Software HF Data Decoding Software

[Scan125]

I'm looking for peoples experiences with HF data decoding software.

I'm happy to purchase ( looked at HamRadioDelux but does not support my Alinco DX-R8) and have seen some of the free options available.

I also have an SDRplay RSPduo.

So in reality I'm looking for data decoding solutions that can be receiver independent.

These solutions could be software/sound card based OR dedicated hardware decoders.

Finally I'm looking at "general overall coverage of data modes" as opposed to any one specific data mode.

So hit me with your personal choices and why?

Thanks in advance.

 

[n2nov]

Just look at what datamodes that you want to receive and what is listed for each software package. Personally, I use the FLdigi programs since 2011. If you want a radio interface, there is FLrig. Check out the suite of programs at W1HKJ Software

 

[ka3jjz]

There are a great many other modes that FLdigi simply won't handle. Things like DSC, HFDL, ALE...there is unfortunately a great many modes we will never ever uncover, but there's still quite a bit that you will. You can start by reading this from our Digital Decoding FAQ

Decoders - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

and follow the link at the very bottom of the article to the HF Software Decoders article. This lists practically everything (non ham related, mostly) that can handle digital stuff. But be warned - it ranges from the free to the super-expensive. If you have a heart condition, make sure you have taken your meds first (heh)

A lot of folks use MultiPSK for its numerous modes, but the interface it uses is absolutely horrid. If you find yourself leaning toward one kind of topic - say Aero - there are better packages out there for this. The above document talks about this.

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn't highly recommend joining the Utility DXers Forum (UDXF) at groups.io. There's lots of digital reported there every month - in fact, just for one single mode (2g ALE) there are almost always hundreds of logs alone.

Mike

 

[ka3jjz]

Stuff I couldn't get to at work...if you want fixed targets to test your setup, try these...(assuming the propagation gods are kind to you in the UK)

Testing Your New Setup - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Digital Transmissions

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

And since you have an SDRPlay, these should be on your check out list as well

Copy SW Radiogram using SDRPlay SDRs - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Applications and Support Catalogue - SDRplay

SDRplay Limited

www.sdrplay.com

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

The Facebook group is extremely active....Mike

 

[Scan125]

Thanks for the great feedback/responses.

I'll be spending some time going through the responses and links. Actually started today but got drawn off by a house alarm failure requiring me to delve into the system. Turned out to be a radio/RF module failure due to a leaking sealed lead acid battery dripping over the RX modual.

Needless to say, yet again, my HF data decoding quest is being pushed further down the queue

 

[ka3jjz]

OUCH! Be careful with that acid. Not so 'sealed' is it? Hopefully it won't set you back too many quid.

Be sure to join both the UDXF reflector and the SDRPlay Facebook group. Both are very active and you will get a wealth of opinions there regarding digital and what software folks use. There is even an active Facebook group for MultiPSK - if you need it take a look here in section 9.1, where it talks about software....

Decoding the SW Radiogram Broadcasts - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[Scan125]

OUCH! Be careful with that acid. Not so 'sealed' is it? Hopefully it won't set you back too many quid.

Be sure to join both the UDXF reflector and the SDRPlay Facebook group. Both are very active and you will get a wealth of opinions there regarding digital and what software folks use. There is even an active Facebook group for MultiPSK - if you need it take a look here in section 9.1, where it talks about software....

Decoding the SW Radiogram Broadcasts - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike

Looks like £110 (UK pounds). New Unit (same make) not as good as my old one (discontinued) but supports all my door/window/IR detectors and my external alarm module. New unit will arrive by Friday so I'll have to spend some time programming it to accept all my existing wireless devices. Not quite the radio work I was expecting/wanting to undertake

 

[n2pqq]

Try multipsk link is below

index

 

[air-scan]

I like Android.
What I do is tailor my digital decoding to what is available for Android devices in both payware and freeware markets. I decided to decode SSTV (Robot36 for Android) MFSK32/64 (TIVAR for Android port of FLDigi) RTTY (DroidRTTY for Android by Wolphi) PSK (DroidPSK for Android by Wolphi).

 

[ka3jjz]

Try multipsk link is below

index

Yes that one is in the HF Software Decoders article I referenced earlier. Very popular software, but that user interface is U G L Y.....Mike

 

[ka3jjz]

There are Android apps for DGPS, FAX and NAVTEX - see the Android section of

HF Software Decoders - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike