Text Box: Michigan Army MARS - Digital Tips, Traps and TweaksSubject:  Your First Hookup         

 

19 October 2006, Issue III

Frank Wegori/AAR5NG MI

AAR5NG@sbcglobal.net

 

 TODAY'S TOPIC:  How to decode without trying!

 

  1. Many OPs are reluctant to give the digital modes a try because they believe they would first be required to buy or build an interface device.  Nothing could be farther from the truth! 

 

  1. In order to receive and decode the MT63 mode for example, you will need:

 

    1. A computer with a sound card installed.  This can be an “on-board,” i.e., part of the motherboard, a plug-in card, or an external sound card.

 

    1. A computer using operating system Windows 9x, ME, NT4, 2000 or XP, that will run at a minimum of 166 MHz  (but the faster the better, i.e., 500 MHz or more would be ideal).

 

    1. To install a copy of IZ8BLY’s free Terminal MT63 program, or an equivalent, like MixW.

 

 

  1. A simplified hookup requires the following:

 

    1. Connect the External Speaker jack of your rig to the Line-In (preferred) or Mic-In jack of your sound card using a 1/8” stereo plug cable. 

 

    1. Your External Speaker jack port is likely monoaural.  So, for best results, use a male mono to female stereo 1/8” adapter when connecting to the rig. 

 

    1. Decoding without this adapter is possible, but will not be as efficient.  A Y-adapter is also an option that allows your external speaker and audio output to the sound card to share the same port.

 

Note: Using your Accessory Port instead of your External Speaker jack for the above purpose is another connection option to be covered in a future issue.

 

4. So with this simple step, you are now ready to begin decoding digital transmissions. Should you encounter any problems in copying stations that are known to be fully calibrated, read Issue II of this tip sheet dated 5 Oct 2006 on how to do a simple calibration.