What Does the Average PSK31 Contact Look Like? 4

 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!