Hi Andy
What about ALE400 ARQ ? It is great for those who need a robust arq mode.
73 de LA5VA Steinar
Andrew O'Brien wrote:
With the varying discussions about the performance of specific modes , and
the comments about lack of activity for some modes, I present the following
list of 5 modes the digital mode ham should have...and probably all you
really need.
1. PSK31 (and other variants up to PSK250) , plenty of activities both brief
and rag chew , activity 24 hours per day. Use PSKmail to send email if you
wish. Consider QPSK for tougher conditions . ARQ PSK available in FL-digi
for emcomm work (available for free via Winwarbler. FL-Digi , DM780,
Multipsk, Pocket PSK and MMVARI.
2. RTTY still DX to be had via this mode and contesting if you like contests
((available for free via Winwarbler, FL-Digi , DM780, Multipsk, MMTTY, and
MMVARI.
3. JT65A. If low power DXing is you thing, this is your mode. Brief
exchanges of signal reports and location, no conversation mode (available
for free via WSJT, Multipsk, and soon to be released JT65-HF)
4. Olivia , weak signal capable plus keyboard conversations.Wide and narrow
versions to vary with conditions ((available for free via FL-Digi , DM780,
Multipsk, )
5. Feld Hell. Good speed, surprising robust, a fair amount of activity,
easier on your duty cycle that other modes, not good after a couple of beers.
((available for free via FL-Digi , DM780, Multipsk )
That's it, all you need. Yes, I left out MFSK16 despite it being a good
mode. It is too fusy at times and most things you can do with MFSK16 ,you
can do with an Olivia variant. MT63 is effective but just too much of a
bandwidth hog, hardly any activity. If you don't want the super robust brief
exchanges of JT65A, you could substitute DominoEX but you could go a week
without hearing anyone else. MFTT at quarter speed seems useful, has promise.
I won't count ALE as a specific mode but will still argue that all hams
should be ALE capable. Still a great concept. Pactor..well great at P3 but
costs too many Euros. The rest can be great fun, but if you want just five,
the above are what you need.
Andy K3UK
