From all the radiosport events I participate in, for some reason, somehow, the SARTG NY
(New Years) RTTY contest has always been overlooked - which is unfortunate because
I LOVE RTTY Contests. Back in October I Blogged ([CLICK HERE]) about my elation
from discovering a workable remote solution via the USB port on the K3/0-Mini.
Because the Windoze 7 has no trouble keying the FT-2000 radio, it occurred to me that the radio
itself could become a PTT relay for the K3/0-Mini; albeit a 45-pound relay at that. The only drawback to this method is the requirement to type the run frequency into the log manually; one of the main reasons to run frequencies as frequently as possible.
In addition to HORRIBLE Space-WX, being a 3-hour 80-40-meter (only) contest added to the overall operating challenge. In a way, that any contacts were made at all, was in itself a miracle.
Since then, I've not been able to replicate that method on the same computer (or others).
The backup solution has been cross-switching the laptop sound cables between the K3/0-Mini
and RRC-1258 interface box.
The backup solution has been cross-switching the laptop sound cables between the K3/0-Mini
and RRC-1258 interface box.
In the past, not being able to PTT the remote radio, the reliance has been on using VOX to key
the PTT. Something about the current audio configuration put the system in an infinite Vox loop. Somehow there needs to be a way to key the PTT locally w/o direct USB access. Scribbling a
couple of block diagrams illustrated how PTT can be properly keyed.
couple of block diagrams illustrated how PTT can be properly keyed.
Because the Windoze 7 has no trouble keying the FT-2000 radio, it occurred to me that the radio
itself could become a PTT relay for the K3/0-Mini; albeit a 45-pound relay at that. The only drawback to this method is the requirement to type the run frequency into the log manually; one of the main reasons to run frequencies as frequently as possible.
The biggest caveat from running a configuration like the above is the potential for ground loops.
These can be reduced/prevented by use of isolation blocks (essentially a 1:1 transformer) as well
as relying on the device channel isolation provided by the usb-based 4-channel mixer.
These can be reduced/prevented by use of isolation blocks (essentially a 1:1 transformer) as well
as relying on the device channel isolation provided by the usb-based 4-channel mixer.
DiD YOU work the SARTG-NY RTTY contest?
What method(s) do YOU use to transmit RTTY?
Is WQ6X in YOUR LoG?
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