PSK31 Software Development Tools

I recently became interested in the new PSK31 operation mode. It has all the advantages of CW, but without the hassle of copying by ear and writing the QSO down. It requires only 31 Hz of bandwidth, making it ideal for QRP operation.

I have been developing a number of ActiveX controls that (hopefully) greatly simplify writing your own PSK31 programs using Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, Delphi, and other languages that host COM components.

For your programming pleasure, I am providing the following components for developing your own PSK31 programs. Please understand that some of these components may be under development and might not yet be available for public download.

Note: I recently discovered that Microsoft has incorporated a very annoying security patch that prevents the compiled help module (CHM) files from executing when you download them from the Web. When you download the documentation files, the symptom is that the system asks if you want to open the file. When you select Yes, then the topics show as not being displayable. To correct this problem:

1. Right click on the file in Windows Explorer and select Properties from the context menu.
2. Click the Unblock button on the General tab, as shown in the following image.

This is for Windows XP. I'm not running Vista, but I would imagine the procedure is similar.

WinPSKX Version 2.1b	An ActiveX control that combines Moe Wheatley's PSK31 DLL with the WinPSK data display. This is the most current public distribution based on the V1.19d PSKCore code. Version 2.1b - Updated September 10, 2004
SMeterX	An ActiveX control that encapsulates the functionality of the WinPSK signal displays and squelch control. Version 1.0 - Public Release October 10, 2001
TTSX	A text-to-speech (TTS) ActiveX control that enables your PSK31 application to "speak" text. Version 1.0 - Updated August 1, 2003
Noon Calculator	This is not a PSK31 program, per se, but a free download nonetheless. I wrote a little utility for calculating local noon, which you are welcome to use. This is useful in that at local noon, the shadow cast by a vertical rod will point precisely toward due North. This can be used to align your beam antenna, or to lay out the base of a pyramid.
Installation Tools	I'm now distributing my components in Microsoft Installer (MSI) format. If you are running recent versions of Microsoft Windows, you should be able to install the components simply be double-clicking the installation file after you download it to your computer. If you have problems with the MSI files, you can download the MSI installers from this page.
Retired	Retired components and projects. Updated June 8, 2003

Applications

PSK31 on WinCE Devices I've received a number of requests to port the WinPSKX ActiveX control to PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices, most notably the Compac iPAQ, aka the Pocket PC. Click here for my essay on why these devices aren't suitable for PSK31.

PSK31 Tuning Tips I've discovered some tricks for tuning in PSK31 signals. Most of the problems I've had are due to the wide-open receiver passband. While the PSK31 demodulators are really good at discriminating many signals within the passband, they can't do much if a nearby station is overloading your receiver. Click here for my tips on tuning your receiver to reduce nearby PSK31 interference.

WinPSKX - Network Version I acquired a wireless network card for my laptop a bit ago. Whilst sitting at the kitchen counter one evening I had an interesting thought. It occurred to me that during a typical PSK31 QSO, I rarely, if ever, need to actually touch the transceiver. I thought of the idea of a network version of the WinPSKX control that would allow me to operate PSK31 from the kitchen, while running the rig over the network. Click here to see the results of my prototype.

Send e-mail to Dave:

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Last updated June 5, 2007