MultiPSK Accessibility
for Vision-Impaired Hams
This article is for vision-impaired amateur radio operators interested in using MultiPSK, a multi-featured digital mode coding/decoding program. The article describes:
• Visibility of the user interface,
• Automatic mode recognition and switching,
• Automatic tuning, and
• Links to rig monitoring/control programs.
The text-to-speech options in MultiPSK are described in a separate article.
Software
MultiPSK freeware by F6CTE codes and decodes an impressive number of ham digital modes. The registered version adds some Professional modes and other capabilities. MultiPSK has a long list of features, including logging and links to DXLab tools.
User Interface Visibility
The MultiPSK panel (Figures 1 & 2) displays a lot of information. Two tips from F6CTE increase the visibility:
• Use the Windows default setting of 96 dpi for the computer
screen. The "Larger Scale (120 dpi)" option causes some
text to be hidden.
• A display resolution setting of 800 x 600 pixels is best—the
text is larger and bolder.
Figure 1. MultiPSK panel with resolution 800 x 600 pixels.
Figure 2. Part of Figure 1 shown actual size.
On a typical 22" screen adjusted to 800 x 600 pixel resolution, most text on the control panel is 0.18" high (range 0.12" - 0.18"). the transmitted and received text boxes have Font/Style/Size/Color options. The received text shown in Figures 1 and 2 is 0.45" high, the largest font option. (The large font option in JT65 mode is 0.3" high.)
There are high contrast color options for the background of the received text box and for the waterfall.
Automatic Mode Recognition
MultiPSK can send Reed Solomon code to identify the mode you are using. For incoming signals with Reed Solomon code ID, MultiPSK can identify the mode and start decoding the text automatically.
Automatic Tuning
The DigiTalk add-on by KH6TY for Multi-PSK has an option to search for signals on the MultiPSK waterfall by pressing the left or right arrow key once. A control button (MultiPSK Options Menu→Interface with Digitalk) opens a dialog box to download the add-on. (Windows 7 users must also install MSAgent via a MicroSoft "hotfix.")
Links to Rig Control Programs
MultiPSK can interoperate with Commander, the DXLab rig monitoring and control program. When Commander software has been installed, selecting the "Commender" button on the MultiPSK panel establishes a link that displays and controls the transceiver frequency from the panel. Adding a DXLab software bridge allows Ham Radio Deluxe to emulate Commander and provide transceiver control.
For More Information
A MultiPSK program description is available in English or French.
The developer, F6CTE, participates in the MultiPSK User Group.
An excellent video tutorial from K2MO on installing MultiPSK +
Commander is here.
Summary
MultiPSK has features for vision-impaired hams, including text-to-speech, high visibility message text, automatic transceiver tuning, and automatic mode recognition.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Patrick, F6CTE, for the accessibility features in MultiPSK and to Skip, KH6TY, for developing DigiTalk. Thanks to Franco, 3A2MW, for recommending MultiPSK.
Author Information
Peter DeNeef, AE7PD, is an Extra Class amateur radio operator in the U.S. This Web site has no ads or conflicts of interest.
Email: HamRadioAndVision "at" gmail "dot" com.
rev. 1/25/2012
Related Articles: High Visibility Digital Mode Text
Digital Mode Text-to-Speech