PskScope Operation


Select the operating mode, either Psk-31 or Psk-63 from the pull down menu:



This is also the menu that provides access to the simulation mode.

Select the sampling interval (.5, 1.0 or 2.0 seconds).  You may find that you want the shortest interval between samples when using automatic level conrol.  The default of 1 second should be satisfactory.  If your computer is ancient and slow, try the 2 second interval



Select the Signal View that you want to use.  Either the Signal or the Spectrum view will be most useful during normal operations:

The 4 views are selected by the notebook tabs:

Signal View


On Air Psk-31 Transmitting Characters

Spectrum View


On Air Psk-31 Transmitting Characters

A/D Data View


On Air Psk-31 - Raw data (normalized to 8 bits)

Antenna Data View


On Air Psk-31 Filtered Data

The Spectrum display is a derived rf display.  This has the appearance of the transmitted rf spectrum.  A good PSK signal looks like a single tone DSB signal on the waterfall.  In fact, the idle signal is for all purposes is the same as a two-tone test signal.  The center line of the Spectrum Display is the effective suppressed carrier of the PSK signal.  Sidebands appear on both sides of the carrier.  A single sideband with perhaps just a little of the 3rd harmonic is normal for most modern transceivers unless you are overdriving the audio.  Then you will see multiple sidebands including the 3rd, 5th  and 7th.  Because of the signal processing used in the program you will not see any even harmonics on the display.  Even harmonics are almost never introduced into the actual transmitted signal.

Note the discontinuity in the signal view window.  This is caused by the asynchronous sampling of the transmitted signal.  The data has been rotated and normalized prior to being displayed in this view.  The peak value of the displayed waveform will not change with power output!  But the shape of the signal will change if you overdrive the transmitter.

When using PskScope it can perform the function of your sound card volume control.  The slider can be moved from min (left) to max (right) volume by simply grabbing the control with the mouse and moving it.  You will see your transmit power change when you do this.  You must have selected the sound card from the configuration dialog.  The program will automatically find all serial ports and all sound cards installed in your computer.  You must know which sound card to use if you have more than one installed.

You should calibrate the control to your target Power levels.  Do this by selecting the Calibrate menu item on the Mode menu.  You will be prompted to key the transmitter in idle mode (Psk31) and adjust the power out (using your transmitter mic control) to the target power level.

Return to Psk31 mode and try moving the drive control.  You should see a corresponding change in transmitted power.  


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