Despite my fascination with PSK31, I couldn’t help but notice there was a very odd sounding mode that was being used close to the PSK31 frequency on the 80 meter band. I tried all the digital modes offered by FLdigi (and there are lots), but nothing matched the bandwidth. Finally after hearing a rather loud station using that mode, I took a chance and transmitted a request for the unknown station to identify itself and the mode being used. I did that over the next 15 minutes or so, every time the station went silent, with no luck.
Unsatisfied, and still curious, I returned to PSK31 and made a few more contacts. The next day I called CQ using PSK31 and N1GKE returned my call. He had been waiting since the prior day for my return, as he was the operator behind the mystery mode. He said it was called JT65A-HF, and it was, in his estimation, a great digital mode for HF. N1GKE also happened to live just down the road from me, so we quickly decided to meet on one of the local 2-meter repeaters to discuss things further.
As luck would have it, my 817 was simply not powerful enough to make the repeater despite the fact that it would key up. We tried several different repeaters with little luck. Eventually I fired up my old 790, which puts out 10 times the power, only to find that even 50 watts wasn’t working. Finally we had success when I was able to make a 70 cm repeater across the bay from me. Myrton was very patient, even as I spent about 90 minutes swapping various antennas and rigs around. He was finally able to give me enough information on JT65 that I was able to make my first JT65A-HF QSO the next day during lunch.
Thanks, Myrton, for being an elmer!
Read your comment on funcubedongle. It took me 3 tries and a bit of research to succeed – last night as it happens.
Don’t take the ‘elmering’ connection to heart as you are probably more expert than me in the way of PayPal (I only joined Paypal to get Funcubedongle and know little about it except for its reputation).
As you have found the essence of success is speed and its necessary to
1. synch your computer clock shortly before the deadline.
If you have a visible radio controlled standard have that ready too. About 5 secs before the deadline click on the Buy Now icon (this allows a little transit time and, if too soon, for a second attempt.
2. Log on to Paypal in a separate adjacent window a few minutes ahead of deadline
Ensure your PayPal information is up to date and compatible (card used etc)
Have your PayPal password written down just in case. I found that despite logging on using the password I was asked to enter my password a second time when it came to Buy Now!
3. I was confused at first by the zone entry needed on the web site and of course its necessary to make sure this also is pre-entered.
I ‘m sure if you follow these points with sufficient alacrity you will succeed.
Although its an unusual method I think its about the fairest available to Howard – too fair in my opinion; if he had preferenced his fellow subjects we would have saved a substantial amount on VAT, postage, and price!
Good luck
Dave
Thanks so much Dave (and congratulations on obtaining one). I think I was actually ‘in the queue’ as when I tried things before I immediately got the ‘sold out’ indication. When I tried at 21:00 on the nose, I was presented with the usual Paypal screen to fill in, which I did, and about 15 seconds later, when I hit “Make this payment”, I was presented with the ‘sold out’ indication. From that point on, if I retried things I got an immediate ‘sold out’.
I couldn’t agree more with you that Howard is probably being a bit too fair — it must be frustrating to be a UK member and have to compete with folks from the other side of the pond. And as you say, with no price advantage to the locals.
Someday I will get lucky and obtain one. It seems like a fantastic little device made by a great group of Elmers trying to help the entire world’s Ham population.
Thanks for taking the time to look me up and for the tip. I shall try your plan during the next batch.
73, Bob, WB4SON