Another good option is to use the DXLab suite of free programs. If you use Winwarbler that is part of the suite for PSK and RTTY it will put any contacts you make into the log (DXKeeper) that is also part of the suite. http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3139#117861 http://www.dxlabsuite.com/

Zack
N8FNR

If you go the fldigi route and have problems you can get help from the great Yahoo Groups forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/win-fldigi/?yguid=212792113
BTW, fldigi is a wonderful program. Please ignore the reviews of it on eham as the software is very stable.
I use fldigi on a daily basis and have never had any issues. My rig is a flex-5000 and I don't have to use a soundcard interface with it.

You should also think about running WSJT too! It is a bit more complicated to use but is pretty cool; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wsjtgroup/?yguid=212792113 http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/

Zack
N8FNR

When I start a QSO I send this macro, "OP Zack near Detroit MI DE N8FNR HW?" and then just type any other responses from there. However I REALLY, REALLY don't care about the CPU in your PC or the OS you are running. The rig and antenna I do still find interesting.

One thing that does drive me nuts is when the other op looks up my info in QRZ during a casual QSO and knows my all info. I do not look up his name or anything when I am in a casual QSO. It is more interesting to find out his name, location and other info during the actual QSO. If you know all about me from QRZ what is the actual point of the casual QSO?

Zack
N8FNR

Here is the Yahoo Group link. It is a great group and you will get an answer quicly.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dxlab/?yguid=212792113

Zack
N8FNR

If I am trying to work a split station on RTTY does the rig center VFO B where ever I clicktune?
 
For example when I click on 18.102 the 2nd VFO actually displays 18.100.494 and when I TX it looks like the strongest part of the signal is centered on 18.101.0.

How can I tell where my signal actually is centered? Am I over thinking this or what? Been trying to work TX5K and this has become an issue for me.

BTW I posted this in the Flex reflector yesterday but never received any replies.

73
Zack
N8FNR

Don't get wrong on this. I bet everyone with an amp has done this by accident. However I am referring to those who tune up for a LONG time and then call CQ right on top of the DX when he is working split. Just watched a guy tune up for several minutes on top of TX5K on 15M.

Another one is that I do not spot the DX until I have worked him.

N8FNR

I was wondering what your favorite technique is to work DX?

Here is mine. Lets say that some rare DX is on and I have been callling for sometime without success. I go and do something else for a while and try again later once (I HOPE!) that the pileup has toned down.

And guess what, my favorite tip is NOT to tune up on the DX when he is working split!

So what is favorite DXing technique/tip?

Zack
N8FNR

They mention Tristan da Cunha and Bouvet in the article.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/30/travel/most-remote-islands/index.html?hpt=hp_c4#cnn-disqus-area

Zack
N8FNR

Here is another external way to measure your PSK signal. I had one of these and used it with a TS-850 before I sold both. It was a very easy kit to build and it worked very well. The price is $50.00. It is rated 3.6/5 on eham but I would have given it a 5 myself. http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3347

http://www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter/

Zack
N8FNR

Don't know about using your scope but I have a Flex-5000 and we are told to just keep the ALC below -1 and there is no mention in the instructions about using the scope built into the rigs software.

On the otherhand I have an IMD Meter by KK7UQ and it works great. It is well worth the cost ($140).

Zack
N8FNR

IMD Meter by KK7UQ
http://www.navigator-interface.com/naviusa_010.htm
"The IMD Meter by kk7uq is by far the best, easiest and most accurate way to monitor your own transmitted PSK IMD.   The IMD Meter displays your transmitted BPSK31/63 or QPSK31/63  IMD in real time on an easy to read 3 digit LED panel.  There are absolutely no connections to your radio, coax or PC. The IMD Meter by kk7uq is a true stand-alone IMD Meter."

Ther are 28 eham reviews all are 5. http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4210

Uhhhhh really! WOW! Too bad I took my Tech test at the Detroit FCC when the code was required. Does that mess with your reality?
Will other hams scorn me at Dayton and thrown corndogs at me now because of the CWX4EVR tattoo on my forearm?
Since I use CWX should I turn my license into the FCC for termination with extreme prejudice?

Just out of curiosity what rigs are worthy enough for use on Stanworld? Do they have transistors? Are digital modes accepted on your world?

N8FNR

I admit that I am not the brightest guy and must have missed that section in the bestselling book "Hoowz to be a Gud Ham".
Please enlighten me as to what is real and the only way to do CW. That must mean that you cannot use a keyer with memories correct? Because that would be a lot like CWX right? And an iambic keyer helps make dots and dashes perfect and isn't that a crutch too? So that brings us to the straight key which apparently is the only thing a right thinking person can use. Am I missing anything here? Should I tell the ARRL LOTW folks to remove all of my confirmed QSO's in there because the are not real CW? Would that be the right thing to do?

Some hams use voice keyers in contests. Is that ok to use?


I guess if I owned a Yasicomwood I would see the light and follow the straight and narrow path to CW Heaven (location to be determined). But wouldn't I have to disable the keyer in one of those rigs to be admitted the Ham House of the Rightous?

And let's not even get started on the veracity of using the digital modes......

Zack
FlexFanBoyClub member #666
N8FNR

Stan, please define what "real CW". Is that using a straight key, bug, iambic or perhaps a spark rig? I looked for it on the web but could find not a definition.

At your leisure could you explain why using a keyboard is not "real"? If I use a keyboard for DX contacts is ok to have them verified by QSL or LOTW or are they not "real" either?

Zack
FlexFanBoy
N8FNR

I use CWX that is built into PSDR to do CW on a daily basis for DXing with my Flex-5000 and could not be any happier. Of course I don't use an external key but do love the memories in CWX and actually enjoy using my keyboard. The memories are great in contests.

Recently I bought a Elecraft KPA-500 amp kit and find it and the 5000 to be a killer setup with my SteppIR vertical.

Put me down as a "True Flex Fanboy^TM" as I really love this rig. I sold a fully loaded TS-850SAT to help pay for it and never looked back. BTW my PC never crashes while running PSDR and I find it to be very stable.

Yeah, I know that according to some who lurk in this group that any Flex rig is the worst radio ever. According to them I should sell it and replace it with any other rig as a Flex is no better than one of these. http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/marconi/exhibition/7777.htm

73
Zack
N8FNR