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 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.

Click TX

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 02:00 UTC)

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: