Top 4 HF Digital Data Modes For Ham Radio Preppers - Part 1

[@Pahrump]

I've seen this video (thank you 👍 ) in the past when it came out and I'm rewatching it again in 2024 as a refresher.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Make sure to master JS8Call. My top HF Digital App now.

[@Cainbantam]

Let's get started! Here Guillaume from Geneva, Switzerland writing. Not yet licensed but playing arround with sdr. Thank you for the explanations and wish you best of luck with your health issues!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thank you my friend from Geneva!! Have fun and keep learning.

[@RandomWire107]

Thanks for posting! This comes at the perfect time. My Signalink gets here Monday!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Perfect! You got the BEST sound card around. Love to hear your thoughts on it down the road!!

[@Plaid_Lad]

Very thankful I stumbled upon your channel. This is exactly the information I’ve been looking for. Please keep more content and videos for new folks like me coming.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

More to come but it takes time. Hope to have the next one on "HF Propagation Tools" by end of next week. Thanks for taking the time to drop a line of encouragement!!

[@KLane051]

Love you videos!!! your presentation and the down to earth way you explain things are excellent, very understandable for the digital novice such as myself but still in depth enough for the experienced. Among the best videos for ham radio I have found on KZbin. I have a general class license for about 15 years but just getting in digital and your videos are just what I needed, Thank you ....

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Wow, thank you for the kind words. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@K0MRDRadioPrepper]

Thanks for this video, I am just getting into the HF digital modes and I am trying all 4 that you've mentioned. Thus far this is great for preppers who require comms and have a computer and a transceiver.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful! Wait until I dig deeper into FSQ. That and Winklink Vara P2P at the top two. FSQ & Olivia / Contestia should drop end of next week. Once you understand what it does, you will love it too! Thanks for taking the time to post a comment. Have a great day.

[@timbenns9945]

I love this! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos! I'm a general level ham. Only about 2ish years. And just getting into digital. All the videos I tried to watch on digital have alot of holes in there setups.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

That's why I'm doing these videos!! No one needs to go through the time and frustration of doing this. As I figure this stuff out, I do a video. Just passing this on for my fellow newbies!! Thanks for taking the time to post an encouraging comment. Let me know how I can help.

[@danielpascarella2839]

Nice, nice presentation. On the money and very helpful. Thank you.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to connecting soon Daniel!!

[@gary6212]

You should have way more subscribers - great content - exactly what I need.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

With people like you, they will find this. I'm strictly trying to teach on each and every video. No entertainment other than my mistakes along the way!

[@timevans239]

Just what I needed. Came across your video at 2 in the morning while getting ready for work. Yes digital modes for me are difficult but after watching this video I'm looking forward to getting digital modes mastered. Thank you for your videos tim kg7fxn

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it encouraged you to get back into the HF Digital Modes. Check out my other videos on Windows Setup & Fldigi Setup. I will drop one later this week on FSQ Digital Mode. My top choice as a prepper. Next, I will do one on Olivia / Contestia with Flmsg. Down the road, HF Winlink Vara (you will love this one). Let me know if you have any questions!

[@SteveBerwick]

I have been enjoying this series and will certainly put more effort into testing the other digital modes, especially peer-to-peer communication. 73

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know Steve. As a prepper, P2P is the way to go. Have you checked out VARA AC? Just starting to dig into this and will include this in the Winklink HF VARA Video. P2P Chat, looks interesting and I have downloaded it. Now to test and dig deep into it.

[@SteveBerwick]

@@hamradiomadesimple No! But I will add it to the list. Thanks for putting these videos together.

[@the7yetis]

Great video! The time sync problem without a high precision source (GPS, Internet time sources, etc) can be tricky but is doable with some "fiddling" with manual time adjustments. Not trying to advertise for Ham Radio Deluxe, but the info on its cost you mentioned is waaaaaay off. There is a one time fee to purchase it ( as low as around $ 50 if you catch one of their deals or coupon codes) and that includes a year of updates and tech support to help you get it up and running on your system. But it works just fine after that year and you don't have to pay for anything else ever again if you don't want to unless you want to subscribe for updates, but that's not required. It's a massively useful program that has soooo many features that actually assist you with digital comms and logging. It wasn't very fair for you to comment on the price with that inaccurate info. All of this, of course, depends on you having working electronics. An EMP is a real concern and unless you protect your equipment from such events, all this is a moot point. I do keep a fully setup, tested and updated laptop along with an HF portable rig and associated sound cards, cables and solar power system that have all been teated together in a shielded, protected container so that I will have something at least that is still functioning after SHTF. Bigger rigs, and their support systems can be too bulky to effectively protect from EMP's. Thanks for the video, lots of great info on the topic

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Absolutely. Those who plan on using those apps, with this requirement, better learn how to NOW!! Down the road they may not find any good instructions. I document all this stuff so when I need it down the road, I pull out my notebook with the instructions. GREAT POINT.

[@jps99]

Nicely explained, you earned my sub!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Awesome, thank you!

[@silentdragon1957]

Excellent presentation. Love the information. Always wondered about the different digital modes. Now this provided some clarity.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Great to hear! I am passing on what I painfully had to learn on my own and piece together bits of information. That is what this channel is all about. Making sure you don't have to suffer through this stuff like I am LOL....

[@MichaelJohnson-hx1kw]

With VARA HF P2P is the best digital for prepping in my opinion. You just have to find a clear frequency and will have to change the frequency depending on time of the day. Thank you for the very detailed and informative video de W4MTJ.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Works great and allows you to pick up messages as long as they leave their rig on. Thanks for posting and have fun!!

[@rlwoodlief]

Good afternoon Steve. I have been wanting to learn more about the digital modes and found your channel. I guess KE2KN hasn't updated his info with the FCC as I still show him in PA. But I also live in Youngsville. Thank you for providing us with the in depth but simplified tutorial in digital comms. I look forward to yours videos. 73 de N4RLW Robert

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Steve recently moved to PA so he did update it. The video was recorded before his move. Thanks for your encouraging words!!

[@neilhaynes6441]

Great video. Thanks

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Just released part 2 now, I hope you like this one too!

[@standegroff3270]

Been playing with this digital stuff for months, Running Ubuntu Linux 20.04, IC-7300. Just seem to have a heck of a time figuring out what mode I'm listening to. Ft8 is easy, JS8 not bad. The other modes i've had very little successful decodes. Then some times the rig takes off and starts transmitting outa no where ! so I power down ! Using WSJT-x, JS8Call, FLDIGI, also have MixM ( no luck even with FT8 using MixM on VirtualBox Win7 guest even though the water fall is showing data.). Thanks. Good video. I will be watching the rest.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

The challenge is making sure you have the setting correct in your rig, PC and the software. Some software are more forgiving on the settings than others (Fldigi has to be perfect). So many moving parts and need to know that some rig settings will work for one software app but not another. Yes this is quite frustrating. Let me know if you have questions and send them to my email [e-mail]

[@kenluning909]

Nice presentation.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. It's people like you, that gives me the desire to make them!! Next 3 videos will be hands on for the 4 modes on how to set them up correctly.

[@Nostrildomus]

I'm going to start cheep on the radio . Software programmable , you had a nice radio going into digital . I'll shop around and use your antenna priority policy . . . C00L Thanks Mon

[@hamradiomadesimple]

GREAT. The link in the video should have the same antenna I use and it works better than more expensive ones I had tried.

[@prayingmedic]

Good presentation, thanks.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful! Trying to shorten the learning curve for others. HF digital is going to be the best way to communicate when trouble times comes on this nation. Many in the ham community are starting to realize this. With lower power & smaller skip zones blockage, I am amazed at how many direct call K2K I am making. Have fun and let me know if you have any questions.

[@antonioaprado]

@@hamradiomadesimple I set up VarAC based on one of your other presentations and I'm amazed at the K2K QSOs I've had with folks thousands of miles away on 20m with an EFHW antenna on 20W. I can see how it would be a great emcomm mode free of the cell/internet/power grid infrastructure.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

@@antonioaprado It is a very good option to use and you will find many people using this mode to do QSO's with. Glad you are using it and having fun. For me, I focus on K2K DIRECTED Calls to my friends all over for when the Grid goes down. I have been showing them how to relay messages since no one an reach everyone at the same time on the same band. This is skill to acquire and knowledge to learn. Once you master VarAC on random calls, focus on directed calls using relays. It is so much fun and can be done on most of the digital apps out today. (JS8Call, FSQ). I mostly do Winlink Vara HF P2P and that is one of my favorites. It works if ONLY ONE of the two operators can connect. One can send and pick up the message in the other's outbox and leaving a message behind. Have fun!

[@thomasmaughan4798]

The built-in GPS of Icom IC-705 can be used to precisely time-sync the computer. You need a little free "app" to grab the time from the GPS and set the computer's clock.

[@mjjordan1137]

Thanks for letting us know. I know several people who have the IC-705. What is the name of the app? Really nice feature!!

[@steveschroder8782]

Sixty meters is a great Emcomm digital mode band. If often works better than 40 or 80 most of the day. You can coordinate your traffic by voice then send data on the same frequency. The channels will be available if SHTF hits on Field Day! The challenge is having a suitable antenna. The EFHF antennas usually will not work. The non resonant "Random Wire" end fed antennas with a tuner will work.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

GREAT INSIGHT Steve!! I will take note of this and hopefully work it into the next video. Thanks for passing this on to me. 73

[@hamradiomadesimple]

The more I use 60M, the more I keep coming back to your comment. Your ahead of the curve on this my friend!!

[@kc3me]

Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

WOW and thank you for the generous gift. I never expect this, but THANK YOU!!

[@donaldsmith3048]

WWV is on 2.5, 5, 10MHz that will give the time. Can set your clock from that. I don't know if there is software to set the computer time with WWV from the HF radio. But it can be set by turning to there and it gives the time and a tone on the top of the min. If you keep you computer time updated they should not be off by much, the clock in the computer are very good. There is more than one way to get time.

[@alexluna6810]

I love your videos; i have a question: what is the purpose of getting complicated with all the Equipment for HF and making long distant contact, when you can go DMR instead?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

If there is no internet, DMR won't work. It uses Gateways which are servers connected to the internet to make the DMR connections possible. Recent articles are quoting the current administration saying "they are working hard to remove foreign malware that has infected our power grid". NOT GOOD! Also, major solar activity (direct facing X Class Flare) could knock out cell and power stations in certain areas. Bottom line, our electrical grid is breaking down (taking more power stations off line than adding) which means there are coming disruptions. No power, no cell service (they will prioritize which towers they will keep online - near hospitals, police stations etc.) and no internet. With HF digital, I can make direct calls to others in my group. Most of us can run off of solar with batteries so we can share info. Also if one of the 4 main grids go down, those impacted in that area have 24/7 access to us who can help or pass on info. Since many of us have family members spread out across the 50 states, we can pass info onto their loved ones. This model was done with US Troops in Vietnam. Ham radio to states, then relayed via phone lines to family members. Great question!!

[@TXLorenzo]

I would add VarAC to your digital modes. You can keyboard chat direct and also download files at the same time.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I did a video on VarAC and really like it. However, when I compared full decode at SNR of -18 to -23, JS8 is the only one to do it. They keep making improvements so I am hopeful to see it improve. Thanks for posting and keep using what works for you!!

[@ernestoluzan]

@hamradio made simple ... I have a attic mounted 60" endcom . I have a 50 foot low loss coax from the balun to the radio. IT was kind of long so i coiled the extra coax and tied it off near the balun in the attic. I also have the RFI choke from chameleon installed. Is there any chance the extra coiled coax near the balun is causing a loss of signal on the reception side? Radio is FTDX10 with AT-200 Pro Autotuner.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

50' should not cause an issue unless it is not the best coax cable. I NOW look at the manufactures charts to see what is expected loss by length and by band. I have coiled my coax (poor man's choke) and have not had much issue with it. Try uncoiling it and see if there is a difference. Has your SWR changed before using the tuner? Always measure the SWR without the tuner. That is most likely the issue. Poor SWR will impact TX and RX. The tuner just MAKES it work better with the rig. Try moving your antenna location. I have heard others tell me they move it (in their attic) a few feet and the SWR improved. Focus on getting the lowest SWR BEFORE connecting the coax to the tuner. That means moving it to find the optimal SWR outcome.

[@larryfields2652]

i been able to do rtty, and js8call but still slow on the winlink and will check out the others soon

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Most important app to learn is JS8Call. Check out my video. Top choice going forward now that I can do time sync.

[@coldandaloof7166]

Ok this is what I needed. Thanks for the links to the software and the explanation. But how do I find part 2?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Fldigi was the next video. Check my channel and see the list of videos I did. Let me know if this helps.

[@johnbauman4005]

We can't presume functioning internet, and multi-party time sync with or without atomic clock would add complexity. So, for shtf, empirically it seems that one should use a peer-to-peer (p2p) mode that doen't require precise time synchronization. Which mode(s) meet these criteria? For p2p mode, if no internet connectivity, where is the message stored until it can be read? It might be good to start with an overall description of the message pathways for digital transmission, compairing peer-to-peer vs internet transmission and use of repeaters. In your example, operator A in TN wishes to send a digital message to operator B in WA. Presume internet and digital repeaters are down. I guess the two operators must agree in advance of shtf that they will send/listen for messages at specific times of day on specific days of the week. Is there p2p for digital voice modes? Do they have similar benefits? I looked for a way to make a donation to help the channel but didn't find one. You put in a lot of time and effort to help us and it IS appreciated! Thank you! 73, John KK7JBZ

[@hamradiomadesimple]

John, all great questions and in the next videos that drop, I will dig deeper into each mode. There is no perfect solution today however a few HF Modes do offer some solutions that can work successful with work arounds. Like you mentioned, "they will send/listen for messages at specific times of day on specific days of the week". With specific frequency, format speed (except for FSQ). We work with what we have and get the most out of it. The real questions are, how many people have a solar power generator, solar panels and know enough to get the right size amp hour battery setup? No power means no ham radio working for them. Are they part of a like minded group (across the USA) who can help by becoming a "relay beacon" to relay messages to friends and family ( a ham operator or knows someone who is)? Have they practiced these skills to operate one moment past SHTF? I really appreciate your offer and will see if KZbin has a way of accepting contributions. Any money made goes back into this channel. I want to help others be prepared for what is approaching us soon. Like in 2023... THANK YOU!!

[@antonioaprado]

Winlink has radio-only gateways where you can email asynchronous within a region. They can relay to other radio-only gateways or if you have an agreed-upon radio-only gateway with a contact you could email them and they'd retrieve the email from that specific gateway, without needing internet.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

60 meters is good for NVIS, too. Everyone seems to overlook that band.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Great insight, I will take note of this going forward!! Thanks for sharing this.

[@dancosminmarza2974]

Great content i have never tried digital under 2 m band 70cm and above ihave setup the ftm6000 4 digital the ft891 is set up 4 mobil operations have a backup ft897d with amplifier if i need extra power and the clasic militery encoder tiper machine usualy prins ham radio news rtt is a old sistem of coms relayng text mesages

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Love the way you are approaching this. Have multiple ways to setup and think Digital FM too!!

[@dancosminmarza2974]

@@hamradiomadesimplehave a old tube sistem just in kase a emp noks at my dore from what i know tub amps and tube radios cant bee afected by a emp evrithing with modern electronic get fried if not properly shield

[@TXLorenzo]

HF digital modes is a good reason for all the prepper oriented folks out there to get a ham radio license. There are too many preppers out there who either don't have a clue about HF digital or think they can do discovery learning during a crisis. I will tell you there is a learning curve to HF digital and you need practice. It is a powerful tool that some "pirate" operator will not have access to without experience.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

SPOT ON!!! Could not have said it any better. Thanks for posting!!

[@gary6212]

It seems like FSQ, Olivia, Contestia, and JS8 Call all do similar things - chat messages, file/image transfer. Is it sufficient to choose one like JS8Call or are there other capabilities that I would be missing out on from the others?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

They share similar features but each one's approach is different. It all depends on what you are trying to do that will draw one to a particular app over the other. I use several for different goals and situations. They all are fun but take a while to learn best practices. Also, some work better in different band conditions and each person's setup. Anything in particular you are trying to do with them???

[@gary6212]

@@hamradiomadesimple I'm looking at what modes are available/viable for 1000 mile-ish QRP comms with a specific recipient. So I was thinking, Peer-to-peer winlink for email, and one or more of the text/chat modes for conversational comms and file transfers.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

@@gary6212 YES and use JS8Call and VarAC. Low power great distance....

[@billliddle5749]

I personally like FSQ, OLivia, Contestia, PSK31 & Olivia. I do NOT like JS8 as it seems like the computer is doing All the computing to send and reply! I've got other things to learn but I won't try them for a few months.

[@n8mail76]

So how did you sync time without internet?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You only need time sync (for K2K apps) is with JS8Call. Best video out there is kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5rOZ4aVf52Npac. Hope this helps!

[@ChesneyDigital]

So the most valuable feature of Ham radio for emergency communication- digital modes allowing the sending and receiving of messages with text over long distances require a special SSB transceiver which now increases the cost of a transceiver from around $200 to at least $800-$3,000. And to top it off, you need an ADDITIONAL advanced “General” license to even be allowed to access and transmit on the HF frequencies, where the digital modes are allowed. Are you freakin kidding me? That is a huge cost for someone who just wants to have communication for emergency or SHTF preparedness.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You bring up some good points. Listening is FCC free of regulations, so that is always a great option too. GRMS is a very good option for LOCAL comms. Again, If you are looking to communicate when the power is not down, fun and very easy to jump in. My thesis is what do you do when the power is out for extended periods of time? Repeaters back up power setups, after 48 hours, is dependent (for the most part) on someone hauling fuel to the generator - to keep the power on. Even with HT in the ham radio world, you face the same issue. So, if you assume there is no power interruptions, great choice for LOCAL comms. Simplex is "line of sight" so topography dependent as well as the height of your antennas. Like I said in the video, "something is better than nothing". Ham Radio is the BEST way to go BUT NOT the ONLY way to approach this. YOU choose what is best for you and your family base on your commitment, time and resources available to you. I know not everyone can go to this extreme but I did and now I am the COMMS guy for others who can't.

[@ChesneyDigital]

@@hamradiomadesimple Thanks for the response! I have a bunch of non technical prepper friends asking me to let them know at the end of my learning, studying and setup of ham equipment if the benefits of ham radio for emergency communication (approx 25 mile range in an urban residential environment) outweigh the cost-which I’ve found to basically be $1,000 and the studying of highly technical material with a huge learning curve. I’m hoping the answer will be YES with a 50W base radio (Btech uvx50), low loss coax and a house roof mounted dual band vertical antenna. Especially now that I’ve just learned there is an awesome FREE digital mode that enables radio to radio sending and receiving of text messages with no cell service or internet required and which can be used on uhf/vhf without having to use SSB or purchase any additional equipment. It’s called “Rattlegram”. It’s an iPhone app that I downloaded and began using within seconds. Super simple. No need to buy and setup sound cards or any of that crap. The app works really well and does not require cell service or an internet connection. So if a $1,000 investment and a technician license can yield emergency communication of up to or around 25 miles I’d say the benefits of ham definitely outweigh the cost for the average non-engineer individual.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Try it first and see how simple it really is. Once you get it mastered, you hand others the radio already programmed. Short printed instructions and off you go. I found that the standard antenna on HT's are not worth much. I use the Signal Stuff Antenna: signalstuff.com/products/ I get about 25% more distance out of it. About $30 but the antenna is the most important part of the radio. I think you are talking about APRS? Pretty popular and fun to use. Only down side is that anyone at anytime can see where you or should I say, your radio (when on) is. Great tool for wilderness hiking, camping etc. Travel on a long trip, pull up the locator tool on your browser and monitor your movements. BTech is a very good quality radio.

[@SignalProduct-be2js]

do I need license to operate in digital mode?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Yes sir. As a Tech, you get 6M & 10M. As a General Class you pretty much get it all.

[@kylefreemason]

Time sync can kill most data modes if the government’s turn off or block use of gps satellites. We can also assume Ft Collins transmitted time would also cease.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

JS8 is the only K2K data mode with time sync. We practice syncing to another member leader's sync request. This way, we all can be sync to a person and not to a time option. GREAT point and thanks for reminding others about this.

[@kylefreemason]

@@hamradiomadesimpleThanks for the awesome video content!

[@brian.7966]

looks like your dream will become a reality the way the world is going.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

It's a nightmare, not a dream! We all buy car and life insurance for a reason. No one wants to get into an accident, but IF and WHEN it happens, we are prepared not to get straddled with a big financial lose. Same rational why so many are not learning to prepare. We live in a time when the global powers want "to pull us into a great reset." They will do it by any and all means necessary. We have the opportunity today, to lessen the degree of suffering and be ahead of the curve. Proactive verses reactive. I would be thrilled if NONE of the hardships ever happen.

[@SteelWolf13]

FT-897D and a signal link :)

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Good choice!!

[@rickprice407]

HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) is a one time fee of $99 (Loads of coupons you can google up) that includes 12 months of support and updates. After the first year it drops to $49 a year. For what you get its a serious bargain.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Absolutely correct and I posted the correction in the following video. My mistake and I corrected as soon as it was made known to me. Thanks for taking the time to point out anything I mess up on!!! I really appreciate this.

[@MrJcknight007]

Ham Radio Deluxe is $100 one time purchase.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Yes, I corrected this in an other video.

[@lumpyren]

a Lot of those modes do not work if you dont have internet or a working GPS for perfectly synched clock. a lot of low signal modes are useless for emergency use because of that. FT8 JS8call is completely useless without it for example.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Good point however there are work arounds for JS8Call I will discuss in that upcoming video. Fldigi Op Modes don't need time sync. FT-8 does require time sync but not a keyboard to keyboard mode. I don't use that one from a prepping stand point. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

[@btaylor1948]

Well, JS8Call does not require the internet. Our EmComm group is opting to this mode. IMHO and I agree that FT8 is not on the list for EmComm connections. Take a closer look at it and re-evaluate your statement. Oh, I must amend this statement... it does require the internet to download the program. ;-)

[@antonioaprado]

@@btaylor1948 And you only need to download it once! Put all of them on a USB drive as a backup to install without internet in case one's main computer craps out.

[@tonyheaton4941]

HF digital modes are not low-power modes, they are weak signal modes. As with all RF, it may take 2 watts to reach your contact and it may take 1000 watts.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for pointing that out Tony. I will clarify this in one of my next videos. I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out and let me know.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Oh thanks for clarifying that

[@behnkem1]

Ham Radio deluxe is 99 bucks, one time fee. and 40 bucks a year, if you want the maint. updates.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Yep, I posted a correction in the next video I did in the series.

[@robertpetri2795]

Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thank you for your kindness and support of the channel my friend!!!