G4CTP's Amateur Radio Hints and Tips

I use fldigi for RSGB data contests (RTTY and PSK modes). In this article I describe how I have configured 12 macro buttons for efficient contest operation. Here is a screen shot of the 12 buttons: They are divided into three groups. The first four buttons, teal coloured, are for "Run" mode (a.k.a. "Fox" mode), i.e. for calling CQ. The next four buttons, in brown, are for "Search & Pounce" mode (a.k.a."Hound" mode), i.e. when replying to a CQ. The final four buttons, dark blue, are seldom used in contesting but enable free text to be sent. Here are each of the button definitions: CQ - obviously used to send a CQ call <TX> CQ RSGB de <MYCALL> <MYCALL> CQ <RX> QRZ? - to send a QRZ? if needed  <TX> QRZ? QRZ? de <MYCALL> <MYCALL> k <RX> Exchange - sends RST signal report and the serial number three times, bracketed by the other party's callsign <TX> <CALL> <MYRST> <CNTR...

D-Star is normally used via hotspots and repeaters, but it is also possible to use this digital voice mode as point-to-point simplex. I recently added a bunch of recommended D-Star frequencies to my IC-705 memory configuration and it certainly works... but don't expect to find much activity! Here are the channels that I have configured: