Hobbies
First, it's probably helpful to point out that I know that I don't post on this blog very often. I'm pretty sure its because my hobbies are seasonal. In the spring and summer, I'm mostly sailing or working on the boat. Fall is full of holidays, and winterizing everything. But winter - winter is the season for Ham Radio!
Digital Modes
It was a big weekend for me! First, I picked up a West Mountain Radio Rigblaster Advantage to finally get digital modes working in my little shack. I've been interested in digital modes for the past year, but I was only half-heartedly trying them out due to my heinous work schedule. Now that I'm working on a non-technical Master's Degree, I've got a little more time to work on these projects (except when I have papers due!).
Rigblaster Advantage
Hooking up the RIgblaster was pretty simple. I'm using an FT-897D as my radio, so that required me to pick up an additional CAT cable used by the Rigblaster to communicate directly to the radio. As for control software, I'm sticking with HRD and DM-780, which is pretty simple to use.
The Rigblaster Advantage is a complete soundcard which connects to your computer via a USB port. Once I got that set up (I made the Rigblaster COM5 as recommended in the manual in Windows 10 without any issues besides trying to find the settings window), DM780 connected immediately to the Rigblaster.
The radio connections were similarly simple. The system connects to the microphone port and also to the external audio. For this type of system, you leave the FT-897D in normal SSB operation, not the digital modes! Based on the Internet, this is a common mistake with the Rigblaster Advantage. The Rigblaster and the control software do all of the encoding and decoding. The Rigblaster controls the PTT on the radio as well, which is triggered by DM-780.
The Rigblaster Advantage is a complete soundcard which connects to your computer via a USB port. Once I got that set up (I made the Rigblaster COM5 as recommended in the manual in Windows 10 without any issues besides trying to find the settings window), DM780 connected immediately to the Rigblaster.
The radio connections were similarly simple. The system connects to the microphone port and also to the external audio. For this type of system, you leave the FT-897D in normal SSB operation, not the digital modes! Based on the Internet, this is a common mistake with the Rigblaster Advantage. The Rigblaster and the control software do all of the encoding and decoding. The Rigblaster controls the PTT on the radio as well, which is triggered by DM-780.
Rigblaster Advantage all hooked up (ugh it looks hideous)
Close Up of the Rigblaster with FT-897D and MFJ-1786 Super Hi-Q Loop remote control
Without taking time to clean up my connections (not sure how long that'll take to happen), I jumped onto 20m at 14.070.15 and started listening. After a few fits and starts (for example, I had to "remind" DM-780 to use the Rigblaster hardware vice my computer's soundcard via the settings option), I started seeing some QSOs come streaming down the screen.
Without taking time to clean up my connections (not sure how long that'll take to happen), I jumped onto 20m at 14.070.15 and started listening. After a few fits and starts (for example, I had to "remind" DM-780 to use the Rigblaster hardware vice my computer's soundcard via the settings option), I started seeing some QSOs come streaming down the screen.
PSK-31 QSOs!
My first QSO was with WY1C, followed shortly by my second with K4EAY. Both were on PSK-31. I was using 30W (next time I'll push the power down until it stops being useful, I think its possible to work the world with way less power), and I was very happy with the results. My XWL was also impressed, mostly because it was silent as far as she was concerned (since I was listening to the audio out using headphones).
I'm definitely a fan. I'll be using PSK-31 more this winter. We have some vacation time coming up, so I'll start experimenting with some other digital modes. You may also hear me on 20m voice too, since that's one of my favorites too.
I'm definitely a fan. I'll be using PSK-31 more this winter. We have some vacation time coming up, so I'll start experimenting with some other digital modes. You may also hear me on 20m voice too, since that's one of my favorites too.
ARRL 10 meter Contest
I should probably add that I spent some time on 10 meters voice for the 10m ARRL Contest. I made six contacts, including Washington State, Oregon, Arizona, and Mexico. Then I heard PJ2T, who was reporting upwards of 1700 contacts. If I want to contest for real, I'll need to seriously up my game! Maybe one day I'll live somewhere with a nice big antenna...