I have VARAC setup on my IC-705. I have yet to make QSO. I see that my transmissions are being received on PSK Reporter however I am concerned that my audio is not set correctly. I have also tried to respond to CQs with no response.
How can I confirm if my signal is being transmitted correctly?
73
Bill
W4BRZ
Made my first QSO today from Northern KY to Central Florida with 10 watts. 😀
Bill, can I clarify a couple of points.
Firstly most stations are running 100W transceivers “barefoot”, with around 50W of RF out on VarAC. Your IC-705 is likely only outputting 5W, so you are going to struggle to be seen.
What does PSK Reporter show after you send a beacon and click the PSK Reporter button after 2 or 3 minutes (allows time for receiving stations to send reports)?
With 50W to my relatively low doublet, I can reach VK, ZL and KH6 around breakfast time on 20m. However, those DX contacts are often with barely audible signals showing a signal to noise of -15 to -20, you are running ten dB less power than I use!
Still, contacts out to 1000+ miles with a half decent antenna should be easy. What antenna is your ‘705 hooked up to?
73 Dave
So I had been using the FT 8 preset. I happened to look at the speaker on windows and the sound for the USB Audio Codec was muted. That may have been my issue today. Unfortunately I have to get ready for work. Thanks for your help and I will keep working with it later.
73
Bill
W4BRZ
I am beaconing now on 20m. I just called CQ on slot one.
Yes, I am seeing beacons and CQ calls and have tried to connect with no success, all I see is ptt on ptt off. I am primarily working 14.105.00.
So many questions. First, are you decoding any CQ's or Beacons or Broadcasts? What bands are you monitoring?