[RTTY] Upgrading?

[Stephen & Marilyn Haines]

"Also, I don't know if I will do any contests just yet, but may be something I will be interested in doing later down the road. For now, I want to make sure I get the basics down "again", and get comfortable with that, then I will take the next step up. 

Again, thanks to everyone for their help.     

Best 73's
Steve, NS5B"

Just a note from another "retread" getting back into RTTY, Steve. Don's site inspired me too. I downloaded MMTTY and MMVARI, plus N1MM contest logger (It's free and works with MMTTY for RTTY contests). I've got XMLOG as a freeware general logger, and it will accept the ADI files that N1MM produces, so I can integrate my pitiful few contest QSO's with my general log.

I'm using an old FT-757, a 20 meter ground plane, and no interface at all . . . just a pair of cables between a generic PCI sound card and the audio in/out on the rear of the rig. I can't key the PTT line yet, so I just push the transmit button on the 757. What a blast!! In a few days (a month of very casual operation) I've worked 25 countries on RTTY and psk31 with about 30 watts.

I guess I'll leave my old PK-232 and MFJ-1278 (the multimode one) stored. MMTTY/MMVARI are really easy to get running. The integration of N1MM and MMTTY make RTTY contest participation really easy. Go for it!

One goal could be to be up and running before the July 7 RTTY contest. My plan is to put up a 40 meter dipole fed with ladder line so I can do more than 20 meters in the test. Look for you there! 73 from Paraguay . . . Steve ZP9EH