"What's Hellschreiber?" you ask.

Well, it's a manner of radio teleprinting that combines the simplicity of continuous wave modulation and the complexity of the human brain's ability to perform noise rejection and pattern recognition.

The mode -- originating in the 1920s -- was invented by Dr. Rudolph Hell. It predates RTTY, and is a cross between FAX and super-fast Morse Code sending. Letters are literally drawn onto a paper tape or video screen, using various "flavors" of the mode (CW, FM, PSK, multi-tone), which continued to evolve into the early 1980s. A full explanation of the mode, as well as free software to send and receive Hell, can be found on the Fuzzy Modes website of Murray, ZL1BPU. For a brief overview, we have a short PowerPoint presentation you may download.

The sending and receiving of Hellscreiber is enjoyed by thousands of radio amateurs around the globe. Typically, in North America, we can be found on 20 meters hanging out between 14.078-14.081. There is also some activity around 14.060-14.063. On 40 meters, look near 7.072, 7.060 and 7.037. On 80 meters, signals can sometimes be heard at night on 3.085-ish. There are "unofficial" Hellschreiber Activity Days, also, held the last Saturday (UTC) of January, April, July, and October, 0000-2359z. DARC also sponsors some contests.

To join us, just send an e-mail to k7ccc at yahoo dot com. Membership is free; all you need is an interest in this historic and unusually effective mode. We'll put you on the roster.

73, Dave - K7CCC - IHO #3. "See you in Hell!"

Dr. Rudolph Hell

Image from LA6NCA. For more on the history of the Hellschreiber machine, see his web site.