From: Cortland Richmond 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 5:48 PM
  Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M



  There's some European DRM broadcasting in that range.

  Cortland

  > [Original Message]
  > From: jhaynesatalumni 
  > To: 
  > Date: 1/11/2010 8:27:07 PM
  > Subject: [digitalradio] Mystery signal on 75M
  >
  > I was listening on the top end of 75M this afternoon about 4PM
  > CST and heard a strange wideband signal, sounded a little bit like
  > rushing wind. Brought up a digital waterfall and found that it
  > extended from 3990.15 to 3997.85. The waterfall display was rather
  > blotchy, suggesting some internal structure, tho I'm not clear on
  > how many carriers might be present or what their spacing is.
  >
  > I was beginning to suspect the neighbor's cable TV box which has
  > put noise on some other frequencies, but then the signal went away
  > about 5PM CST. I've heard the signal before, but didn't note
  > the times and spectrum. This is in NW Arkansas.
  >


Re: [digitalradio] Has anyone tried the ASuS EEE pc 901?

2009-06-22 Thread J. Moen
That is a good price. I wonder if it has enough computer power for some of the 
powerful digital mode programs.

That approach gives you the most versatility, but I'm going a different way for 
PSK field work -- the NUE-PSK digital modem.  It has it's own LCD screen and 
processor with software for PSK and a few other modes in the firmware.  It 
draws 60 ma without backlight, 80 ma with, so it will give many hours of QRP 
PSK using a small battery for it and my 817.

The curent sale price is $150 kit, $200 assembled from http://www.nue-psk.com/.

But a real PC like a Netbook would allow a lot of other portable activity, but 
without quite as much time betore the batteries run down.

   Jim - K6XZ

  - Original Message - 
  From: jeffnjr484 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:24 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] Has anyone tried the ASuS EEE pc 901?


  Hello,

  Has anyone used the ASUS laptop for psk31 or any digital modes im looking at 
it
  for some portable ops
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BYD178/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=pc
  It looks like a neat computer and the price is outstanding just wanted to know
  if anyone has tried it
  jeff kd4qit
  . 

  

Re: [digitalradio] The best of all features

2009-06-20 Thread J. Moen
This is a terrific review.  You identify what's important to you so we can 
understand your thinking, and you give your reasons for preferring one program 
over another.  Very useful for all of us.  

Jim - K6XZ

  - Original Message - 
  From: Ed Hekman 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 1:11 AM
  Subject: [digitalradio] The best of all features


  It looks like the thread on MixW has run the course but I wanted to make a 
few comments about what I felt were the best features of each of the programs 
that I have used.

  I started with Digipan and stayed with it for over 5 years because it was 
simple to setup and use. The capability to receive in panoramic mode and carry 
on a QSO at the same time has become very important to my style of operating. I 
grew very dependent on the capability to use the F1 key to bring up the qrz.com 
page for the call sign entered in the log. Unfortunately I experienced some 
crashes with the last version that were too frequent to be ignored. That and 
the lack of other modes motivated me to try some of the other programs. The 
programs I have tried so far include HRD/DM780, MixW, fldigi and MultiPSK. 

  MixW was the next program I used but never as much as Digipan. The absence of 
a panoramic decoder prevented me from adopting as the only or primary program. 
It is nice that I was able to configure the functions keys to be the same that 
I had become accustomed to with Digipan. And one uniquie feature of MixW that I 
have used many times is the capability to select many transmissions to monitor 
- each in separate windows - and to be able to select a different transmissionj 
mode for each of those windows. It is not as straightforward as it could be but 
it can be done.

  DM780 was the next program that I spent some getting to know. Limited 
computer power did cause some problems when DM780 was running concurrently with 
my weather station program, Weather Display. Weather Display would crash very 
consistently with significant activity in DM780 and even more quickly when 
iexplorer was running. But now with a much more capable PC I have been 
exploring other very nice features of DM780. The capability to push a button 
and have the radio shift frequency to put the signal of interest in the center 
of the narrow passband is extremely valuable for operating in crowded band 
conditions. The capability to carry on a QSO with the screen operating in 
panoramic mode is very important to me. The automation posting of spots to PSK 
Reporter and the automatic uploading of QSOs to eQSL and LOTW is very nice. The 
one drawback for me is the inability to assign operations to the function keys 
to match the configurations used with Digipan, Mixw, fldigi and MultiPSK.

  I dabbled with MultiPSK over the years but began using in daily last year 
when I discovered that it had the capability to capture call signs spotted. 
With a utility from Sholto, KE7HPV, this is being used to automatically post 
call signs dexcoded to the web page, www.hamspots.net. I also did some 
experiments with the ALE400 mode with good success.

  fldigi comes the closest to replicating the simplicity and ease of use of 
Digipan but it adds many other modes and features. The ability to open the 
panoramic window and the logbook separately from the main QSO screen is very 
nice since I like to be able to decode other transmissions while I am in a QSO. 
The radio interface is a nice bonus that was setup quite easily for a couple 
radios. The capability to automatically post to PSK Reporter is a nice feature 
but I haven't been successful with that yet. The capability to integrate with 
DXKeeper with a 3rd party bridge is also nice but I haven't succeded with that 
yet either. And I think the flarq program greatly expands the usefulness to 
methods of operating beyond the normal one on one QSO. fldigi has been the 
primary program here since last fall until I acquired a more powerful computer 
that could more easily handle DM780. One very nice feature of DM780 that I use 
frequently is the capability to hit a button and have the radio and the program 
switch the radio frequency and the audio frequency to put the desired signal in 
the center of the radios narrow band filter.

  That is a brief synopsys of the highlights of each of the programs for me.

  Thing to look forward to:
  Panoramic screen decoding over bandwidths of 24 KHz up to 192 KHz.
  More SOMR (single operator, multiple radio) capability.
  Better integration with logging packages across the various programs to a 
common database on the network.

  It is quite late here now so anything I say from now on will probably be 
nonsense so I will terminate this for now and hope that others will offer their 
highlights and lowlights of the currently available software and their 
wishlists for the next generation of radio software.

  Thanks,
  Ed
  WB6YTE

  . 

  

Re: [digitalradio] Really beating the AGC issue with PSK ?

2009-06-19 Thread J. Moen
This note is for users of the TS-2000 who could use the ability to reduce Rx 
bandwidth to as narrow as 50 hz.

Andy K3UK asks about mitigating the problem of a strong signal near your weaker 
target signal.  Phil points out IF DSP is better than AF DSP, but a technique 
described by Hans N0AN will help quite a lot.  The following is all by N0AN 
from notes on another reflector.

The DSP filtering in the TS-2K is quite good. One trick that a
lot of people don't seem to use or know about is for superb
reception of psk31/rtty etc.

Run the radio in split mode. Here is how to do it.

0. Select your favorite psk31 freq on the "A" vfo
(left side, receive, USB)

1. Select SPLIT vfo's.
2. Make "A" your left VFO (arrow points to left by the "A")
3. Make "B" your right VFO (arrow points to the right by
the "B")
4. Hit the A=B button to put both vfos on the same freq
and mode.
5. Select CW for your receive mode (hit cw button)
6. Set your bandwidth control to 2000 hz for now
7. Set your shift control to 900 hz for now

7a. Turn XIT on and set it to -800 hz (this puts your
transmit and rx on the same freq, even though you
have different modes selected (cw on rx, usb on tx)

8. Press and hold the TF-set button, and while holding
it, hit the SSB button..this sets the transmit vfo in
the SSB mode.

This may sound like a lot, but it is actually quite simple,
and you only have to do it once!

You are now set to receive on VFO A (left side) in CW
and to transmit on VFO B(right side) in SSB. Due to
setting XIT to -800 Hz, they are on EXACTLY the
same frequency.

Now...as long as you use the receive window of your
software (like MixW) to change frequency by selecting
different signals on the waterfall/spectrum by
clicking with the mouse, you don't have to do any
retuning! You have approximately 1500 hertz of bandwidth
to play with, without touching any knobs.

So...what does this get you? You can now use the filter
width and shift controls (lower left side of front panel) to
allow you to receive in any bandwidth from 2000 hz
down to 50 hz!!! You have virtual privacy when you
narrow the receive filter down to 50hz, believe me.

I set my shift control to about 900 hz, because I want
to be able to copy psk31 signals down to about 350 hz
and up to about 1500 hz. If you choose 900 hz for
your shift, you can still copy most of the band. You
can click anywhere in the waterfall/spectrum on a signal
and instantly begin copying, no knobs, no messing
around, but perfect reception. Then it is a simple matter
to start closing down the rx bandwidth with the left knob.
Reduce it one click and you drop from 2000 hz wide
to 1000 hzall the way down to 50 hz if you want.

Now...as you start reducing the bandwidth significantly
with the left knob, you will need to adjust your shift to
correspond to what the station you are listening to tone
freq's actually are...in other words, if you reduce things
from 2000 to 600 hz, and you were listening at 1100 hz,
you will lose the rx signal until you adjust the shift knob
to a bit closer to 600 hz (assuming the station you are
listening to is on 600 hz in the waterfall/spectrum
display.)

While all this might sound overwhelming, it is really
quite simple and one gets good at it.

- Addendum  from followup notes by N0AN
Simply put, two things control how you receive a signal with this setup:

a. The receive bandwidth (left knob)
b. The receive shift (right knob)

The ideal is to set the receive shift to the center freq of the signal you 
are listening to, BUT, the wider you have you bandwidth set, the more 
tolerant things are to having your shift off.
When things are "wide open" at 2000 hz, you can set the shift to 900 hz and 
forget it. When you start to tighten down the bandwidth, you need to move 
the shift center freq (right knob) to more closely agree with where you are 
actually listening.

=

If you find it necessary to change the radio receiver VFO frequency, just do 
this after tuning the radio to a new frequency:

Hit A=B button
Press and hold TF-Set
Hit the SSB button (while holding the TF-Set button...let up on the TF-Set 
after you have tapped the SSB button.

You have now done the following:

Set the A and B VFOs to the same freq and mode
Reset the B vfo to USB (it got changed to CW when you hit the A=B button)

I find I don't have to do this very often as 99% of the psk31 activity is on 
a specific band of frequencies centered at about 14.070 or 14.071 (cw 
receive). At 50 hz wide, that couple of kilohertz is a LOT of bandwidth, so 
you don't have to retune very often...you just use the waterfall/spectrum 
display and your mouse click for tuning.

I've used this trick successfully with both a TS-870 and the new TS-2000, 
and it works beautifully. QRM on psk31 is a thing of the past with the 
outstanding dsp filtering in this radio. Once one learns the method for 
setting things up that I described above, it is psk31 heaven! At 50 hz 
bandwidth (a

Re: [digitalradio] " . . . the other digital mode"

2009-06-01 Thread J. Moen
Having learned CW in 1959 and computer programming in 1968, I take  your point. 
 In the broadest sense, CW is binary.  It is true most digital modes have 
fairly precise timing, whereas CW, especially sent with a straight key, can be 
quite the opposite.

I have been doing my best to stay away from use of PC programs that generate 
CW, as well as those that can decode it.  I realize that's a loosing battle.  
DXers and Contesters are moving to these programs for obvious reasons.

In everyday Ham language, usually digital modes mean a computer program is 
generating the transmitted information and another one is decoding it on the 
other end.  So I would exclude traditional CW from my personal list of digital 
modes for that reason.  But in fact, since computer generated and decoded CW is 
now possible, it really should be included in the list of digital modes, 
shouldn't it?

  Jim - K6XZ

  - Original Message - 
  From: Siegfried Jackstien 
  To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 2:45 PM
  Subject: Re: [digitalradio] " . . . the other digital mode"



  cw is digital on off on off  or dit dah dit dah . sound there 
sound away ... so where is the analog compound???
- Original Message - 
From: S.J. 
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 5:15 PM
Subject: [digitalradio] " . . . the other digital mode"


  CW is an Analog Mode . . . 

  73, 

  Sherm KB9Q 







  .