The popularity of HF digital communications among Amateur Radio operators is growing rapidly. A few watts of RF power are all it takes to work the world – digitally!

Get on the Air with HF Digital is a step-by-step guide that’ll get you started in the fascinating world of HF digital technology. Written in an easy to understand, conversational style, this book will show you how to set up and operate your own HF digital station. The text includes instructions for configuring software programs for popular modes such as RTTY, PSK31 and JT65. You’ll also learn about other digital communication modes such as MFSK, Olivia and PACTOR. It’s a fun and easy way for beginners to get on the air!

Let’s Build an HF Digital Station
Exploring the three essential components of your station: a radio, a computer and a device that ties them together.

PSK31, RTTY and JT65
Hands-on instructions to get started with the three most popular HF digital operating modes today.

MFSK and Olivia
With these two modes you’ll still be chatting long after the bands have supposedly gone “dead.”

PACTOR
To get your message through error free, PACTOR is a great way to go.

Interest in amateur HF digital communications is growing at a rapid rate. On any given day, even when propagation conditions are poor and the bands are practically “closed,” you can hear the sounds of digital conversations taking place.

The fact that most amateurs own computers is part of what is driving the popularity of HF digital. The other major factor is that so many hams live in homes that suffer severe restrictions on the kinds of outdoor antennas that can be installed – if any. Digital modes allow these amateurs to communicate with low power and compromise antennas, letting them enjoy Amateur Radio when they’d otherwise be off the air entirely.

The only problem is that HF digital technology is a foreign concept to a substantial number of operators. They want to try it, but don’t know where to start. That’s the purpose of Get On the Air With HF Digital.

This book offers clear, often step-by-step instructions about how to go about setting up an HF digital station – everything from attaching cables to configuring software. Even though software changes over time, the instructions provided in this book are likely to apply across several software versions.

Get On the Air With HF Digital emphasizes the hands-on approach. The goal is to give you all the advice you need to take to the airwaves as quickly and easily as possible.

David Sumner, K1ZZ

ARRL Chief Executive Officer

Newington, Connecticut

January 2012

ARRL Order No. 6016

Softcover: 128 pages
Publisher: The American Radio Relay League, Inc.; First Edition/First Printing (January 2012)
Language: English
ISBN: 978-0-87259-601-6
Product Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: .66 pounds

Get on the Air with HF Digital is available from ARRL and publication dealers near you.
Order from ARRL
Find a dealer