1. PSK31

2. What is PSK31? A digital mode Created by Peter Martinez, G3PLX
PSK stands for Phase Shift Keying
31 is the bit rate

3. Characteristics of PSK31
The power in a PSK-31 signal is concentrated in a 31 Hz bandwidth, versus 250 Hz for RTTY and 3300 Hz for SSB
Transcontinental QSO’s using PSK-31 are possible using less than 50 W under any conditions and when conditions are good, QRP (< 5W) PSK-31 contacts are possible to any point on the planet.

4. Equipment Amateur transceiver that has low frequency drift PC
Any modern solid state rig is OK (IC-706, IC-746, TS-940, TS2000, FT-1000, Omni VI, etc.) PC
Most PSK-31 software is compatible with any version of Windows
Sound card (16 bit Sound Blaster or better) is required
An interface that connects the PC and the transceiver
Commercially made (RigBlaster, RASCAL, etc.)
Homebrew
Audio Coupled
Computer Software
Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD)
Digipan
Hamscope

5. My Shack IC-718 Interface cables purchased from Associated Radio
eMachine running Windows 7
Ham Radio Deluxe

6. PC Interface
The interface provides matching and isolation between the audio inputs and outputs of the PC and the transceiver
The interface may also provide connections between the computer’s serial port and the PTT input of the transceiver
Commercially made interfaces provide lots of functions and are very easy to install. However, they can be expensive.
A simple homebrew interface can normally be built for less than $10.
Certain transceivers can be connected directly to a PC:
ICOM 756
Yaesu FT-920

7. Acoustic Coupling Rig’s speaker is placed near the PC’s microphone
Rig’s microphone is placed next to the PC’s speaker
VOX is used for T/R switching
Advantages
Absolutely no extra equipment required.
Good electrical isolation between PC and rig
Disadvantages
Transmit levels can be tricky to adjust
Ambient noise degrades signal

8. Basic PSK31 Setup The HF rig should be in the USB mode.
Output power should be set to 30 – 50 (this is a full duty mode – do not set to full power)
The transmit level should be set using the level controls in the software or the rig’s mic gain control so that the ALC level is just tickled
The receive level should be adjusted to a level that does not overdrive the sound card
PSK31 software running

9. PSK31 Software There is serveral good free software packages available
Ham Radio Deluxe
Hamscope
Digipan

10. The Waterfall
Receive
PSK31 CW
Contesia
Transmit

11. HRD QSO Screen
Receive Screen
Transmit Screen
Waterfall Display

12. HRD Super Browser Screen
Waterfall Screen
Receive Screen
Transmit Screen

13. Where to find PSK31
PSK-31 activity is concentrated around the following frequencies:
MHz
3.580 MHz
7.035 MHz
14.07 MHz
MHz – great band for Europe and Pacific
MHz
MHz
MHz

14. My Success with PSK31 Over 680 contacts on PSK31 75 countries
All HF bands except 160 meters

15. Contacts for Last 3 months

16. Questions?