My first Olivia contact
I just made my first Olivia contact. The biggest hurdle was getting fldigi to work with my IC-7610. When I first ran fldigi, it received just fine, but I couldn’t get it to transmit. One of the problems was that, for some reason, there’s no official fldigi RigCAT XML file for the IC-7610, despite it being a very popular radio.
Fortunately, I was able to find a couple of web pages that helped me get fldigi set up properly:
- fldigi Failures Troubleshooting by N8GD
- Configuring Icom radio for USB operation by SM7IUN
Thanks, guys, and thanks to M1GEO for coming up with a RigCAT XML file that works.
For more information on Olivia, go to the Olivia Digital Mode on HF web page. It has a bunch of information that will help you get started include a list of frequencies, links to videos by NW7US, and a link to join the Olivia Discord.
Antenna efficiency
On the X-6100 mailing list—as on many amateur radio mailing lists—there’s a discussion about the best antenna to use for portable operation. I like my 66-ft. doublet. I’ve had good success with it, and I have to believe that it’s more efficient than loaded verticals and end-fed antennas. I said as much on the list.
Of course, I can’t verify that. Not only am I not an antenna guru, there’s really no instrument that can measure antenna efficiency. Maybe some measurements could be made with a field strength meter to determine relative antenna efficiencies. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
Straight Key Night 2023
I’ve never been a big straight key guy, but even so, I dug out my J-45 key (a J-37 mounted on a leg clamp, see above) and hooked it up to the radio last night. The first contact I made was with SP7ASJ, which was nice. I made another contact before I decided to call it quits. I had intended to make a couple more today, but I just never got around to it.
Paul kw1L says
How did it feel sending at 18 wpm with a straight key?
Did you get your letter and word timing correct?
Glad to hear you on with a straight key. Try it more often it will improve your brain power!!
Pat says
Dan. I know SK is not your thing, but have you ever tried a “cootie”? So so much easier on the wrist when you get the hang of it. I really enjoy my design as the spark plug feeler gauge lets you select the tension you desire. Also switches quickly to single lever paddle. Thanks for the blog! Key link at: http://www.whiskeytangohotel.com/2020/07/3d-printed-single-lever-paddlecootie.html
Dan KB6NU says
I definitely agree that it’s much easier on the wrist. I’m just not motivated enough to put in the time to develop a decent fist with it. I’m the same way with bugs, too.
Rob W4ZNG says
Thanks for posting the Olivia links, as well as your thoughts on the mode. I’ve used it several times but did not realize that there is this degree of coordination, i.e., a voluntary band plan. Nor did I realize that it is so robust. Mostly, I’d just chat with whoever drifted into the psk sub-band, which was OK but kind of hit or miss. Now I’ll be using it more, and more systematically, in 2024.
Thanks again, and Happy New Year!
Dan KB6NU says
I (or my computer, actually) will be listening for you.
Dave New, N8SBE says
Interestingly enough, the MI ARPSC folks have used Olivia 500 for an exercise in the past, and mentioned it again on the most recent 80M SSB Net yesterday evening.
So I guess I need to figure out how to do Olivia, likely using the DM780 mode in my Ham Radio Deluxe program. I’ve used that mode in the past to receive PSK31, etc., so it shouldn’t be all that hard to get it going, on a setup that I currently use FT8/FT4 and VARA HF on.
Jason VE3MAL says
Antenna efficiency is kind of a silly metric anyway. What matters is the field strength in the direction of the ham you are working.
An antenna that radiates nearly all it’s signal straight up could be 100% efficient and still nearly useless.