Ham Radio PSK31 Digital Operators

This started as a post on a message board, but I thought I would clean it up and turn it into a blog post. First, some background. PSK31 is a digital radio modulation mode, used by amateur radio operators for real-time informal text chatting. On the radio, I do a lot of listening, so, if there is a station on the air chatting with several other stations, I probably know what was said.

When the station calls for another contact (calls CQ) and I answer, I hate it when this happens


***XXNXXX transmitting to KJ4JGD with me listening***
KJ4JGD DE XXNXXX
HI NAME IS XXX
QTH IS XXXXXXXX
YOUR SIGNAL IS 599
MY RIG IS: XXXXXX, ANT XXXX, ETC. ETC.
thank you for the qso
qsl direct
73 KJ4JGD DE XXNXXX sk sk

CQ CQ CQ DE XXNXXX XXNXXX PSE K

****NE3R (me) transmitting to XXNXXX****
xxnxxx de ne3r ne3r kn

***XXNXXX transmitting to NE3R (me)***
NE3R DE XXNXXX KN

****NE3R (me) transmitting to XXNXXX****
xxnxxx de ne3r Hello my name is Joe from Frederick Maryland. How is the weather in XXXXXX? I see the radio you are using is an XXXXX how do you like it and are you using any add on filters? xxnxxx de ne3r kn

***XXNXXX transmitting to NE3R (me)***
NE3R DE XXNXXX
HI NAME IS XXX
QTH IS XXXXXXXX
YOUR SIGNAL IS 599
MY RIG IS: XXXXXX, ANT XXXX, ETC. ETC.
thank you for the qso
qsl direct
73 NE3R DE XXNXXX sk sk

...

As you can see, XXNXXX sent me the same text that was sent to the station he was talking to before I called. In my response, I asked some specific questions based on that information, but got the same thing back, with the last line indicating that XXNXXX wanted to end the contact (sk).

Why does this happen? I think the problem is because many operators simply use macros to send canned information instead of having to type and engage in a real conversation. Sure, macros are good during contests, when you want to knock out QSOs as fast as possible, but for general day to day contacts, they should be used sparingly. Seriously, how interesting could a conversation between two operators using macros be?

I also have issues with people using capital letters on PSK31. Not that capital letters are bad, but they should be used sparingly. PSK31 uses a variable byte length for each character, with more common lower case letters being shorter than less common upper case letters. Sure, capital letters are fine for proper names and the beginning of a sentence, but every where else, lower case is fine.

Durnal Family Reunion, Philippi WV, Day 2

Ok, there were so many other folks there who I don't know their names.

Bill Durnal
Ashley Durnal
Bill's girlfriend
Connie Stout
Allen Stout
Scottie
Wendy's sister & her SO

And several older people that I don't really know. Since BJ & Bill don't mix, he didn't come over but I brought his children, Chloe and Calin (I guess that is how it is spelled).

I know that the highlight of Harmony's day was coming to the hotel for a few minutes and getting on the internet. She also really enjoyed holding sleepy Zoe.

The family fireworks were awesome this year. We started a little early because it was starting to rain.

As always, it was great catching up with everyone.

Durnal Family Reunion, Philippi WV, Day 1

It was great to see everyone again, well, almost everyone. Lets see if I can list the attendees, and no, I don't know all of their last names, but I'll give it a guess.

Robert G. Durnal
Wilma Durnal
Joseph Martin Durnal (that's an easy one)
Amy Lynn Durnal
Alexander Hamilton Durnal
Aidan Joseph Durnal
Zoe Lynn Durnal
Tammy Vreeland
Harmony Stout
Kirsten Vreeland
Brooke Vreeland
Robin Mallory
Kris Mallory
Aaron Mallory
Sonny Durnal
Rebbecca Durnal
Kaleb Durnal
Nathan Durnal
Either Kaleb or Nathan's girlfriend
Diane Zentgraf
Joyce Haggins
Gloria Welsh
Jim Durnal
Diena Durnal
Rachel Durnal
Robby Durnal the elder
Wendy Durnal
Robby Durnal the junior
BJ Bolton
Chloe Bolton
OMG I forgot the baby's name Carlie? Bolton
Joe Sidel
Teddy Sidel

I wonder if I forgot anyone. I bet Robin would have expected me to include Bear, but if I included Bear, there are like 50 other dogs I'd have to include! And maybe some goats and chickens.

Adults did a lot of talking and kids did a lot of playing. Around 9, Amy and I packed up our three, Aaron, Kirsten, and Brooke to go see the fireworks. We always forget that they don't start until 10, but it wasn't bad, we got a decent parking spot.

An example text radiogram

Here is an example NTS radiogram that I received over the air today. I received it via voice, but I'm going to save it in a file.


14 R HXG KK3F ARL 10 FROSTBURG MD Jun 30
BT
JOSEPH DURNAL NE3R
123 STREET ADDRESS
FREDERICK MD 21703
### ### ####
BT
ARL FIFTY THREE 70 HAD
A GREAT FIELD DAY 73
BT
PAT KK3F
/EX


The BT is a Morse code prosign for break and the /EX is what a digital text formatted message has to have at the end so that the system knows where it ends.

This message uses a format known as ARRL numbered radiograms. The FIFTY THREE stands for Received your _____. It's appreciated; many thanks. In this case, the 70 fills in the blank, which is the message number I used when sending Pat a message on ARRL Field Day.

Alex's Cub Scout Day Camp Achievements

I figured that Alex would do a few requirements and earn a few belt loops at Cub Scout Day Camp, but I was a little surprised at just how much he had done. I remember a little about being in day camp, but I don't remember earning so much.

Wolf Badge Requirements:
1a, Play catch with someone 10 steps away. Play until you can throw and catch.
1b, Walk a line back and forth. Do it sideways too. Then walk the edge of a board six steps each way.
1c, Do a front roll.
1d, Do a back roll.
1e, Do a falling forward roll.
1f, See how high you can jump.
2e, Learn how to raise a U.S. flag properly for an outdoor ceremony.
2f, Participate in an outdoor flag ceremony.
2g, With the help of another person, fold the U.S. flag.
5d, Show how to use a hammer.

Wolf Electives:
4c, Play Ring Toss.
4f, Play a wide-area or large group game with your den or pack.
11e, Learn and sing a song that would be sung as a grace before meals. Write the words in the space below.
11f, Sing a song with your den at a pack meeting. (he already did this one)
17a, Learn to tie an overhand knot and a square knot.
18f (1 event), Take part in two summertime pack events with your den.
19a, Identify five different kinds of fish.
19b, Rig a pole with the right kind of line and hook. Attach a bobber and sinker, if you need them. Then go fishing.
19c, Fish with members of your family or an adult. Bait your hook and do your best to catch a fish.
19d, Know the rules of safe fishing.
19e, Tell about some of the fishing laws where you live.
19f, Show how to use a rod and reel.
20a, Play a game of tennis, table tennis, or badminton.
20c, Earn the Cub Scouting shooting sports Archery belt loop.
20k, Show how to dribble and kick a soccer ball. Take part in a game.
20n, Earn the Cub Scouting shooting sports BB-gun shooting belt loop.
20o, With your den, participate in four outdoor physical fitness-related activities.
23e, Attend day camp in your area.

He earned the following:
Fishing belt loop

Weather belt loop

Astronomy belt loop
BB Gun Shooting belt loop
Archery belt loop
Archery Pin
Soccer belt loop
Badmitten belt loop
Golf belt loop

Completed some requirements for the following:
Fishing Pin – # 3, 4, and 11 (4 of the 5 times fishing)
Wildlife Conservations belt loop – number 1
Weather Pin requirements 1 and 2.
Astronomy Pin requirements 2 and 4.
Outdoor Activity Award – 1, 2, 11, and 13
Leave No Trace Pledge and 1, 4, 5
World Conservation Award – #2 – 1 of 2 parts