Contestia Mode, operating
from the MixW2
v2.16 multi-mode program
Contestia is less sensitive than Olivia (+1.5db on minimum S/N;
it is a lot more robust (due to smaller block size) but it is twice
More rapid
(with reduced set of characters); excellent chat mode.
Hardware:
A RIGblaster (1ea), Soundcard speaker
cables: Radio Shack-42 2387 (3ea).
RIGBlaster
Strap P1 to match your radio's
Microphone. (i.e. RJ45 IC706 page 9). Set Audio Level
Control full clockwise.
Swith VOX/AUTO to AUTO, apply
power. Cable RIGblaster to
radio and computer, as shown in
RIGblaster manual’s hookup diagram, PC Speaker Out to Rigblater
In; PC Aux. In to
Rigblaster Out). The RIGblaster interface will allow
computer speakers to continue to operate for music etc.
Note: Don't use low impedance un-amplified
speakers.
Computer downloads:
MixW v 2.16 http://mixw.net/beta/beta8/MixW216b8.exe
ModeOlivia. dll
Modeolivia3.zip
Mode Contestia.dll Modes.zip
ModeRttyM.dll Modes.zip
Q15x25dll.dll Q15x25dll.zip
Help Files:
mixw214help.exe http://radioministries.org/k4set/MixW2_help.html
Install Computer downloads to
MixW folder
Unzip and create a Shortcut
Icon.
Windows Sound card setup:
Click Configure -- Select Output Volume -
Set Volume Control to 3 - Set Wave to 3 – Set Balance to Center
Click Configure – Select Input Volume – Select Line-in - Set to 3
- Set Balance to Center
MixW Setup:
Click MixW2 Icon
Click Help – Register (follow instructions)
Registration: Once Registered you
will receive a Registration Email and an Attachment. Copy the Attachment into
the
MixW
folder and unzip.
Click Configure and Select Personal data then
enter ONLY your Callsign, fill out whatever other data
is called for. After your
amateur
Callsign is entered in the personal data area, the program will then be
Registered.
Click Configure – Type Personal Data
Click Configure –Click TRCVR/PTT and setup
Click View - Select Spectrum – Select RF,
USB – Select Waterfall
Click View – Select CAT Bar
Setup to operate Contestia
mode:
Click Contestia
Click Mode Settings
Select: Tones 16 - Sub-mode
Bandwidth 500
Select Inverted
Select: Squelch
Allow manual tuning
Click OK
Contestia will appear
in the lower Status Bar “Mode-box”
Setup Macros: AutoCQ
– CQ 1 – Call 2 – RtrnCall – Info – Brag – Bye – ( Right-click Mouse
on Window and setup micro text)
Click Options – Auto CQ – Stop (to stop Auto
CQ)
Click Options - Select Set transceiver
Frequency. – Select Band – Select LSB mode – Set Frequency.
Radio Setup:
Set all IF filters to off or as wide as
possible
Set Audio RF to MAX
Set Transmitter output power to ½
manufacturer’s rated RF.
Set VFO to 3.586
Set MODE Emission to LSB
Set PROCESSOR to OFF and Set SWR to ON
Adjust Tuner for 1:1
Set SWR to OFF and Set ALC to ON
Speak into the Mic.,
adjusting Mic. Gain so that ALC doesn’t occur above
the ALC Zone indicator.
ALC can remain ON to control drive limit.
Adjust RIGBlaster Audio Level Control,
stopping as Transmitter output power reaches MAX. Keep an eye on your ALC so
that
ALC does not occur; run with NO ALC
indicating occurring. Any ALC indicating, results in your TX signal being
distorted.
Click RX
Recommended frequencies: Sub-mode
3.586 LSB (Net
14.080 18.075
Operate:
Type: Call
Type: Name
Type: RST
Click Macro
Call2 (to call Station)
Note: Macro Set 1 (F1 through F12)
Macro Set 2 (press CTRL)
Macro Set 3 (press Shift)
Macro Set 4 (press shift + CTRL)
When they answer:
Type message in TX window
Click F9 or TX (goes into TX)
Type message in TX window
Click
F10 or RX (goes to RX)
Click Bye to End QSO (Date & Time is
sent)
Click Alt+S or
Save (QSO is saved)
DX Spots:
DX Summit: http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs
DX Summit:
Click Spot Database Search
Search string: type Contestia
Click Any Column
Click Search
DX-Spots
Click Frequency
Click Custom Spots - Digital
DX Spots Click Send your own:
Click Send your own
Type AA3EU
DX Call type AA3EU
Freq. type 3586.0
Info.:
DIGITAL Contestia Mode 16/500 CQ CQ
CQ
Click Submit
MUF Charts: http://www.arrl.org/qst/procharts/
DX Summit: http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs/
DX Spot: http://hamcall.net/dxspots
DX Spots http://www.ng3k.com/misc/cqc2005.html
DX-Telnet: http://www.golist.net
References: