Monday, June 14, 2010

PSK-31

So about 2 months ago I got to visit my buddy WB6YOK and watch him operate PSK-31. This is a really cool digital mode – while we were operating, we watched two guys in Cuba and Panama chat.

Over the weekend, I got to operate K7P, the special event station for the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express. I did a lot of PSK-31 then. And surprise – my SignaLink USB sound card arrived today and I’m on the air as myself finally! Hooked it up and made 10 contacts this evening—including Australia (near Melbourne).

Lots to learn, but I’m still just having a blast!

BTW: kept chasing FK8GX around – he’s transmitting from New Caledonia, a Pacific Island between Australia and Fiji. I heard him loud and clear, but he never could hear me. My cheap dipole just isn’t putting out the signal like I need it to.