Most of the decoding software uses a visual ‘waterfall’ display to facilitate easy tuning and identification. One of the main problems encountered by the newcomer to digital modes (or digimodes as they are known) is how to identify what they are seeing / hearing. There are new modes being invented all the time and keeping track of these is could turn into a full time job! With the surge of data modes, there has been an equal multitude of decoding software, some free, others not with which to receive and transmit these modes. These can be purchased fairly cheaply on eBay, or you could make one your self. Use an isolated audio interface for the best results. This, however, is not recommended as any other room sounds will be picked up and either transmitted or interfere with the received signal. In fact, you can miss out the audio lead and use the microphone to pick up the sound from the speakers. Because every PC, laptop and mobile device has built in sound capability, all you really need is your radio and an audio lead to connect from the sound device to the radio.

For some, this has been the difference between being able to make contacts on air or not. Over the past few years, the number of operators using one of the numerous forms of data (or digimode) has exploded. Currently my operating is all from home and mainly modes not requiring me to talk, although I have ventured onto our Monday night FM net and the odd 2m and 70cm contest.Digital modes are becoming more and more popular on the amateur bands. I am waiting for better health to be able to use these again. Also out of sight are a 136kHz beacon, the 2m Fredbox, the 6m Sixbox, the VLF 8-9kHz beacon, and optical rigs. Not shown (on shelf above) is the 472kHz homebrew transverter, the 15m MFJ Cub and the Mizuho 200mW 2m SSB rig. With this, I can get onto 5MHz and some other bands.īest DX (on WSPR) is Australia at 1W out on 40, 20 and 10m and Israel on 6m WSPR (1W ERP). Sometimes I use the Z817 ATU, which I find very good. For all digital modes I use the FT817 on DIG setting via the rear connector.

I use a SignaLink USB audio interface to the PC.

The lower rig is set at 2.5W, but the cable run to the V2000 vertical is lossy on 6m. The top FT817ND is used mainly for 2m and 70cms (local FM net, SSB and CW, beacon hunting) and the lower FT817 for WSPR, JT65 and JT9-1 mainly on 6m and 10m. This is a photo of the kit currently used.

Ham radio deluxe jt65