[WriteLog] RTTY Receive problem
Don Hill
aa5au@msn.com
Wed, 26 Jul 2000 13:45:16 -0500
I don't really agree with John's assessment that the tuning indicators in
WriteLog are not it's strongest point (however, I do agree with
everything else he has to say here and he makes excellent points).
Stand alone, they can be difficult to grasp at first. But when used
in conjunction with some other kind of indicator such as the RTTY-1
by HAL, it can be seen that WriteLog's RTTY Receiver is excellent.
I don't care too much for the scope tuning indicator but the actual
WriteLog RTTY Receiver indicator is the best I've ever seen. The
best way to tune stations is to put it in AFC by checking the AFC box.
Then as you tune across a RTTY signal, you will see 4 vertical lines
(2 sets of 2). Two of the vertical lines never move. Those are your
mark and space markers. The other two vertical lines are the receive
mark and space indicators. Tune the signal so that the two indicator
lines are exactly on top of the marker lines so it looks like you have
only two vertical lines showing on the screen.
Remember that RTTY tones are 2125 and 2295 hz respectively for
170 hz shift so if you are using an outboard audio filter on your rig
then you need to make sure that it is set up to pass those audio
frequencies. When you tune is a RTTY station, tune is the mark tone
so that the mark tone indicator on the display lines up with the
mark tone marker. Sometimes you will run across someone running
200 hz shift so the space indicator may not line right up with the
space tone marker on the display but it won't matter because it's
usually close enough. (The mark tone indicators on are on the left,
the space indicators on the right side of the display).
When I first started using the WriteLog RTTY Receiver, I didn't like
it because I was used to looking at a PK232 display and also a
HAL RTTY-1 external indicator. I now use my RTTY-1 to tune in the
signal and then use the WriteLog display to put it EXACTLY on
frequency. That combination works great.
For a test, I turned my RTTY-1 off and tried tuning in some RTTY signals
only with WriteLog's RTTY receiver and scope and found it not too
difficult but I easily understand how someone new to RTTY might
have some troubles at first. Many of us that have been on RTTY for
years can coarsely tune in a RTTY signal by ear. Once it's close, the
indicators in WriteLog are easy to use. But like anything it takes
practice.
Having operated RTTY for 18 years I can honestly say that WriteLog's
RTTY Receiver used conjunction with a HAL RTTY-1 is the best
combination I've ever used.
If you are still having trouble tuning, send me an E-mail and perhaps I
can help determine if perhaps there is a problem with the setup that
is causing WriteLog to not decode (remember WriteLog defaults to
using the Left channel of a stereo soundboard).
73, Don AA5AU
----- Original Message -----
From: WA9ALS - John <jfleming@shelbynet.net>
To: <Writelog@contesting.com>; Ross Biggar <rbiggar@xtra.co.nz>; <W6FFH@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 7:30 AM
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] RTTY Receive problem
>
> Writelog has to be the best overall contesting program available, but the
> RTTY tuning indicators are not it's stongest point. Particularly if you are
> new to the RTTY mode, you might find it a little challenging at first.
>
> I'll bet that most people were operating RTTY for awhile before they started
> using Writelog - Thus they already had some OTHER tuning indicator. This
> might be LEDs on the front of a TCN (eg PK-232, KAM), a DXP38 tuniing
> "scope", or even an actual oscilloscope (by far the very best and quickest
> way). Thus I would guess that 99% of the users are not using the Rttyrite
> tuning indicator to actually tune in their stations, although I might be
> wrong. Having said that, it's really not difficult to tune a good station
> with the indicators available. I find weak, fluttery stations the most
> difficult (true for any indicator method!).
>
> You mentioned other programs "locking on" to a signal making the tuning not
> critical. Writelog/Rttyrite DOES HAVE an "AFC" - do you have that checked?
> To me, that was an important addition to Rttyrite - not for "search and
> pounce mode" of operating, but for CQ/running a frequency when stations
> might be coming back a little off freq in either direction.
>
> I doubt that you can use "other programs" to help you tune your stations
> easily - many take control of the soundcard and you will get errors trying
> to use them together. Of course, you don't have to use the soundcard for
> your "TNC" - rather you can use the HAL products, PK-232 etc and thus their
> tuning displays, or again, the best is a REAL scope, readily available.
>
> W6FFH said: I never see nice vert. or horiz.
> lines in the tuning indicator (scope), only circles and elipses
> depending on tuning of the xcvr (FT1000D).
>
> Of course, you don't expect vert or horiz "lines" - elipses are what's
> expected ("crossed bananas") - mine are a little skewed counterclockwise.
> The main limitation with this display (in my system) is that it lags real
> time, slowing tuning. With a real scope, the lines are sharp and tuning is
> instant/realtime.
>
> Be patient, stick with it, and both Writelog and the RTTY mode will be your
> friends!
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
> Interesting question - How many "experienced" Writelog users are using the
> Rttyrite tuning indicator as their sole tuning information?
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --------
> WA9ALS - John
> jfleming@shelbynet.net
> http://www.qsl.net/wa9als
> ---------------------------------
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ross Biggar <rbiggar@xtra.co.nz>
> To: <Writelog@contesting.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 3:32 AM
> Subject: [WriteLog] RTTY Receive problem
>
>
> >
> > I have a similar difficulty to that described by W6FFH recently..
> > I find it very hard to tune RTTy signals with the tuning indicator in
> > rttyrite. I have had problems copying a QSO in rttyrite , then
> > immediately changed to TrueTTY copied with no problems.. The newer
> > programs have a huge advantage that they decode well and the tuning
> > becomes totally uncritical as they lock themselves...
> > My question is it possible to use other RTTY programs with Writelog??
> > If so how .??
> >
> > Thanks and best wishes
> >
> > Ross Biggar
> > ZL1WN
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > WWW: http://www.writelog.com/
> > Submissions: writelog@contesting.com
> > Administrative requests: writelog-REQUEST@contesting.com
> > Problems: owner-writelog@contesting.com
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> WWW: http://www.writelog.com/
> Submissions: writelog@contesting.com
> Administrative requests: writelog-REQUEST@contesting.com
> Problems: owner-writelog@contesting.com
>
>
--
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Administrative requests: writelog-REQUEST@contesting.com
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