I have always been interested in digital modes. In this section I have put together some links to existing resources that may help you explore this area. I have for many years used HRD and DM780 to provide the software, and my radio has a built in USB sound card.
I have produced a guide to digital modes for all occasions that can downloaded as PDF. The slides try to look at the various digital modes, highlighting advantages and disadvantages for each mode.
Most of the software is free, but on occasions its not frequently updated. WSPR is very popular, but getting the program to CAT interface with modern radios can be a challenge. If you use the Icom 7100 then this guide to connecting your radio to WSPR may help.
Help understanding the UK bandplan, what frequency to listen on can sometimes be daunting. The RSGB produce an online PDF / web based guide, but often visualisation helps using GW6ITJ or G3NRW online guides.
Is the band open ?
Remembering that many stations choose to just monitor and report online who they have decoded. While this one way report does not count as a QSO, it does serve a useful propagation tool telling you the band is open. You can review online reports using hamspots or PSK reporter
If you wanted to chat in digital modes and benefit from good inter G conditions 5 MHz can be ideal in the daytime. Its often open before 7 Mhz. Why not use dial freq 5366.5 and centre your signal on 1500 HZ in the middle of your waterfall. Calling CQ using Olivia in 8/500 or 16/500 will often find someone to chat to, this isnt your 599 – 73 type digital QSO ! Turning on RSID (a feature found in many digital modes programs) will help others identify your mode.
73 Dave M0TAZ