When i first started transmitting using PSK31 i struggled to find any web page advising me on how the average PSK31 QSO went down. I hope to address this here and help any other amateurs who may not know where to start. This template assumes that a standard “rubber stamp” QSO is taking place and not a “rag chew”.
First of all there are some morse code abbreviations used here which you need to understand:
- DE = From
- K = Over
- KN = Over (and only the station addressed should respond)
- BTU = Back to You
- TNX = Thanks
- OM = Old Man
- FB = Fine Business (good)
- SK = Silent Key (used at the end of a QSO – means you’ve finished transmitting to the other station)
Calling Station
CQ CQ CQ 2E0JCQ 2E0JCQ 2E0JCQ
CQ CQ CQ 2E0JCQ 2E0JCQ 2E0JCQ k
Response Station
2E0JCQ de M0XYZ M0XYZ M0XYZ kn
Calling Station
M0XYZ de 2E0JCQ
Thanks for QSO.
Name here is James
RST: 599 599
QTH: Manchester
Loc: IO91wo
Hw Copy?
M0XYZ de 2E0JCQ kn
Response Station
2E0JCQ de M0XYZ
Hello James
Name here is Bob
RST: 599 599
QTH: London
Loc: IO91wo
Btu OM
2E0JCQ de M0XYZ kn
Calling Station
M0XYZ de 2E0JCQ
FB Bob, tnx for the QSO, 73s and good DX
M0XYZ de 2E0JCQ sk
Response Station
2E0JCQ de M0XYZ
Tnx for the QSO also, 73s to you and your family
2E0JCQ de M0XYZ sk
At this point the QSO is over and the calling station will usually go back to calling CQ on the frequency.
This is of course an example QSO, but this format is common. In addition each station may share QSL details and more information about their station.
I hope you found this useful – this was the kind of outline that i wish i had found when i first started!
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Being new to the world of HF digital but not new to radios this is extremely helpful to me. I tackled JT65 now I’m working on using PSK-31.
Thank you so much for this PSK31 section.
Cesar Maligalig – du1kc
Thanks for the tips, James.
I am 64 years old, was 50 when i got my ticket. I am new to psk, having just bought a signalink usb interface about a month ago. i use to work wspr but found it uninteresting a few years back. Anyway, I hope to come across you on psk in the future. Keep up the good work and 73.
KC – my friends call me KC – short for Kuya (older brother) Cesar
I’m glad you found it useful KC! Be sure to checkout the new FT8 mode as well, it’s less chatty but is proving really popular with DX’ers on all bands.
I’m going to be in Cebu in early 2018, but not going near your QTH sadly 🙁
73 James M0JCQ