RadioBanter - View Single Post

Carter-k8vt · January 28th 07, 03:17 PM posted to rec.radio.shortwave

wrote:

I bought a Timewave PK-232 w/DSP TNC some years ago and just recently
placed it into operation.

That's the problem. "Some years ago", the TNC -was- the way to go. Not
so today.

I have tried to de-code morse via the TNC and it seems like the very
best that I can do is de-code at about a rate of 75%.

This is typical of -any- type of non-human Morse decoder (even a sound
card). These devices are susceptible to QRM, QRN, character spacing, how
good the sender's "fist" is, etc, things that the human brain decoder
can compensate for.

So what good is my TNC when so many programs are now free and found
on the internet and all that is needed is a cheap computer with a
soundcard?

Well, you've essentially answered your own question. Except for the
"TOR" modes (AMTOR, PACTOR, G-TOR), a sound card and software is the
better way to go (and sound cards will also do SSTV, Hellschreiber and
many other modes, both new and old).