A professional unit is a unit that covers many modes, includes sophisticated analysis tools, and probably costs a lot of money. These units represent the cutting edge in decoder technology. At this time we group Hoka, Wavecom and Universal as professional units. The hobbyist units are those units that include the most common modes, some tools for analysis and are a little more affordable. Public domain units are self explanatory but non the less valu- able as a stepping stone to a more sophisticated unit if you find the area of signals analysis intriguing.
In the hobbiest units, an attempt is made to provide hilites for each unit. Keep in mind that it is impossible to own or test all the units mentioned here - nor would you want to. Many units provide the same capability and similiar tools and the decision to buy one unit over another will probably come down to cost. Another question to consider is whether or not "hobbiest" units can really be considered serious units for monitoring? If you have the desire to ferret out and identify digital signals then these units will have a high frustration factor because they don't include the wide selection of modes currently on the air or the necessary tools to analyse a signal. If marine, soviet, or amateur monitoring is what you are looking for then these units can be a cost effective selection.
FAX and SSTV units are not covered in this document.
Instead check out one of the best FAX/SSTV references on the net, the HFFAX Homepage. This is maintained by Marius Rensen and covers FAX technology, FAX transmission schedules and decoders. This page also includes SSTV related programs. See the SSTV information in Section 1-F of this document for other net resources.
Specifically this section covers the following data decoders:
Professional Units Manufacturer
---------------------------- ---------------------------------
M400, M900-VF, M1200, M8000 Universal (obsolete M800,M7000)
Code 3, Code 30 Hoka
W4010, W4050, W4100 Wavecom
Hobbiest Units Manufacturer
---------------------------- ---------------------------------
Air Master, Mode Master Lowe
ERA Microreader ERA
AEA PK-232MBX Advanced Electronic Applications
AEA PK900 Advanced Electronic Applications
MCL 1100 Momentum Communications
PC/SWL Software Systems Consulting
Franklin Converter Logic Limited
KAM+ Multi-Mode Controller Kantronics
new MFJ462B stand alone reader MFJ
new MFJ1214PC MFJ
new MFJ1278B data controller MFJ
BMK-MULTY v3.43 G4BMK
BMK-MULTY v3.43 G4BMK
P38 HAL
Personal Code Explorer Microcraft Corporation
Public Domain Manufacturer
---------------------------- ---------------------------------
Hamcomm Public Domain
JVFax Public Domain
VHF Units Manufacturer
---------------------------- ---------------------------------
Message Tracker v2.0 K&L Technology
ACT1 ACARS Universal Radio
Pager Datascope JSoft Technologies
ACARS Decoder Advanced Electronic Applications
===============================================================================
5-A. PROFESSIONAL UNITS PROFESSIONAL UNITS
===============================================================================
5-A.1 HOKA Decoders
Decoder: Hoka Code 3 (version 5)
Level: Comprehensive, sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: The Hoka Code 3 comes in two parts: an interface box
which connects to a free serial port of an IBM
compatible PC, and the software itself, on a 1.44Mb
3.5 inch PC diskette. The hardware interface box now
contains a software controlled filter which improves
decoding performance over the previous version (v4).
Bandpass filter is automatically controlled in center
frequency and bandwidth for optimum setting depending
on the decoding module, baud speed and shift setting.
The decoder is implemented entirely in software which
makes it extremely powerful together with a wealth of
analysis tools, most of which are also included as
standard. This is
probably the most powerful decoder for its price.
The user has practically complete control over all
important parameters for each mode decoded. Exotic
data systems are available as optional software
modules, at extra cost. Comprehensive on-screen
diagnostics and system information are shown for
each mode decoded. Each module is chosen from a
simple menu system with one-key commands to set or
change system parameters. There is even an
optional module (Auto Classification) which will
measure the system's baud speed and shift parameters,
analyse the bit pattern and jump into the correct decoding
module for the received data system!
Full Synoptic decoding of meteo AAXX and BBXX
codes is also available as an option.
Modes Decoded: ARQ6-70
ARQ6-90 & 98
ARQ-E
ARQ-N (built info ARQ-E module)
ARQ-E3
ARQ-M2-242/2 ch CCIR242
ARQ-M4-242/4 ch CCIR242 (Part of ARQ-M2-242 module)
ARQ-M2-342/2 ch CCIR342-2
ARQ-M4-342/4 ch CCIR342-2 (Part of ARQ-M2-242 module)
ARQ-S/SI-ARQ
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
AUTOSPEC
Baudot RTTY with Auto speed determination
Baudot F7BBN RTTY with Auto speed determination
COQUELET Mk I (13 tone) (Option "Specials")
COQUELET Mk II (8 tone) (Option "Specials")
CW with Auto speed determination (uses "Farnsworth" method)
DUP-ARQ ARTRAC
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC B/W & 16 shade
FEC-A (with Error correction enabled)
FEC-A RAW (no Error correction)
GMDSS/DSC (Option "Specials")
HC-ARQ (Option "Specials")
HELLSCHREIBER
HNG-FEC (Option "Specials")
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
PACTOR, including ICRC and UNHCR variants
PICCOLO Mark VI (Option "Specials")
POL-ARQ
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC (Option "Specials")
SI-FEC/FEC-S
SITOR-A
SITOR-A RAW
SITOR-B
SPREAD 11, 21, 51 (built into AUTOSPEC module)
SWED-ARQ/ARQ-SWED
SYNOP 'AAXX' and 'BBXX' decoding (Option "SYNOP")
TORG-10 & 11 (Option "Specials")
TWINPLEX
Analysis Tools: Signal Spectrum "Analyser" with high precision Baud Rate
and Shift measurement
Calibrated Signal Oscilloscope (user selectable settings)
Signal "Autocorrelation Raw" (on raw audio components)
Signal "Autocorrelation Mod" (on modulated components)
Signal "Autocorrelation Bit" (on bit pattern component)
Text screen based "rough and ready" baud speed indicator
Text screen based mark/space ratio bias dist. indicator
Graphical bit stream viewer (fully user selectable)
Text screen based bit stream viewer with output to disk
Character Analysis Simplex (for Simplex ARQ systems)
Character Analysis Duplex (for Duplex ARQ and FEC systems)
Auto Classification
Extras Required: IBM Compatible PC (80286 or 80386 CPU)
Mono or Colour Monitor
1 free serial port (for LF3 Interface connection)
Supplier: (US) Computer Aided Technologies, PO Box 18292,
Shreveport, LA 71138, USA Tel: 318 636 1234
(UK) Ntech Communications, 8 The Crescent,
Willingdon, East Sussex, BN20 9RN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1323 483966
(NL) Hoka Electronics, Flessingsterrein 13,
NL-9665, BZ Oude Pekela, Netherlands
Tel: +31 5978 12327
Approx. Price: Package GBP USD
---------------------------------------
Basic 329 595
Piccolo * 85
Coquelet * 85
HNG FEC, RUM FEC, TORG,
HC-ARQ * 115
Synoptic Decoder 65 85
Oscilloscope inc 85
Save to Disk File inc 85
Auto Classify inc 85
Pactor inc 35
Specials (all * above) 150
GMDSS/DCS 75
Post & Packing 10
UK Notes: Prices includes UK sales tax ("VAT") at 17.5%
inc - included in basic 499 price - not available
separately as "options".
* - all grouped together as one option called
"specials"
--------------------
Decoder: Hoka Code 30 (version 2.0)
Level: Comprehensive, VERY sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Arguably the King of Decoders! The decoder
consists of a card which is inserted into a free 8
or 16 bit slot in an IBM compatible PC, together
with the decoding software on a 1.44Mb diskette.
The decoder board is high-quality, RF screened and
makes use of Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
techniques. Because of DSP technology, the Code 30
will deal with any traditional system plus complex
systems using Phase Shift Keying (PSK) and the like.
Its power and flexibility, due to DSP and software
based modules, means that many government agencies and
military surviellance units make use of the Code 30.
Modes Decoded: ARINC ANNEX10 Selcal (aircraft selcals)
ARQ6-70
ARQ6-90 & 98
ARQ-E
ARQ-N (built info ARQ-E module)
ARQ-E3
ARQ-M2-242/2 ch CCIR242
ARQ-M4-242/4 ch CCIR242 (Part of ARQ-M2-242 module)
ARQ-M2-342/2 ch CCIR342-2
ARQ-M4-342/4 ch CCIR342-2 (Part of ARQ-M2-242 module)
ARQ-S/SI-ARQ
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
AUTOSPEC
Baudot RTTY with Auto speed determination
Baudot F7BBN RTTY with Auto speed determination
COQUELET Mk I (13 tone) (Option "Specials")
COQUELET Mk II (8 tone) (Option "Specials")
CW with Auto speed determination (uses "Farnsworth" method)
DUP-ARQ ARTRAC
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC B/W and
256 shade at 1024x768. Also Meteosat AM demod.
FEC-A (with Error correction enabled)
FEC-A RAW (no Error correction)
GMDSS/DSC (Option "Specials")
HC-ARQ (Option "Specials")
HELLSCHREIBER
HNG-FEC (Option "Specials")
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
PACTOR, including ICRC and UNHCR variants
PICCOLO Mark VI (Option "Specials")
POL-ARQ
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC (Option "Specials")
SI-FEC/FEC-S
SITOR-A
SITOR-A RAW
SITOR-B
SPREAD 11, 21, 51 (built into AUTOSPEC module)
SWED-ARQ/ARQ-SWED
SYNOP 'AAXX' and 'BBXX' decoding (Option "SYNOP")
TIME (DCF77) - set PC date/time to DCF77 time.
TORG-10 & 11 (Option "Specials")
TWINPLEX
VHF Modes Decoded: ACARS/SITA
CCIR 1 Selcal (Option "VHF")
CCIR 7 Selcal (Option "VHF")
CCITT Selcal (Option "VHF")
CTCSS all standard frequencies (Option "VHF")
DCS (PL) all standard codes (Option "VHF")
DTMF (Option "VHF")
EEA Selcal (Option "VHF")
EIA Selcal (Option "VHF")
EURO Selcal (Option "VHF")
NATEL Selcal (Option "VHF")
Tone AutoClassification (Option "VHF")
Pocsag/Super Pocsag
VDEW Selcal (Option "VHF")
ZVEI 1 Selcal (Option "VHF")
ZVEI 2 Selcal (Option "VHF")
Demodulators: OOK, BFSK, BFEK, MFSK, MFEK (up to 40 tones), 2DPSK,
4DPSK, BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK (MSK). Diversity can also be
selected. Both input signals are sampled many times PER
ELEMENT and best signal chosen in real-time.
Analysis Tools: Signal Spectrum "Analyser" with high precision Baud Rate
and Shift measurement
Audio Oscilloscope with zoom function
Signal "Autocorrelation Raw" (on raw audio components)
Signal "Autocorrelation Mod" (on modulated components)
Signal "Autocorrelation Bit" (on bit pattern component)
Text screen based "rough and ready" baud speed indicator
Text screen based mark/space ratio bias dist. indicator
Graphical bit stream viewer (fully user selectable)
Text screen based bit stream viewer with output to disk
Character Analysis Simplex (for Simplex ARQ systems)
Character Analysis Duplex (for Duplex ARQ and FEC systems)
Auto Classification
High precision Audio Spectrum Analyser. 3 zoomed displays
down to +/-250Hz.
Audio Spectrum Waterfall display. 3 zoomed displays down
to +/-250Hz.
Phase Spectrum Analyser
Phase Oscilloscope
Phase Plane (aka "Vector scope")
Straddle (X tuning screen for FSK's)
Save raw digitized/sampled audio to Disk File - 7MB of
extended RAM equates to approx 15 minutes "record time"
Save Decoded text to Disk File
Alphabets (ITA2 variants):
Standard International
US Military
National Scandinavian
3rd shift Greak (Optional)
M19 Cyrillic (Optional)
M19 Latinized (Optional)
M2 3rd Shift Cyrillic (Optional)
M2 3rd Shift Latinized (Optional)
Hebrew (Optional)
Amateur upper/lower case
Arabic ATU-70 (Optional)
Arabic ATU-70 Latinized (Optional)
Arabic ATU-80 4th shift (Optional)
Arabic ATU-80 4th shift Latinized (Optional)
Farsi (Optional)
Extras Required: IBM Compatible PC (at least 80386 CPU - '486 recommended)
Mono or Colour Monitor
Supplier: (UK) Ntech Communications, 8 The Crescent,
Willingdon, East Sussex, BN20 9RN, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1323 483966
(NL) Hoka Electronics, Flessingsterrein 13,
NL-9665, BZ Oude Pekela, Netherlands
Tel: +31 5978 12327
Approx. Price: Package GBP
---------------------------
Basic 2050
Synoptic Decoder 65
VHF 150
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-A.2 Wavecom Decoders
Decoder: WaveCom W4010 (version 5)
Level: Comprehensive, intermediate level decoder
Synopsis: The first comprehensive decoder for the amateur as
well as professional user. Now being phased out in
favour of the more up-to-date W4050 but still
widely available on the second hand market. Again,
a self-contained unit requiring a composite monitor for
the control, and incoming text displays. Like its
W4100 bigger brother, this decoder again sports
just about every mode that is in regular use on HF
plus a good array of analysis tools.
Software and modes decoded are held in a number of
EPROMs contained in the machine, amking for simple update.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
SI-ARQ
FEC-A
SI-FEC
AUTOSPEC
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Analysis Tools: Speed/Baudrate Determination
IAS Baudrate determination
Shift Measurement
System Alphabet and Bit analysis
Unshift On Space (UOS)
Multiple Scroll Inhibit
Extras Required: Composite Video Monitor
Supplier: WaveCom Nachrichtentechnik AG, Badenerstrasse 122,
CH-8434, Kaiserstuhl, Switzerland. Tel: 1858 0200
Approx. Price: DM2,500 (excl. Tax)
CHF2,300 (excl. Tax)
-------------------
Decoder: WaveCom W4050 (Preliminary Info at March 1995)
Level: Comprehensive, VERY sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Will this be the challenger to the Hoka Code 30 and
knock it off its throne as "King of Decoders"?
This decoder is expected to be released at any time
now and will basically be a new W4100. A new PC
control system is also planned to be available at
the same time as the decoder. Full use will be made
of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology allowing
for the decoding of traditional, and more complex
systems, like DPSK, QPSK etc. Otherwise just like
the W4100 with a very powerful suite of analysis
tools and modes that can be decoded.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
SSTV
TORG-10 & 11
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
SI-ARQ
FEC-A
FEC-S
SI-FEC
SPREAD 11, 21, 51
AUTOSPEC
DUP-ARQ
TWINPLEX
ARQ-6-90 & 98
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
ARQ-N
PACTOR, including ICRC variants
Hellschreiber
Piccolo Mark VI and Mark 12
Coquelet Mark I
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC
HC-ARQ
HNG-FEC
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Meteosat Satellite FAX
Meteo Synoptic Decoder (Optional)
POCSAG
GOLAY
ATIS
FMS-BOS
INFOCALL
Analysis Tools: Fast Fourier Transform Speed/baudrate Determination
Real-Time Spectrum Analyser
IAS Baudrate determination
Fast Fourier Transform Shift Measurement
Autocorrelation of signal and data
System Alphabet and Bit analysis
Bit Length Analysis
Automatic Recognition of all systems decoded
Extras Required: VGA Monitor
Supplier: WaveCom Nachrichtentechnik AG, Badenerstrasse 122,
CH-8434, Kaiserstuhl, Switzerland. Tel: 1858 0200
Approx. Price: Unknown at time of writing.
--------------------
Decoder: WaveCom W4100 (version 2.5.09)
Level: Comprehensive, VERY sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Until the Hoka Code 30 came along, this was
probably the decoder of choice for professional
monitors in military and government agencies. The
W4100 is a 19 inch rack mounting machine, self-contained
unit which requires a VGA monitor as a display. If
you want to build your own decoders, software can
be loaded into the machine via a front panel
mounted 3.5 inch disk drive. Like the Hoka
decoders, a comprehensive set of signal analysis
tools come as standard and the array of systems
that the machine can decode is equally impressive.
The display can also show text in English, Arabic,
Cyrillic, and Greek directly.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
TORG-10 & 11
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
SI-ARQ
ALIS (RS-ARQ)
FEC-A
FEC-S
SI-FEC
SPREAD 11, 21, 51
AUTOSPEC
DUP-ARQ
TWINPLEX
ARQ-6-90 & 98
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
ARQ-N
PACTOR, including ICRC variants
Hellschreiber
Piccolo Mark VI and Mark 12
Coquelet Mark I
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC
HC-ARQ
HNG-FEC
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Meteosat Satellite FAX
Meteo Synoptic Decoder (Optional)
POCSAG
GOLAY
ATIS
FMS-BOS
INFOCALL
Analysis Tools: Fast Fourier Transform Speed/baudrate Determination
Real-Time Spectrum Analyser
IAS Baudrate determination
Fast Fourier Transform Shift Measurement
Autocorrelation of signal and data
System Alphabet and Bit analysis
Bit Length Analysis
Automatic Recognition of all systems decoded
Extras Required: VGA Monitor
Supplier: WaveCom Nachrichtentechnik AG, Badenerstrasse 122,
CH-8434, Kaiserstuhl, Switzerland. Tel: 1858 0200
Approx. Price: DM11,650 (excl. Tax)
CHF10,000 (excl. Tax)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-A.3 Universal Decoders
Decoder: Universal M400 (version 2)
Description: Entry level decoder for Beginners
Synopsis: An easy-to-use decoder with most of the common modes
found on both VHF, UHF and HF. Doesn't include CW
(morse) which is somewhat surprising.
Self-contained unit with a two line LCD display
providing for 40 characters of text, there is also
an 8000 character scrollable buffer which holds
incoming text for review later. Housed in metal
case. Universal Radio also supply an IBM computer
control and text display option called the CI-400
costing around USD100.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY 45, 50, 57, 75, 100 Baud
Baudot RTTY 60, 66, 75, 100, 132 WPM
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA) 75, 110, 150 Baud
FEC-A 96, 144 Baud
FAX 120 LPM, 576 IOC
POCSAG
GOLAY
ACARS
DTMF 16 digits
CTCSS (PL) 41 standard tones
DCS (DPL) 104 standard codes
Analysis Tools: LED Indicators for Mark, Space, Input and Data
Extras Required: Graphics compatible parallel printer (for FAX)
Supplier: (US) Universal Radio, 6830 Americana Parkway,
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, OH 43068, USA Tel: 614 866 4267
(UK) Martin Lynch, 140-142 Northfield Avenue,
Ealing, London, W13 9SB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 181 566 1120
Approx. Price: (US) USD400
(UK) GBP400 (Power Supply GBP20)
------------------
Decoder: Universal M900-VF (version 2)
Discription: Entry level decoder for Beginners
Synopsis: Easy to use decoder that covers all the main HF
data modes. Basically an M400 unit without the VHF
stuff and without the self contained display. This
one does cover CW (Morse) though.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY 45, 50, 75 Baud
Baudot RTTY 60, 66, 100 WPM
CW 6 to 35 WPM (auto speed determination)
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
FEC-A 96, 144 Baud
FAX 60, 120, 240 LPM,
288 or 576 IOC
Analysis Tools: LED Indicators for Mark, Space, Error, Data,
Squelch, and Limiter. User controls for
Normal/Reverse tones, Squelch setting, Change Case,
Shift Up, Shift Down and Unshift on Space (UOS).
Extras Required: Video Monitor (mono, composite video)
Graphics compatible parallel printer (for hard copy)
12V DC Power Supply
Supplier: (US) Universal Radio, 6830 Americana Parkway,
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, OH 43068, USA Tel: 614 866 4267
(UK) Martin Lynch, 140-142 Northfield Avenue,
Ealing, London, W13 9SB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 181 566 1120
Approx. Price: (US) USD500
(UK) GBP530 (Power Supply GBP20)
-------------------
Decoder: Universal M1200
Level: Intermediate-level decoder for HF and VHF systems
Synopsis: This decoder is comes on a full-size PC card to be
inserted into an IBM compatible machine. The
control software is supplied on a 3.5 inch PC
diskette. Comprehensive on-screen status information
and basic diagnostics are included.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY 20 to 250 Baud, auto speed determination
CW 5 to 90 WPM, auto speed determination
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA) 75, 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200 Baud
ARQ-M2 86, 96, 100 Baud
ARQ-M4 172, 192, 200 Baud
ARQ-E 48, 64, 72, 86, 96, 144, 192 Baud
ARQ-E3 48, 64, 72, 86, 96, 100, 192, 200 Baud
ARQ-6-90 200 Baud
FEC-A 96, 144, 192 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 440 or 576 IOC
AX.25 Packet 300, 1200 baud
POCSAG
GOLAY
ACARS
CTCSS 41 standard frequencies
DCS (PL) 104 standard codes
Analysis Tools: On-screen tuning and staus information. Multiple
Scroll Inhibit, Over-print Inhibit, Automatic
Threshold Control, Databit and Literal modes.
False colour and zoom for FAX. Incoming text can
be saved to disk. User programmable memories and
on-screen datascope.
Extras Required: IBM compatible PC with VGA or EGA colour or mono monitor
Supplier: (US) Universal Radio, 6830 Americana Parkway,
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, OH 43068, USA Tel: 614 866 4267
(UK) Martin Lynch, 140-142 Northfield Avenue,
Ealing, London, W13 9SB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 181 566 1120
Approx. Price: (US) USD400
(UK) GBP400
-------------------
Decoder: Universal M8000 (version 5)
Level: Professional-grade, sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Stand-alone decoder much used by professional and
semi-professional monitoring agencies around the
world. Decodes just about anything that you'll
hear on VHF or HF, but not quite in the same league
as the Hoka PC-based systems or the Wavecom family.
Can be fully controlled by a computer or terminal.
Ten memories can be used to store favourite
operating settings. Housed in a standard 19 inch
rack mount cabinet.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY 20 to 250 Baud, auto speed determination
CW (auto speed determination)
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA) 75, 110, 150, 300, 600, 1200 Baud
VFT (FDM) 8, 12, 16, or 24 channels
Piccolo 6 tone
ARQ-M2 86, 96, 100 Baud
ARQ-M4 172, 192, 200 Baud
ARQ-E 48, 64, 72, 86, 96, 144, 192 Baud
ARQ-E3 48, 64, 72, 86, 96, 100, 192, 200 Baud
ARQ-S 4, 5, 6, 7 character blocks
ARQ-6-90 200 Baud
SWED-ARQ 3, 9, 22 character blocks
FEC-A 96, 144, 192 Baud
FEC-S 96, 100, 144, 192, 200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288 or 576 IOC
AX.25 Packet 300, 1200 baud
PACTOR 100, 200 Baud
POCSAG
GOLAY
ACARS
Analysis Tools: Third shift Cyrillic alphabet can be printed
on-screen. Literal mode printing of data
received, databit mode, auto baudrate, tuning and shift
determination. Start printer when upto 3 matching
selcalls are received. On-screen tuning scope.
Screen print and screen saver. Multi-channel ARQ
surveillance function. Signal spectrum display.
User settable signal filters. Multiple scroll
inhibit and Unshift on Space. Built-in self test
functions. Display has on-screen tuning bars and
real-time clock.
Extras Required: VGA colour monitor (640x860 resolution or better)
Graphics compatible parallel printer (for FAX)
Supplier: (US) Universal Radio, 6830 Americana Parkway,
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, OH 43068, USA Tel: 614 866 4267
(UK) Martin Lynch, 140-142 Northfield Avenue,
Ealing, London, W13 9SB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 181 566 1120
Approx. Price: (US) USD1400
(UK) GBP1300
===============================================================================
5-B HOBBIEST UNITS HOBBIEST UNITS
===============================================================================
UNIT NAME |M|L|SYNOPSIS |MODES
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
Momentum Communi- |1|E|A self-contained decoder,requires a |Baudot RTTY:45.45
cations MCL 1100 | | |composite monitor for display. On- |50,75,100,110,200
"Easy Reader" | | |screen tuning graph is displayed w/ |300bd, ASCII:45.45
| | |status line. Auto or manual tuning |50,75,100,110,200
| | |of signal supported. Optional serial|300bd. SITOR-A/B,
| | |port supported. 12V DC power supply |CW
Price: GBP225 | | |needed. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
ERA Microreader Mk2|2|E|A self-contained decoder w/16 char |Baudot RTTY:45.45
version 4.2 | | |LCD display of incoming text,decodes|50,75,100bd,
| | |all basic HF modes and includes a |SITOR-A/B, CW
| | |Morse tutor. Serial port allows text|
| | |to PC. 12V DC power supply needed. |
Price: GBP200 | | |LED tuning bar graph supported. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
Lowe Mode Master V2|3|E|Easy to use software-based decoder |Baudot RTTY, CW,
| | |from the makers of the popular HF- |SITOR-A, SITOR-B,
| | |series receivers. The system de- |FAX
| | |codes the basic HF systems and also |
| | |provides a map facility for driving |
Price: GBP139 | | |the system. IBM PC needed. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
Lowe Air Master |3|E|Easy to use software-based decoder |ACARS
| | |dedicated to the decoding of ACARS |
| | |aircraft reporting system. The de- |
| | |coder consists of a small hardware |
| | |interface that connects to a free |
| | |serial port on an IBM compatible PC.|
Price: GBP90 | | |PC is required. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
AEA PK-232MBX |4|I|Popular multi-mode data controller. |Morse, Baudot,
| | |Combines all standard modes in a |ASCII,AMTOR/SITOR
| | |single unit. Supports GPS and is |PACTOR, VHF & HF
| | |compatible with GPS, Loran, ARNAV |Packet, B&W Fax
| | |ULTIMETER-II. Supports Gateway as |NAVTEX/AMTEX,TDM
| | |node, has maildrop facility and can |
| | |identify TCP/IP, TheNet and NetRom. |
Price: $379.00 | | |Supports signal identification. |Signal ID w/SIAM
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
AEA PK900 |4| |Multi-mode data controller. All |PACTOR, Packet,
| | |standard modes included. Supports |AMTOR, ASCII, CW,
| | |GPS and is compatible with GPS, |Baudot, B&W Fax,
| | |Loran, ARNAV and ULTIMETER-II. |ARQE3, NAVTEX,
| | |Supports True Gateway, dual ports |TDM,16lvl grey
| | |and node operation. 16 shades of |scale FAX
| | |grey FAX with false color capability|
| | | |
| | | |
Price: $569.00 | | | |Signal ID w/SIAM
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
PC/SWL [8/90pc] |6| | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
HAL P38 |8| |The only game in town for afford- |CLOVER
| | |able Clover processing. This plug-in|PACTOR,AMTOR,
| | |DSP card works on 386/486 based DOS |BAUDOT,ASCII
| | |computers. It offers programmable |
| | |tones for AMTOR, PACTOR and RTTY and|
| | |supports all CLOVER modulation |
| | |formats. |
Price: $395.00 | | | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
Franklin Converter |9| |PC based software and external |SSTV 15 modes
[10/95mt] | | |converter can receive, store and |RTTY,CW,ASCII,
| | |process FAX. Supports common amateur|NAVTEX,AMTOR
| | |modes. Audio spectrum analyzer and |
| | |tuning scope supported. |
| | | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
KAM+ Multi-Mode |A| |Stand-alone unit supports all |AMTOR,RTTY,ASCII,
Controller | | |amateur modes and is the ONLY unit |GTOR,PACTOR,CW,
| | |that support GTOR. Dual port |HF&VHF PACKET,
| | |operation supported. Programmable |NAVTEX,WEFAX
| | |Mark/Space supported. |support available
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
MFJ462B stand-alone|B| |Includes printer port, 8k message |RTTY,CW,SITOR-B,
reader | | |memory, tuning indicator, CW speed |ASCII
| | |tracking. Printer expects Epson |
| | |compatibility |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
MFJ1214PC |B| |Tuning indicator for RTTY, CW speed |RTTY,CW,ASCII,
| | |tracking, WeFAX can show 16 grey |WeFAX and color
| | |levels or full color. FAX requires |FAX
| | |512k RAM and can zoom. VGA is |
| | |supported. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
MFJ1278B |B| |Fax/SSTV supports 16 grey levels and|RTTY,PACKET,FAX,
| | |color. SSTV supports Robot color |PACTOR,SITOR-A/B,
| | |36/72, Robot B/W 8/12/24/36, Scotty |SSTV
| | |color 1/2, Martin color 1/2 and AVT |
| | |90/94. VIS tones are supported. |
| | |Signals analysis supported on RTTY, |
| | |ASCII,PACKET,SITOR-A/B. 20 LED |
| | |tuning indicator included. |
| | | |
| | |Options: MFJ1278/DSP - DSP installed|
| | | MFJ1278BT - 2400bd packet |
| | | mode built in |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
BMK-MULTY v3.43 |C| |Versatile unit supports the amateur |RTTY,CW,AMTOR,
| | |modes. Audio signal analyzer (opt) |PACTOR (opt), FAX
| | |and logging are supported. Supports |and SSTV (opt)
| | |transmit on all modes. Supports a |
| | |variety of interfaces: ST5/6,AEA-CP1|
| | |BARTG MULTYTERM,G3LIV PC internal |
| | |modem,G3IQI modem. Low cost options |
| | |(20.00) and upgrades (5-10.00) |
| | | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
Personal Code |D| | |CW, RTTY, FAX,
Explorer | | | |SITOR-A/B, PACKET
[4/93mt] | | | |
| | | |
Price: $99.00+$4S&H| | | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
Suppliers:
(1) Momentum Communications, 6-7 Clarkson Place, Dudley
Road, Lye, West Midlands, DY9 8EL, United Kingdom Tel: +44 1384 896879
(2) ERA, 26 Clarendon Court, Winwick Quay, Warrington,
WA2 8QP, United Kingdom Tel: +44 1925 573118
(3) Lowe Electronics, Chesterfield Road, Matlock,
Derbyshire, DE4 5LE, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1629 580800
(4) Advanced Electronic Applications, Inc., 2006 196th St. SW
P.O. Box C2160, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Tel: (206) 774-5554
(6) Software Systems Consulting, 615 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672 Tel: (714) 498-5784
(8) HAL Communications Corp, P.O. Box 365,
Urbana, IL 61801-0365 Tel: (217) 367-7373
(9) Logic Limited, 113 Cascade St., Morganton, NC 28655
Tel: orders (800) 439-8898 tech line (704) 437-1833
(A) Kantronics
(B) MFJ, Box 494, Miss. State, MS 39762
Tel: orders (800) 647-1800 tech line (800) 647-TECH(8324)
(C) written by G4BMK
Spheretron/Schnedler Systems/AC4IW - distributer
25 Eastwood Rd., P.O. Box 5964, Asheville, NC. 28813 Tel: (704) 274-4646
(D) Microcraft Corporation, Box 513M, Thiensville, WI 53092
Tel: (414) 241-8144
===============================================================================
5-C. PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE
===============================================================================
UNIT NAME |M|L|SYNOPSIS |MODES
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
Hamcomm (Version 3)|1|I|This PC-based decoder is shareware. |Baudot RTTY:45-
| | |The interface, which connects to the|200bd, CW 5-40wpm,
| | |PC serial port, can be built at |SITOR-A/B, ASCII
| | |little cost. Despite being low-cost |
| | |the decoder is a fine piece of soft-|Signal Osciloscope
| | |ware w/features found in decoders |Spectrum Analyser
| | |costing over $100. PC, monitor and |Bit Len. Analyser
| | |1 serial port needed. |Tuning Aid + Meteo
| | | |SYNOP,SHIP and WX
| | | |decoder.
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
JVFAX 7.0 |2|I|JvFax is a shareware program for the|FAX IOC 200-576
| | |reception of wx and photo style fax.| LPM 48,60,90,120,
| | |It also includes a transmit option | 180,240,360,480
| | |for Fax and an SSTV transmit and |SSTV B/W 8,12,24s
| | |receive mode. Reception can be auto-| Scottie S1/S2/DX
| | |mated and features time scheduling. | Martin M1/M2
| | |Automatic creation of wx movies is | Wraase 24,48,96
| | |supported when receiving from geo- |
| | |stationary sat. GIF format is used |
| | |to store pictures, but 24 bit un- |
| | |compressed TIF can be used. |
| | |IBM PC w/DOS 3.0+4 MB of RAM needed.|
| | |WINDOWS or OS/2 is NOT SUPPORTED. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
Suppliers:
(1) W. F. Schroeder, Augsburger Weg 63, D-33102 Paderborn, Germany
Also on many BBSes and Internet Archives.
Hamcom approx. price: Registration Fee of USD30 or DM40
(2) Freeware
===============================================================================
5-D. VHF SPECIFIC UNITS VHF SPECIFIC UNITS
===============================================================================
UNIT NAME |M|L|SYNOPSIS |MODES
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
MessageTracker v2.0|1| |Software displays and stores pager |Golay
| | |messages. Auto polarity and baud |POCSAG all speeds
| | |rate detection supported. Can handle|
| | |golay and multispeed pocsag on the |
Price: $139.95 | | |same freq. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
Pager Datascope |2| |Software is designed to diagnose |POCSAG all speeds
| | |pager hardware, software, and wire- |
| | |less media. Alpha and numeric trans-|
| | |lation is displayed and written to |
| | |disk. Can display and store synch- |
| | |ronous bit patterns. tune indicator |
| | |on screen. Display of CAP code, date|
| | |time stamp and info plus results of |
Price: $199.95 | | |error correction supported. |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
ACARS Decoder |3| |ACARS decoding software for IBM |ACARS
[1/96 73] | | |computers. Also available as option |
| | |for PK-232 and PK-900 owners |
| | | |
| | | |
Price: $90.00 | | | |
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+------------------
ACT1 ACARS |4| |ACARS decoding software and hard- |ACARS
| | |ware. Uses 1 serial port on IBM |
| | |computer. Supports view, print, |
| | |save of text traffic. Requires 8088 |
Price: $149.95 | | |CPU or better, 1 25 pin serial port.|
-------------------+-+-+------------------------------------+-----------------
Suppliers:
(1) K&L Technology, P.O. Box 460838, Garland, TX 75046-0838
Tel: (214) 414-7198 Email: KLTsupport@aol.com
(2) JSoft Technologies: via Universal Radio, 6830 Americana Parkway,
Reynoldsburg, Ohio, OH 43068, USA Tel: 614 866 4267
(3) Advanced Electronic Applications, Inc., 2006 196th St. SW
P.O. Box C2160, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Tel: (206) 774-5554
(4) Universal Radio, 6830 Americana Pkwy, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068
Tel: (800) 431-3939/(614) 866-4267