Introduction to Ham Radio Digital Modes Including FT8
Introduction to Ham Radio Digital Modes Including FT8 Steve Ikler, KS3K October, 2018 Some slides and information in this presentation are used with permission from Dave LeVasseur, N0DL and the Lake Area Radio Klub (SD) Methods of Ham Radio Communication • CW (Morse Code) • Voice (SSB, FM, AM, Digital Voice) • Digital (binary, either on or off) – Uses computers, sound cards and software – Converts text messages into audio – The audio gets transmitted – Translates audio back into readable text Why Use Digital Modes • Efficient use of bandwidth • Efficient use of power • Even small, indoor or compromise antennas work well • Still usable when voice or cw cannot be heard • Very popular worldwide • Work DX with minimal station • Foreign accents not a problem – it’s all text • Can send images (SSTV, Winlink) Examples of Digital Modes • CW • RTTY (FSK and AFSK) • PSK (BPSK, QPSK, PSK31, PSK63, PSK125) • *-TOR (Amtor, Pactor, G-Tor, etc.) (Packet) • JT-Modes (Joe Taylor, K1JT) – JT65, JT9, WSPR, MSK144, FT8 • Others – Olivia, CONTESTIA, Feld Hell, MFSK, MT63 What Do You Need • Transceiver • Computer (Laptop/Desktop) • Audio Interface between computer and radio • Software http://www.tigertronics.com/ http://www.westmountainradio.com/ Digital Software • Ham Radio Deluxe (DM780) (Not Free) • Fldigi • WinWarbler (DXLabs) • WSJT-X • RMS Express (Winlink) • MMTTY • MixW Summary of PSK Former King-of-the-Hill • Phase-Shift Keying - Changes (modulates) the phase of a constant frequency reference signal (the carrier wave) • Also used by Wireless LANs, RFID, Bluetooth • BPSK and QPSK – Binary Phase-Shift Keying and Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying • BPSK much more popular • Conversational Mode – Instant Messaging without the internet Summary of FT8 • FT8 is named after its developers, Steven Franke, K9AN, and Joe Taylor, K1JT.
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