As many radio amateurs know, the world of amateur radio data modes has been one of huge growth in recent years and has experienced fast-paced development. Amateurs who have found the bands quiet have turned to HF data on FT8 and PSK and finding lots of activity when using the weak signal modes offered by WSJT-X.
Based on the RadioToday Guide to HF Data on FT8 & PSK using WSJT-X and Fldigi, Modern Data Modes has been brought up to date for 2023 with new material covering JTDX and MSHV and additional sections on FT4 and the keyboard-to-keyboard mode VarAC.
Modern Data Modes starts by explaining how to set up a modern digital modes station using just a PC and a transceiver. Detailed and very practical discussions then explain the monitoring and operating procedures required. The WSJT-X 2.0 software and other weak signal modes such as JTDX and MSHV and the wider and comprehensive Fldigi mode are covered. You will find detail including FT8 contest modes alongside ‘Fox and Hounds’ mode and FT4. There is expanded content that covers keyboard-to-keyboard modes, JS8 and VarAC, covering setup through configuration to operating these powerful modes. If you are curious about the technical aspects of how modern digital modes work from the very practical side but also the technology itself, you will find it here.
Concepts such as Forward Error Correction (FEC), Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRC) and Fourier analysis that at first appear complex are explained. Modern Data Modes ensures that the requirement of advanced mathematical skills before you can decipher this technology has been minimised. The book explains in a simplified way using diagrams and terms familiar to most radio amateurs.
If you are interested in using data modes for the first time, or simply widening your knowledge, this book provides the answers. Simply put, if you need a guide to using WSJT-X, JTDX, Fldigi, FT8, FT4, PSK, JS8, VarAC and other modes, Modern Data Modes provides the ideal starting point.
