PSK31 Decoding Questions

[Saint]

I was wondering if any could help me with a few questions I have about decoding PSK31 signals. I downloaded a RTTY decoding program and I have this set up and running perfect, the other day I downloaded a program to decode PSK31 signals an set the program up and I have it ready to decode.

Question #1

These are the frequencies I have been monitoring, I have been monitoring these frequencies for two day off and on and have not picked up any PSK31 Signals to decode are they the right frequencies to be listening to.

1838,3580,7035,7080,10142,18100,21070,21080,24920,28120,50290,144150

Question #2

If these are not the right frequencies can someone send along the frequencies I should monitor for PSK31 Signals.

Questions #3

Is there a good time that I should be listening to pick up a psk31 signal or a good all around frequency that is busy all the time that I can Monitor.

I am in Ontario Canada and I have ICOM R-75 receiver, any help with would be appreciated.

Steve

 

[jay427]

You will find most of the PSK31 work being done on 20 meters at 14.070mhz. There should be a lot of people there. I have not worked PSK for about a year but its a ton of fun when you have the time. Just like any other HF signal on 20 meters in will be open when the sun is up and a hour or two after sun set, although it can be open at night to.

I used DigiPan software that was preaty easy to use, you can park on 14.070 and see about 10 signal at one time, with DigiPan you can monitor 2 signals at one time, its preaty cool plus its free.

Good luck and have fun

Jay, n0mdf

 

[Saint]

re-psk31

Thanks Jay for the information, I'm in the process of downloading the Digipan software as I send this, It looks like a nice program to decode psk31 so I'll set up Digipan and park myself on 14.070 and see if I can decoed some signals.
Steve

 

[jay427]

You are most welcome

Good luck

Jay

 

[Saint]

re-Digipan

You are right Jay, The Digipan Software is up and running as I send this, It is a great program to decode PSK31, Been sitting on 14.070 MHZ and have decoded several signal, some are very week they keep on fadding in and out so I think it will be better on later on tonight.
Steve

 

[jay427]

PSK31 is a very robust mode, you will not always be able to here the audio signal but when you look at the waterfall display you will see the signal so you can click on it to copy it. Its great for low power.

What are you hearing now? state side?

Jay

 

[BANDIT]

20 Meters 14.070 is best in daylight hours. Nite time the band is dead on those freqs. You will have to try 40 and 80 at nite.

 

[Saint]

Re-psk31

Thanks Bandit, Jay I have been listening all afternoon ever since I set up Digipan, I was confused becase I did not hear any signal on the frequecy 14.070 and did not understand that the signals were in their untill I started Digipan and saw 4 different signals on the water fall. From time to time I do hear the faint audo signals when I turn up the volume on the radio. I have been copying signals from California, Ohio, one from Denver and several other places. Any way I'm like a kid with a new toy, It's something I can do when condition get to bad to copy any voice frequencies. And Also I have a program for decoding RTTY so I have lots to do with my new Icom Ic-r75 receiver.
Steve

 

[jay427]

Don't alway's discount 20 meters at night, you are right that it is dead most nights but I have had a lot on QSO's late into the night time. It's always worth a spin on the dial just to check it out.

When I work HF I alway's start at the top of the band and work down, old habbits are hard to break.

Jay, n0mdf

 

[jay427]

Saint

You are quick on the keyboard, I was typing my last response when I got the email notification.

Glad you are having fun with it, was not sure if you have your HAM ticket, if you don't you will be hooked now

 

[Saint]

re-Ham Ticket

No I don't have a ham ticket but I have always thought about getting one hear in Canada, I still have not as of yet, I have been into scanner radio hobbie since I was around 17 years old and now I'm 52 years old. I really shoud get the Ham ticket, I know I would really enjoy getting onto the bands.
Steve

 

[ka3jjz]

As I'm sure you've discovered, PSK31 is very much a weak signal mode; that means it doesn't take a whole lot of power to get the signal out. In fact, due to the way the signal is transmitted, most folks turn their power down. Even if the signal is weak, you will be amazed at how easily it can be copied, so long as the band remains open 73s Mike
P.S. Re the frequencies - if memory serves, they're all offset - 14070 should really be 14070.15. Most of the other PSK31 frequencies are similarly offset. Being that accurate becomes very important when you are dealing in a band that can become crowded, with many other digital signals - not just PSK31 - floating about.

 

[jay427]

Well

If you find the desire to get you ticket, go for it. I have only had my ticket for about 15 years know and there is so many things to do that I have just scratched the surface.

On PS31 its kind of neat that you can see som many signals in your bandpass. When I run PSK I use about 10watts. It neat to talk arount the world with so little power. You can't hardly run a light bulb on 10watts.

Have fun

Jay

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi guys,

I use HamScope with plug-ins which has everything but Pactor for which you need a hardware TNC, rather pricy. The program and all the plug-ins are free downloads, just follow the instructions on where to get them and how to install them. BTW, the packet TNC is obsolete, HamScope and some others run AX.25 1200 and 9600bd.

 

[BANDIT]

My favorite is MixW. Give it a try. Does SSTV, FAX and a whole lot more modes, including packet.