K3 FSK D Mode use in RTTY contest

[N6JW]

This is a two part contribution to the list: first, in this email, a report on how well
the K3 works in FSK D mode (RTTY without an attached computer); the second is
a report of a possible bug in the firmware, which I will raise in a follow-up email.

First: the K3's FSK D mode (self-contained RTTY) is NOT just a novelty!  It is a
perfectly capable performer, particularly in a situation like the CQ WW RTTY contest
taking place over this weekend.  I found my new P3 made working this contest
without software a breeze.  What follows below is a detailed "how-to-do-it" (with
or without the P3) for the uninitiated, from someone who dabbles casually in a
contest or two, from time to time.  It is quite simple.  But be warned, it is LONG.

-------------

Of course, the K3 is an exceptionally good performer using normal contest and data
mode software using an attached computer.  However, for many reasons, some of
us don't always want to do it this way.  The FSK D data mode in the K3 makes it
possible to operate very effectively with minimal effort.  In just a few hours of
operating I have thus far made over 100 DX contacts with nothing but the K3's
FSK D mode, running 100w (using a 3 element tribander at 37 feet; and G5RV),
and a simple logging program running on an ancient laptop.  I do have a new
P3 and it certainly makes it easier, but it is not essential.  For those who have
not yet tried it, but would like to do so, here is how I go about it for this contest,
for what it's worth:

1. Switch the K3 to Data mode [use Mode Button], and make sure you are set to
45 BPS FSK D mode [use Data MD button]. Set Pitch to your preference (I like
Mark Tone either 915 or 1275, using Pitch button].  Set Filter width to about 300 Hz
(this uses the 500Hz roofing filter in my setup; I also have the 200Hz filter but
tuning is more critical when it is engaged).

2. Turn CWT on [CWT button]; and Text decode on [Text Dec] ('T' will show on right
side of screen).  Set the 'Threshold' level somewhere 8-10 [Text Dec button]. Make
sure VFO B is reading frequency (if not, tap Display button).

3. Using your paddle, record your callsign and store it in M1:  Tap REC then M1 and
then send your callsign (I do it twice) and immediately after the last character send
the IM (..--) prosign to stop the RTTY idle.  You should hear both CW and RTTY in the
monitor while doing so.  With TX inhibited (Test mode; 'TX' flashing) press M1 and
make sure it sends, scrolls and stops correctly (watch VFO B space).

4. Do the same for your exchange and store it in M2:  Tap REC then M2 and then
send something like this "RR 599 zone state TU de yourcallsignIM (..--)".

5. Now you are ready to go [remember to switch Test mode off, 'TX' stops flashing].
Tune to the RTTY part of the band (e.g. 14073-14120), and tune slowly through the
RTTY signals (distinctive alternating two tone rhythm) until you have equal number
of bars either side of the CWT mark above the S meter and are getting good copy
scrolling across VFO B. [If not, check FSK POL = 1 in the CONFIG menu; make sure
you are not in REV].  Put the call in the log, and to reply after a "QRZ?" or "CQ test",
just tap M1.  If the station comes back with your call, copy down the exchange info
(just zone number if DX; zone + state for US) and when carrier cuts, press M2.  
Check for "CFM" or "QSL" or "TU" and you are done.  Now you can tune for the next
one, or go looking for the specific DX of your choice.

6. Of course, you could also use FSK D mode for running (i.e. calling CQ test). But
it is a little more complex in that you would have to use the paddle to insert the
callsign you have copied, live.  Here is how I do it:  I switch to memory bank 2
(M5-8) and program M1 (really M5) for my CQ test string; and program M2 (really
M6) for the fixed part of the exchange (for me in this contest, "03 03 CA CA..--").  
When someone answers my CQ, I send their call with my paddle and then press M2.
I program M4 (M8) "TU N6JW test..--" and use that to confirm the contact.

7. Of course, you can use the K3 Utility program to store the above CW messages
in the memories of your choice, if you prefer.  If you do, remember to use the "|"
symbol for IM (..--) at the end of every line.  BTW, the memories will work just
fine as set for either CW or DATA (the IM is just ignored in CW).  What I outlined
above is how to do it without the computer :)


Having the P3 makes operating a RTTY contest very easy and even more efficient.  
It becomes like shooting fish in a barrel!  Here is how I happen to do it:

1. I have the second receiver in my K3 but keep it switched off for the following.
So this will work on any K3 + P3.

2. I set the P3 for maximum waterfall area, and appropriate Ref-Level and Scale.
I run with Averaging On.  I set the Scan to 6 khz (yes, -+ 3 khz). This allows you
to just fill the K3 passband (set to 300 hz) with the two tones (easily seen at this
scale) and hardly ever have to touch the VFO A dial for fine tuning.  If you do
need to do so, adjust so that the mark tone is exactly on your center frequency.  
Tune in the first signal either manually with the VFO A knob, or using the VFO A
marker and select knob on the P3.

3. Now for a neat trick!  Press A>B button twice to set VFO A & B to the same
settings and frequency.  Now, use VFO B on the K3 to slide around the P3 screen
to find your next QSO.  The P3 screen does not move and is perfectly stable, so
you can visually align with a signal with ease.  Just center the RTTY tones in the
VFO B passband marker (cyan), and when you are finished, tap the A/B button
and you will instantly start copying (or be ready to copy) the next contact.  What
is nice about doing it this way is that the P3 waterfall/spectrum scope does not
"slew", and remains much more stable, so that signals are easy to identify and
switch to.  In fact, one can become quite good at this, and move VFO B to the
next contact even while the QSO is still ongoing on in VFO A. Finish, tap A/B,
and you are ready for the next one.

4. Now for neat trick two!  If you set your RIT/XIT knob for fast QSYing [set
CONFIG menu: VFO OFS to "on"] you can move your "6 khz window" smoothly
and fast across the whole RTTY band, while the P3 display remains relatively
stable.  This way it is easy to spot new signals, which 'sharpen' immediately
you stop 'tuning'.  In effect you work everything in your 6 khz window and then
move to the next one up or down the band.

And that's all there is to it!

Finally, a word to those who are wondering WHY anybody would WANT to do
this contest thing?!  Well, that is another story . . . but apparently, some do,
and it even seems to be quite addictive.  So be warned! :)

73

John
N6JW

[Barry]

John - found your post interesting and timely, as I played around with the CW to RTTY mode last night myself in the contest.  I used to operate the CQWW RTTY contest regularly, and still hold the USA records for SOHP and SOLP, after number of years.  I have a feeling I threw off some of the old-time regulars with my new zone and state :.)  Also, my signal is quite a bit weaker now, running barefoot and stealth wires.  The only issue I had with the CW to RTTY mode was trying to send a - (-....-)  As it's a character I never use in real CW, it was difficult to send correctly.  

Appreciate your post, especially the tip about CONFIG: VFO OFS.  That's one setting I'm going to use.  I didn't know it existed.  Regarding your follow-up post, I don't have a P3 and my K3 is new, and I had no problems.  The only "issue" I had was the long idle time at the end of a buffer.  I tried programming IM (..--) into its own buffer, but it wouldn't "take."  I guess it only accepts real CW characters.  I'd like to see a CONFIG setting for an adjustable end-idle time.

Barry W2UP

[N6JW]

Hi Barry:

Thanks for your comments.  That is quite an accomplishment to hold both those records!

Just a comment about the IM (..--) prosign used to end the RTTY idle.  It is storable in the memories.
You can do it by using your paddle (entry should end right after sending IM).  Of course, the timing is critical; it must be IM not "I" and then an "M"!  Alternatively, you can use the K3 Utility to easily store CW memories (which will also work in Data modes) and there is a special character to store the IM prosign (the vertical line "|" --- I hope that comes out right in the email).

That is a good suggestion for a menu entry for setting the idle-time.  But in the meantime, IM will work.

Thanks again,

73

John
N6JW

Barry wrote

John - found your post interesting and timely, as I played around with the CW to RTTY mode last night myself in the contest.  I used to operate the CQWW RTTY contest regularly, and still hold the USA records for SOHP and SOLP, after number of years.  I have a feeling I threw off some of the old-time regulars with my new zone and state :.)  Also, my signal is quite a bit weaker now, running barefoot and stealth wires.  The only issue I had with the CW to RTTY mode was trying to send a - (-....-)  As it's a character I never use in real CW, it was difficult to send correctly.  

Appreciate your post, especially the tip about CONFIG: VFO OFS.  That's one setting I'm going to use.  I didn't know it existed.  Regarding your follow-up post, I don't have a P3 and my K3 is new, and I had no problems.  The only "issue" I had was the long idle time at the end of a buffer.  I tried programming IM (..--) into its own buffer, but it wouldn't "take."  I guess it only accepts real CW characters.  I'd like to see a CONFIG setting for an adjustable end-idle time.

Barry W2UP

[N6JW]

Thanks for the comments, both on and off list!

Someone pointed out that I had failed to mention the value of using the Dual Passband
Filter [Dual PB; Hold Xfil button].  Yes!  I use it all the time.  In fact it comes up as my
default when I switch to RTTY.  It is most helpful.

Also some folk commented about the fact that in recent firmware RTTY defaults to 75 Baud.
This appears to be true.  But once you change it back to 45 Baud (per band), it will stay
that way until changed.  If you cannot get clean copy on a properly tuned strong signal, you
probably have the baud rate incorrectly set. [Data MD]

Thanks again, and hope my notes were helpful to some.

Regards,

73

John, N6JW

N6JW wrote

First: the K3's FSK D mode (self-contained RTTY) is NOT just a novelty!  It is a
perfectly capable performer, particularly in a situation like the CQ WW RTTY contest
taking place over this weekend.  I found my new P3 made working this contest
without software a breeze.  What follows below is a detailed "how-to-do-it" (with
or without the P3) for the uninitiated, from someone who dabbles casually in a
contest or two, from time to time.  It is quite simple.  But be warned, it is LONG.