Any MixW Users ?

[BOBRR]

Hi,

I have just about come to the reluctant conclusion that
Multipsk is just too much for me.

I saw an older Post that suggested one start out with MixW instead.

So, will give it a try.

Can't figure out what is the latest free version ?
Can someone point me to it, please.
Free ?

And, does it interface easily and well with a RTL SDR.COM Dongle ?

Any thoughts on MixW would be appreciated.

Really want to get started with digital monitoring.
Any other ("simple") programs to also consider ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[ka3jjz]

Bob what is it you would like to see? Your observation on MultiPSK is shared by a number of folks who don't like all those blasted buttons - evidently Patrik doesn't like, or maybe know, how to code menus and pulldowns. It's entirely too busy for many.

As I understand it, MixW has a version 3.2 which is stable, and a new version 4, both available from their website. But I do believe it costs some money to register, and as I understand it, it works with the Funcube. It could be functional with the RTL-SDRs (presumably with the converter since the native RTLs start coverage at 25 Mhz) but I'm unsure about that.

Our software decoders article in the Digital Decoding FAQ is pretty comprehensive - it lists just about everything out there (mostly non-ham) that does digital, and some are able to interface with SDRs- you would need to check the website for more. MixW's website is there as well...

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/HF_Software_Decoders

There are a couple of ham related packages that have functionality in the non-ham world (such as FLDigi, which handles SITOR-B and FAX) also listed here.....Mike

 

[BOBRR]

Hi Mike,

At the moment, I just want to "play around" with the digital modes.
Will undoubtedly home-in on particular ones as I get comfortable with them.
Have never done anything with digital.

So, it's a real learning process for me.

Will look into MixW.
Also, Sigmira, which I've tried, but without much luck, so far.

Again, thanks for help, and the link (great).

Regards,
Bob

 

[ka3jjz]

Unless you are using a package that supports a SDR like Sigmira, you will need to install a third party app like Virtual Audio Cable to route the audio to your PC. The USB connection won't do it. We have links in the Digital Decoding document.

I would read the HF Digital Decoding document (the link is in my sig) to get yourself up to snuff on many of today's digital trends. There's some stuff that is in clear text (SITOR-B and NAVTEX weather bulletins), some that isn't encrypted but is encoded (HFDL) and a whole lot of stuff in the non-ham world we can never decode. Probably the hottest modes right now are ALE (a.k.a MIL-STD-188-141 A/B) and CCIR493-4. There were over 1000 ALE logs in the UDXF alone last month. And CCIR493-4 is being used in the Spratly Island chain, where China is building artificial islands and is a major bone of contention with the US and other major powers. That mode is well covered by the java-based Rivet software.

As I wrote in the document, the digital world encompasses a number of different services. If you are just starting out, it's wise to start with just one (for example, the maritime service) and get your feet wet there. Apart from hams, both the aero and maritime services have frequencies that are well documented, and are almost always active, propagation permitting.

Speaking of which, the UDXF on groups.io is the place to be, hands down. If you haven't joined it yet, do so. If you want to learn what has been heard (even on a daily basis), that's the place to be. Mike

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Will definitely join the UDXF Group like you suggest.
Certainly sounds like what I want.

Will spend some time with getting Sigmira going.
Seems to have a nice clean interface, and, as you say, supposedly works directly with the Dongle I now have.
Truly don't want to start with the virtual audio cable.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and helping me out with all of this.
Great hobby; really enjoy it.
Sure is a lot to know.

Will stay in touch.

Regards,
Bob

 

[ka3jjz]

Bob I hope you are using the RTL SDR with some sort of converter when using Sigmira. The native RTL's start their coverage at 25 Mhz, if memory serves, so some sort of conversion is needed to bring that coverage down to HF. Sigmira is a HF mode decoder; there are a great many other VHF and above decoders for other purposes. You won't find those modes, generally, above 30 Mhz. And as a side note, both the Japanese Slot Machine (JSM in the documentation) and Stanag 4285 (S4285) are heavily encrypted and can't be decoded. You will occasionally find reports of a S4285 signal running a test tape in the clear, but you will need to be johnny on the spot to run into this. We have references in the HF Appendix portion of the Digital Decoding document that can point you in the direction of Sitor-B / NAVTEX signals. The 2 modes are very nearly identical, so it will handle both....Mike

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Might you have any suggestion for a "low cost," very, Converter to enable the Dongle to get below 25 MHz or so ?

Even without, I am hoping to to find some interesting "stuff" above the 25 MHz with Sigmira.
My interests are pretty wide.

Your suggested Links are great; thanks again.

Regards,
Bob

 

[ka3jjz]

I have no experience with these, but the SpyVerter will do the job...

High Performance SpyVerter

However a lot of folks are using the SDRPlay series of SDRs. Not too expensive - one I think is USD99. Of course there are others like the Funcube Dongle

Re using MixW and/or Sigmira above 25 Mhz - not going to happen, generally speaking. These packages are almost exclusively HF related. I'm afraid you are mixing apples and oranges here. You can start here to see the many apps developed for the RTL series. Undoubtedly this is likely to be incomplete, but it's a good starting point.;..

The BIG List of RTL-SDR Supported Software

You should really do some research before you jump in and find yourself overwhelmed. Our SDR article in the wiki has extensive links for numerous SDRs, reviews, software and a lot more...

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Software_Defined_Radios

and for tuning the world of HF digital...

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/HF_Digital_Decoding

One thing to keep in mind is that it's quite likely, given where you are, that you might run into overloading from FM, TV or even AM BC stations. As a general statement, consumer SDRs simply aren't very good at resisting this issue. Be aware that you might need to add additional filtering to compensate for it....Mike

 

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Gosh !

I am very embarrassed that I did not know about the Link(s) you sent.
Just what I need, and want.
Had no idea there were so many programs out there.

Lots to play with and learn.

Thanks so much for all your time, concern, and help.

Will keep you advised how it goes.

Best regards,
Bob

 

[shadow7g]

Hi,

Might you have any suggestion for a "low cost," very, Converter to enable the Dongle to get below 25 MHz or so ?

Even without, I am hoping to to find some interesting "stuff" above the 25 MHz with Sigmira.
My interests are pretty wide.

Your suggested Links are great; thanks again.

Regards,
Bob

The
RTL-SDR Blog V.3 does HF without a converter, the cost is $21 on AMZN. SDR Play rsp1 also does HF without a converter, cost around $125. I have the Blog V.3 its performance is ok but due to lack of filters it overloads easily and has a bad imaging problem but for $21 it is amazing, as good as and probably better than a lot of $150 portables. I have read lots of positive reviews on the SDR Play and plan to get one as soon as I can shake some more play money loose.

 

[morfis]

There is also the hamitup converter (US link to one - Nooelec - Ham It Up v1.3 Barebones - HF Upconverter) if you want to take that kind of route rather than the direct conversion facility on the rtl device