[RTTY] Interface Problems

Tue Dec 14 00:46:31 PST 2010

Hello Ed,

Here's a link to a PDF file that shows the CW / FSK / PTT interfaces I 
have built. The schematic shows you how to use an LPT port or a 25-pin 
or 9-pin serial port.

*http://tinyurl.com/27z3bf3*

On a parallel port there are 8 data lines (pins 2~9). When you look with 
your o'scope, and when using EXTFSK, you will find Data 0~3 (pins 2~5) 
all change state together. Likewise Data 4~7 (pins 6~9) change state 
together.

What this suggests is that you do not want anything tied to the 6 unused 
pins in the range of pins 2~9 on the LPT connector or funky things can 
happen.

Also, you can assign "Data 0~3" and "Data 4~7" to either FSK or PTT, as 
you wish, from within EXTFSK. It also allows you to invert the logic 
from the menu, if necessary.

Good luck.

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN

On 12/13/2010 10:25 PM, Edwin Karl wrote:
> Thanks for the reply Don,
>
> Here is where I am, the radio PTT works when the appropriate lead is
> shorted to ground, then additional short to ground
> gives me the shift. The radio is working as is the cable to the interface.
> EXTFSK is set for LPT1,
> It's late, I know I'll get into deep you know what if I continue. I'm
> going to take my 'scope and see what's
> going on. There are 2 sets of the same simple transistor switch that I
> found. In one, the one
> I used there's a 3.3 k to the switching transistor. In another a 1k was
> used. Now I know this is a stretch
> but maybe ...
> Anyway, something between the computer LPT1 and the radio ain't right. I
> found the ground
> in the wrong spot, but it doesn't key on at all after I fixed that ..
> Arghhh
> Thanks for the advice and encouragement, I'll keep you posted
>
> ed
>
> On 12/13/2010 9:53 PM, Don Hill AA5AU wrote:
>> Ed, I'm curious as to why you are trying to key FSK on a parallel port and why you aren't using the Rigblaster Plus for FSK?
>>
>> Check to make sure the radio is set up for high tones (2125/2295) 170 Hz (these are the default settings) in menu 6-2.
>>
>> There's a simple test you can do to see if the radio is shifting FSK OK.  Disconnect the line from your FSK interface but leave it
>> connected to the RTTY jack on the radio.  Key the radio into a dummy load with the monitor on and you should hear a steady MARK (or
>> SPACE) tone (2125 or 2295 Hz).  With the radio keyed, short the FSK input of the radio to ground.  The tone you hear should shift
>> 170 Hz either higher or lower depending how the FSK polarity (menu 6-1) is set in the radio.  If an open sends a 2125 Mark tone,
>> then shorting should send a 2295 Hz Space tone or vice versa.
>>
>> If this works, then there's something going on with your interface.  Almost sounds like if you are using the parallel port, then
>> maybe you are using the wrong pin.  FSK comes from D0 pin 2 on a parallel port I believe (see http://www.g4zfe.com/rtty.html) Not
>> too many people use parallel ports to key FSK.
>>
>> It may be easier to use the Rigblaster Plus for FSK.
>>
>> 73, Don AA5AU
>> http://www.aa5au.com
>> http://www.rttycontesting.com
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: rtty-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:rtty-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Edwin Karl
>> Sent: Monday, December 13, 2010 9:39 PM
>> To: Iain MacDonnell - N6ML
>> Cc: RTTY at contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: [RTTY] Interface Problems
>>
>> Yes, That's the issue, using the FSK input (RTTY). I use the packet input for FSK, so
>>
>> On 12/13/2010 9:27 PM, Iain MacDonnell - N6ML wrote:
>>> Hi Ed,
>>>
>>> Not sure what you mean by "a siren like tone" .. could it be that the
>>> tone (pitch) that the MP is using is just higher than you're
>>> accustomed to?
>>>
>>> I'm not sure that you can change that on the MP, although I've never
>>> used one for RTTY.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>>        ~Iain / N6ML
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Dec 14, 2010 at 3:03 AM, Edwin Karl<edk0kl at centurytel.net>    wrote:
>>>> Hi folks,
>>>>
>>>> I'm a neophyte when it comes to FSK. Been using AFSK for some time
>>>> and tried to make the switch to FSK, what a problem.
>>>>
>>>> Equipment:
>>>> FT-1000MP MKV, Dell D400 Laptop
>>>> Rigblaster plus, not for FSK only AFSK, home made interface for FSK,
>>>> (2 transistors feeding PTT, Shift and ground on back of radio).
>>>> The PTT works fine, the AFSK works fine using Com 1. FSK keys but a
>>>> siren like tone comes out not at all the "blety-beep" of RTTY.
>>>> Software MMTTY for AFSK, Also using MMTTY on FSK using parallel port,
>>>> EXTFSK and DLPORTIO
>>>>
>>>> What am I doing wrong? Assuming you can decipher what I'm trying to say ...
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>> ed K0KL
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rtty
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