❌

Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayK8ZT

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3306097083362758983.post-6051820910381204689

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
11 May 2020 at 21:10

ARRL FD and COVID-19 Social Distancing, What’s Your Plan?
I have a feeling that Field Day, the premier Summer Radio Activity for most Amateur Radio Clubs, is going to be a little different this year. With limits imposed by the COVID-19 precautions of Social Distancing and the higher risk populations present in most AR Clubs, club officers are scratching their collective heads to decide how they are going to do FD this year.

Traditionally FD was the event where many Hams were first exposed to HF operating, setting up antennas and stations, simplex SSB VHF (not FM repeater operation) and Contest style contacts. It is a time of fellowship and learning that is impossible to replace. But this year we may have to take a break from the normal mode of club-sponsored operations, but we do not have to skip operating FD.


I have put together a Slideshow Presentation- “Field Day in Social Distancing”. You can read through the presentation, share it with fellow club members and even have me present it to your club as an online meeting presentation. Here is the link - tiny.cc/fdsd.


Before We Go too Far, SAFETY FIRST!
●     By its nature Socially Distanced FD is a compromise in many ways with untested tools, equipment and plans
●     Thus, we need to be even more vigilant
○     Don’t Rush
○     Don’t Cut Corners
○     Don’t Go Near Overhead Wiring!!!!
○     Care when climbing, better yet avoid climbing when possible
○     Be careful with Generators
■     Gasoline, especially refueling
■     Carbon Monoxide fumes in enclosed spaces
Some of the highlights of the presentation:
●     What FD Classes are they and how does each adapt to Social Distancing
○     Class B solo or duo operations
○     Ideas for Class C mobile operations
○     Class D and E operations from your home
○     Using a vehicle to do a Class B operation with the advantages of the vehicle as a shelter and power source but with the advantage of larger, more efficient portable instead of mobile antennas
●     Operations for those without a station or even an HF radio at home
○     Remote operation of stations
■     Permanent (home) stations
■     Temporary field station (along the lines of a club set up Class A station)
○     Home VHF operations
○     Increased use of simplex FM
●     FD Options for Technician Licensees (Technician class Licensees have additional limitations due to operating privileges)
○     VHF Station 6 and/or 2 Meter
○     Satellite Contacts
○     10 Meter SSB
○     CW Only Operations on 80, 40 and/or 15 M (including ideas for those with little or no code proficiency- tiny.cc/fwm)
●     A call for local clubs and ARRL officials alike to encourage operation on less frequently used bands and modes to provide opportunities for Technician Licensees and newly licensed hams of all classes
○     Calling CQ on 10 Meters for local/regional contacts even during poor band conditions
○     2 Meter FM Simplex to provide local contacts
○     Slower speed CW opportunities at top of old Novice band CW allocations
●     FD Logging Software and help with setup and use

Another thought for FD this year-- consider getting younger family members at your house involved in your home or vehicle-based FD, but remember to keep safe with both Social Distancing and regular FD safety.

Here is the link to “Field Day in Social Distancing” - tiny.cc/fdsd. You can read through the presentation and please share it with fellow club members via your club’s newsletters, website and nets. If you are looking for an online meeting presentation, I would be happy to do this for you. If you prefer another talk here are seven I have been recently presenting remotely:
7.    Ideas & Resources for Growing Youth Involvement in Amateur Radio (based on my article in March 2020 CQ Magazine)
Recently, through these presentations, I have been able to meet club members around the state of Ohio that I never would have imagined I’d have an opportunity to speak to. It has been great and I am always looking for more opportunities to present (and I don’t limit to Ohio) so have your club program director contact me at k8zt@arrl.net. Visit my website www.k8zt.com for a wide variety of resources during this time of imposed isolation.

Having Fun with Morse, Getting Started with CW & Getting on HF Bands with Any License

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
19 June 2019 at 13:42


The mode of Morse Code in Amateur Radio is commonly referred to as “continuous wave” or “CW”. (This name was chosen to distinguish it from the damped wave emissions from spark transmitters, not because the transmission is continuous.)

Morse Code, No Fun! Why?
Before 1990 all Amateur Radio licenses required at least some code and up until 2007 Code Proficiency was required to have most Voice HF radio privileges. It was something you had to do.
Many learned just enough to get their license but never used it on the air, they really just wanted voice privileges. Or worse yet, they got frustrated and lost interest in Amateur Radio. Now there is no code proficiency requirement for any level of Amateur Radio license.
Fun with Code- Maybe?
So the goal of this document is...
  • To get you on the HF bands as soon as possible.
  • To help you get on the air using code
  • To learn how it can be a fun and effective way to make contacts on HF
  • No testing or shaming of your code ability

Fun with Code- Yes!
Morse Code could be Fun and Useful:
  • Gets you on HF now!
  • More efficient in getting contacts than SSB (especially with QRP- low power)
  • Lower cost equipment & simple kits
  • A very popular contesting mode
  • No one knows how old you are, your gender or your accent
  • Doesn’t bother spouse or other nearby (with the shouting of voice contacts)
  • Did you realize you already have HF privileges with just a Tech License? Using CW- You Already Have HF Access!
    • You can use CW with your Tech License!
      • 80 meters    3.525 - 3.600 CW
      • 40 meters    7.025 – 7.125 CW
      • 15 meters  21.025 – 21.200 CW

Many new hams are not aware of HF and 6-meter privileges that come with a Technician class license so let's take a look at them and what can be done with them:

  • 6 Meters- Although a VHF band 6 meters has a number of features that can make it resemble the behavior of HF bands at times. Technicians have full privileges on 6 M including Voice, Data and CW.
    • During periods high sunspot activity the F2 layer of the atmosphere can support worldwide contacts like the HF bands. Unfortunately, we are at an 11-year low point in the cycle right now, so let's skip this one.
    • E Skip, on the other hand, is not dependent on the sunspot cycle and can support regional and sometimes even nationwide and Caribbean contacts. E Skip is more predominant in Summer months but can occur year round. In addition to SSB voice contacts, the extremely popular new data mode FT8 is especially successful at making E skip contacts under even poor conditions. For additional info on FT8 and MSK144 see my website’s digital page www.k8zt.com/digital and my presentation on FT8.
    • Meteor scatter is not dependent on the sun at all and MSK144 digital mode can provide regional and sometimes even nationwide and Caribbean contacts.

  • 10 Meters is the highest frequency band has a wide variety of privileges for Technicians.  During periods of high sunspot activity, the F2 layer of the atmosphere can support worldwide contacts. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier we are currently at the bottom of sunspot activity. Because of this worldwide and even regional contacts can be rare to come by. But there are still statewide contacts and rare openings (usually during contests) across the Western Hemisphere.
    • SSB Voice on 28.300 through 28.500 MHz.
    • CW on 28.000 to 28.299 MHz.
    • Data- RTTY, PSK31 and most recently and promising during poor band conditions FT8!

  • 80, 40 & 15 Meters. Although 15 M is also quite dependent on solar activity, both 40 & 80 are bands that are open even during this low sunspot period. These Technician HF privileges are probably a surprise to many, but they exist and are just waiting to be used. The catch? These 80, 40 & 15 Meter privileges are limited to CW, but we will get to that below.

Now before I go any further this is not an article on the pros and cons of CW as a licensing requirement, an argument on old versus new ways of doing things or of any type of operator shaming.

The remainder of this document will focus on getting you on the air using Morse Code:
  • Learning Code
  • Using Code
  • Tools
  • General Guides to CW Contacts
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Fun with Code

Different people learn differently but here are a few ideas to get you off on the right foot. Do not learn to count dot (dits) or dashes (dahs) it will just slow you down. Learn at least 10 WPM (Words Per Minute) so you are hearing sounds of each character not counting elements (dots and dashes). One method of doing this is the Farnsworth Method. In the Farnsworth Method individual characters are sent at the target speed (CPM- Characters Per Minute), but extra space is sent between characters and words to slow the rate at which you have to translate (WPM- Words Per Minute).

Over the years there have been a number of methods used to teach code. Some of them involved a “live” instructor sending the practice code but many used recordings of sent code (phonographic records, tapes, CDs, etc.) one of the problems with these recorded methods was learner could soon memorize the code being sent as opposed to learning to receive it. Fortunately with the advent of computer software code practice can be generated on the fly.  So I suggest one of the following:
  • Computer Software Programs
  • Apps for phones or tablets
  • Devices (self-contained hardware to designed to send practice code)
  • On-Air (best saved for after you have experience with code, just remember some code you encounter on the air is not sent perfectly)
  • If there is a class with a live instructor in your area that could be a good option (an excellent alternative to this is an online/on-air class option-                CW Ops CW Academy <https://cwops.org/cw-academy-2>).

Once you pick a method or methods for learning one of the most important things is setting goals and a schedule of practice. Having a buddy to learn with can be a great incentive in this process.

Computer Software Programs




Learning Code- Android Apps (Available in Google Play Store)



Learning Code - Devices
  • MFJ-418 Code Tutor-link
  • K1EL Morse Tutor Kit & Keyer Kit-link
  • K5BCQ Morse Code Trainer MCT-link
  • W8TEE- Morse Code Tutor- link





Sending Morse Code- Keys & Paddles
  • Mechanical (connects directly to radio)
    • Straight Key
    • Bug (semi-automatic mechanical keyer)
  • Electrical (require electronic keyer)
    • Double Lever Paddles, “iambic” paddles
    • Single Lever Paddle

Sending CW- unlike the mechanical straight keys and Bug (semi-automatic mechanical keyer), both double and single paddles require an electronic keying device. These keyers come in a variety of styles. They translate the paddles movements in dits and dahs in both sound feedback and connection to key the radio.  Most recent HF radios have built-in Keyers although some users prefer external units for their extra features. Most have adjustable speeds, programmable memories and other features like Iambic Keying Mode that can be set to autocomplete letters. Here are two resources on Iambic/Squeeze Keying- “Squeeze Keying - Iambic Mode Operation” and “Iambic Keying - Debunking the Myth”.

Sending CW Via a Keyboard. Some Keyers have features and a port to use a PC Keyboard (PS2 and/or USB). A few radios have the ability to directly attach a keyboard to send CW (and even RTTY or PSK). Contesting software programs (N1MM, WriteLog, etc.) can send CW from computer keyboard by keying radio via a serial interface. Most contest programs allow “Macros” which can be programmed to send a series of CW exchanges during contest including signal reports, contest serial numbers, etc.). For additional information on Contesting Software visit www.k8zt.com/contesting.

Speaking of Contesting, contests are a great place for the beginner to start using CW. During a contest, the amount and variation of code to be copied are limited and uniform. In most cases you only need to copy:
  • Their Callsign (but you have many, many opportunities as they will repeat it often)
  • It will even show up on DX Spotting Sites so you get an idea of what you will be copying
  • Your Own Callsign to know when they are replying to you
  • When they want you to send your exchange
  • ? or AGN if they need you to repeat your exchange
  • R, QSL or TU to know they copied you
You can use a Memory Keyer, Keyboard CW or Contest Software to send everything you need to exchange with the contest station.  Listen to the Podcast DitDit.com for an interview with me describing this entire process-

What if you still can copy very well or would like a little help copying CW in the air? Although they are far from perfect Morse Code Decoders can help. There is a wide variety of Morse Code Decoders/Readers available including:
  • Computer Software Programs
  • Hardware Devices
  • Built into Radio Features
  • Phone/Tablet Apps

Morse Code Readers are not perfect and work best with:
  • Strong signals in the clear
  • Perfectly send CW
  • “Machine sent CW” (CW sent from keyboard or software program)
  • Usually better with faster WPM (CW under 10 WPM is usually especially problematic)
  • When there is little to no QRM or QRN
  • When your radio has effective filtering and/or DSP

Morse Code Readers- Software Programs:
                   www.hotamateurprograms.com/downloads.htm
                 www.hamradiodeluxe.com/features/dm780/
                                https://www.qsl.net/hamscope

Morse Code Readers- Hardware
  • MFJ-461 Pocket Sized Morse Code Reader ~$90
  • MFJ-464 CW Keyer/ Reader ~$175
  • K1EL-K44 CW Keyer/Reader ~$160
  • Cheap eBay Morse Code Reader <$12 Usually not the best decoder

Morse Code Readers- Built-In

Morse Code Readers- Android Apps  (Available in Google Play Store)

Tips for using a code reader successfully:
  • Always try to copy in your head also
  • Listen to multiple QSOs before sending to get other stations info
  • Use narrow filtering
  • Use Context Clues to fill in missing or miscopied letters
  • Know what stations usually send
  • Know the typical QSO or Contest Exchange
  • Know CW operating abbreviations, Q-code, shortcuts, cut #s, etc
  • Use DX Spotting Cluster to get an idea of potential callsigns
  • Operate in contests
    • Use contesting Super Partial Checking Software
    • Use N1MM History Files for exchange help
Making Code QSOs Successfully Helpful Links:


Getting Better & Building Speed
There are a variety of ways to get better but the two that
stand out are more practice and getting on air as much as
possible to make contacts. Again a great way to practice
is with a buddy. In addition to on-air practice, there are
computer software programs and Apps:

There are a number of CW Groups and Clubs you might be
interested in joining for support, news, awards, etc.:


Web Links form Images







Want to Work 6, 10 or 12 Meters But No Sunspots? Don’t Miss Your Chance with Summer E Skip and FT8.

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
19 June 2019 at 13:35
You may have heard the doom and gloom about being in the depths of the 11 Year Sunspot Cycle:
  • “No propagation above 20 Meters”
  • “Ten is dead!”
  • “Might as well sell the radio”
  • “The sun will never return”
  • “It’s 80 & 160 Meters only for the next few years”
  • “#$@&%*!”
Well, the idea to concentrate on 160 and 80 Meters is a good idea, but not until late
fall or winter. In the meantime, there is a way to make contacts on 6, 10 or 12 Meters
most days of the week by taking advantage of the summer enhanced E Skip season
and the new mode of FT8.

Typically during high sunspot activity (solar flux) ionization of the F layer of the
atmosphere facilitates refraction of signals on higher HF bands allowing
worldwide communications. The E layer is below the F layer and is responsible
for a propagation type known to abnormally effect VHF and higher HF frequencies
called Sporadic E or E skip.  This happens went ionized particles appear in the
E layer of the ionosphere. Sporadic E as the name implies occurs sporadically
throughout the year and is not dependent on 11-year sunspot cycle.
In the Northern hemisphere, sporadic E activities are more frequent during the
summer months.



The lower height of the E layer results in shorter skips than the F layer.
During sporadic E events, the E layer becomes heavily ionized in specific
small thin areas, sometimes called clouds.  This can last a few minutes or
up to several hours. The effect is normally more pronounced with lower frequencies.
The short duration of this type of propagation can mean openings can easily be
missed so frequent monitoring of bands is important. Fortunately, in this internet age,
there are, of course, websites that can predict or at least define sporadic E,
DXMaps.com has maps similar to the one below.


Another good way to monitor activity, especially with FT8 contacts is PSK Reporter.
Speaking of FT8, it is a great way to maximize your number of contacts during the
sometimes marginal propagation characteristics of Sporadic E. For information on
FT8 visit www.k8zt.com/digital. Sporadic E is available for all license classes as Technicians
have privileges for all modes on 6 Meters and voice and CW on 10 Meters (FT8 is
not yet included for Techs on 10 M).

The table below shows contacts made at K8ZT during the months of May through
August of 2018 and May to mid-June of 2019 with a power output of 5 watts.
The antenna was a 3 element beam at 50 feet.






FT4 a New Mode!

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
30 April 2019 at 18:58
FT4 a new Digital Mode, similar to FT8 is here!
With even shorter transmissions (4.48 s, compared to 12.64 s for FT8), FT4 is designed for contesting.
Click here for details. Here is also a video of Joe Taylor announcing it- link. 
Download the software here (scroll down to Installation packages for WSJT-X 2.1.0-rc5)and get in on the inauguration of this new mode. 

Using PSK Reporter Website as Propagation Tool

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
24 March 2019 at 15:25
PSK Reporter, www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html, is a powerful tool for monitoring your
FT8, JT65 or PSK signals around the world. But, even if you are not transmitting on any
of these modes it can still be a great propagation tool for determining which bands are
open and to where in the world signals from your area are being heard.


Here are some instructions with screenshots to get you started:
  1. Go to the PSK Reporter website- www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html
  2. A map of the world will appear.
  3. You will see shading indicating night and day conditions around the world.
You can easily zoom in and out by clicking on small blue plus or minus in
upper left corner, double-clicking on an area or using your mouse’s scroll wheel.


  1. The controls for what you want to display are across the top of page:
    1. On- choose “all bands” or select specific band you want to display
    2. Show- leave this on “signals”
    3. Sent/Rcvd- choose...
      1. “sent/rcvd by” if you are transmitting digital signals,
      2. “sent by” if you are looking for a specific station that is transmitting on digital modes
      3. “rcvd by” if you are not transmitting digital modes.
    4. Who-  choose…
      1. “the callsign” to see your stations activity or another specific ham (only if you/they are transmitting digital signals)
      2. “country of callsign” to see who is transmitting and who is receiving QSOs from a specific country, not a specific callsign (only the country of that callsign)
      3. “Grid square” to see who is transmitting and who is receiving QSOs from a specific Grid Square (usually your’s)
      4. “Anyone” this will give you an idea of all activity worldwide (typically only used for one band at a time)
    5. Callsign or Grid Square- this is where you would enter callsign or grid square depending on what you choose for D.
    6. Using- this is where you select “all modes” or a specific mode type usually you can leave this as “all modes”
    7. Over the last- this is where you choose the time frame you want to view from 24 hours to 15 minutes
    8. Go- once you have made all of your choices in A-G click Go to display the information
    9. Display Options- allows you to set additional parameters















  1. Examples


    • To see all the stations around the world that are hearing my FT8 transmissions


    • To see all stations that are receiving digital transmissions from my Grid square on 80 Meter band, even when I am not transmitting

    • To see all of the stations that stations in grid EN91 are hearing on 40 meters
    • When I am displaying all signals sent & received by me I can click on a colored station “flag” that heard me and see details including the strength of my signal (-6dB here). The colors of the “flags” correspond to color codes for each band as displayed below options section and time in minutes since last heard is shown on each “flag”

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3306097083362758983.post-8041611060521921599

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
21 February 2019 at 01:08

Increase your Amateur Radio Fun by adding CW to your operating modes. I just put together a new presentation for a local licensing class and I am sharing it here for those that might be interested in getting started with CW. As usual, my presentation is more of a reference piece so it will stand on its own without me for you to read.

FT8 a New Mode!

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
26 July 2017 at 16:19
Here is a chance to get in on the ground floor as a new mode rapidly gains popularity.
FT8, the newest digital mode from Noble Laurite K1JT, Joe Taylor. FT8 has been added to free WSJT-X suite that already includes JT65, JT9, MSK144 and more. For those familiar with very sensitive, but very slow contacts FT8 will seem very fast! FT8 involves a 15-second transmission versus JT65's one-minute transmissions. So contacts are 4 times faster but you do give up a few dB of sensitivity. For more details visit WSJT-X for Dummies & Experts

Building a Clothespin Key

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
22 March 2017 at 20:49
Even though proficiency with Morse Code is no longer required for getting an Amateur Radio license, young students often find code a fun activity. Fancy Code Keys can run in the hundreds of dollars and even a cheap plastic based “bargain” key is $12 to $20 each, even on eBay, and you have over 25 students!
The Clothespin Key was designed with price and durability in mind. In addition, it allows the students to assemble their own keys. Here is a typical price list:
As you can see, if you buy in bulk, you or your radio club could easily cover the cost for a class of 25 students by passing the hat at your next club meeting. You will notice the battery is over ½ of the cost for the key, so if you make it BYOB (bring your own battery) the keys can be under a dollar each.
I have included a pictorial diagram of the project. If printed to scale you can actually make copies of the paper and paste them to the top of each board and students could then place parts as illustrated.




Here are some of my thoughts on the design, please feel free to adjust to your needs and available materials.
  • 9 Volt Buzzers were chosen over 3.5-volt versions due to lower cost of a single 9-volt battery and connector versus 3 AA cells and corresponding cell holder.
  • Buzzer Prep- I add a small dot of red paint to mark + connection and then carefully bend the two leads. If desired, adding crimp connectors gives assembler more length to work with resulting in a more reliable connection.
  • Even though we call them thumbtacks most students cannot easily push them into the wood. So I drill pilot holes in the wood to assist in both pushing and placement.
  • Almost any hookup wire will work. I get free 25 Pair 24 AWG Communications Cable surplus ends (one foot of this can supply 50 keys!). Colors will not be all red but instead a fun rainbow of colors.
  • Crimp end connectors are optional, but if not used I recommend stripping a longer end and wrapping wire around thumbtack before pushing in. Make sure the stripped portion extend out to the edge of the thumbtack.
  • I prepare the clothespin ahead of time by:
    • Drilling a “snug” hole in top and bottom of end of clip to create the spot for the two thumbtacks that make up the key “contacts”
    • Twisting clothespin slightly sideways to access the inside to drill the hole for the screw. I then screw the clothespin to the board. (After the contact thumbtack on the bottom is completed twist the clothespin back into place.
    • If you have a problem with the top thumbtack popping out during use there are two easy solutions
      • Apply a small amount of glue from hot glue gun
      • Slice a small thin piece of an eraser and push up against the bottom of the top thumb tack (be careful not to poke yourself).
    • Instead of thumbtacks for the battery and buzzer wire connections, you can splurge with about 20 cents each for three Fahnestock Clips or slightly more money using brass screws and cup washers.
In addition to being used as a single key and buzzer, you can add a few connectors and a length of wire between two keys and set up a point-to-point pair of “telegraph offices”
Pressing the key on either end will sound both buzzers.
Of course, the next step could be the replacement of the connecting wire with the addition of a small, low power transceiver on each key. If unlicensed something along the lines of http://makerf.com/posts/fun_with_crystal_oscillators_part_1 or if licensed any of the <$10.00 “Pixie” or “Frog” radios found on eBay.
Here are few websites on Morse Code from my ZTLearn.com website:
http://boyslife.org/games/online-games/575/morse-code-machine
http://morsecode.scphillips.com/translator.html
http://lcwo.net
Here are my web pages on Radio Technology in The Classroom & DIY (each page has over 50 links) from my ZTLearn.com website:

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3306097083362758983.post-2212567119420228936

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
13 January 2017 at 20:55
K8ZT’s Contesting Companion
At the last meeting of my local radio club, the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club (CFARC.org), I was asked if there were any upcoming contests, so this article is an attempt to answer that question. .
Contesting Site Links
  • Bruce Horn’s WA7BNM Contest Calendar- www.hornucopia.com/contestcal (probably the most comprehensive listing of contests anywhere).
  • ARRL Contest Calendar (a.k.a. Contest Corral)- ww.arrl.org/contest-calendar
  • Contesting.com - Contesting News, Articles, Surveys, Tips, Calendars & more!

  • SM3CER Contest Service- www.sk3bg.se/contest- contests, propogation, DX spots and more.

  • DL2NBY’s Ham Radio Contest Calendars - A somewhat overwhelming but very thorough collection of subscribable Google Calendars (CW, Phone, Digital Contest & Mixed).
  • 3830.com- a place for rumors, bragging, and summaries of current contests. You can upload your claimed score here to share with the world
  • The CQ Magazine Contests- Worldwide DX- PH, CW, RTTY & 160M; WPX- PH, CW & RTTY and DX Marathon (some of the most popular/larger contests).
  • NG3K Amateur Radio Contest/DX Page, www.ng3k.com, the place to find Announced DX Operations (ADXO) Stations that will be on during Contests plus a wide variety of other tools for Contesters and/or DXers.
  • State & Province QSO Party Calendar by N5NA- http://qsoparty.eqth.net

Contesting Anecdote-
Did you ever think about it- Amateur Radio Contesting 
is the only competition I can think of 
where you cannot score points unless
you provide your competitors with points!

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3306097083362758983.post-1507335734802489463

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
31 July 2016 at 13:38

Monitoring Your JT65/JT6 Signal Around the World

Many of you are aware of the Reserve Beacon Network for gathering received CW signals from receiving stations around the world. This is then feed into spotting networks. This allows station that are not normally spotted to monitor their signal level from spots around the world.

PSK Reporter (www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html) allows JT65/JT9 operators to do the same by displaying their received signal on a world map.


JT65 Setup for Elecraft K3S

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
30 July 2016 at 20:18
Elecraft K3S on JT65/JT9- Setting Up & Using
Link to this Doc- http://tiny.cc/K3S-WSJT-X
Installing and Setting Up Software
  1. Using Elecraft’s instructions, get the K3S rig control working using the USB connection. Check it using Elecraft K3 Utility and note the Com #
  2. Download and install the free WSJT-X software- http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt
  3. Setup the WSJT-X software
    1. From top menu select.File...Settings
    2. Settings screen dialog box will open
  4. Start with General Tab


    1. Enter your information for My Callsign and My Grid
    2. Check boxes for:
      1. Double-click on calls sets Tx enabled (this will automatically send your first message to the station, as soon as your “turn” comes around)
      2. Disable Tx after sending 73 (this will automatically disable transmitting after 73 has been sent and return you to Monitor mode)
      3. Runaway Tx watchdog (this prevents repeated Transmitting if you become distracted and/or happen to leave and forget to return to Monitor mode)
    3. Decoded Text Font… (Not necessary, but my personal preference.I have Andale Mono Slashed installed in Windows and prefer its slashed zeros differentiated from “O”s in callsigns)
    4. Click OK to save
  1. Radio Tab
    1. Rig: Choose Elecraft K3/KX3.
    2. Serial Port: Enter Com # from step #1 above
    3. Baud Rate set to 38400
    4. Check “Cat” for PTT method
    5. Click OK to save
  2. Audio
    1. This was actually one of the hardest parts of the software setup because both of these values will vary depending on the number of “Physical”, USB and/or “Virtual” sound devices Windows recognizes for your computer
    2. Sound Card Settings
      1. Input: Choose Microphone from list provided from Windows (look for wording containing USB in the name)
      2. Output: Choose Microphone from list (look for USB in the name)
      3. Click OK to Save
      4. If either the two audio sources are not showing up as available, you may need to adjust a few Windows setting to make them available
      5. See attached image-

        1. Open the Playback and/or Recording Devices either from right clicking athe small speaker icon on the taskbar or using Windows Control Panel
        2. First, check to make sure that disabled devices are showing.
        3. If not make sure you choose to show them.
        4. After showing disabled devices, you will need to enable that device.
  1. You can leave the other four setting tab’s value as their default settings
  2. Exit WSJT-X software.

Configuring K3S Settings
  1. Mode
    1. Press MODE button choose DATA
    2. Press DATA MD (press and hold)-
    3. Using VFO B knob, rotate to choose DATA    A   (do not choose AFSK  A )
    4. The BAND WIDTH should be set for maximum (BW 4.0)
  2. Power
    1. JT65 requires very little power (maximum should probably be ~40 watts)
    2. I set this for 5 watts using PWR knob
  3. Adjusting the Mic Gain/ALC
    1. Use METER button (press and hold DISP) to select CMP/ALC (you click and hold this button to cycle through choices of SWR/RF and CMP/ALC)
    2. Connect a dummy load (preferable) or an antenna to appropriate coax output of radio
    3. Start WSJT-X software
    4. Click the “Tune” button, the radio will go into transmit mode, transmitting a pure tone
    5. Increase the MIC gain on K3S until you start to see bars in the ALC display
    6. Decrease the MIC gain on K3S just until you barely see 4 BARS in the ALC display, then stop. (I have tried with ZERO BARS based on others suggestions, both seem to work the same for me.)
    7. Click “Tune” button in software to toggle off radio transmitting
    8. Toggle K3S’s METER to SWR/RF
    9. Click the “Tune” button in software, radio will go into transmit mode, and you should see approximately the RF power displayed that you set in previous step.
    10. Congratulations, you should now be able to make JT-65 contacts with your K3S, you will want to read the help section on more details on how the WSJT-X software works
    11. If you have not already done so, please install a time sync program such as- Meinberg NTP
    12. If you see activity on  the receive graph, but a WSJT-X is not decoding see the tips below from Loren - WA3WZR & Andy NC4AB on changing windows priority
    13. Join the WST-X Yahoo Group to keep up-to-date
Addendum & Notes From e-mail Response (Thanks to all contributors)
  1. Jim,  N4ST- I was told by an Elecraft service tech to set up the K3S for ~4 Bars of ALC when operating digital modes, including the JT modes. He said the K3S was different from most rigs and that a few bars of ALC would keep things clean while preventing "power hunting" that can occur if the K3S has inadequate audio drive.  This was new to me, but that's how I have been operating.
  2. Q. Dennis, N6KI - What would be the differences in your procedure if a plain K3 is utilized ?    A. K8ZT- The ability to use the USB port on K3S allows both rig control and audio in/out with one cable. See also K1IG’s note below.
  3. George,  K1IG-
    1. On the Radio Tab (Paragraph 5), set "Split Operation" to Rig. This will let the software run the K3 in split mode and optimize the transmit passband.  You can then set the WSJT-X Mode to JT9+JT65 and operate in either mode without having to switch back and forth.  If you leave "Split Operation" on None and try to transmit out of the transmit passband, the K3 won't transmit.
    2. To test the connectivity, hit the Test Cat button.  It will turn green if the serial/USB connection is good.  Hit the Test PTT button next -- it should turn red and the K3 should go into transmit mode (no signal will be transmitted).  Hit the button again to go back to receive mode.
    3. If using a K3S or K3 with the USB mod, just plug the USB cable in and select the USB channel for I/O in the Audio menu.
  4. Paul, AF7HL- The piece I'm still missing is integration with logging software. If this could be extended to describe integration with, say, LOG4OM, that would be really helpful.
Additional Links for Information on Using WSJT-X and JT-65

  1. WSJT References Page- http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/refs.html
  2. JT-Utilities- Useful helper applications for JT65-HF & WSJT-X - http://hamapps.com
  3. Setting up JT ALERTS with WSJT-X Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxtSfR0pQvg
  4. PSK/JT Report & Maps- https://www.pskreporter.info
  5. WSJT-X - Filling in the missing pieces- The Splatter, on-line newsletter of the York Region ARC (9 July 2015)- http://yrarc-splatter.blogspot.com/2015/07/wsjt-x-filling-in-missing-pieces.html
  6. The Old Codger's Guide to JT65A and JT9 via WSJT-X Software, by Andy K3UK- http://obriensweb.com/wsjtx.html
  7. Rob Hall, KV8P Toledo Hamfest presentation on JT-65*- http://www.tmrahamradio.org/files/JT65Presentation.pdf.

* I want to give Rob a big thank you for getting me started on JT-65

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3306097083362758983.post-528597492454350938

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
22 July 2016 at 00:02

An Interface for Elecraft KX3 & KX2 to Use with N1MM


 This interface will allow you to:

  • Read the Elecraft KX3/KX2 frequency in N1MM
  • Control the radio’s frequency
  • Send CW by keying the radio

What you will need:

  1. N1MM+ software (free) - download here
  2. The Elecraft ACC-1 KXSER (3.5mm to DB9-F) Serial Interface Cable
    1. You can request this in place of the USB ACC1 cable that ships with KX3 (the same one you use for Firmware updates).
    2. If you did not choose to substitute serial for USB you can either purchase one from Elecraft ($29 + shipping)
    3. If you would like to build your own for ~$10 or even less if you have an old RS-232 cable or connector laying around. See circuit below, which also includes ability to directly key the radio.
  3. An RS-232 Serial to USB Adapter (although you can find very inexpensive versions, I strongly suggest you spend a few extra dollars to get a quality one. I have had excellent success with the StarTech ICUSB2321F, it has added advantage that will retain same Com Port # and not change each time you plug it into computer)



Circuit to build your own KX3 Serial Cable with CW Keying. If you don’t mind working in tight space you can actually build all of the circuit inside the RS-232 connector shell (see last page)



tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3306097083362758983.post-331108867283206159

✇K8ZT
By: K8ZT
21 July 2016 at 23:45

Using Elecraft KX3/K3 KY Codes to Allow N1MM & RTTY-FSK


 A Step-by-step Guide (assuming no previous experience)
Anthony Luscre- K8ZT
Introduction
This guide has been written assuming you have had little or no experience with using KX3 USB Interface or N1MM operations. For those with previous knowledge fill free to skip ahead to needed configuration and sample Macros. There maybe other settings that work, but these worked for me.This setup should also work with K3 or K3S
Why?
  1. I wanted to use the KX3’s excellent FSK (not  AFSK) and KX3’s RTTY to Text Decoding
  2. I did not want to use a Signalink or other digi interface or use my computer’s sound card
  3. I was only interested in using RTTY for casual operation in a contest that required serial numbers and wanted to be able easily send reply with incrementing serial numbers
  4. A bonus is ability to also use this setup for SSB or CW (If you are interested in non-macro driven, direct keying CW see appendix)
What you need-
  1. ACC-1 USB Interface Cable that ships with KX3 (the same one you use for Firmware updates)
  2. KX3 Utility Software (latest version- www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm )
  3. Computer running Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10 (“N1MM Logger+ incorporates the latest multi-threading technology, and will take full advantage of multi-core CPUs.. A single-core 1.6 GHz processor is probably the minimum required, but the CPU requirements depend quite heavily on which program options, modes, etc. are selected, so this may not be adequate depending on how you use the program. The program itself does not require a large amount of memory, but the more memory you have, the more smoothly Windows multitasking works.”)
  4. N1MM Logger+; a Free Contesting/Logging software (http://n1mm.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php)


Setup-
  1. Install KX3 Utility Software
  2. Plug USB cable into radio & computer
  3. Turn on KX3
  4. Determine USB Port # being used by KX3
    1. Start KX3 Utility Software and click “Test Communications” button
    2. Note the resulting port # (this will vary depending on other device connected to your computer.)
    3. Exit (File...Exit) KX3 Utility Software
  5. Install N1MM Software
  6. Configure N1MM Software
    1. On top menu choose “Configure” then “Configure Ports, Mode Control….”
    2. “Configure Ports, Mode Control….” dialog box will open
    3. You will need to use two tabs at the top
      1. “Hardware”
      2. “Digital Modes
  7. Configure Hardware Tab
    1. Choose the Port # that you noted above (with KX3 Utility Software). If the port is not listed, change one of the ports to the number you need
    2. Choose KX3 as the Radio
    3. Check “CW/Other” box
    4. Click “Set” to configure connection settings as show in screenshot D
    5. Check “Digi” box for any port number that is not being used by KX3 or other USB devices connected to your computer. (If not sure choose clicking on the drop down box will show available ports).
    1. Click “Set” on the port you have chosen for “Digi” and set as in the screenshot F
  1. Configure “Digital Modes” tab
    1. Choose “Digital Interface TU Type”. Then chose “Soundcard”.
    2. Click OK to close


    1. Close “Configure” then “Configure Ports, Mode Control….” dialog box
    2. Click on “Windows” Top Menu bar then choose “Digital Interface” a pair of windows should open.
    3. On the “Soundcard” dialog box, choose “Interface” menu.
    4. Select “MMTTY” (It should not, but if it does say you have to install “MMTTY”, it is free software- http://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmtty.php).
    5. You can minimize them and/or move them out of the way as they will not function in this configuration.
    6. You will be using the KX3 Decoded Text Display
  1. Load N1MM Macros
    1. On the top menu choose “Configure” then “Configure Ports, Mode Control….”
    2. Click “Change CW/SSB/Digital Key Definitions”
    3. Click “Change Digital Function Key…”
    4. Paste the sample “Run” & “Search & Pounce” messages (see sample list below) into box.
    5. Edit to match your preferences.
    6. Save, with a new name (KX3-Macros-CW) or anything to distinguish it from N1MM default messages file.
    8. Please note: macro in F12 is designed to stop transmit if does not terminate on its own.
Sample set of Macros for RTTY Contesting
#Simple RTTY K3/KX3 EXAMPLE
#The space between the KY and the first character in the actual message
#is required by the K3/KX3 command syntax, as is the semicolon at the end
#of the message.
##REM ———-, Special instructions begin at end-of-file —————————–
#
#
#RUN____,Run DIGITAL Message begin here —————————–
#
F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}
F2 Ex,{CAT1ASC KY {CALL} 599 {EXCH};}
F3 TU!,{CATA1ASC KY TU CQ {MYCALL} TEST;}
F4 MYCALL,{CATA1ASC KY {MYCALL};}
F5 HIS CALL, {CATA1ASC KY {CALL}?;}
F6 RptCQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}{CATA2ASC SWH21;}
F7 EX2,{CAT1ASC KY 5NN {EXCH} {MYCALL};}
F8 AGN?,{CAT1ASC KY AGN?;}
F9 Nr?, {CAT1ASC KY NR?;}
F10 SEC?, {CAT1ASC KY SEC?;}
F11 Wipe,{WIPE}
F12 STOP,{CATA1ASC RX;}{CATA2ASC RX;}
#
#S&P ———-, Search and Pounce DIGITAL Messages begin here —————————–
#
F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}
F2 Ex,{CAT1ASC KY 599 {EXCH} {MYCALL};}
F3 TU!,{CATA1ASC KY TU {MYCALL};}
F4 MYCALL,{CATA1ASC KY {MYCALL};}
F5 HIS CALL, {CATA1ASC KY {CALL}?;}
F6 -,
F7 EX2,{CAT1ASC KY 5NN {EXCH} {MYCALL};}
F8 AGN?,{CAT1ASC KY AGN?;}
F9 Nr?, {CAT1ASC KY NR?;}
F10 SEC?, {CAT1ASC KY SEC?;}
F11 Wipe,{WIPE}
F12 STOP,{CATA1ASC RX;}{CATA2ASC RX;}
#
#REM ———-, Special instructions begin at end-of-file —————————
Sample set of Macros for CW Contesting
#RUN____,Run CW Message begin here —————————–
#
F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}
F2 Ex,{CAT1ASC KY {CALL} 5NN {EXCH};}
F3 TU!,{CATA1ASC KY TU CQ {MYCALL} TEST;}
F4 MYCALL,{CATA1ASC KY {MYCALL};}
F5 HIS CALL, {CATA1ASC KY {CALL}?;}
F6 RptCQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}{CATA2ASC SWH21;}
F7 EX2,{CAT1ASC KY 5NN {EXCH} {MYCALL};}
F8 AGN?,{CAT1ASC KY AGN?;}
F9 Nr?, {CAT1ASC KY NR?;}
F10 SEC?, {CAT1ASC KY SEC?;}
F11 Wipe,{WIPE}
F12 STOP,{CATA1ASC RX;}{CATA2ASC RX;}
#
#S&P ———-, Search and Pounce CW Messages begin here —————————–
#
F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}
F2 Ex,{CAT1ASC KY 5NN {EXCH} {MYCALL};}
F3 TU!,{CATA1ASC KY TU {MYCALL};}
F4 MYCALL,{CATA1ASC KY {MYCALL};}
F5 HIS CALL, {CATA1ASC KY {CALL}?;}
F6 -,
F7 EX2,{CAT1ASC KY 5NN {EXCH} {MYCALL};}
F8 AGN?,{CAT1ASC KY AGN?;}
F9 Nr?, {CAT1ASC KY NR?;}
F10 SEC?, {CAT1ASC KY SEC?;}
F11 Wipe,{WIPE}
F12 STOP,{CATA1ASC RX;}{CATA2ASC RX;}
#
#REM ———-, Special instructions begin at end-of-file —————————–
#On K3/KX3 use straight Key to end tranmission at anytime
#
Sample set of Macros for SSB Contesting
#RUN ———-, Run SSB Messages begin here —————————–
#
F1 pulls message from Memories, test to verify assignments in your radio
F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC SWT21;}{CATA2ASC SWT21;}
F2 Exch,{CATA1ASC SWT31;}{CATA2ASC SWT31;}
F3 Thanks!,{CATA1ASC SWT35;}{CATA2ASC SWT35;}
F4 {MYCALL},{CATA1ASC SWT39;}{CATA2ASC SWT39;}
F5 -,
F6 RptCQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}{CATA2ASC SWH21;}
F7 REC,{CATA1ASC SWT37;}{CATA2ASC SWT37;}
F8 -,
F9 -,
F10 -,
F11 -,
F12 STOP,{CATA1ASC RX;}{CATA2ASC RX;}
#
#S&P ———-, Search and Pounce SSB Messages begin here —————————–
#
F1 CQ,{CATA1ASC SWT21;}{CATA2ASC SWT21;}
F2 TU QRZ,{CATA1ASC SWT31;}{CATA2ASC SWT31;}
F3 NA1DX,{CATA1ASC SWT35;}{CATA2ASC SWT35;}
F4 {MYCALL},{CATA1ASC SWT39;}{CATA2ASC SWT39;}
F5 -,
F6 RptCQ,{CATA1ASC SWH21;}{CATA2ASC SWH21;}
F7 REC,{CATA1ASC SWT37;}{CATA2ASC SWT37;}
F8 -,
F9 -,
F10 -,
F11 -,
F12 STOP,{CATA1ASC RX;}{CATA2ASC RX;}
#

❌
❌