[RTTY] Getting started

[Bill Turner]

On Thu, 16 May 2002 19:12:51 -0500, Bill Hawkins wrote:

>Before I start calling CQ or answering somebody's CQ, I need clarification.
>My transceiver does not support FSK so I have to be in SSB mode.
>The article by W7TI says I have to be in LOWER sidband position. Correct?
>If so, I can't decode the received signal. What do I have to do to decode
>it?
>Or is UPPER sideband OK?
>Thanks
>Bill
>P.S. When I get on, give me a call if you copy.

_________________________________________________________

Lower sideband is the default only because most TNCs and software
programs put out tones which are correct for LSB.  Either LSB or USB
will work if you are careful to get the tones right on both transmit and
receive.  Once set up properly, there is essentially no difference in
operation except for remembering to add or subtract your tones from your
dial reading to get the actual transmit/receive frequency.  

I'd recommend you focus on getting receive working first, preferably on
LSB.  If you want to use USB, press the "Rev" button at the top center
of the MMTTY screen and leave it pressed all the time.  (For AFSK only,
not for FSK).

Chen's suggestions on listening to the ARRL broadcasts and/or contests
are good ones.  You should also find activity when people are home from
work in the evenings and on weekends.

Once you can receive ok, try calling someone or just calling CQ.  If you
are receiving ok on LSB, your transmit tones should be ok too.  If your
tones are "upside down", someone will tell you.  Don't be embarrassed -
we've all done it.  It just means you have to figure out why receive is
ok but transmit isn't.  Scrutinize the MMTTY help files or post another
message here.  We'll be glad to help.

Welcome to the club!

73, Bill W7TI