My Yaesu FT-100 And Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

I'm researching digital signal processing (DSP) because my Yaesu FT-100 came equipped with DSP functions. However I have not exploited DSP to its fullest potential while contesting in addition to learning about DSP. And now is the time to advance my understanding.

Yaesu FT-100 DSP functions.

• DSP bandpass filter.
  
• DSP CW peaking filter.
• DSP noise reduction (NR).
• DSP notch filter.
  

Purpose of Yaesu FT-100 DSP functions.

• My DSP bandpass filter may enhance the FT-100's receiver selectivity by modifying the bandwidth of the receiver. I can manipulate DSP low-pass filter (LPF) thus allowing adjustment of the high-cut LPF. Then, adjust DSP high-pass filter (HPF) which modifies the low-cut HPF.
  
• DSP CW peaking filter is especially useful when the band is crowded ie. contest environment or for very-high frequency, ultra-high frequency weak signal operations. In effect, I'm changing the bandwidth of the DSP CW peaking filter.
• DSP NR maybe used to improve signal-to-noise ratio on weak signals. Hopefully, an operator on the receiving end, uses DSP NR during a contest?
  
• DSP notch filter assists in the removal of one or more disturbing carrier or heterodyne signals from the audio pass band.

I have experimented with different DSP NR settings under various band conditions ie. 40M last night and 20M this morning. A word of caution from the Yaesu FT-100 owner's manual. Do not use the DSP notch filter while operating CW because the signal will be notched out of the audio pass band.

In contrast, I'm experimenting with the FT-100's DSP band pass filter and DSP CW peaking filter through the weekend. What a difference this exercise is making in terms of learning about DSP and improved operating technique.

DSP Interest Links.

• DSPRelated.com
• The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing is a good resource guide.
• (link) Wikipedia.
• (link) Introduction to Digital Signal Processing.
• (link) I downloaded DSP tutorial documents at ARRLWeb Digital Signal Processing as well.

Get Digital.

Richard Garriott, W5KWQ | Puts A Kilowatt Of Cool Into Ham Radio

I read an article in Wired Magazine about private citizens going into space but the reporter did not mention Garriott's ham radio relationship. Let's thank Newington for recognizing W5KWQ and I needed this shot of adrenaline this evening. If you are interested in following Richard Garriott, W5KWQ and his adventure into space then click on this (link).

73.

4th International Conference on Cognitive Radio Oriented Wireless Networks and Communications | June 2009

Cognitive radio is the next frontier in wireless communication. Or I'm so excited by this technology that I'm splashing adjectives on my blogwall. And the 4th Annual Conference on Cognitive Radio Oriented Wireless Networks and Communications is 'on' beginning 22 June 2009 in Hanover, Germany.

Topic Items?

• Dynamic spectrum access networks (DSAN).
• Beamforming, MIMO and anti-jamming channel coding as interference avoidance strategies.
  
• Spectrum sensing mechanisms and protocol support.
• Ultra-Wideband cognitive radio systems.
• New architectures and platforms for cognitive radio & software defined radio.
  

Absolutely fascinating. What is DSAN? Or ultra-wideband cognitive radio systems? Time for Google Scholar research.

73 from the shackadelic.

DXpedition And/Or DX QSL Card Collection | The Aruba P-Forties

I'm working on my DXpedition and/or DX QSL Card Collection and recently sent out self-addressed stamped envelopes (SASE) to the following stations--

The Aruba P-Forties.

• P49V.
• P40A.
• P40W.

Confirmed DXpedition QSL Cards.

• TX5C Clipperton Island.
• VP6DX Ducie Island.
• VK9DNX Norfolk Island.

I'm enjoying another aspect of ham radio and that is the paper QSL chase. However I'm limiting that endeavor to notable DX stations and/or DXpeditions as a budget friendly pursuit. And I'm checking the mailbox each day even though the envelopes went out on Sunday.

Chase DX.

Texas QSO Party (TQP) Is Hot

Who designed the Texas QSO Party web page? It is functionally hot and easy to navigate. Totally cool.

TQP fires up this weekend and the party is on my contest menu. This is show time for Texan ham radio operators and they don't miss a beat during TQP. Texan operators, too say the least, put the spurs in QSO party. Fun? You bet. Lots of Qs? Always.

Flexible Schedule.

• TQP begins at 1400UTC this Saturday and runs until 0200UTC on Sunday.
  
• TQP takes an intermission then resumes at 1400UTC Sunday and concludes at 2000UTC on Sunday.

Reading the rules is always a good first step in any contest. TQP rules here. Read a little about contest logging programs here.

This weekend is shaping up as a contest thriller and I'm in. Hope to see you in either the TQP or FRQP log.

Contest on!

FlexRadio Systems First Annual QSO Party | September 27th & 28th

FlexRadio Systems is sponsoring their first annual FlexRadio QSO Party (FRQP) this weekend. The party is open to all ham radio operators and begins at 1500UTC, September 27th and ends September 28th at 2000UTC.

Three contesting modes are available 1.) SSB, 2.) CW and, 3.) Digital. Each station can be worked once per mode. That's cool!

FRQP objective is to work as many ham radio operators using FlexRadios. A FlexRadio operator will send their type of software defined radio (SDR) for example, 1K or 5K and, station location. Other ham radio operators send RST and station location.

Points.

• Count 5 points for each complete two-way contact with a station using a FlexRadio.
• Count 3 points for each complete two-way contact with a station using any other type of radio.

The Next Power Multiplier.

• 1 Watt or less = 10
• 2-10 Watts = 7
• 11-100 Watts = 5
• 101-600 Watts = 3
• over 600 Watts = 1

FQRP Gets Scoring Formula.

• Multiply total QSO points by total SPC multipliers by power multiplier.

Here's an opportunity to make the history list at FlexRadio Systems and I'm looking forward to adding FRQP into the menu of contesting fun this weekend.

Turn on, tune, operate.