kopia lustrzana https://github.com/jamescoxon/dl-fldigi
748 wiersze
36 KiB
Plaintext
748 wiersze
36 KiB
Plaintext
Beginners' Guide to Fldigi
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==========================
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// Uncomment the section below to enable the hand written TOC and avoid some
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// javascript security warnings with brain-dead browsers. Remember to update
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// when changing the sections.
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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
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.Table of Contents
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<<ref-beginners-q-a, 1. Beginners' Questions Answered>>
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<<ref-setting-up, 2. Setting Up>>
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<<ref-guided-tour, 3. Guided tour>>
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<<ref-operating, 4. Operating>>
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<<ref-special-keys, 5. Special Keys>>
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// <<ref-credits, Credits>>
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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
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:revision: 3.11
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// Aliases
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:docsurl: http://www.w1hkj.com/FldigiHelp/index.html
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:docs: {docsurl}[Online Documentation]
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:home: http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html
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// This used to be a subsection titled "Where can I find detailed instructions
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// for Fldigi?"
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********************************************************************************
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Of necessity, this Beginners' Guide contains only as much as you need to know to
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get started. You should learn how to make best use of the program by reading the
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{docs}. You can also access it from within the Fldigi program from the 'Help'
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menu item.
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********************************************************************************
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[[ref-beginners-q-a]]
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== Beginners' Questions Answered ==
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=== What is Fldigi? ===
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{home}[Fldigi] is a computer program intended for Amateur Radio Digital Modes
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operation using a PC (Personal Computer). Fldigi operates (as does most similar
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software) in conjunction with a conventional HF SSB radio transceiver, and uses
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the PC sound card as the main means of input from the radio, and output to the
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radio. These are audio-frequency signals. The software also controls the radio
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by means of another connection, typically a serial port.
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Fldigi is multi-mode, which means that it is able to operate many popular
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digital modes without switching programs, so you only have one program to
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learn. Fldigi includes all the popular modes, such as DominoEX, MFSK16, PSK31,
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and RTTY.
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Unusually, Fldigi is available for multiple computer operating systems;
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FreeBSD(TM); Linux(TM), OS X(TM) and Windows(TM).
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=== What is a Digital Mode? ===
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Digital Modes are a means of operating Amateur radio from the computer
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keyboard. The computer acts as 'modem' (modulator - demodulator), as well as
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allowing you to type, and see what the other person types. It also controls the
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transmitter, changes modes as required, and provides various convenient features
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such as easy tuning of signals and prearranged messages.
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In this context, we are talking about modes used on the HF (high frequency)
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bands, specifically 'chat' modes, those used to have a regular conversation in a
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similar way to voice or Morse, where one operator 'talks' for a minute or two,
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then another does the same. These chat modes allow multiple operators to take
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part in a 'net'.
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Because of sophisticated digital signal processing which takes place inside the
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computer, digital modes can offer performance that cannot be achieved using
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voice (and in some cases even Morse), through reduced bandwidth, improved
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signal-to-noise performance and reduced transmitter power requirement. Some
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modes also offer built-in automatic error correction.
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Digital Mode operating procedure is not unlike Morse operation, and many of the
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same abbreviations are used. Software such as Fldigi makes this very simple as
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most of the procedural business is set up for you using the Function Keys at the
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top of the keyboard. These are easy to learn.
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=== Why all the different modes? ===
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HF propagation is very dependent on the ionosphere, which reflects the signals
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back to earth. There are strong interactions between different signals arriving
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from different paths. Experience has shown that particular modulation systems,
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speeds and bandwidths suit different operating conditions.
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Other factors such as available band space, operating speed and convenience,
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noise level, signal level and available power also affect the choice of
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mode. While in many cases several different modes might be suitable, having a
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choice adds to the operating pleasure. It is difficult to advise which mode is
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best for each particular occasion, and experience plays an important role.
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footnote:[To gain a good insight into each mode and its capabilities, you might
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consider purchasing 'Digital Modes for All Occasions' (ISBN 1-872309-82-8) by
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Murray Greenman ZL1BPU, published by the RSGB and also available from
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FUNKAMATEUR and CQ Communications; or the ARRL's 'HF Digital Handbook' (ISBN
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0-87259-103-4) by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.]
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=== How do I recognise and tune in the signals? ===
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Recognising the different modes comes with experience. It is a matter of
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listening to the signal, and observing the appearance of the signal on the
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tuning display. You can also practise transmitting with the transceiver
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disconnected, listening to the sound of the signals coming from the
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computer. There is also (see later paragraph) an automatic tuning option which
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can recognise and tune in most modes for you.
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The software provides a tuning display which shows the radio signals that are
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receivable within the transceiver passband. Using a 'point and click' technique
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with the mouse, you can click on the centre of a signal to select it, and the
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software will tune it in for you. Some modes require more care than others, and
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of course you need to have the software set for the correct mode first — not
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always so easy!
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The <<ref-rsid,RSID>> (automatic mode detection and tuning) feature uses a
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special sequence of tones transmitted at the beginning of each transmission to
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identify and tune in the signals received. For this feature to work, not only do
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you need to enable the feature in the receiver, but in addition the stations you
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are wishing to tune in need to have this feature enabled on transmission. Other
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programs also offer this RSID feature as an option.
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[[ref-setting-up]]
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== Setting Up ==
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=== Fldigi settings ===
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.Essentials
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* Use the menu +Configure->Operator+ item to set the operator name, callsign,
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locator and so on.
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* If you have more than one sound card, use the menu +Configure->Sound Card+,
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+Audio Devices+ tab, to select the sound card you wish to use. You can ignore
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the other tabs for now.
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.Rig Control
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* Use the menu +Configure->Rig Control+ item to set how you will control the
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rig. If you will key the rig via a serial port, in the +Hardware PTT+ tab
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select 'Use serial port PTT', the device name you will use, and which line
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controls PTT. If in doubt, check both 'RTS' and 'DTR'. You *must* then press
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the +Initialize+ button.
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* If you plan to use CAT control of the rig via the COM port, check 'Use Hamlib'
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in the +Hamlib+ tab. Select your rig model from the drop-down menu and set the
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serial port device name, baud rate, and RTS/CTS options as needed. If in
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addition you wish to use PTT control via CAT, also check 'PTT via Hamlib
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command'. You *must* then press the +Initialize+ button.
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[NOTE]
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================================================================================
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If your rig is CAT-capable but not yet supported by
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http://www.hamlib.org/[Hamlib], it may still be possible to control it via
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Fldigi's +RigCAT+ system. Refer to the {docs} for details.
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================================================================================
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// The above paragraph & note replace this one:
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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
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* If you plan to use CAT control of the rig via the COM port, check 'Use RigCAT'
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in the RigCAT tab. If in addition you wish to use PTT control via CAT, also then
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check 'PTT via CAT command'. You *must* then press the +Initialize+ button.
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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
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.CPU Speed
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* When you start Fldigi for the very first time, it makes a series of
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measurements to determine your computer's processing speed. Although these
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measurements are usually accurate, if you have a very slow processor (under
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700MHz), you should verify that 'Slow CPU' under +Configure->Misc->CPU+ has
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been enabled. The receiver decoding strategy of certain modems uses fewer
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processor cycles in this mode.
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.Modems
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* Each of the modems can be individually set up from the +Configure->Modems+
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multi-tabbed dialog. You need not change anything here to start with, although
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it might be a good idea to set the 'secondary text' for DominoEX and THOR to
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something useful, such as your call and locator. footnote:[Secondary text is
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transmitted when the text you type does not keep up with the typing speed of
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the mode — this handy text appears in a small window at the very bottom of the
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screen.] Note that this set of tabs is also where you set the RTTY modem speed
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and shift, although the default values should be fine for normal operation.
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.Other settings
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* Use the menu +Configure->UI+, +Restart+ tab, to set the aspect ratio of the
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waterfall display and whether or not you want to dock a second digiscope to
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the main window.
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* Use the menu +Configure->IDs+ item to set whether you wish to transmit RSID
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data at the start of each over (this is for the benefit of others and does not
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affect RSID reception). If you plan to regularly use the RSID feature on
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receive, you should deselect the option that starts new modems at the ``sweet
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spot'' frequencies in +Misc->Sweet Spot+.
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Finally, use the menu item +Configure->Save Config+ to save the new
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configuration.
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=== Sound Card Mixer ===
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* Use your sound card 'Master Volume' applet to select the sound card, the Wave
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output and set the transmit audio level. You can check the level using the
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<<ref-tune, Tune>> button, top right, beyond the Menu.
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* On Windows, the 'Volume' applet can usually be opened by clicking
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+Start->Run…+ and entering +sndvol32+, or from the Control Panel.
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* Use your sound card 'Recording Control' applet to select the sound card, the
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Line or Mic input and set the receiver audio level. Watch the waterfall
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display for receiver noise when setting the level. If you see any dark blue
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noise, you have the right input and about the right level. The actual setting
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is not very important, provided you see blue noise. If the audio level is too
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high, the little diamond shaped indicator (bottom right) will show red. The
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waterfall may also show red bands. Performance will be degraded if the level
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is too high.
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* On Windows, the 'Record' applet can usually be opened by clicking
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+Start->Run…+ and entering +sndvol32+, or from the Control Panel. If opened
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from the Control Panel, you'll end up with the Master Volume applet, and need
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to switch using +Options->Properties+, and selecting the +Recording+ radio
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button.
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[[ref-guided-tour]]
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== Guided Tour ==
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The main window consists of three main panes. Study it carefully as you read
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these notes. From top to bottom, these are the Receive pane (navajo white), the
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Transmit pane (light cyan), and the Waterfall pane (black). At the top is the
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collection of entry items which form the Log Data, and at the very top, a
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conventional drop-down Menu system, with entries for File, Op Mode, Configure,
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View and Help.
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Between the Transmit and the Waterfall panes is a line of boxes (buttons) which
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represent the Function Keys F1 - F12. This is the Macro group. Below the
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Waterfall pane is another line of boxes (buttons), which provide various control
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features. This is the Controls group. The program and various buttons can mostly
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be operated using the mouse or the keyboard, and users generally find it
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convenient to use the mouse while tuning around, and the keyboard and function
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keys during a QSO.
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[[ref-receive-pane]]
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=== Receive Pane ===
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This is where the text from decoded incoming signals is displayed, in black
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text. When you transmit, the transmitted text is also displayed here, but in red,
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so the Receive pane becomes a complete record of the QSO. The information in
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this pane can also be logged to a file.
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The line at the bottom of this pane can be dragged up and down with the
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mouse. You might prefer to drag it down a bit to enlarge the Receive pane and
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reduce the size of the Transmit pane.
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=== Transmit Pane ===
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This is where you type what you want to transmit. The mouse must click in here
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before you type (to obtain 'focus') otherwise your text will go nowhere. You can
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type in here while you are receiving, and when you start transmitting, the text
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already typed will be sent first. This trick is a cool way to impress others
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with your typing speed! As the text is transmitted, the text colour changes from
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black to red. At the end of the over, all the transmitted text (and any as yet
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not transmitted) will be deleted.
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=== Waterfall Pane ===
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This is the main tuning facility. There are three modes, Waterfall, FFT and
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Signal, selected by a button in the Control group. For now, leave it in
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Waterfall mode, as this is the easiest to tune with, and gives the best
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identification of the signal.
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[horizontal]
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*+WF+* (Waterfall)::
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A spectrogram display of signal strength versus frequency over passing
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time. The receiver passband is analysed and displayed with lower frequencies
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to the left, higher to the right. Weak signals and background noise are dark
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while stronger signals show as brighter colours. As time passes (over a few
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seconds), the historic signals move downwards like a waterfall.
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*+FFT+* (Fast Fourier Transform)::
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A spectrum display of the mean signal strength versus frequency. Again
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frequency is displayed from left to right, but now the vertical direction
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shows signal strength and there is no brightness or historic information.
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*+SIG+* (Signal)::
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An oscilloscope type of display showing the raw audio being captured by the
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sound card.
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At the top of the pane is a scale of frequency in Hz, which corresponds to the
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frequency displayed immediately below it. This scale can be moved around and
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zoomed using buttons in the Control group.
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As you move the mouse around in this pane you will see a yellow group of tuning
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marks following the mouse pointer. Tuning is achieved by left-clicking on a
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signal displayed by the waterfall in this pane. Use these yellow marks to
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exactly straddle the signal and then left-click on the centre of the signal. The
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tuning marks change to red. The red vertical lines will show the approximate
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width of the active signal area (the expected signal bandwidth), while a red
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horizontal bar above will indicate the receiver software's active decoding
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range. When you left-click, the red marks move to where you clicked, and will
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attempt to auto-track the signal from there.
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[TIP]
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.Audio history and ``casual tuning''
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================================================================================
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You can temporarily ``monitor'' a different signal by right-clicking on it. As
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long as you hold the mouse button down, the signal under it will be decoded; as
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soon as you release the mouse, decoding will revert to the previously tuned spot
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(where the red marks are). If you also hold the +Control+ key down before
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right-clicking, Fldigi will first decode all of its buffered audio at that
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frequency.
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================================================================================
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=== Log Data ===
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Fldigi provides two QSO entry views, one for casual QSO logging and the second
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for contesting. The +View->Contest fields+ menu item switches between the two
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modes.
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The 'Frequency', 'Time Off', and (when in contest mode) '#Out' fields are filled
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by the program. All the others can be populated by manual keyboard entry or by
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selection from the <<ref-receive-pane, Receive pane>>. The 'Time Off' field is
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continuously updated with the current GMT time. The 'Time On' field will be
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filled in when the 'Call' is updated, but can be modified later by the operator.
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A right click on the Receive pane brings up a context sensitive menu that will
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reflect which of the two QSO capture views you have open. If you highlight text
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in the Receive pane then the menu selection will operate on that text. If you
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simply point to a word of text and right click then the menu selection will
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operate on the single word.
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[TIP]
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.Quick log entry
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================================================================================
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Certain fields ('Call', 'Name', 'RST In', 'QTH' and 'Locator') may also be
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populated semi-automatically. Point to a word in the Receive pane and either
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double-left-click or hold a Shift key down and left-click. The program will
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then use some simple heuristics to decide which log field will receive the text.
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================================================================================
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It is generally not possible to distinguish between Operator and QTH names. For
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this reason, Fldigi will use the first non-Call and non-Locator word to fill the
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'Name' field, and subsequent clicks will send text to the 'QTH' field.
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Likewise, a text string may be both a valid callsign and a valid
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidenhead_Locator_System[IARU locator]. For best
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results, you should attempt to fill the log fields in the order in which they
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appear on the main window, and clear the log fields after logging the QSO. Of
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course, text can always be manually typed or pasted into any of the log fields!
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You can query online and local (e.g. CD) database systems for data regarding a
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callsign. You make the query by either clicking on the globe button, or
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selecting 'Look up call' from the popup menu. The latter will also move the
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call to the 'Call' field.
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When the 'Call' field is filled in, the logbook will be searched for the most
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recent QSO with that station and, if an entry is found, the 'Name', 'QTH' and
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other fields will be pre-filled. If the logbook dialog is open, that last QSO
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will also be selected for viewing in the logbook.
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You open the logbook by selecting from the View menu; +View->Logbook+. The
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logbook title bar will show you which logbook you currently have open. Fldigi
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can maintain an unlimited (except for disk space) number of logbooks.
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=== Menu ===
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At the very top of the program window is a conventional drop-down menu. If you
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click on any of the items, a list of optional functions will appear. Keyboard
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menu selection is also provided. Where underscored characters are shown in the
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menu, you can select these menu items from the keyboard using the marked
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character and +Alt+ at the same time, then moving around with the
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+up+/+down+/+left+/+right+ keys. Press +Esc+ to quit from the menu with no
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change.
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==== Menu functions ====
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.File
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Allows you to open or save Macros (we won't get into that here), turn on/off
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logging to file, record/play audio samples, and exit the program. You can also
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exit the program by clicking on the +X+ in the top right corner of the window,
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in the usual manner.
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.Op Mode
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This is where you select the operating modem used for transmission and
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reception. Some modes only have one option. Where more are offered, drag the
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mouse down the list and sideways following the arrow to a secondary list, before
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releasing it. When you start the program next time, it will remember the last
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mode you used.
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Not all the modes are widely used, so choose a mode which _(a)_ maximises your
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chance of a QSO, and _(b)_ is appropriate for the band, conditions, bandwidth
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requirements and permissions relevant to your operating licence.
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At the bottom of the list are two ``modes'' which aren't modes at all, and do not
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transmit (see {docs} for details). 'WWV' mode allows you to receive a
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standard time signal so the beeps it transmits can be used for sound card
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calibration. 'Freq Analysis' provides just a waterfall display with a very
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narrow cursor, and a frequency meter which indicates the received frequency in
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Hz to two decimal places. This is useful for on-air frequency measurement.
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.Configure
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This is where you set up the program to suit your computer, yourself and your
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operating preferences. The operating settings of the program are grouped into
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several categories and there are menu items in which you enter your personal
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information, or define your computer sound card, for example. Modems can be
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individually changed, each having different adjustments. The Modems dialog has
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multiple tabs, so you can edit any one of them. Don't fool with the settings
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until you know what you are doing! The final item, +Save Config+ allows you to
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save the altered configuration for next time you start the program (otherwise
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changes are temporary).
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.View
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This menu item allows you to open extra windows. Most will be greyed out, but
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two that are available are the Digiscope, and the PSK Browser. The Digiscope
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provides a mode-specific graphical analysis of the received signal, and can have
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more than one view (left click in the new window to change the view), or maybe
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none at all. The PSK Browser is a rather cool tool that allows you to monitor
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several PSK31 signals all at the same time! These windows can be resized to
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suit.
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.Help
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Brings up the Online Documentation, the Fldigi Home Page, and various
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information about the program.
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==== Other controls ====
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[[ref-rsid]]
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.RSID
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This button turns on the receive RSID (automatic mode detection and tuning)
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feature. When in use, the button turns yellow and no text reception is possible
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until a signal is identified, or the feature is turned off again. If you plan to
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use the RSID feature on receive, you must leave the 'Start New Modem at Sweet
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Spot' item in the menu +Configure->Defaults->Misc+ tab unchecked.
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[[ref-tune]]
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.TUNE
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This button transmits a continuous tone at the current audio frequency. The tone
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level will be at the maximum signal level for any modem, which makes this
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function useful for adjusting your transceiver's output power.
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=== Macro buttons ===
|
||
This line of buttons provides user-editable QSO features. For example, the first
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button on the left sends CQ for you. Both the function of these buttons (we call
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them Macros) and the label on each button, can be changed.
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|
||
Select each button to use it by pressing the corresponding Function Key (F1 -
|
||
F12, you'll notice the buttons are grouped in patterns four to a group, just as
|
||
the Function Keys are). You can also select them with a left-click of the
|
||
mouse. If you right-click on the button, you are able to edit the button's label
|
||
and its function. A handy dialog pops up to allow this to be done. There are
|
||
many standard shortcuts, such as +<MYCALL>+, which you can use within the
|
||
Macros. Notice that the buttons also turn the transmitter on and off as
|
||
necessary.
|
||
|
||
You can just about hold a complete QSO using these buttons from left to right
|
||
(but please don't!). Notice that at the right are two spare buttons you can set
|
||
as you wish, and then a button labelled +1+. Yes, this is the first set of
|
||
_four_ sets of Macros, and you can access the others using this button, which
|
||
changes to read +2+, +3+, +4+ then +1+ again (right-click to go backwards), or
|
||
by pressing +Alt+ and the corresponding number (1-4, not F1-F4) at the same
|
||
time.
|
||
|
||
[NOTE]
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
If you _really_ mess up the Macros and can't see how to fix them, just close the
|
||
program without saving them, and reopen it.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
=== Controls ===
|
||
The line of buttons under the waterfall is used to control the program (as
|
||
opposed to the QSO). If you hover the mouse over these buttons, you'll see a
|
||
little yellow hint box appear which tells you what each button does.
|
||
|
||
The first button switches between Waterfall, FFT and Scope modes. The next two
|
||
buttons adjust the signal level over which the waterfall works. The default
|
||
range is from 0dB downwards 70dB (i.e. to -70dB). Both of these values can be
|
||
adjusted to suit your sound card and receiver audio level.
|
||
|
||
The next button sets the scale zoom factor (visible display width, ×1, ×2 or
|
||
×4), and the next three buttons move the visible waterfall area in relation to
|
||
the bandwidth cursor.
|
||
|
||
The next button selects the waterfall speed. NORM or SLOW setting is best unless
|
||
you have a very fast computer.
|
||
|
||
The next four buttons (two on either side of a number, the audio frequency in
|
||
Hz) control the receiving frequency (they move the red cursor lines).
|
||
|
||
The +QSY+ button moves the signal under the bandwidth cursor to a preset audio
|
||
frequency (typically, the centre of the transceiver's passband). The Store
|
||
button allows you to store or recall the current frequency and mode. See the
|
||
{docs} for details on these functions.
|
||
|
||
The +Lk+ button locks the transmit frequency (fixes the red cursors), and the
|
||
+Rv+ button turns the signal decoding upside down (some modes are sideband
|
||
sensitive, and if they are the wrong way up, can't be received
|
||
correctly). Remember to turn this one off when you're done, or you won't receive
|
||
anything! If every signal you hear is upside down, check your transceiver
|
||
sideband setting.
|
||
|
||
The +T/R+ button forces the transmitter on or off.
|
||
|
||
[CAUTION]
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
Use the +T/R+ button with care, as it will stop transmission immediately, losing
|
||
whatever is in the buffer (what you have typed in the Transmit pane), or start
|
||
it immediately, even if nothing is ready to transmit.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
There are two further controls in the bottom right corner of the program, to the
|
||
right of the Status line:
|
||
|
||
+AFC+ (AFC) control::
|
||
When this button is pressed, an indicator on the button turns yellow, and the
|
||
program will automatically retune to drifting signals. When the button is
|
||
again pressed, AFC is off, and the tuning will stay where you leave it.
|
||
|
||
+SQL+ (Squelch) control::
|
||
When off (no coloured indicator on the button), the receiver displays all
|
||
``text'' received, even if there is no signal present, and the receiver is
|
||
simply attempting to decode noise. When activated by pressing the button, the
|
||
indicator turns yellow. If the incoming signal strength exceeds that set by
|
||
the adjacent slider control (above the +SQL+ button), the indicator turns
|
||
green and the incoming signal is decoded and printed. The signal strength is
|
||
indicated on the green bar beside the Squelch level slider. If nothing seems
|
||
to be printing, the first thing to do is check the Squelch!
|
||
|
||
=== Status Line ===
|
||
At the very bottom line of the Fldigi window is a row of useful information. At
|
||
the left is the current operating mode. Next (some modes) is the measured
|
||
signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver, and (in some modes) the measured signal
|
||
intermodulation level (IMD).
|
||
|
||
The larger central box shows (in DominoEX and THOR modes) the received
|
||
'Secondary Text'. This is information (such as station identification) which is
|
||
transmitted automatically whenever the transmitter has completed all user text
|
||
that is available to send. It is transmitted using special characters, and is
|
||
automatically directed to this special window. Secondary text you transmit is
|
||
also shown here. This box changes size when you enlarge the program window.
|
||
|
||
|
||
[[ref-operating]]
|
||
== Operating ==
|
||
|
||
=== Procedure ===
|
||
Operating procedure for digital modes is similar to that for Morse. Some of the
|
||
same abbreviations are used. For example, at the beginning of an over, you might
|
||
send +VK3XYZ de WB8ABC+ or just +RR Jack+ and so on. At the end of an over, it
|
||
is usual to send +ZL1ABC de AA3AR K+, and at the end of a QSO +73 F3XYZ de 3D2ZZ
|
||
SK+. When operating in a group or net it is usual to sign +AA3AE es gp de ZK8WW
|
||
K+.
|
||
|
||
It is also considered a courtesy to send a blank line or two (press +Enter+)
|
||
before any text at the start of an over, and following the last text at the end
|
||
of an over. You can also place these in the macros. The purpose is to separate
|
||
your text from the previous text, and especially from any rubbish that was
|
||
printed between overs.
|
||
|
||
Fldigi does all of this for you. The Function Keys are set up to provide these
|
||
start and end of over facilities, and can be edited to suit your preferences. In
|
||
order that the other station's callsign can appear when these keys are used, you
|
||
need to set the other station's callsign in the log data — it does not matter if
|
||
you use the log facility or not.
|
||
|
||
[NOTE]
|
||
.Macro symbols
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
Some Function Key Macro buttons have graphic symbols on them which imply
|
||
the following:
|
||
|
||
[horizontal]
|
||
*+>>+*:: The transmitter comes on and stays on when you use this button/macro.
|
||
|
||
*+||+*:: The transmitter goes off when the text from this button/macro has been
|
||
sent.
|
||
|
||
*+>|+*:: The transmitter comes on, sends the text from this button/macro, and
|
||
goes off when the text from this button/macro has been sent.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
The Macros are set up to control the transmitter as necessary, but you can also
|
||
switch the transmitter on at the start of an over with +Ctrl+ and +T+ or the TX
|
||
macro button, and off again with +Ctrl+ and +R+ or the RX macro button. If you
|
||
have Macros copied into or text already typed in the Transmit pane when you
|
||
start the transmitter, this is sent first.
|
||
|
||
Calling another station you have tuned in is as simple as pushing a button. Put
|
||
his callsign into the log data (right click, select Call) and press the +ANS+
|
||
Macro button (or F2) when you are ready. If he replies, you are in business!
|
||
Then press +QSO+ (F3) to start each over, and +BTU+ (F4) to end it, and +SK+
|
||
(F5) to sign off.
|
||
|
||
[NOTE]
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
When typing text, the correct use of upper and lower case is important:
|
||
|
||
* Modes such as RTTY and THROB have no lower case capability.
|
||
|
||
* In most other modes, excessive use of upper case is considered impolite, like
|
||
SHOUTING!
|
||
|
||
* Modes such as PSK31, MFSK16, DominoEX and THOR use character sets which are
|
||
optimised for lower case. You should use lower case as much as possible in
|
||
these modes to achieve maximum text speed. In these modes upper case
|
||
characters are noticeably slower to send and also slightly more prone to
|
||
errors.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
=== Adjustment ===
|
||
Most digital modes do not require much transmitter power, as the receiver
|
||
software is very sensitive. Many modes (PSK31, THROB, MT63) also require very
|
||
high transmitter linearity, which is another reason to keep transmitter power
|
||
below 30% of maximum. Some modes (Hellschreiber, Morse) have high peak power
|
||
output, which may not indicate well on the conventional power meter, another
|
||
reason to keep the average transmitted power low to prevent a very broad signal
|
||
being transmitted.
|
||
|
||
Adjust the transmitter output power using the TUNE button, top right, beyond the
|
||
Menu. The output will be the same as the peak power in other modes. Adjust the
|
||
master Volume applet Wave Out and Master Volume controls to achieve the
|
||
appropriate power. Use of excessive drive will result in distortion (signal
|
||
difficult to tune in, and often poorer reception) and a very broad signal.
|
||
|
||
Some multi-carrier modes (MT63 for example) may require individual adjustment as
|
||
the average power may be rather low.
|
||
|
||
[TIP]
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
Where possible, use the area above 1200Hz on the waterfall.
|
||
|
||
* Below 1200Hz the second harmonic of the transmitted audio will pass through
|
||
the transmitter filters.
|
||
|
||
* When using lower frequency tones, adjust the transmitter and audio level with
|
||
great care, as the second (and even third) harmonic will appear in the
|
||
transmitter passband, causing excessive signal width.
|
||
|
||
* A narrow (CW) filter in the rig is no help in this regard, as it is only used
|
||
on receive. When you do use a narrow filter, this will restrict the area over
|
||
which the receiver and transmitter will operate (without retuning of
|
||
course). Try adjusting the passband tuning (if available).
|
||
|
||
* Keep the sound card audio level to a minimum and set the transmitter gain to a
|
||
similar level used for SSB.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
=== Waterfall Tuning ===
|
||
When using this program, as with most other digital modes programs, tuning is
|
||
generally accomplished by leaving the transceiver VFO at a popular spot (for
|
||
example 14.070MHz, USB), and performing all the 'tuning' by moving around within
|
||
the software.
|
||
|
||
The Fldigi software has a second ``VFO'' which is tuned by clicking on the
|
||
waterfall. On a busy band, you may see many signals at the same time (especially
|
||
with PSK31 or Morse), and so you can click with the mouse on any one of these
|
||
signals to tune it in, receive it, and if the opportunity allows, reply to the
|
||
station.
|
||
|
||
The software ``VFO'' operates in a transceive mode, so the transmitter signal is
|
||
automatically and exactly tuned to the received frequency. If you click
|
||
correctly on the signal, your reply will always be in tune with the other
|
||
station.
|
||
|
||
[IMPORTANT]
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
You *must not* use RIT (Clarifier) when using digital modes.
|
||
|
||
* With RIT on, you will probably have to retune after every over.
|
||
|
||
* Use of the RIT will also cause the other station to change frequency, and you
|
||
will chase each other across the band.
|
||
|
||
* Older transceivers without digital synthesis may have an unwanted offset
|
||
(frequency difference) between transmit and receive frequencies. Such rigs
|
||
should not be used for digital modes.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
Wider digital modes (MT63, Olivia) can be tuned using the rig if necessary, as
|
||
tuning is not at all critical. The software tuning still operates, but because
|
||
the signal is so wide, there is limited ability to move around in the waterfall
|
||
tuning.
|
||
|
||
|
||
[[ref-special-keys]]
|
||
== Special Keys ==
|
||
|
||
Several special keyboard controls are provided to make operating easier.
|
||
|
||
.Start Transmission
|
||
Press +Ctrl+ and +T+ to start transmission if there is text ready in the transmit
|
||
buffer.
|
||
|
||
.Pause Transmission
|
||
Press +Pause+ or +Break+ while in receive, and the program will switch to
|
||
transmit mode. It will continue with the text in the transmit buffer (the
|
||
Transmit pane text) from the current point, i.e. where the red (previously sent)
|
||
text ends and the black (yet to be sent) text begins. If the buffer only
|
||
contains unsent text, then it will begin at the first character in the
|
||
buffer. If the buffer is empty, the program will switch to transmit mode, and
|
||
depending on the mode of operation, will send idle characters or nothing at all
|
||
until characters are entered into the buffer.
|
||
|
||
If you press +Pause+ or +Break+ while in transmit mode, the program will return
|
||
to receive mode. There may be a slight delay for some modes like MFSK, PSK and
|
||
others, that requires the transmitter to send a postamble at the end of a
|
||
transmission. The transmit text buffer stays intact, ready for the
|
||
+Pause+/+Break+ key to return you to the transmit mode .
|
||
|
||
Pressing +Alt+ or +Meta+ and +R+ has the same effect as +Pause+/+Break+. You
|
||
could think of the +Pause+/+Break+ key as a software break-in capability.
|
||
|
||
.Escape
|
||
Pressing +Esc+ while transmitting will abort the transmission. Transmission
|
||
stops as soon as possible, (any necessary postamble is sent), and the program
|
||
returns to receive. Any unsent text in the transmit buffer will be lost.
|
||
|
||
[TIP]
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
If you press +Esc Esc+ (i.e. twice in quick succession), transmission stops
|
||
immediately, without sending any postamble, and the program returns to
|
||
receive. Any unsent text in the transmit buffer will be lost. Use this feature
|
||
as an *emergency stop*.
|
||
================================================================================
|
||
|
||
.Return to Receive
|
||
Press +Ctrl+ and +R+ to insert the +^r+ command in the transmit buffer at the
|
||
current typing point. When transmission reaches this point, transmission will
|
||
stop.
|
||
|
||
.Move Typing Cursor
|
||
Press +Tab+ to move the cursor (typing insertion point) to the end of the
|
||
transmit buffer. This will also pause transmission. A +Tab+ press at that
|
||
position moves the cursor back to the character following the last one
|
||
transmitted. Morse operation is slightly different. See the {docs} for CW.
|
||
|
||
.Send Any ASCII Character
|
||
Press +Ctrl+ and (at the same time) any three-digit number (on the numeric
|
||
keypad or the normal numeric keys) to insert the ASCII character designated by
|
||
that entry value into the transmit buffer. For example, +Ctrl 177+ is ``±''
|
||
(plus/minus) and +Ctrl 176+ is ``°'' (degree). If you press a key other than the
|
||
numeric keypad's 0-9 the sequence will be discarded.
|
||
|
||
|
||
[[ref-credits]]
|
||
[float]
|
||
== Credits ==
|
||
|
||
Copyright (C) 2008 Murray Greenman, +ZL1BPU+.
|
||
|
||
Copyright (C) 2008-2009 David Freese, +W1HKJ+.
|
||
|
||
Copyright (C) 2009 Stelios Bounanos, +M0GLD+.
|
||
|
||
License GPLv2+: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html[GNU GPL version 2 or later].
|
||
|
||
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
|
||
// Emacs settings
|
||
// Local Variables:
|
||
// mode: doc
|
||
// End:
|
||
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
|