Radio Digital Modes.

[@davidedger3935]

Thank you Gil for a very informative video. I plan to look into the ZLP interface to use with my KX2. CW is still my favorite.

[@RadioPrepper]

+David Edger I don't use mine much but It's good to have one...

[@larrybushman1]

I guess I agree from a prepper point of view hard to beat the code because of its simplicity and less gear to go wrong. Bashing away at it day after day but great when I do actually read a word or two.

[@MrVertigo1971]

I'd love to see a video, where you show how to setup and configure the Minipro SC in combination with the KX2.

[@RadioPrepper]

Noted...

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Gil, thanks for all your content, I have learned a lot from you. I have had some problems getting my KX2 running with Winlink and Vara HF and a DigiRig. It gives me an ERROR PTT and the rig locks into TX. Do you have any experience with this.

[@RadioPrepper]

Hi, it was a few years ago but I don't remember mine doing that.. Are you using VOX or CAT control? Does it happen every time or sporadically?

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

@@RadioPrepper it happens all the time. FT8 work well but Winlink sets frequency but locks on TX. CAT control is the mode I am shooting for

[@RadioPrepper]

Là je demanderais sur la liste mail Elecraft...

[@sshah876]

Awesome Demo, I really like your videos, they are worthwhile content for sure. Well CW vs Digital modes, Is there any public service CW station/s that is reachable from anywhere all the time that can acknowledge messages when you want , if there is then I will definitely consider CW over digital modes. Or is it something that you have to set up at home first then train a family member get them licensed if you want them to respond on CW, before embarking on a worldwide jungle hike.

[@RadioPrepper]

Thanks. Look into radiograms. It's still being done...

[@Liberty4Ever]

There are many people i would like to talk with who do not know Morse code and will not learn it. The digital modes could be much less complicated if there was more integration of hardware and software. There's no reason not to have a 20 watt radio with a keyboard and display. Some manufacturer needs to make this rugged and battery powered for portable use. I'd also like to see updated software for the Android with JS8 included so there is no need for Raspberry Pi and other complexity.

[@RadioPrepper]

Absolutely. The upcoming QRP-LABS QSX kit fits that bill...

[@srs26]

Hi Gil, love your channel! What are your thoughts on Yaesu 817/Elecraft KX3/Elecraft KX2? Is there a big difference in performance? Could you do a review of the KX2/KX3 as I see on one of your videos that you have both? Kind regards, Simon M0SYS in UK

[@RadioPrepper]

+srs26 Hello Simon. The KX2 is a mini KX3 without 160m and 6m. I don't miss 160m but 6m would be nice. I used to own a KX3... Excellent rigs, especially regarding filtering and DSP. The FT-817nd has 160, 6m and VHF/UHF. The only user I have with it is the current draw at 450mAh VS the KX2 at 150mAh. Still a great choice and more weather resistant.. The KX2 is more of a CW machine, hence my choice, but for some applications, especially outside, the Yaesu might be better. I'll put a KX2 video on my todo list.

[@srs26]

Just bought a ZLP minipro SC and have just set up WSPR as per one of your videos! Very interesting! I have become very interested in EFHW aerials, what would you recommend as the best portable end fed for portable operation from a back pack? Again, you have a brilliant channel! We go to France in the summer for a holiday and would love to take a portable qrp radio, nice end fed aerial and a small battery and notebook computer! Kind regards, Simon M0SYS

[@RadioPrepper]

+srs26 Thanks. The LNR Precision end-feds are very good. I especially like the trail version. If you want to build them look at EA3GCY's tuner kits.

[@luismc75]

Hello. I have a very basic question, why you are not using the ATU in the KX2 but use an external tuner instead? Sorry if a very basic question. Thank you for all your videos. I'm new to ham thinking in a KX2.

[@RadioPrepper]

Hello. The KX2 ATU is an option I do not have. Also an external tuner can be placed at the antenna instead of at the radio, which reduces coax cable losses.

[@luismc75]

Radio Prepper ok. I was assuming that you had the tuner. My bad. Thank you for your answer and for your videos. I'm learning cw based on your tips.

[@gol3tron]

Why do you need the external interface from the computer? Isn’t the sound card internal to the computer capable of providing the required tones?

[@RadioPrepper]

Yes, and it does, but the interface adjusts sound levels and impedances and insulates the computer from radio frequencies.

[@gol3tron]

@@RadioPrepper Thanks! I see a lot of cheap USB sound cards around, and perhaps devices such as the ZLP or signalink do better at RF insulation. At least for the KX2, I would think there is sufficient internal RF isolation between the mic/voice inputs and the transceiver, but maybe not?

[@RadioPrepper]

That I don't know... I use the ZLP..

[@gol3tron]

@@RadioPrepper Thanks!

[@angelscomputers]

You can do CW with FLDigi :-)

[@RadioPrepper]

Yes, but you don't always have a computer...

[@angelscomputers]

@@RadioPrepper agree, I'm trying to learn cw but in the meantime fldigi will be a good option if I'm taking a computer anyways for psk31 :-)

[@pathopkins4500]

Good KZbin =)

[@OH8STN]

We get it, but you spoil the video by beating the dead horse. Sorry man, I'm just sick of hearing it. Had to get out! Winlink seems to have zero interest in getting outside of windows, which is crazy! Right now Windows users are suffering a global ransomware attack. So the reliance on Windows for critical Communications has never been a worse idea. I'm working on Winlink alternatives, but my learning is slow going. by the way you're absolutely right about the complexity. however we must be fair and pointing out the complexity or level of complexity exists with anything when you don't train regularly for it. ZLP I didn't know the cable set for the kx2 was that kind of abomination. the cable from my ft-817 to my ZLP is streamlined and elegant without additional connectors. thanks for the video Gil, liked, shared, ...

[@pathopkins4500]

I'm with you Julian =) Windows will be a HARD SELL now after that little wrinkle ( World Wide ) .... and moving up to upgrading will not solve the problem =)

[@TheMountainRN]

OH8STN it seem by using Linux airmail for HF and D-rats for VHF one have the same functions without windows.

[@RadioPrepper]

+OH8STN Thanks Julian. Regrettable about Winlink indeed. I find the peer-to-peer option the most interesting, forgot to mention it. The ability to receive a message unattended is great. I don't know of any other modes that can do that, but you're the expert, not me. The MiniProSC works great, thanks again for the suggestion. The cable, oh well... LOL. Stay tuned for a PRC-320 digital mode video :-) Still hoping for a planned contact with you, now that I have the tools!

[@RadioPrepper]

+TheMountainRN Don't you need a Pactor modem for Airmail?

[@TheMountainRN]

Radio Prepper i heard the latest version of linux mint (18 i think) make it possible to install RMS express ( using vine i think)

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

CW very simple mn

[@ianmcdonald7884]

My problem with digital modes for prepping is, it's no good at all. Radio and everything that is associated with it is really just "hand me downs" from the government / federal and military organisations and has been approved for use to the public. So those organisations already have FAR more advanced technology. If the sh#t hits the fan and the governments take over (more so than now) and they have absolute control, any digital item will be useless and they may either jam radio signals or monitor or both. Radio use will be difficult but may still work.

[@RadioPrepper]

But that can be said of any mode... Actually, some digital modes being very good at weak-signal decoding and working below the noise level might be better than any other in case of jamming... For me it's more a matter of not including more hardware (and possibly software) failure points in the signal chain. I also do not think the government has far more advanced technology. They probably have better encryption, but even then... Amateur radio has always been at the forefront of technology, driving other industries, not simply "handed down." Jamming is a concern, and would probably happen, but not forever...

[@ianmcdonald7884]

The simple thing would be to always be alert and aware of what is around. They will most likely have surveillance on the bands even now but to see who is not "doing the right thing". YES amateur radio is at the forefront of technology but the governments and military are way more advanced and very sneaky about what they have. They wouldn't let anyone know about what's being developed. I have a very advanced SDR (winradio) and that's sold to organisations for surveillance. But you can bet that some of these organisations will do more to those systems and antennas that the public will never know about. I am not worried at all. I will just do what I need to do and keep using radio but it may just be that the "old stuff" may out-do the most advanced stuff. Analogue has a huge amount going for it still even if it is more noisy. That can be used to our advantage.

[@kareneighth6045]

@@RadioPrepper you can use pay for winling on Linux now.

[@RadioPrepper]

Great news thanks!