Fldigi 3.12.4 is a Wireless Communication product from w1hkj.com, get 5 Stars SoftSea Rating, Fldigi is a simple to use digital modem software that can be used by radio amateurs. Digital modem software for Linux, Free-BSD, OS X, Windows XP, W2K, and Vista.
Fldigi is a computer software intended for Amateur Radio Digital Modes operation using a PC (Personal Computer). Fldigi operates (as does most similar software) in conjunction with a conventional HF SSB radio transceiver, and uses the PC sound card as the main means of input from the radio, and output to the radio. These are audio-frequency signals. The program also controls the radio by means of another connection, typically a serial port.
Fldigi is multi-mode, which means that it is able to operate many popular digital modes without switching programs, so you only have one software to learn. Fldigi includes all the popular modes, such as DominoEX, MFSK16, PSK31, and RTTY.
Unusually, Fldigi is available for multiple computer operating systems; FreeBSD ; Linux , OS X and Windows .
Fldigi is a utility that works as a digital modem. Its features include :
- Can be used to communicate via modem or USB.
- Checks frequencies using a simple tool.
- Ideal for radio amateurs.
Supports the following digital modes:
1. CW
2. DominoEX 4 DominoEX 5 DominoEX 8 DominoEX 11 DominoEX 16 DominoEX 22
3. Feld-Hell Slow-Hell
4. Feld-Hell-X5
5. Feld-Hell-X9 FSK-Hell FSK-Hell 105 Hell-80
6. MFSK-4 MFSK-8 MFSK-16* MFSK-22* MFSK-31* MFSK-32* MFSK-64*
7. MT-63 / 500 MT-63 / 1000 MT-63 / 2000
8. PSK-31 QPSK-31 PSK-63 QPSK-63 PSK-125 QPSK-125 PSK-250 QPSK-250
9. OLIVIA various tones and bandwidths
10. RTTY various Baud Rates, Shifts, Nbr of data bits, etc.
11. Thor-4 Thor-5 Thor-8 Thor-11 Thor-16 Thor-22
12. Throb-1 Throb-2 Throb-4 ThrobX-1 ThrobX-2 ThrobX-4
13. WWV Receive only - calibrate your sound card to WWV
14. Freq Analysis Receive only - be ready for the (next) ARRL FMT (freq meas test).
What is a Digital Mode?
Digital Modes are a means of operating Amateur radio from the computer keyboard. The computer acts as modem (modulator - demodulator), as well as allowing you to type, and see what the other person types. It also controls the transmitter, changes modes as required, and provides various handy features such as easy tuning of signals and prearranged messages.
In this context, we are talking about modes used on the HF (high frequency) bands, specifically chat modes, those used to have a regular conversation in a similar way to voice or Morse, where one operator talks for a minute or two, then another does the same. These chat modes allow multiple operators to take part in a net.
Because of sophisticated digital signal processing which takes place inside the computer, digital modes can offer performance that cannot be achieved using voice (and in some cases even Morse), through reduced bandwidth, improved signal-to-noise performance and reduced transmitter power requirement. Some modes also offer built-in automatic error correction.
Digital Mode operating procedure is not unlike Morse operation, and many of the same abbreviations are used. Software such as Fldigi makes this very simple as most of the procedural business is set up for you using the Function Keys at the top of the keyboard. These are easy to learn.
Why all the different modes?
HF propagation is very dependent on the ionosphere, which reflects the signals back to earth. There are powerful interactions between different signals arriving from different paths. Experience has shown that particular modulation systems, speeds and bandwidths suit different operating conditions.
Other factors such as available band space, operating speed and convenience, noise level, signal level and available power also affect the choice of mode. While in many cases several different modes might be suitable, having a choice adds to the operating pleasure. It is difficult to advise which mode is best for each particular occasion, and experience plays an important role.
[To gain a good insight into each mode and its abilities, you might consider purchasing Digital Modes for All Occasions (ISBN 1-872309-82-8) by Murray Greenman ZL1BPU, published by the RSGB and also available from FUNKAMATEUR and CQ Communications; or the ARRL's HF Digital Handbook (ISBN 0-87259-103-4) by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.]
How do I recognise and tune in the signals?
Recognising the different modes comes with experience. It is a matter of listening to the signal, and observing the appearance of the signal on the tuning display. You can also practise transmitting with the transceiver disconnected, listening to the sound of the signals coming from the computer. There is also (see later paragraph) an automatic tuning option which can recognise and tune in most modes for you.
The program provides a tuning display which shows the radio signals that are receivable within the transceiver passband. Using a point and click technique with the mouse, you can click on the centre of a signal to select it, and the program will tune it in for you. Some modes require more care than others, and of course you need to have the program set for the correct mode first - not always so easy!
The RSID (automatic mode detection and tuning) feature uses a special sequence of tones transmitted at the beginning of each transmission to identify and tune in the signals received. For this feature to work, not only do you need to enable the feature in the receiver, but in addition the stations you are wishing to tune in need to have this feature enabled on transmission. Other programs also offer this RSID feature as an option. The license of this communication software is Freeware, you can free download and free use this Communication software.