THE FIRST CHRISTMAS WISH LIST OF 2002!!
By Jay AA8QQ--Edited by W3HF
As an active digital-mode operator, I think a very useful addition to
my station would be a DSP software program that integrates with my
other software. This could either
run on a second sound card, daisy chained ahead of the sound card used
by the Digital mode program, or take control of the sound card and
emulate the soundcard I/O and cause the digital mode program to find and
run through it.
This program should have adjustable filters, accessible by panels in a
separate window, to effect the following features or functions:
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Anti Screen Blanker Filter - An inverse squelch threshold, affecting
only signals stronger than that threshold, which damps or adjusts down
those signals' amplitudes as shown on a spectral display showing signals
by amplitude as well as frequency. This would eliminate or reduce
those overpowering signals that turn the whole waterfall black,
returning the previously blanked waterfall area for normal use.
-
Single Signal AGC - A function similar to above, to limit the amplitude
of individual signals. Could be included with the Multi-Notch Filter
that follows.
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Multi-Notch Filter - Up to 16 individually programmable notch filters,
the center frequency of each adjustable on a ruler across the top of the
display, similar to the tab ruler on word processors. Once the filter
is selected, display its characteristics and adjustment controls in a
"Filter Characteristics" box. Each notch filter could have a tunable
bandwidth, preferably down to one or two hertz, and have an adjustable
null depth down to the bottom of the display. Options: Buttons for
selectable filter shapes. Downloadable and exchangeable filter
signature files.
-
Unwanted Mode Filters - Digitally neutralize unwanted mode signals from
other modes. Click on an Anti Mode button then anywhere on the unwanted
signal to have the DSP hunt down and eliminate or minimize the
offending signal. Selectable mode type buttons could allow faster
response to known modes, such as AMTOR, PACTOR, RTTY, CW, etc. Options:
Downloadable and exchangeable "Future" mode signatures. Customizable
buttons with memory, save, and load functions.
-
Selectable Pass Band - High and low cut filters like on the big name HF
rigs. Adjustable from each end of the extremes of the display thru the
opposite end. Option: Individual "degree of attenuation" setting for
each high and low filter.
-
Digital Preamp - Individual signal peaking adjustment to give just a
little more gain for those cases when a signal is barely visible, and to
have the DSP unit concentrate on that specific signal.
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Birdie Killer - Multiple Programmable filter function buttons to kill
only the noise impulses of repetitive type birdies. From Steady
carriers to birdies generated by power lines, radios, monitors, and PCs
to name a few. Ability to click on a birdie and have the DSP analyze,
memorize, track, and kill the offending birdie.
-
Noise Filter - Button for reducing random noise.
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Stand Alone Display - A display that could be oriented either vertically
or horizontally, and be dragged and dropped above, below, or to either
side of the popular Digital soundcard mode programs, and correspond to
the spectral display of the program being used. Options: Frequency,
Time, and Amplitude displays.
-
True Signal Quality Analyzer - A DSP function to give a true analysis of
an individual signal and eliminate the dubious IMD reading used in PSK.
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Alarm Indicators - To signal the user that the signal being filtered has
changed or disappeared altogether so the user can disable that filter
function.
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Priced under $40.00, or as freeware in the true spirit of ham radio.
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Beta by Christmas 2002.
