[CQ-Contest] RTTY Reflections

[Bill Coleman]

On Jan 7, 2008, at 2:34 PM, Tom Rauch wrote:

> I think what computer programmers need to do is have a
> "signal lost" indicator on the screen. RTTY is not like
> normal modes (sorry, the Devil made me say that) in that the
> operator often cannot hear the signal drop.

Old message, but an important point.

I always operate RTTY with headphones on, with the volume set low (to  
save my hearing).

It's amazing the number of cues you can get from listening to the  
signal that isn't apparent from the text, crossed-banana or waterfall  
display. When you call CQ, sometimes there's a weak signal that  
answers that didn't print right. A quick QRZ? is more appropriate than  
a long CQ at that point. When you are S & P, it is easy to pick out  
the RTTY signals from all the others by ear, although tuning in  
precisely generally requires the visual display.

Was that print garbaged because of QSB, QRM, QRN or something else?  
Did 3 guys answer my CQ, or was it just one? Listening to the signal  
can tell you those things.

So, for me, RTTY is just like one of those "normal" modes.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901