Choose the right sideband and frequency for digital modes, run FT8 properly, and connect through Winlink gateways.
Syllabus: Digital mode operating procedures
Compendium articles on the ideas in this lesson, beyond what the exam asks.
Practise the 15 pool questions for this group. Answers are shuffled, and every one comes with a one-line "why".
AFSK means software makes audio tones and an SSB radio sends them. Choose the sideband the mode expects: RTTY: LSB. JT65, JT9, FT4, FT8: USB.
RTTY swaps between two tones, mark and space, usually 170 Hz apart.
Tuned in but no decode? Reversed mark/space, wrong baud rate or wrong sideband can each cause it.
RememberRTTY: LSB, 170 Hz. FT8 family: USB. No decode: check all three.
FT8 runs in fixed time slots. The computer clock must be within about 1 second. No special hardware modem is needed. To answer a CQ, pick a clear frequency in the alternate time slot to the caller.
RememberRight clock, alternate slot, clear frequency.
On 20 m, most digital operation is between 14.070 and 14.100 MHz, and FT8 sits at about 14.074 to 14.077 MHz. The exam's wrong places: SSTV near 14.230, the top of phone near 14.325.
Memory hookDigital opens at 14.070. FT8 sits just inside, at 14.074.
Winlink sends and receives email over radio. It is also a form of packet radio and works on VHF and HF. VARA is a digital protocol used with Winlink, like PACTOR. A gateway is a Winlink Remote Message Server. Connect by sending a connect message on its published frequency. A PACTOR contact is between two stations only: you can't join in.
RememberGateway = Remote Message Server. Connect on its published frequency.
An Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network mesh provides high-speed data services during an emergency or community event.
RememberAREDN = fast data for emergencies and events.