Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- js8 [2023/06/27 18:15] – created m7tws
+++ js8 [2023/06/27 18:37] – m7tws
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 From the same menu, the **Decoder Sensitivity** option determines how many passes the decoder uses to detect JS8 signals. The higher the value, the more processing power required, lower power systems such as the Raspberry Pi 2 may require a lower number of passes. As a reference point, a Raspberry Pi 400 is capable of processing on **(4x) Four Decode Passes** mode with ease.
+==== Frequencies ====
+JS8 has a list of builtin frequencies, you can select this from the main window by clicking on the frequency readout in the top left of your screen. If you cannot see this, click **View > Show Frequency & Clock**. This will be what you use to change bands, it is also the frequency which will be uploaded to PSKReporter and put in your logbook.
+JS8 splits the frequency band into 3 (three) section
+^ Frequency range (Hz) ^ Usage ^
+| 500 - 1000 | This section is used for HEARTBEAT messaging |
+| 1000 - 2500 | This section is used for regular JS8 operating - HEATBEATs may be sent in this region if configured in the settings menu |
+| 2500 - 2700 | This section is also used for HEARTBEAT messaging |
+The frequency you're transmitting on can be seen in the spectrogram view as a pair of parallel red lines or under the frequency readout described above. Ensure you have your offset set within the green section of the band (1000-2500Hz).
+When sending a HB, the associated HB regions will be used automatically unless configured otherwise. Once sent the transmit frequency will automatically change back to the frequency you set.
+Most JS8 activity is seen on 20m and 40m. There is also plenty of JS8 activity on 11m CB.
+When operating in the amateurs bands, 20m is most commonly used during the day, and 40m for the evening and night. You may be able to get messages to stations you cannot here by utilising a station on 20m during the day who can relay a message on 40m at night.
 ==== Autoreply (AUTO) ====
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 Similar to the store and forward mailbox feature, stations can also act as relays, where a message is sent immediately to the destination as opposed to stored and sent on request. This would allow a QSO to take place using a middle man station, note that this method of communication would be very slow.
-==== Common Acronyms ====
+==== Sending messages ====
+When responding to a station, select them in the station list on the right, here you can send them a directed message. There are some predefined messages such as the QUERY messages but also others such as **REPLY** which is used to respond to a CQ call and **SNR** which is used in response to a **REPLY** message. After this establishment you can use free text messaging by typing into the message box and hitting **Enter/Return** to send the message. You can continue to write your message while it is sending to avoid delays or doubling however, if the software reaches where you are typing it will consider this the end of the message and the new text added will be a new message which is sent, this may cause confusion so use this feature carefully.
+The longer your message is, the longer it takes to send. Keep in mind your mode of operation when writing your messages, use acronyms and shorthand where possible.
+JS8 QSOs can take a long time, try to keep messages as short as possible however sometimes a 5 (five) minute message is unavoidable if you're having a proper long form QSO.
+If you have a good signal, try using one of the faster messaging modes, remembering to be mindful of adjacent stations as you increase your bandwidth.
+If a station is operating in AUTO mode and the operator is away, this may be a good time to send them a long message using the **MSG** function.
+==== Common Acronyms and Shorthand ====
-Due to the slow nature of JS8, many operators will use a variety of acronyms in addition to QCodes to help pack more information into their messages with minimal impact to the time taken to send a message.
+Due to the slow nature of JS8, many operators will use a variety of acronyms in addition to QCodes to help pack more information into their messages with minimal impact to the time taken to send a message. Many of these will also be utilised in Morse Code (CW) operation.
 ^ Acronym ^ Meaning        ^
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 | PWR     | Power |
 | NR      | Near  |
+| WX      | Weather |
+| Q??     | This is a standard Q Code [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code#Amateur_radio|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code#Amateur_radio]] |