Going Digital

When I was first licensed back in 1988, I had great thoughts of building a truly digital station. I tried to get started with my (then brand new) Commodore 64 and an interface I bought at the York County (PA) Hamfest. Too new to understand what loose RF in the shack could do, I tried to get it on the air. Every time I keyed the TS-820 I had, the C-64 would reset and I'd lose everything. The most important thing I lost was my enthusiasm for digital communications.

You'll have to read my old blog http://jenniferway.com/Blog.html to see why I was off the air for so long and all about my rush to get back on the air, but suffice it to say, I'm back, I'm grounded, and the electronics have improved exponentially.

If I had to pick out the single thing that has pulled the amateur digital communications experience all together for me, I would have to say it was the software. Ham Radio Deluxe and Digital Master 780 opened the digital door for me, and I've walked right through it.

I want to give Simon Brown's website a plug http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/ if you haven't been there then go there. The web site is well written and the programs and help are spectacular.




Needless to say, my log is now filled with interesting PSK, RTTY, SSTV and CW QSO's. I'm still active on sideband voice, but in the evening hours when 20 meter SSB is dead, i'm working Iceland on 14.070.15!