Category: DigiModes
FreeDV: Open-Source Digital Voice for Shortwave
FreeDV is the fully open-source alternative to proprietary digital voice modes like D-STAR or DMR. Where those rely on the licence-encumbered AMBE codec and dedicated radios, FreeDV runs on ordinary SSB hardware and is open from…
VARA Modem: Fast HF Data Transfer for Winlink and Emcomm
In 2026 VARA is the fastest software-based HF data modem and forms the backbone of the worldwide Winlink network — at the same time it is the foundation for the popular keyboard chat VarAC. This article…
RTTY, PSK31 and Olivia: Classic Data Modes Beyond FT8
Beyond FT8, classic keyboard-to-keyboard modes remain actively used. This article explains RTTY, PSK31, PSK63 and Olivia — with software recommendations and Austrian contest activity. RTTY (Radioteletype) RTTY is the oldest digital keyboard mode (1950s). Uses FSK…
DMR for Beginners: Talkgroups, Codeplugs and Digital Networks
For many operators, DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) is the most convenient way into digital voice: affordable radios, clear audio and — via networked repeaters — the whole world within reach. This article walks you step by…
TETRA on BrandMeister: TetraPack.Online Brings Professional Digital Radio to Amateur Radio
Most radio amateurs know BrandMeister as the world's largest DMR network. But since 2024, there's a new family member: TetraPack.Online brings the professional TETRA standard to amateur radio — with superior voice quality, full-duplex capability and…
Winlink: Email via Radio — Emergency Communication Without Internet
Imagine the internet goes down — no Wi-Fi, no mobile data, no fibre. For most people, that would be a disaster. For radio amateurs with Winlink, it is not. Winlink is a worldwide email system that…
D-Star - much more than just voice
Guest post by Alex, OE8HAM: Why D-Star is much more than just voice — image transfer, Bluetooth chat, GPS tracking, voice recorder and the Doozy app for the ID-52 plus.
APRS in Austria: Position Reports, Weather Data and More
APRS — the Automatic Packet Reporting System — is one of the most versatile digital systems in amateur radio. It combines position reports, short messages, weather data and telemetry on a single frequency. In Austria there…
FT8 for Beginners: The Digital Mode That Revolutionised Shortwave Radio
Anyone who has watched the 20-metre band in recent years knows the phenomenon: between 14.074 and 14.076 MHz, there is activity around the clock — not in Morse code, not in voice, but in short, computer-generated…
WSPR: The World of Propagation Research with 5 Watts
Imagine sending a signal with less power than a flashlight – and stations around the world receive it. That's exactly what WSPR (pronounced "Whisper") makes possible. The Weak Signal Propagation Reporter network is one of the…
D-STAR vs. DMR vs. C4FM vs. M17 vs. TETRA: The Ultimate Comparison of Digital Voice Systems in Amateur Radio
The world of amateur radio has changed. If you switch on a handheld transceiver today, the choice is no longer just between FM and SSB — you're facing a jungle of digital voice systems. D-STAR, DMR,…
FT2 – The New High-Speed Digital Mode: 4x Faster Than FT8\!
Every radio amateur knows FT8. Since February 16, 2026, there is a new player: FT2 with only 3.8 seconds per cycle – 4x faster than FT8\! Developed in Italy with AI assistance.
