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 (Frequency Shift Keying) — two tones for 0 and 1 (typically 170 Hz shift).
Speed: 45.45 Baud (standard), 50 Baud (Europe)
Application: DX hunting, contests (RTTY Roundup, CQ WW RTTY). Very popular in contests due to high speed.
PSK31 and PSK63
PSK31 (Phase Shift Keying, 31.25 Baud) is a narrowband keyboard mode. Developed by G3PLX in 1999.
Advantages: Very narrow bandwidth (~31 Hz), low transmit power (5-10 W sufficient), good with weak signals.
Olivia
Olivia is a robust mode for weak signals and QRM. Uses MFSK (Multi-Frequency Shift Keying) + FEC (Forward Error Correction).
Variants: Olivia 8/250, 16/500, 32/1000 (tones/bandwidth).
Videos: Classic Data Modes in Practice
Three tutorials show RTTY, PSK31 and Olivia in operation — from first decode to contest:
Further Resources
- Fldigi — the standard software for RTTY, PSK31/63 and Olivia (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- MMTTY — dedicated RTTY engine, popular with contesters
- Olivia Digital Mode on HF — frequencies, conventions and practice
- ARRL RTTY Roundup — rules of the beginner-friendly January contest
73 – your oeradio.at team
Transparency Notice
This article was researched and written with AI assistance (Claude, Anthropic). Content reviewed by oeradio.at.
