Macro's used properly are the only way. Just give Call,59.name, QTH, locator and pass it back to the DX. They should send Call,59, Name, QTH and locator and 73, You respond with GL 73 then clear off, and let somebody else have a go. How long does that take ?

Mel G0GQK

Hello Sandy, I used a 530 when PSK first arrived about 1999 time, which was used with a simple opto coupler which cost £25 at the time and had no difficulties. I still use the opto coupler on either an Icom 718 or a 465 via the ACC1. Do you have one on the 530 I can't remember ? This is much better than the microphone connection. Do you have a power meter which is indicating you are sending power up the spout ? Have you got the rig on full power and controlling the radiated power through windows in the computer ?

Mel G0GQK

There should be no problems if you have the correct wire connections and leave the 530 to warm up properly for at least half an hour to prevent drifting. PSK won't tolerate drifting

Mel G0GQK

I knew as soon as I started to read your posting that you would be using either an end fed wire or a vertical antenna. This is a problem which occurs, or can occur using an antenna of this type. Sometimes it can be cured sometimes it can't, but you need to improve your earthing, and do you have radials with your end fed? This can cure the problem.

You can try putting about 6 turns of loops about 12" on your coax. If you were using a computer in the shack you would find that the screen was affected with "things" moving. Others will be along soon who will also give you some advice

Mel G0GQK

When PSK31 was first invented, it was said that there would be no need to run more than 10 watts to have a worldwide transmission, but that was when the bands were generally in a better condition. This was designed a narrow band DX medium for those unable to have a decent antenna, and probably an attic antenna.

I use about 25 watts as indicated on a power meter, remember the power indicated is doubled, and those using yagi antenna's are pushing quite a substantial signal. There are many distorted signals around caused by using excess power. Originally a signal trace was regarded as good when it had the shape of an anchor chain. How many of those do you see these days, like an 8 vertically ?

Mel G0GQK

The reason is, there is nothing to be heard, yet ! Put this into your Favourites and make a check every day
http://amunters.home.xs4all.nl/

Mel G0GQK

Out of curiosity I've just Googled to see what this antenna is like, its the one like an H on its side with the coil in the middle which I assume is causing the worry.

If I had one I would make a cover for it from a plastic washing up liquid bottle, and place it over the top with adhesive tape to let rain run over the top. If this is not possible slice the plastic bottle down one side and clip it on that way. job done !

Mel G0GQK

You can only measure the true output if you go to RTTY and put on a carrier. Even a whistle doesn't do it properly. If you are seeing 30 watts on your power meter you are TXing 60 watts PEP as an example

Mel G0GQK

I never ever heard of this K formula. If its for a bog standard wire dipole it won't make a ha'porth of difference if its normal wire

Mel G0GQK

Hello John,   20 metres is open every day winter and summer, 10 metres is hit and miss, only way to know is switch on the rig. As for the A and K both best under 5, but don't think that these numbers mean much. They try and convince people that if the numbers are OK the bands will be in good condition, the numbers in all honesty prove absolutely nothing !

Mel G0GQK

Always gives me a smile when I read these posts about ham radio and doomsday ! " If I live in an underground bunker with an antenna poking out of the top how long can I survive" ! You fellas are so pessimistic, I think some of you would be pleased if a zillion megaton bomb was dropped on the US just to check out if your cool awesome radio's would work !

Mel G0GQK

It would really help you a lot if you spent some time reading articles about antenna's and other things involved in the hobby. This is where being a short wave listener years ago gained you lots of knowledge listening to the Old Boys, what they said, discussed and argued about.

Sadly it seems most interest with amateur radio is based on contest activity, having thousands of contacts which last 30 seconds from which you gain nothing, no name , QTH and not even a genuine signal report !

mel G0GQK

If you are listening in an apartment block what your antenna is doing is picking up all the garbage being spewed out by computers, TV's local shop computers and anything else in the area. No matter what advice you are given, if this noise is constant you are never going to hear anything unless you either go mobile or move !

Mel G0GQK

If the wires are buried under the surface it matters not how long they are as long as they are of a reasonable length. If you are considering a vertical using raised radials then the radials should be quarter waves resonant for the bands you intend to use.

Mel G0GQK

From what I'm reading this band could cause the start of WW III. Encouraged by reading about this new addition to radio rioting and organised mayhem I listened all the way along 5 Mhz and never heard anything so it seems that nobody in Europe is using this channelised violence to the ears.  Sorry boys you never made the trip to the UK

Mel G0GQK