I have been using MixW for digital mode operation of the IC-735 and K2 for about three years. I have tried other software, but am still very satisfied with MixW after making approximately 7,000 digital contest QSOs. I have even used MixW to copy CW contest QSOs for casual search and pounce CW contesting.
If you are interested in hardcore digital contesting, look into what transceivers, antennas, and software are most frequently being used by the contest clubs in your area. For RTTY contesting, review AA5AU's website and MMTTY. If you wish to explore RTTY and PSK contesting and try other digital modes of operation using one program, consider MixW.
I find that MixW is very flexable having good contest support features for RTTY and PSK while also supporting other digital modes. You can use standard MixW screen buttons to change bands, modes, and navigate up or down frequency and can program macro buttons to change the K2's AFIL, XFIL, AGC, etc. and to transmit contest messages. MixW supports DX cluster information, logging, and contest scoring.
I find the MixW <align> macro to be very useful for rapidly moving an RTTY or PSK signal to the most advantageous position of the filter passband. With MixW, different sets of macro buttons can be setup for different contests and modes of operation. There are more popular RTTY contesting/logging programs available, but for me, they lack flexability for other modes and uses.
I have tried HRD and think it is also a great program with many more transparent rig control enhancements than MixW, but it does not yet have the variety of digital modes available and the same level of contest support as MixW. It is a good selection for operators concentrating on SSB, CW, PSK contesting, DX, awards, and ragchewing. When using MixW for PSK contesting or DXing, I run the HRD PSK software at the same time so that I can screen all signals on the passband simultaneously, then switch windows to MixW for making my pounce and contact.
HRD is free and Mixw costs $ 50 after a free trial period, in either case you cannot go wrong.
HTH, 73 de KB1IKD
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