Using this is a good way to get your head around what modes are where and reduce the risk of causing annoyance to others by using a mode outside the socially accepted frequencies. When downloaded the software comes with Olivia frequencies but there is a text file that can be edited to add other modes and frequencies as desired. The software provides allows easy drop-down control of Fldigi in a faster way than its own built in memory facility. For modes like Olivia etc using Fldigi this is not the case, and Peter (GM8JCF) created OLCTL to help users control Fldigi frequency selection for modes like Olivia more easily. frequencies making it quick and easy for everyone to get to and use the same frequencies. WSJT-X has a built-in dropdown for FT8/FT4 etc. For example JTSync is a Windows application which uses NTP when connected to the internet but can also use decoded QSOs within WSJT-X if internet connection is available. The software I use on Windows 10 is called BktTimeSync, it’s free and it’s easy to use and available here. This can be done using a GPS device or by using software to frequently connect to a network time protocol (NTP) server and update the PC clock (operating systems often do this but not frequently enough for digital modes). It’s essential to have your PC’s time accurately set for digital modes such as FT8 because synchronisation between machines/stations is needed for the start and stop transmit/decode cycles to work correctly. JS8Call is software based on WSJT-X but designed for the JS8 digital mode which allows weak signal QSOs on HF, using a keyboard messaging style interface (“live” QSO’s possible, not only macro based exchange of grid and signal strength). It does much more than this, so well worth exploring if you haven’t already discovered it. It also allows me to see (spot) where my signal is being picked up, and shows other stations that are active on the band. I use it with a program called GridTracker which works with WSJT-X and I’ve set up to automatically prompt me to log a QSO and to log each QSO for me to LoTW, HRDLog, e-QSL and QRZ.com. WSJT-X is an easy to use program with a nice interface which I use mainly for FT4 and FT8 modes. I use it for PSK31, PSK63, MFSK16, RTTY, Feld Hell and Olivia. FLdigi is free and has an active user base so getting answers to questions isn’t difficult. Below you’ll find a good introductory video (the latest version of Fldigi may have additional features or slightly different set up options). There are many good video tutorials on YouTube to help you get set up, and the developer has information on their website too. I mainly use Fldigi (the modem software) and Flrig (which allows me to control my radio from the PC). The Fldigi suite contains a number of components for digital modes and messaging using a computer and your HF rig. I’ve tried many software packages for these modes (there are many, many alternatives!) but for my station I keep coming back to the following: If you aren’t familiar with digital modes, have a look at the brief video below for starters…. I spend a lot of time working digital modes, mainly FT4, FT8, PSK31, PSK63, Feld Hell, RTTY and Olivia.
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