Radio Teletype RTTY

RTTY

The ‘original’ data mode. RTTY (pronounced ‘Ritty’) has been around for many, many years and is still just as popular. Years ago the only way to get on RTTY was to use a mechanical terminal unit such as the Creed 7 series, which were big, noisy and messy. These days, virtually all RTTY is doneby the computer/soundcard combination.

This mode can be generated and decoded with a computer by a variety of free software on the internet.

RTTY Waterfal

Amateurs (hams) use 45 baud (the speed) with 170Hz shift (between mark and space). Commercial stations use 50 or 100 baud with shifts of 425 or even 850Hz. Most software caters for differing speeds and shifts.

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RTTY The Old days

In the old days telex machines were used for RTTY , they were heavy and not to mention the noise they made.

I had one when I lived in a small appartment and the neighbours downstairs allways complained about it.

Many of the old commercial machines found their way to the surplus amateur market.

RTTY The Modern way

Were would we be without a PC and a good Soundcard nowadays ?

RTTY also shifted to digital, so with a PC and some software it is possible to receive and transmit RTTY ... NO MORE NOISY MACHINES !

This is just an example of a piece of software. Just google for RTTY software and you will find loads..