[RTTY] For Sale - ST-8000 HF RTTY Modem

[Jon Harder]

I've really enjoyed using this remarkable piece of equipment.  But the time
has come to let someone else who can appreciate it also have the pleasure.
Rather than put it up on eBay, I thought I'd post it right here for "the
knowledgeable and deserving"  to have first opportunity.

If you want to review the specifications of this "Rolls Royce of RTTY analog
design modems,"  just go to www.halcomm.com to view the amazing details.

New price on special order has been $3995.  I'm selling this one _with
original manuals_ for $750.00 plus insured UPS shipping (about 25 pounds in
double-box packing) from 04046.  Please send e-mail *DIRECT*  to me at
jon@praxisworks.org.  First come, first served.

This one is serial number 294, and I've had it since late 1999.  Everything
works just as it should, with no scratches or blemishes on the front panel,
and a few scratches on the aluminum top cover.  Firmware is version 1.1,
which works just fine with WriteLog, YPLog, etc.  Later version would be
available from HAL if you really feel you must have it.  Note that I'm
including clean original manuals, purchased new by me from HAL two years
ago.

Here's an excerpt from HAL's own description of this product:

"The ST-8000 audio tone frequencies are fully tunable between 400 and 4000
Hz for FSK (Frequency Shift Keyed) or OOK (On-Off Keyed) applications.
Receive filter and transmit tones frequencies are synthesized from a quartz
oscillator under microprocessor control, assuring high stability and 1.0 Hz
resolution. All tuning adjustments are easily made with front panel controls
or by remote control. The operator may set either Mark and Space frequencies
or Center and Shift frequencies when tuning. When the baud rate is set
(10-1200 baud), the microprocessor computes and sets optimum bandwidths for
the Input, Mark, Space and Low-Pass filters."

"The tuning indicator is a 1.5" x 2.0" CRT that shows both the standard
crossed-ellipse Mark-Space and the exclusive HAL Spectra-tune audio
frequency spectrum display. The ST-8000 may be operated from 100-130 or
200-250 VAC power lines at 44-440 Hz. The 3.5" high by 12" deep cabinet
mounts in a standard 19" rack. Careful attention has been given to RFI
shielding and filtering to assure reliable radio system performance."

Having been part of the RTTY scene off and on for over 30 years, and having
owned several fine commercial TUs, including an ST-6000, I've never used
anything better than the 8000.  In multi-path, flutter, high noise levels,
it always comes through.  I'm not and never will be a "big gun," but this is
a great tool for the serious operator.  Copies of articles and configuration
notes gathered from ST-8000 users will be included with the manuals.  This
one is presently set for straight FSK, and I've used it under WriteLog with
a TS-850 most of the time.  PTT control is provided via software through the
RS-232 control line.  The filtering and regeneration options have to be
experienced to be believed. Scope tracing is sharp and bright.  Can be used
stand-alone or as a super front end for PK-232MBX to allow use in modes
other than Baudot / ASCII.

DSP modems are terrific, too. But if you didn't find what you were looking
for at Dayton or on eBay, and have always wanted the best, I'd say this is
it.

Very 73,

Jon     K1US
Cape Porpoise, Maine
jon@praxisworks.org


[BTW, HAL has just come out with new DSRTTY-Win, Windows based software  for
the ST-8000 / 8000A ]