The favorite technology at N2HOS is the KISS mode (Keep It Simple Stupid) and I've learned to execute it to near perfection in the combination of PSK31, DigiPan and Pegasus. This lineup eliminates tons of hardware, utilizes outstanding software, uses low power and thrives on antennas judged to be unacceptable to other modes. Take a quick tour by clicking the three boxes below which show the primary elements of this computer controlled station.

Pegasus Screen

DigiPan Screen

All Together

NOTES: The TenTec Pegasus puts all of its controls on your computer screen. This is a bit of a culture shock in the beginning, but it's all overcome within a few hours. You'll soon learn not to touch the rig except to turn it on or off! In PSK mode, the Pegasus control screen, once the rig is properly setup and tuned, is used primarily to change bands, filter width and power settings. The frequency setting for each band normally remains unchanged so there is no twirling of the dial.

DigiPan's screen is almost self-explanatory. The top row is a series of setup button used mostly to setup the parameters of your station. Then, one step down, there is a row of twelve macro buttons (of the 24 available). These are all available for whatever use you wish to make of them. Logging comes next, and it's a good piece of work. Double clicking the callsign or name or whatever, places the information in the window in which you have placed the mouse cursor.

The picture of the whole laptop screen shows the operating position of the two pieces of software. All the real work is done in DigiPan and I find it to be as intuitive as any software I've ever used. If you know how to type, use a mouse and take advantage of the macros, operation of this station is a breeze!

	An elevated laptop provides 'stand-up' operation at this QTH. Laptop, RigBlaster and Pegasus occupy the upper level. Antenna switch, antenna tuner and power supply the lower. The large antenna tuner has been replaced by the MFJ pocket-sized M945E and the power supply by a 12V scooter battery. An electronic charger keeps the battery in fighting shape. Setup on an L-shaped desk, the rest of the desk is taken up with more mundane things like a computer and printer used for more economics related activity. Click for larger image.
	One small window is worth a good look. The waterfall is the magical part of this mode. A tuning device unmatched by anything else I've ever used, it is a small window with great potentiol. Sitting below the transmit window, and only about 1 1/2 inches high, it contains a wealth of information. Here we see a 10 meter window at 2100Z. Numerous traces are worth checking out. The bottom row contains one important space (blank in this shot) called IMD. No reading is available unless the other station is idling. There's much more info in the GAZETTE's PSK31 section. Take the time for a little study. Click for larger image.
	However, the same little window can be a bearer of bad news as well. Here is a shot of a signal coming from a seriously over-driven transmitter. As you can see, it essentially wipes out all other traces on the band and fills it with spikes and sidebands. Lovely site! Unfortunately, narrow filters don't often help too much. Fortunately, this practice is diminishing as PSK-ers learn to tell the truth in signal reports. Click for larger image.
	And yes, there is other bad news as well. Pactor calls to or from MBO's roam all over the PSK space and the impact is shown here. Narrower filter settings can cut out the signal so long as it is far enough away from your QSO signal. I've even maintained a QSO in between the two traces of the Pactor signal! But if the signal is very strong, look out! Fortunately this problem doesn't show up too often. Click for larger image.
	Good news abounds though. Here is a classic example of what this new mode can do. Look at UA0FE at 0152Z (yes, that is the correct time!) on 10 meters. And this happened on a day of mediocre propagation, too. I worked this station back in early January 2001, long before I had upgraded from the 27 foot dipole up 25 feet! My 25 watts garnered a 599 signal and his was a true 599. Not bad for peanut whistles!Click for larger image.
	This QSL card was delivered via eqsl.cc just a few days after our contact. No muss, no fuss, no postage and I have proof of a contact with Ron on Sakhalin Island in no time at all. Late nights on 10M can be interesting. I've worked DU3NXE, VK9NS and missed but printed BV,3D2 and a few other choice ones. VK's, ZL's and JA's are late-night regulars.

Whatever your interests, PSK31 deserves a try in your shack. But, beware. It's contagious! Enjoy. de Jim N2HOS.