JT65: Digital's "Super Mode"

I devoted some time a while back to learning the nuances of MultiPSK, and its many modes offered. One of these modes is Joe Taylor's JT65. To the uninitiated, JT65 is a VERY WEAK signal mode of communication that can decode fraction-of-a-second signals reflected from ionized meteor trails, as well as steady signals more than 10 dB weaker than those required for conventional CW. It is optimized for EME communications, although many have used it quite successfully on HF for DX Hunting.  It is surpassed only by the obscure Jason mode, and QRSS.

To describe it simplistically, JT65 uses 65-tone frequency shift keying with constant-amplitude waveforms and no phase
discontinuities. This form of modulation is much more efficient than on-off keying,
especially when combined with an optimal coding scheme. In addition, it is much more
tolerant of frequency instabilities than phase-shift keying. Also, JT65 uses shorthand messages (OOO, RRR, RO) commonly utilized in the EME world, although short standard English messages can also be transmitted.

The beauty of JT65, is that QSOs/contacts are made at signal levels that sometimes can't be heard, but can be detected by the JT65 decoding software. I have made many QSOs recently with signal levels in the neighborhood of -22 to -28 dB.

This amazing ability of the software to do the heavy lifting against the ionosphere allows extremely modest stations to work fantastic DX without many of the usual complications of typical DX activities, and with a much lower necessary transmitted signal. In one evening on 10 meters, I was working and watching Japan, Australia, and the Southern Hemisphere all at the same time.  And all the DX I have worked thus far has been accomplished with 3 watts and a Hustler 4BTV.

Whether it's via the WSJT, JT65-HF, or with MultiPSK...try JT65. You just may be amazed at what low power can reward you with.

UPDATE:  Here are some photos that I added that were sent to me by my new friend, Sergey UR3CTB in Ukraine.  We had a QSO last weekend on 10 meters...it is the second attempt at working each other.  He had called me on 10 meters the weekend prior, but conditions changed rapidly, and I lost his signal.  It's pretty interesting to see what my JT65 signal looks on the other side of the planet.  (Power used...as always...5 watts.)