Topband: The use of digital modes on 160 metres

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi George,

My own experience with those modes that can dig out signals from below
the noise is they are too slow to be any use for much beyond
"propagation studies". I am doing a very little bit of that on the 600
meter band. The typical story is set the radio and the computer and let
it run all night (*ALL* night) to get a few words through IF propagation
cooperates. Look at your results in the morning after breakfast. Not my
cup of tea. YMMV.

Can the other stations hear you? If not..can you apply more power? (not
already doing the limit) There are some antennas talked about here that
might help you with receive. I have the small lot problem too but I am
slowly working my way toward better reception and I'll be increasing
power soon, too. Even with my puny station (25 watts!) I have worked
some other stations on Top Band. I can hear better than I can send.

Some people detest that there is digital activity on Top Band but it is
there. Somebody else will have to point you at it (1840 or so?) as I
don't use it. If you decide to join those guys let me wish you best of
luck.

73,

Bill  KU8H


On Sat, 2012-09-15 at 20:59 +0930, George, VK5IT wrote:
> Hi Topbanders,
> 
>  
> 
> I would like to bring up a topic which I suspect must be tantamount to
> heresy among the diehard CW operators and that is the question of the use of
> some of the digital modes on the "Gentleman's Band".
> 
>  
> 
> It may be that CW can still hold its own by the speed and simplicity and use
> of narrow bandwidths??
> 
>  
> 
> These dangerous thoughts have come about because a friend put me on to a
> programme called Ham Radio Delux with its imbedded programme Digital Master
> 780 which supports a whole raft of digital modes. As we all know some of
> these modes are capable of digging out intelligence from signals that are
> undetectable because they are below the noise floor. 
> 
>  
> 
> As one who is very much in the "little pistol" league with a small suburban
> back yard with a 10 metre height restriction and only enough space to
> install a very meagre earth matt and the additional problem of electrical
> noise - I see this as a  way to improve my chances of chasing the elusive
> DX. I was thinking of "resorting" to the use of digital modes such as Olivia
> and JT65.
> 
>  
> 
> I keep a reasonably close eye on the threads posted in the Top Band Archives
> and this is a topic I do not remember seeing being discussed. 
> 
>  
> 
> I do, however, suspect that because going digital is such an obvious answer
> that there must already be some activity among devotees so I would be
> interested in hearing what frequencies and what modes are used on 160 meters
> and any comments.
> 
>  
> 
> 73
> 
>  
> 
> George, VK5IT