[bars] PSA for FT8/FT4 users - HOLD TX FREQ

[Tim - K1DC]

Chris,

The first step, and likely the most frustrating, will be getting your 
computer to 'talk' with your radio.  There are two fundamental paths 
that need to be established, frequency/PTT control, often via CAT 
control and audio input to, and output from the radio to your computer.  
The details of this setup are very radio specific - which radio will you 
be using?

Once we get this going, we can cover some basic operations.

73,

Tim/K1DC

On 5/1/2025 10:23, Christopher Lennon wrote:
> Tim,
>
> I now have the piece parts to do digital modes, so I expect that in 
> the near future I will dip my toe into that pond.  Do you have a good 
> newbie reference to learn important tips like the one you shared above?
>
> Chris
> W2BPL
>
>
> On Thu, May 1, 2025 at 10:16 AM Tim - K1DC via bars <bars at w1hh.org> wrote:
>
>     For those of you that may be new to the FT8/FT4 digital modes -
>     Welcome!
>
>     Please, PLEASE, make sure that you *check (enable) that 'Hold TX
>     Freq' check box *within WSJT-X (or the equivalent in your software
>     of choice).  This will prevent you from changing your TX frequency
>     to the TX frequency of the station you are calling.  The result is
>     that all callers will be spread out over the 3khz passband rather
>     than all bunched up on the TX frequency of the station they are
>     calling.  This is especially important when trying to contact
>     special event stations or a rare DX station.
>
>     Also, try to set your FT8 TX frequency on an even 50hz increment
>     (500hz, 1150hz, 2200hz, etc) within the passband.  This will
>     maximize the use of the resource and preventing potential QRM with
>     signals overlapping.
>
>     73 & Good DX!
>
>     Tim/K1DC
>
>     -- 
>
-- 

Courageously sent from a non-Apple device that /includes/ a headphone jack.

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      Tim Carter - K1DC

			

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