First JT65 Contact!

I've listened to the dah-dah-dah-dah tones on the upper side of the PSK band several times and wondered what those stranges sounds were. I soon figured that had to be JT65 QSOs, but knew little more.

Well, I finally gave in and googled around until I found the WSJT software, download and I was off to the races!

It took some time digesting the user guide and figuring out exactly how the typical QSO went. I listened and decoded several stations and event tried to call them, but no luck.

Then, after about an hour, AK4AT came back! Now I'm hooked! A few minutes later I worked K6MSM. I knew, this was going to be fun.

Now, a word of caution, if you've never dabbled in JT65.  It's not a speed demon. Since the mode was originally created for moon-bounce and other weak signal situation, it takes several minutes to complete a QSO. And there is definitely no rag-chewing here!

However, it does mean that with a little patience, just a few watts (ie QRP), a not-so-hot antenna and a 44 oz cup of Dr. Pepper, you can work the world!

A new band...for ME!

I've discovered a new band! Sure, it's not really new, but it is to me. Skimmed over to 30-meters to check it out and WHAM! In just a few minutes, I racked up some really cool DX stations. For a humble guy like me, running 40 watts into a tiny loop antenna, the Czech Republic is something special. Follow that with the Canary Islands, and I'm hooked. Of course, 30-meters is all digital, but that's fine with me since I truly enjoy PSK31. Tune in and check it out. 30-meters is HOT.