I first became interested in RTTY in the early 1980's when I obtained a RTTY program that would run on my Radio Shack Color Computer. I actually owned a Model 33-ARS machine at that same time, but I used it as a computer printer via a simple opticoupler interface. Several local hams were fascinated with the ability to run RTTY without the noise of the old mechanical machines. During the next few years computers developed rapidly as did RTTY software. I had some very nice DOS software that I could use for chatting or contesting. Contesting was of interest to me and I did manage to work a few of the major contests during the late 1980's and 1900's. However, it seems I was often travelling when a contest was on that I wanted to work. All that changed when I retired in 2002. I could now work all the RTTY contests I wanted. I worked several contests in 2003 and really got into it in 2004 and 2005. Some of the certificates and plaques I earned during that period and into early 2006 are shown below.
I started this page with the intention of presenting information on operating RTTY. However, I realize that the subject has already been well covered by others more knowledgeable than I and I would have nothing new to add. Please see my "LINKS" page for a few suggestions on where to find the information you may need. A Google search will yield a great deal of information. I will say it is a mode that can be used by small stations and large stations alike for rag chewing or contesting. The majority of contesters are running low power, less than 100 watts output, and there are separate categories for low and high power. Although it is an old mode relative to the many new digital modes, I find it to be my preferred mode and I have worked most of the modes. I won't argue with anybody who thinks PSK31 or some of the other modes are better for various reasons. However, there seems to be a bit more romance attached to RTTY and it certainly is currently the way to go if you are interested in digital contesting. The number of RTTY contesters has been growing rapidly the last few years. There are over 20 "major" contests a year and many more of less wide spread interest.
There are several good programs available for rag chewing and contesting with RTTY. The programs that are good for one are not necessarily the best for the other. I prefer Writelog as my contesting software even though it is not free as some other programs are. A survey about a year ago indicated that it is the most popular RTTY contesting software. Writelog is also a popular program for contesting in CW or Phone modes. Some people prefer using the keyboard for all contesting functions. I prefer using the keyboard as little as possible and run long periods contesting using only the mouse. Free software by K7KAR makes this possible. A typical contest screen for me is shown below. The photo was not taken during a contest and, therefore, the print shown is not contest related. The screen shot shows signals on two different bands being copied simultaneously. Many of the most successful contesters are operating SO2R (single operator, two radios). Probably most operators use clusters for spotting new multipliers or unworked stations. To date I have chosen to operated SO1R (single operator, one radio) without the use of clusters. I feel I have been very competitive operating in this manner. I honestly feel that some operators try to run SO2R to their own detriment. There are a few operators that have the timing down so well that they can run SO2R seamlessly but others cause considerable aggravation by keeping one station waiting while they are working another. I realize you have to learn by doing, but I don't believe SO2R is for everyone.
As indicated on another page, "CURRENT STATION", it is not necessary to buy a special interface to operate RTTY. A link between your transceiver and computer sound card is all that is needed to run AFSK(audio frequency shift keying). A simple one transistor interface between the computer and FSK (frequency shift keying) connection on many transceivers will allow you to run FSK. I strongly believe FSK is the preferred method if available because it eliminates the chance of misadjustment when running AFSK. If the AFSK signal is properly adjusted no one will know if you are running AFSK or FSK. A CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) connection between the computer and transceiver is desirable.
I find a bandpass filter width of 250hz to 300hz is best for working RTTY. If you run a wider bandpass you will be plagued by adjacent station interference during a contest. Several of the new rigs have steep skirts on their filters and it takes a strong adjacent signal to cause interference. If you are looking for signals on a quiet band you may want to open the bandpass up. A bandscope is a quicker way of finding signals on a quiet band and, of course, watching a cluster is a good way of finding when a band is opening.
It is interesting how many RTTY operators use LOTW (Log Of The World). My RTTY QSL rate is over 35% on LOTW. DXCC and WAS are fairly easily accomplished on RTTY via LOTW.
A Few Do's and Don't's When Contesting
DON'T send a report to a station calling CQ before establishing a contact - this causes interference, delays and confusion
DON"T send the call of the CQing station repeatedly before sending your own call when responding - I don't believe you need to send their call at all
DON'T send unnecessary verbiage, see http://www.rttycontesting.com/ by Don, AA5AU, for good examples
DON'T resend your entire message when a repeat is requested - send only requested data
DO always put a space after your call - otherwise garbage gets attached making call capture difficult
DO end CQ or QRZ messages with "CQ" or "QRZ"
DO listen and not call after a contact has been establish between other stations
DO think about the information you put in a message - examples: don't put "73" (best regards) in when the contest exchange is age or serial number, don't use the word "IN" when the exchange needed is your state
DO try to be on the CQing stations frequency - sometimes calls are nearly out of my bandpass - use AFC only when running, never when S&P
Location and antennas are important when contesting. High power helps. However, nothing is more important than operator skill. Timing is important when calling stations. Learn when it is time to turn the beam and look for Japan or the South Pacific. Learn when to expect what bands to be open. Remember to check the quiet bands for openings. Learn when to call CQ and when to S&P (search and pounce). Circumstances don't allow everyone to have the best signal on the band but the most important thing is to have fun. Experience will allow you to have more fun with what you do have. For many operators, doing better than the previous year is their goal in a contest.
