Operating PSK

Bio Note for John Macfarlane VE7AXU and VA7PX

John started out as an SWL in the early 1960s as WPE3FNC and served as a communications officer in vessels of the Royal Canadian Navy in the late 1960s. In the early 1970s he operated a Government of Canada radio with the call XMJ333 for the National Parks Service of Canada in New Brunswick. John obtained his basic certification in 2005 when he passed the theory and code tests. He obtained his advanced qualification in 2007.

John is a member of the PODX 070 Club, the Feld Hell Club, the European PSK Club and the Delta Amateur Radio Society. Currently he is active on PSK31 on 40m, 20m and 15m but has an interest in Olivia, MFSK, HELL, RTTY and other digital modes. Recently he has become an enthusiastic RTTY & SSB contester. From Mayne Island (IOTA NA-075) he identifies as VA7PX. An objective for 2008 is to become more active on CW.

Getting Started on the Digital Modes with PSK

John (VE7AXU and VA7PX) was the guest speaker at SARC’s Feb. 6th meeting attended by approximately 20 members and visitors. Though a relative newcomer to amateur radio, John is an enthusiastic advocate of the digital modes, having made something like 3000 contacts within a 3-year period. John calls PSK the “king of modes” , attributing its popularity to the low power requirement (typically 20-30 watts) even during poor band conditions, its visual focus (poor hearing for we seniors is no handicap) and the narrow bandwidth (only 31 Hz for PSK31).

In demonstration of these features, John related that he has worked nearly 100 countries over a 3-year period using only 20 watts, at this the lowest period of the sunspot cycle. All that is required to get started on digital is a new or old transceiver, a computer running Windows XP (or earlier version, even Windows 95), an interface to couple audio signals between the transceiver and the computer and, of course, a good antenna. The interface can be home- made, or a commercial unit purchased for under $100. A variety of software is available including Digipan, Ham Radio Deluxe, MixW and others, all of them either free or available for downloading at modest cost. In addition to the hardware and software requirements, John reviewed some recommended PSK operating practices, as well as tips on setting up macros for repetitive keystrokes and rig control operations. He described PSK as a “friendly” mode where the practitioners display an especially patient and helpful manner that is welcoming to beginners. Please click the link at the end of this article to John’s entire Powerpoint presentation containing much more information than can be provided in this brief overview.

A show of hands and many questions from the audience indicated that only about one-third of the group had actual experience on PSK. SARC thanks John for sharing his experience with this interesting topic and his generous donation for raffle of the ARRL digital handbook.