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: