[RTTY] Green Keys vs. PSK31 - One man's opinion

[gdadx2 at earthlink.net]

HI Scott,

I began my RTTY-ing back in 1981, so does that make me an old timer? 
Actually, I ran RTTY in the USAF from 1968 -1972 on the old clunkers and 
oilers.   But as far as Ham Radio is concerned, I began in 1981.

My first RTTY gear was a Robot 800 keyboard with an 9-inch black and white 
monitor.  From there I went to the Commodore 64 system and related 
internfaces and software cartridges, etc etc.   I never really had an elmer 
for RTTY, but instead just researched it all on my own and learned quite a 
bit about it.

Finally I graduated to a PC and have used just about every piece of software 
and hardware available.

I do think the soundcard modes brought out many new RTTY ops who were indeed 
unfamiliar with this mode, but I believe this injection of new blood was not 
only great for the digital modes but ham radio in general.

As for PSK, I have always thought it was novel, but a step backwards 
actually.  Yes it is good for low power and is narrow, but I always liked 
the linked modes better, such as Pactor, Amtor, and my favorite of all --  
CLOVER!

MFSK blows PSK away when it comes to copying though QRM..  However, with 
PSK, you can almost certainly find some signals to copy due to its 
popularity, not necessarily because it is so great of a mode.   I must admit 
I detest the droning tone of a PSK signal... nothing like the soft purring 
of a Clover QSO!   Anyway, to each his own... enjoy all the modes.

73 and diddle diddle,
Buddy, WB4M