PSK31 Digital Mode

[@conradsenior5843]

Nice presentation. thanks and keep them coming. You are a real asset to the Ham community.

[@JorgePerez-hc8sw]

Dear Cliff: Thanks to your excellent video and explanation I have put my station into operation on PSK31 I already have more than 60 contacts in a period of 2 months ... You have ignacious skills as a teacher, a great greeting from KJ4GNR - Jorge

[@spaceshantynow1851]

Thank you Cliff! I’m just getting into digital modes. This was the most clear step by step into into PSK31I have found so far.

[@W5HSJ]

Cliff, I must say your videos have been the absolute best of anyone out there to explain things to an old ham like myself. My call is W5HSJ down in Corpus Christi, Texas. I have been wanting to get on some form of digital, but really haven't found anyone else that can present this material to help me decide what would work for me. Your videos have done an excellent job of that. So Thank You very much. Keep up the good work! Mark W5HSJ

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you for the kind words, Mark. I haven't made any new videos lately but I'm still out here, hamming it up when I get a chance. I'll make some more videos at some point. Thanks again! -Cliff

[@vancehenry8714]

Thanks for taking the time to do this...I could not have set this up without your help.

[@stevenblack122]

Appreciate your well thought out commentary and the time you spend doing videos Reducing the complexity of digital is beneficial for many hams. Thanks Steve W5FOR

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, Steve. - Cliff

[@somarmd]

Wow...found your videos tonight and love them! I am a new ham, looking to experience QRP digital modes. I have an iCom 7300 as a base unit and will have to learn how to set it for digital. I love the idea of going mobil with a smaller rig and laptop. Thank you for your videos. Dave KD2LMR

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you for your encouragement, Dave. The 7300 is a neat radio and I'm sure you're going to have a blast with it. - Cliff

[@kevinj4517]

Nicely explained. I had heard about using digital modes, but this shows it in detail. Now I have to get the radio equipment necessary to utilize the mode. I guess all it takes is a little $$$$ and time.

[@JonathanCreaser]

Cliff - thanks for such a well made and informative video. I have learnt SO much from this and have just had my first PSK31 QSO - all thanks to you! 73, Jonathan M0XXJ

[@QRPSchool]

Excellent, Jonathan! So glad to have helped... - Cliff

[@MrRocque]

THANKS Cliff. As you know, been waiting for another 'digital' mode from you. Nice job. Covered most of what anyone getting started needs to know. I agree with what said about anyone who's a little 'mic shy' and/or doesn't happen to know CW. Digital modes are a great way to get 'radioing', not a great deal dissimilar from what we all do online (once you get the setup done). Like anyone 'txting', there are nuances to learn. But we had to learn those with cellphones too; and we all survived that learing curve. Keep up the great teaching. Really enjoy your videos.

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you! - Cliff

[@ky4tgtodd203]

I realize it’s been 4 years since this video was made but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed and appreciated this video! You made it easy to understand and I have been wanting to learn how the digital modes work. I am working on my General license now. Can’t wait to try these modes out! Sure wish you were still cranking out videos!! Hope you are well! 73 -KM4OCJ

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks, Todd. I'm glad this helped! I'll get back to making videos again one of these days. In the meantime, I'm fat and happy. Maybe we'll run into each other on the air at some point. - Cliff

[@JorgePerez-eh1ub]

Congratulations for your amazing ability to explain complicated things in a simple way, your English for me who was not born in this country and arrived here as an adult, is perfectly clear and I understand everything. Thank you teacher for your lessons. Jorge KJ4GNR

[@QRPSchool]

Jorge Perez you are very kind. Thank you! -Cliff

[@MikeWood]

That was really interesting - as was the intro to digital modes video that you linked to at the beginning of the video. Hoping to get an 817 one day and to try it out. Already have had a couple of different CRV's so I am good to go for the field. ;)

[@ericbergmueller2981]

I learned a lot about PSK and I want to try it! I like your presentation style -- it's clear, and you have a good pace. Thank you and 73 de KB3UYT

[@deltafour1212]

This is a Godsend! Never heard about PSK3, until this video! I only wanted to do CW but never had the time and patience to learn it. This is the best of both worlds. SUBSCRIBED!

[@QRPSchool]

You're right. This is an excellent alternative to CW and can be a nice change of pace for those of us who love CW. Have fun! - Cliff

[@johnholman3978]

Thanks Cliff. This is really helpful. Just found your videos. Appreciate you sharing the good information.

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks, John. - Cliff

[@davidraymond4187]

David RaymondExcellent video. Clear and well demonstrated. Just getting into psk31 so very useful to me.Thanks73 David M6HVU

[@JNetBelch]

Cliff, I am just getting started with QRP and I really enjoy your videos. You take the time to explain whats going on and I appreciate that. You are a great instructor. More videos please. Wade KD9IBH -73

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks for the kind words, Wade. -Cliff

[@thameswater2561]

Thanks Cliff, just started psk31 I find it very interesting, you put over some good and interesting points.Regards From the UK...

[@Alohakoa59]

Nice job Cliff. I’m just getting started so it’s very much appreciated👍🏽

[@davidmeale9572]

Once again Cliff a very well put together and interesting video... I used to use the old steam driven creed teleprinter style data mode .....rtty !...recently got back into ham radio and didn't realise what signal link was till I watched yr video !...regards Dave

[@QRPSchool]

Great, Dave! Glad to hear you're getting back into the hobby. In the past, I have gone inactive a few times. This time around (the past 10 years) I've stayed into it, probably due to my involvement with a local ARES group. The monthly meetings and weekly informal breakfasts keep me connected to other hams. -Cliff

[@rollerbald]

Very good video Cliff. I got started in digital modes with PSK31 and still enjoy it. I use JT65 a lot also. Keep up the good work. 73, Bill KC5SB

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, Bill. - cliff

[@robamsler9853]

This is REALLY a great video for starting out! Thanks Cliff!!

[@neilbundle5112]

Hi Cliff. I just wanted to say a big thank you for your wonderful, clear, informative style of presentation. Your enthusiasm is infectious ! A personal query, but I wonder if you have ever been in education ... your delivery style would take the world by storm! I really hope to work you one day. Regards Neil G4LRV, South West England.

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Neil. Thanks for the kind words. I am the CEO of a small (12 persons) software company. I don't have a background in education but I've always enjoyed helping people to better understand technical topics. Maybe we'll run into each other on the air someday. I hope so. Thanks again. - Cliff

[@RobMacKendrick]

Very nice video. As a brasspounder, I'd love it if newcomers to CW would take your advice and spend quality time just copying other traffic before they try a QSO. You're so right: you learn protocol by listening first. I love working beginners, and QRS instantly for them, but some of the ignorance out there (I'm talking "doesn't know the first thing", or its cousin, "thinks contest protocol is fine in the real world") is hard to overlook. When I figure out PSK I'll to do the same thing I did when I learned CW: copy a lot first. Thanks for the instruction!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Great video Cliff and probably something I'll be trying very soon. Thanks!

[@redallert75]

Thank you I am planning to go over all your videos to learn more about amateur radio

[@howardrobinson3789]

Thanks for the lesson. Waiting for my signal link now. Usually work SSB phone. Can't wait to dive into psk31

[@Seeker43]

I like PSK, had no idea there were so darn many macros that i have never used. I need a month of tutelage to get good at this pgm. But still like psk31 cause i am old timer and never got the hang of morse. Tnks 4 all the info. 73

[@WH6FQE]

I have a new IC-705 being delivered tomorrow, cant wait to get it set up and give this a try.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Great video! learned a lot! I have been wanting to learn PSK31 as I have an Icom IC-7200, which has the soundboard built in. Keep up the great work! Your channel is a wealth of knowledge!

[@BoHolbo]

Sir, your t-shirt is BRILLIANT! 😂 From the birthplace of LEGO: 73’ de 5Q3M

[@QRPSchool]

Tak for at have set videoen (og for legos).

[@vinjacobo662]

Great video Cliff. You're a talented presenter. I recently got an icom 7600 which purports to have built in psk feature. Your video inspires me to try it. Hope to see you on the air one day. Vinny WZ2J

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks, Vinny. Have fun! - Cliff

[@vrzn]

These videos are amazing, my first rig is a yaesu ft-818nd, starting this hobby only being allowed 25w, qrp is a nice start, only thing I don't like is the band conditions, and the challenges that come with them as a beginner, but making connections with qrp are that more rewarding

[@N2YDC]

Great video, learned quite a bit.. Stoked to connect my FT817. 73 de N2YDC

[@QRPSchool]

Excellent, Arnold. Connecting your FT-817 to your computer will open up a new world! - Cliff

[@jjl6519]

Thanks for an interesting video, been watching your series on digital mode and thinking about giving it a try..

[@pixoariz]

Consistently some of the best videos around. 73 de K7VLX, Mike.

[@520menace]

Excellent video,thank you for the detailed explanation of psk31. 73

[@lanedavis1094]

I really appreciate all the work you did to create this video. Very informative as I'm just learning about PSK31. One question - since I have been working FT8 with my Yaesu FTdx10 and laptop, wouldn't the change over to FSK31 be fairly straight forward - just download the appropriate software and make a few audio tweeks? Thanks for your help!

[@cliffbatson]

Yes, the behind the scenes setup of your radio’s/computer’s audio is the same for all digital modes. To use a mode that your current software doesn’t support, it’s just a matter of installing and configuring the software you need for your desired mode. -Cliff

[@bakersfieldcalarry]

Thanks for the help cliff, Larry KD6NSA your video helped a lot thanks again 73.

[@jean-pierrebuttet9438]

Excellent videos, thank you very much. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@Oregun]

That is so cool! I just got my Tech & General so digital is on the horizon. Thanks for your awesome videos.

[@CarlosGalliath]

Thank you for that interesting video. You just opened a new world of possibilities for me. I´m a new operator and so far have only done QRP CW with self taught Morse code and a homebrew rig. I´ve learned a great deal watching your videos. Last week I purchased an old Yaesu 757GX ( in perfect condition) and after watching this video I think it has everything required to connect it to the computer. I´m QRP converted thanks to you! Hope to talk to you on the air in digital mode someday. N4CCB DE HJ3CRG thank you, best wishes and 73.

[@QRPSchool]

Excellent, Carlos!!! Congratulations on taking the time to learn Morse Code. I believe you will enjoy PSK31 if you try it. Hope to type to you in the ether someday... - Cliff

[@FoCDrums]

Great video, thank you Cliff

[@alexblinoff5241]

Great movie. I often work in the field on FT-817 + SCU-17 + CF-18...

[@DM-fz3ly]

Outstanding video! Now I have to get up on PSK31... keep up the good work. 73 dwight N7KBC

[@ve3zcv344]

Great Video! I am using an android app to do psk-31 on my phone. I really enjoy watching your videos, they are very professional and entertaining. 73! de Cory

[@herrwabbaloo937]

@VE3ZCV - I’m using the “PSKer” app on my iPad with my TS-570S. It works really well! But I now have a Surface Pro 4 so I’m going to set up FLDigi. I’m also using an RTTY app on my Android phone for that mode, but again will start using FLDigi. 73 de Jeff, KF5KWO

[@terrelspears3856]

Awesome video, Cliff! Thanks for making these. De NW4G

[@bullthrush]

Thanks Cliff. I've watched most of your videos and you've sparked my interest in trying digital. I've only done QRP CW up to now (HW-9). The dreaded antenna restrictions have kept me off the air for a while, but a portable station like the one featured in this video looks quite doable for me. Your vids are the best quality and very helpful. any chance of a JT65A video, real time with your excellent narration? Andrew KB5ZGU

[@peterclifford8305]

Excellent video Cliff! Thanks a lot! Cheers from down under... vk6LB....

[@QRPSchool]

Thank you, Peter! - Cliff

[@jbell5423]

Are their any iPhone or iPad apps for JT65? Or, do we need a laptop? Also, would love to see a video showing us the difference/similarities to the digital modes (PSK31, JT65 and RTTY) in this detail. Very informative channel! Can't thank you enough.

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Julia. I'm sorry but I'm unaware of any iOS apps for JT65. PSK31 and RTTY are extremely similar. The software you use will almost certainly provide support for both modes. RTTY is old but still used. There are contests for RTTY stations. PSK31 is newer, more popular, and is used more for conversations. JT65 is a different animal all together. I'm going to make a video about it. In a nutshell, you don't have a conversation with JT65. Once per minute stations calling CQ will transmit for about 50 seconds. Then, your computer decodes all of the signals it has heard and shows you the conversations that are taking place. You can click on a station calling CQ and, at the top of the minute, your computer will starting transmitting your Call Sign on that station's frequency for 50 seconds. His computer decodes all the signals he's heard and, if he sees you replying to him, he can click on your entry to have his computer start sending you his signal report at the top of the next minute. There is no typing to each other like you're used to. You're just clicking and the computer is generating the appropriate next pack of data for the QSO process. The beauty of it is that you can transmit with very weak signals and still make contacts. Again, I'll make a video about it. Stay tuned! - Cliff

[@DavidSB50]

Great Vid. I plan on trying PSK31

[@frankmooney7282]

Thanks I learned a lot from your videos. New tech, general and extra in last 1 1/2 years at 67 yrs old. Thinking of going to some digital modes near future as I'm 2/3 deaf and cant copy cw well. Icom 7200 and 80m doublet at 28 ft. 73 de KI7MJU

[@KoolKyle_Adventures]

Well covered! Thanks for posting this.

[@martinsalt1839]

Great videos, thoroughly enjoyed watching ! New to digital modes. Have a KX2, and wondered which mode you think is better to try out first, being a total beginner - either PSK31 or JT65. Both look interesting to me. Thanks - Martin

[@QRPSchool]

Martin Salt JT-65 doesn't require any typing or setting up text macros or learning any protocols, etc... you basically just click your way through a QSO with the software automatically sending the next appropriate message. If you're wanting to get going with the least amount of work/training, I'd go with JT-65. Bear in mind that PSK31 will let you have an actual conversation with someone so you'll want to learn that soon. Have fun - Cliff

[@gilleyblue]

I've been following your videos for quite a while now, Cliff, and have thoroughly enjoyed them. You just have a really easygoing way with words and explanations. Keep up the good work ... you're really doing a great job explaining things. de Dick K4FTW

[@QRPSchool]

I appreciate the kind words, Dick. 72! - Cliff

[@RESlusher]

Excellent video, Cliff! Thanks for sharing! 73 de KF5RHI...Richard

[@pathopkins4500]

Excellent Cliff ...... I will refer your KZbin for new Hams Digital =)

[@QRPSchool]

thanks, Pat! - Cliff

[@alexkk6zly262]

I immediately liked this video because i LOVE your shirt.

[@AbXpB]

Thanks cliff. Still very new to this stuff and considering QRP as my primary mode. Looks a lot less intimidating then voice modes, for those of us used to sending instant messages.

[@QRPSchool]

Digital is a different... opening up a new facet to our wonderful hobby. And it's really great for QRP since the software can decode weak signals. Have fun! - Cliff

[@paulvizard6858]

Great video (as usual). If you're looking for some ideas, I'd love to see a beginners guide to using CW for field day (hints and tips, etc). I've always used SSB for FD, but this year I'm hoping to try CW. 73, Paul.

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks, Paul. Field Day CW is a trial by fire! It's wonderful but it's intense. If you're serious about it, you should consider using the N3FJP Field Day logging software and connect your computer to your radio for sending CW. If you're less serious, any setup will do. You'll hear a LOT of stations frantically calling CQ so you'll want to use a narrow audio filter in order to hear fewer signals at the same time. The good news for beginners is that you'll find a lot of strong stations "running a frequency"... sitting still, calling CQ, and letting stations find them. That's great because you can hear them giving their information multiple times to figure out what they're sending, exactly. You can then contact them and send your information without having to decode their information in real-time. Have fun... you're going to have a blast, I promise! - Cliff

[@nvrumi]

Cliff, thanks for your lessons. I was just issued my call (AG7TX) and am looking forward to working digital during this poor propagation time. The upcoming 7th Area QSO Party will be here on 4May and I want to work digital during that event. I may very well be working my KX3 as I am still bringing my more powerful radio online. Your lessons will help me get started and hopefully make some good contacts. I'm planning on using my MacBook Pro as the host computer and am looking at software to make that work. I don't really want to buy another computer ifI don't have to. But I need a computer to do station work, so we'll see how this works out. 73 de ag7tx...

[@QRPSchool]

Congrats on your new call, David! You will be surprised how many stations you can work with only 5 watts... with the KX3. Most people doing digital aren't transmitting more than 20 to 30 watts. The difference between 5 watts and 20 watts is only 1 S-Unit so expect success with 5 watts. As for software for your mac, I'd probably get FLDIGI for psk31 and WSJT-X for the FT8 digital mode. Honestly, those are the only 2 digital modes that have any real activity these days. Have fun, David! - Cliff

[@ft6755]

Fantastic video mate, thank you. Very well made and informative. I hope you keep making videos! Do you do any amateur television? I'd love to learn more about that.

[@QRPSchool]

Hello. No, I haven't tried amateur television. I think it's interesting and I may dabble in it at some point down the road. Thanks for the kind words. - Cliff

[@jeffmorris993]

Learning a lot of the basics from your videos. I want to use PSK31 with my TS 590SG. I want to use HRD for rig control. Any specific tips for the 590SG will be appreciated. Thanks Jeff KB1ZHS

[@vjazz79]

Very cool video Cliff

[@DrSamBledsoe]

Great tutorial Cliff-- just getting back on HF after a long intermission and PSK31 is for me! Sam, N7DTW

[@QRPSchool]

Excellent, Sam! Jump on back in... the water's fine! - Cliff

[@massoud999]

A great video. Thanks

[@stevefowlkes6031]

Thanks for the video! lol'd at the "Confession Time" Also..noted that there were "73" comments at the time of me writing this! :P I have a question though...possibly a stupid one... if PSK-31 is digital, and it transmits text...why is it so important to watch the volume levels? No audio is being transmitted correct? So why would volume of the receiver even matter?

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Steve. Not a stupid question. The text you type is represented digitally in the computer but it must be "modulated" into analog sound for transmission over the air waves... the same as your voice audio. On the receiving side, a radio receives the analog sound and the "demodulates" it, converting the analog audio into the digital representation of the data. The audio levels are important. If the audio being generated by the computer on the transmitting station is too "hot" going into the radio's mic jack, the audio being transmitted will be distorted, like yelling into a microphone. That could make it difficult for the receiving station to decode and will can cause "splatter" that will affect adjacent stations near the transmitting frequency. On the receiving station, if the received signal that is being fed to the station's computer is not strong enough (the audio level isn't high enough), the computer won't be able to decode any but the strongest signals. I hope this helps! - Cliff

[@DonDegidio]

Cliff, Great video. Showing the cabling was very informative. Also setting the correct receive and transmit levels. Did you correct the typo in you QTH macro? Do you own a 3D printer? Noticed the octopus on your desk. WB3BJU

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Donald. I have corrected my typo, thanks. I do have a 3D printer. It's a Lulzbot Mini and it works great. The amber stand that the KX2 was sitting on in the video (@ 16:30) is a stand that I 3D printed.

[@baset403]

Brilliant video!

[@coquisats3066]

Great PSK31 introduction video Cliff. I noticed the other station was using all cap letters , is that a software/PC setting or just the operator preference ?

[@QRPSchool]

It was that operator's preference. However, PSK31 uses "varicode" to encode the text. In this scheme, the most commonly used letters require fewer bits to transmit. Lower case letters are represented by fewer bits and are transmitted faster. In other words, if you sent a stream of 100 "a" characters, they'd be sent faster than 100 "A" characters. So, while you are certainly free to type in All Caps, it's more efficient to use lower case or mixed case. - Cliff

[@mozartheart2958]

Thanks for the great video! What is the fastest digital mode? (i.e. x bits per second)

[@teddean7763]

Thank you for the great Video i just getting started in some Digital Mode ted KD2ARD NJ

[@KuriosPC]

Awesome video. I definitely learned a lot. What type of antenna did you use in your demo?

[@QRPSchool]

I was using a SOTABEAMS linked dipole at about 25 feet. - Cliff

[@raymondl.3014]

Thank you for the 'down-to-earth' easy to understand introduction to this Digital Mode. I have a question about the PSK-Reporter site you mentioned at the end of the video: you indicated that a person can check to see who's heard their call sign -- do the rcv'ing stations have to be connected to PSK-Reporter like a beacon? If I want to be able to show signals I've heard at my location and communicate that to PSK-Reporter, do I need any other software or equipment other than radio/software/computer such as you showed in the video? Thank you for your time and assistance. Raymond - WF7BSR

[@QRPSchool]

Software like "CW Skimmer" will listen to incoming audio and search for call signs being heard and then report the ones they've heard to a centralized server. PSK Reporter "talks" to the server to display callsigns that were reported to the server. There are other sources for the call signs that PSK Reporter is showing in addition to those obtained via CW Skimmer. So, if you call CQ DE [Your Call Sign] or send TESTING DE [Your Call Sign], someone's computer that is listening may here you and report your call sign, frequency, and signal strength to the centralized server. If you want to be able to show signals you've heard and have those call signs reported to the centralized server, you'll need to be running software that is listening to the audio, decoding the signals, and reporting those signals to the server. The Digital Master software that is part of the Ham Radio Deluxe suite of applications does this. That is what I use for PSK-31. I sometimes use CW Skimmer when listening to CW stations. Thanks -Cliff

[@raymondl.3014]

Thank you!

[@philipchandler330]

very detailed and interesting

[@wb7ond]

Good Video, I do both QRO and QRP as needed. Interesting how to alienate the QRO ops with a distracting shirt. Seems like a good idea to stick to the technical and save the snide shirt comments for the twitter and facebook crowd...

[@KOAOutdoors]

Great job ! Very comprehensive and explained well. Great for someone new to digital. Kirk KE0THO

[@c-mediagroup8311]

Excellent video ! KM6IKH , 73

[@knowyourstrength9738]

Hi Cliff, like your videos about digital modes and will get started next week after receiving my SignalLink! Allow me a question on HRD since you are using it for hobby. How can you log group meetings like a Net with one being net control etc. the HRD Logbook? Thanks a lot for any idea? Cheers & 73 K1DH

[@QRPSchool]

Hello. If you want to log your Net check-ins with a logbook, any logbook will do. I also have Scott Davis' (N3FJP) Amateur Contact Log software and he makes it easy to create a form containing only the fields you're interested in. (HRD may do this, too... I don't know) For our local ARES monday night net, we've got a custom spreadsheet that is connected to the database of members. When we key in a callsign, the screen fills in the information if the caller is a member of our group. You don't want to go to that level of trouble in setting up something like that, trust me. I wish I had more/better information to help you. -Cliff

[@knowyourstrength9738]

Thanks a lot for your reply. I have the N3FJP logbook as well but can't get it to work with the IC7300 - all I do is adjust the radio address and I get data in the polling window but no adjustment of Frq. etc. - I gave up unless you know of a trick? Thanks and 73 K1DH - Dirk

[@joegarmon1812]

Great video series, very informative! One (hopefully) easy question: Are the MFJ series of HF SSB transceivers compatible with digital modes? Thank you for your time.

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Joe. Normally, any SSB radio would work fine for digital. However, the radio must be capable of tuning down the band into the CW/Data portion of the band. You'll have to look but I think some (all?) of the MFJ radios don't tune down into that range. For example, the MFJ 9420 only transmits SSB from 14.150 to 14.350 MHz. However, the digital "watering holes" are found far below that. PSK31 on 20m is 14.070 MHz. There is a "CW Adapter" that allows you to transmit CW on the lower portion of the band but I believe you cannot transmit SSB down there, even with the adapter. - Cliff

[@maxprepper9126]

Cliff Excellent presentation! What is that device on the back of your car? Mike

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks, Mike. The device attached to my spare tire is a bicycle carrier. The arm is folded down in the picture but it folds out and locks to hold bicycles for transport. - Cliff

[@btinsen]

Very useful info. Many thanks. 👍

[@32532jfbk]

Great video Cliff. I'm looking to get a KX2 as my first HF radio and am very interested in PSK31. Would you recommend the KX2 as a first and only HF radio? Also can you connect the KX2 directly to the computer using the included elecraft usb cable for audio I/O and ptt? KC9RAV

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Corey. If the challenge of operating with lower-than-normal power levels AND using a compact radio in the field appeals to you, then the KX2 would be a great fist radio. If you stay in the hobby for a while, it's probably not going to be your ONLY radio - although it's good enough that it could be. Think of radios like cars. The KX2 is a small sports car. You might decide someday that you'd like a luxurious sedan as your daily driver. The sports car will still be fun on the weekends. Heck, you might even want to get a dune buggy for some off-road adventure. As for the Elecraft USB cable for audio... it doesn't work that way. The USB cable for the radio is used to update the firmware and you can also use it to control the rig with ham radio software... but no audio flows down that cable. You can get cables to connect the radio's headphone jack to your computer's line-in audio jack AND connect a cable from your computer's headphone jack to your radio's mic jack. You can do this without buying a Signalink box as shown in the video. However, the Signalink makes everything easier AND you can use the Signalink box with any radio... just buy purchasing other cable sets. Have fun! - Cliff

[@voxsteven]

Great video, Cliff, appreciate it. 73 de WA5SAT, Steve

[@seanhudson1404]

Where can I purchase one of the QRP shirts.....the one you have on. Love it! :-)

[@QRPSchool]

Thanks, Sean. I had these made at CustomInk.com where you can make custom t-shirts with their cool "Design Lab" web-based software. If you were to make one t-shirt like this, it would cost you $21. The more you make, the cheaper they are, of course. I will have some for sale at the OzarkCon QRP Conference in April (2017) but I am not ready to sell things online. Best regards - Cliff

[@seanhudson1404]

Thank you for the reply! I know it may be hard to remember that far in the future but if so, once you have some made up I would rather purchase from you if you are so inclined. I can pay you with paypal when the time comes. Unfortunately I won't be able to make that QRP Conference....but it sounds like a blast! Again, thank you for the reply! ~Sean KC5VGP

[@ASCIITerminal]

Great video, thanks! One question, where did you get the stand to raise the front of the 817?

[@QRPSchool]

You can find it here: www.ebay.com/itm/WINDCAMP-Bracket-Stand-for-Yaesu-ft-817-amateur-radio-/141960013591 I got it as part of the combo, here: www.ebay.com/itm/WINDCAMP-WLB-817S-LIPO-3000mAh-battery-for-yaesu-FT-817-hatch-stand-/141936642049 Cliff

[@hamradio2930]

Hello Cliff, great video again. Theres a problem, because I was always taught that should have NO ALC at all. ALC is the overdrive compensation, and if alc shows 3 to 5 bars, i tink thats exagerated, because the signal is starting to get distorced over 3 bars alc. On qrp level, 3 bars of alc its not catastrofic, but there a bunch of folks doing digi modes with more than 200w ( ridiculous), and 3 to 5 bars of alc on that power is a major fu... up. This is my opinion, but its suported with many years investigating digi modulation. 73 CT7AEL

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Luis. I understand what you are saying and it makes sense. However, I do not agree that the signal is starting to get distorted with 3 bars of ALC. The Elecraft manual, IN THE DIGITAL SECTION, says, "While transmitting audio data, adjust MIC gain for no more than 4 to 5 bars of ALC indication" so Elecraft believes we should adjust the ALC for digital the same as for speech. I believe you are correct that it's fine to transmit with no ALC but I think that it's also okay to allow ALC to limit the signal, as for normal speech. - Cliff

[@ve3eby]

Hi Cliff, enjoy your videos. Question, any issues with the FT817 re heat at 5w 100% duty cycle on PSK31? Thanks and 73.

[@QRPSchool]

Just seeing this, Paul. I haven't noticed any trouble with my FT-817 getting too hot but I don't tend to type for minutes at a time on-the-air. If you back off the power from 5 watts to 2.5 watts, your signal will only be down 1/2 an S-Unit to the receiving station and will run cooler. Another option is to clamp a heatsink on the back of the radio as shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKLXeWufbK2nhpI

[@Stevenfclark]

Cliff great video! What model signal link are you using? Are you still using the same one?

[@QRPSchool]

Hey, Steven. I'm just using the standard Signalink USB box... same as they've made for a number of years. I've got two of them because I keep one in a go-kit for emergency communications. -Cliff

[@AndrewBarthle]

Oh Franklin… stayed there once or twice for Bonnaroo!

[@AndrewBarthle]

Now that I think of it, I wonder how many hams go to Bonnaroo.

[@TomKristiansen]

That is really cool, i work asa a sysadmin so i know computers, and i am doing my HAM study in norway, but you 5 watt, how long can yoiu get with 5 watt??

[@topscout50]

Hi Cliff, Great video. I am just returning to Ham Radio after being absent for several years. My QPR equipment is a FT-817ND and an Acer Aspire 1 ZG5 netbook. I noticed that you had a Surface computer setting on you desk. I also have a Surface RT with Windows 8.1. I wanted to load it with PSK31 and Winlink software but have been told I could not do this because There wasn't much Ham software written for Windows RT. Is this true or is the software available. Thanks, Tony AB5RO

[@QRPSchool]

Tony Wooten The Windows RT operating system has been discontinued. It wasn't developer-friendly, causing developers to mostly ignore it in favor of more mainstream versions of Windows. I don't know of any ham software that was written for it. That said, there is a version of Microsoft Office for RT and you can certainly use it for all online applications. I do like my Surface Pro 3. My only complaint is that I wish it had more than a single USB port. -Cliff

[@BoFyhring]

Hi nice video. I use the PSK 31 on my Icom 703 and KX3. But I LIKE Your T-shirt. Were can I bye it? regards OZ8BLR

[@QRPSchool]

Hello, Bo. Right now, you'll have to make your own t-shirt @ customink.com or with some other company. I sold these at the FDIM vendor night at Dayton this year. I may sell them online but I have to figure out whether I really want to establish a business out of my house and pay all of the city/county/state taxes, etc. - Cliff

[@322doug]

nice video man

[@vidasvv]

Thanks fr posting, I really enjoyed ur video Cliff ! 73 N8AUM

[@davidhunt3161]

Brilliant video love ham radio but don't have a radio , maybe one day

[@mabo4848]

Great video tnx .. helps a lot

[@mikepansini4904]

Will you please do an example of split digital using HRD? KF5YUB

[@SvcGlobal]

Great lesson. Thanks!