Kenwood TS590SG User Manual

39

RTTY is the data communications mode with the 
longest history.  It was originally designed for use with 
mechanical teletypewriters which were often used 
before personal computers became common.  Now 
you can easily start operating RTTY with a personal 
computer and MCP.  Unlike Packet, each time you 
type a letter, it is transmitted over the air.  What you 
type is transmitted and displayed on the computer 
screen of the recipient.

RTTY operation uses frequency shift keying (FSK) 
and the 5-bit Baudot code or the 7-bit ASCII code to 
transmit information.

For cable connections, refer to “CONNECTING TO 
RTTY EQUIPMENT (FSK)” {page 72}.

For further information, consult reference books about 
Amateur Radio.

1  Access Menu No. 50 and select an FSK shift.

•  FSK shift is the difference in frequencies 

between a mark and a space.

•  The 170 Hz shift (default) is normally used on 

the Amateur bands for the RTTY.

2  Access Menu No. 51 and select a key-down 

polarity.

•  Select “oFF” (default) to transmit a mark when 

keying down or “on” to transmit a space.

3  Access Menu No. 52 and select “2125” (high tone) 

or “1275” (low tone) for mark.

•  High tone (default) is commonly used 

nowadays.

4  Select an operating frequency.

5 Press 

[CW/FSK (REV)] to select FSK mode.

• “FSK” 

appears.

•  If necessary, access Menu No. 74 to confi gure 

the appropriate audio output level for your 
MCP.  The audio output level of ANO (ACC2 
connector/ pin 3) changes {page 69}.  The AF 
control cannot be used to adjust the audio level 
for your MCP.

6  Some stations may be operating in Reverse shift.  

In this case, press and hold [CW/FSK (REV)] to 
reverse the shift (the upper sideband is used).

• “FSR” 

appears.

•  Traditionally, the lower sideband is used for FSK 

operation.  Press and hold [CW/FSK (REV)] 
again to return to the lower sideband.  “FSK” 
appears.

Note:  When changing FSK/ FSK-R, the receiving polarity 
is reversed (a mark signal and a space signal interchange). 
Transmitting polarity is not reversed.

7  You can switch to transmit mode by entering a 

command from the computer to the RTTY device.

•  The TX-RX LED changes from green (RX) to 

red (TX).

8  Begin sending data from your computer.

•  Press and hold [PWR (TX MONI)] to monitor 

your signals.  Press and hold [PWR (TX MONI)] 
again to quit this function.

9  When fi nished transmitting, enter a command from 

your computer to return to reception mode.

•  The TX-RX LED changes from red (TX) to 

green (RX).

The following frequencies (measured in kHz) are 
commonly used for RTTY operation:

1800 ~ 1840

1838 ~ 1842

3605 ~ 3645 (DX: 3590)

3580 ~ 3620

7080 ~ 7100 (DX: 7040)

7035 ~ 7045

10140 ~ 10150

10140 ~ 10150

14070 ~ 14099.5

14080 ~ 14099.5

18100 ~ 18110

18101 ~ 18109

21070 ~ 21100

21080 ~ 21120

24920 ~ 24930

22920 ~ 24929

28070 ~ 28150

28050 ~ 28150

PSK31 is a digital modulation method used in 
amateur radio communications.  You can perform data 
communications in real-time using a keyboard, like 
RTTY.  Additionally, because of the narrow bandwidth 
(31.25 Hz) you can even use PSK31 on congested 
frequencies.  Another merit to PSK31 is that it can be 
enjoyed with a simple antenna and low transmit power.

Using the sound function of your PC along with 
PSK31 software, many amateur radio operators enjoy 
PSK31.

•  Refer to “CONNECTING TO DATA 

COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT” {page 71} for 
connections.

•  When managing PSK31 using the sound capability 

of a PC, use SSB mode.

•  Set AGC to fast.

•  Turn off the speech processor.

•  Refer to “EXTERNAL AUDIO SETTINGS” 

{page 61} for Audio Settings.

For further information, consult reference books about 
Amateur Radio.