ELECRAFT KX2 - PSK D Mode (PSK31;PSK63); Audio Data Modes (DATA A and AFSK A)

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PSK D Mode (PSK31/PSK63)
PSK D is the KX2’s built-in version of PSK31 (or
PSK63)
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, which is highly reliable at low power levels.
To use PSK D mode:
§ Tap DATA to select data modes.
§ Tap DATA again and rotate OFS/B to select
the PSK D sub-mode. Use VFO A to select 31 or
63 baud. Tap DATA again to exit. A narrow
receive passband will be selected.
§ Hold TEXT to turn on text decode. (Also see
MENU:LOGGING for PSK-D text capture.)
§ The sideband can be reversed (MENU:ALT MD).
§ Optionally turn on the tuning aid (CWT, pg. 21).
Before attempting to transmit in this mode, you should
practice tuning in signals. Try listening to 14070-
14073 kHz (20 m), tuning signals in 1 Hz steps until
the decode appears accurate.
A PSK signal can sometimes be tuned in at
multiple VFO frequencies, separated by ~8-16 Hz. To
ensure you’re listening on the correct frequency before
you transmit, use auto-spot (pg. 21).
For PSK D transmit, a keyer paddle directly conntected
to the KX2 is required. Use the “IM” prosign to
terminate transmit quickly. (See previous page.)
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PSK stands for phase-shift keying. 31 and 63 refer to the
baud rates, 31.25 or 62.5 baud. PSK signals are encoded
using a very efficient representation called varicode.
Audio Data Modes (DATA A and AFSK A)
A computer, sound card, and appropriate software can
be used with the KX2 for data communications. Many
different modes can be used in this way, including
PSK31/63, RTTY, JT65, Pactor, Olivia, MFSK, SSTV,
etc. The KX2 provides DATA A mode for this
purpose. DATA A automatically disables compression
and RX/TX EQ. Upper sideband is the default.
For audio-based RTTY, you can also use AFSK A
mode. Like FSK D, AFSK A provides a dual-passband
RTTY filter and text decode. The VFO is tuned to the
mark frequency. Lower sideband is the default.
To use audio data modes:
§ Tap DATA twice; rotate OFS/B to select
DATA A or AFSK A. Tap DATA to exit.
§ In AFSK A mode, optionally hold TEXT to turn
on text decode. Also see CWT (pg. 21).
§ Connect your computer’s line-audio output to the
MIC jack. Connect the KX2’s PHONES jack to
your computer’s line-audio input. Shielded cables
should be used. You may need an attenuator if the
drive levels are too high.
§ Refer to your data communications software
manual to determine how to set up the KX2’s VFO
for accurate frequency display.
§ VOX can be used for data; see MENU:VOX MD.