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Section 5. What decoders are available.
Specifically this section covers the following data decoders:
Unit Manufacturer
---------------------------- ---------------------------------
Code 3, Code 30 Hoka
W4010, W4050, W4100 Wavecom
This list covers the most CAPABLE decoders currently available.
Each section following provides a description, synopsis, modes decoded,
analysis tools included and a UK/US supplier (if known) along with
pricing (which is subject to change).
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5-B. HOKA Decoders
Decoder: Hoka Code 3 (version 4)
Level: Comprehensive, sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: The Hoka Code 3 comes in two parts: an interface box
which connects to a free serial port of an IBM
compatible PC, and the software itself, on a 1.44Mb
3.5 inch PC diskette. The decoder is implemented
entirely in software which makes it extremely
powerful together with a wealth of analysis tools,
most of which are also included as standard. This is
probably the most powerful decoder for its price.
The user has practically complete control over all
important parameters for each mode decoded. Exotic
data systems are available as optional software
modules, at extra cost. Comprehensive on-screen
diagnostics and system information are shown for
each mode decoded. Each module is chosen from a
simple menu system with one-key commands to set or
change system parameters. There is even an
optional module (Auto Classification) which will
look at a signal and tell you what the data system
is! Full Synoptic decoding of meteo AAXX and BBXX
codes is also available as an option.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
TORG-10 & 11
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
FEC-A
FEC-S
SI-FEC
SI-ARQ
AUTOSPEC
SPREAD 11, 21, 51
DUP-ARQ
TWINPLEX
ARQ-6-90 & 98
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
ARQ-N
PACTOR, including ICRC variants (Optional)
Hellschreiber
Piccolo Mark VI (Optional)
Coquelet Mark I & Mark II (Optional)
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC (Optional)
HC-ARQ (Optional)
HNG-FEC (Optional)
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Meteo Synoptic Decoder (Optional)
Analysis Tools: Signal Oscilloscope (Optional)
Signal Spectrum Analyser (+ Baud Rate and Speed)
Save Decoded text to Disk File (Optional)
Save Signal Bit Structure to Disk File
Signal Autocorrelation (Raw & Modulated signal)
Bitstream Autocorrelation
Speed Measurement
Mark Space Timing
Bitstream Analysis
Character Analysis (Simplex and Duplex Systems)
Auto Classification (Optional)
Extras Required: IBM Compatible PC (80286 or 80386 CPU)
Mono or Colour Monitor
1 free serial port (for LF3 Interface connection)
Supplier: (US) Computer Aided Technologies, PO Box 18285,
Shreveport, LA 71138, USA Tel: 318 636 1234
FAX 318-686-0449
(NL) Hoka Electronics, Flessingsterrein 13,
NL-9665, BZ Oude Pekela, Netherlands
Tel: +31 5978 12327
Approx. Price: Package GBP USD
---------------------------------------
Basic 329 595
Piccolo 65
Coquelet 65
HNG FEC, RUM FEC, TORG,
HC-ARQ 75
Synoptic Decoder 35
Oscilloscope 35 INCL
Save to Disk File 35 INCL
Auto Classify 65 INCL
Pactor 25 INCL
In US ALL NOT INCLUDED options above add 200
--------------------
Decoder: Hoka Code 30 (version 2)
Level: Comprehensive, VERY sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Arguably the King of Decoders! The decoder
consists of a card which is inserted into a free 8
or 16 bit slot in an IBM compatible PC, together
with the decoding software on a 1.44Mb diskette.
The decoder board is high-quality, RF screened and
makes use of Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
techniques. Because of DSP technology, the Code 30
will deal with any traditional system plus complex
systems using Phase Shift Keying (PSK) and the like.
Its power and flexibility, due to DSP and software
based modules, means that many government agencies and
military surviellance units make use of the Code 30.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
TORG-10 & 11
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
FEC-A
FEC-S
SI-FEC
SI-ARQ
SPREAD 11, 21, 51
AUTOSPEC
DUP-ARQ
TWINPLEX
ARQ-6-90 & 98
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
ARQ-N
PACTOR, including ICRC variants (Optional)
Hellschreiber
Piccolo Mark VI
Coquelet Mark I & Mark II
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC
HC-ARQ
HNG-FEC
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Meteo Synoptic Decoder (Optional)
QPSK, DPSK, MFSK systems
ACARS
Analysis Tools: Signal Oscilloscope
Signal Spectrum Analyser (+ Baud Rate and Speed)
Signal Phase Spectrum Analyser
Save Decoded text to Disk File
Save Signal Bit Structure to Disk File
Signal Autocorrelation (Raw & Modulated signal)
Bitstream Autocorrelation
Speed Measurement
Mark Space Timing
Bitstream Analysis
Character Analysis (Simplex and Duplex Systems)
Auto Classification
Extras Required: IBM Compatible PC (at least 80386 CPU)
Mono or Colour Monitor
Supplier: (US) Computer Aided Technologies, PO Box 18292,
Shreveport, LA 71138, USA Tel: 318 636 1234
(NL) Hoka Electronics, Flessingsterrein 13,
NL-9665, BZ Oude Pekela, Netherlands
Tel: +31 5978 12327
Approx. Price: Package GBP US
----------------------------------
Basic 1715 2795
Synoptic Decoder 35 INCL
Pactor 25 INCL
(US VERSION INCLUDES ALL OPTIONS)
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5-C. Wavecom Decoders
Decoder: WaveCom W4010 (version 5)
Level: Comprehensive, intermediate level decoder
Synopsis: The first comprehensive decoder for the amateur as
well as professional user. Now being phased out in
favour of the more up-to-date W4050 but still
widely available on the second hand market. Again,
a self-contained unit requiring a composite monitor for
the control, and incoming text displays. Like its
W4100 bigger brother, this decoder again sports
just about every mode that is in regular use on HF
plus a good array of analysis tools.
Software and modes decoded are held in a number of
EPROMs contained in the machine, amking for simple update.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
SI-ARQ
FEC-A
SI-FEC
AUTOSPEC
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Analysis Tools: Speed/Baudrate Determination
IAS Baudrate determination
Shift Measurement
System Alphabet and Bit analysis
Unshift On Space (UOS)
Multiple Scroll Inhibit
Extras Required: Composite Video Monitor
Supplier: WaveCom Nachrichtentechnik AG, Badenerstrasse 122,
CH-8434, Kaiserstuhl, Switzerland. Tel: 1858 0200
Approx. Price: DM 3,500 (excl. Tax)
CHF 3,300 (excl. Tax)
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Decoder: WaveCom W4050 (Preliminary Info at March 1995)
Level: Comprehensive, VERY sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Will this be the challenger to the Hoka Code 30 and
knock it off its throne as "King of Decoders"?
This decoder is expected to be released at any time
now and will basically be a new W4100. A new PC
control system is also planned to be available at
the same time as the decoder. Full use will be made
of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology allowing
for the decoding of traditional, and more complex
systems, like DPSK, QPSK etc. Otherwise just like
the W4100 with a very powerful suite of analysis
tools and modes that can be decoded.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
SSTV
TORG-10 & 11
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
SI-ARQ
FEC-A
FEC-S
SI-FEC
SPREAD 11, 21, 51
AUTOSPEC
DUP-ARQ
TWINPLEX
ARQ-6-90 & 98
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
ARQ-N
PACTOR, including ICRC variants
Hellschreiber
Piccolo Mark VI and Mark 12
Coquelet Mark I
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC
HC-ARQ
HNG-FEC
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Meteosat Satellite FAX
Meteo Synoptic Decoder (Optional)
POCSAG
GOLAY
ATIS
FMS-BOS
INFOCALL
Analysis Tools: Fast Fourier Transform Speed/baudrate Determination
Real-Time Spectrum Analyser
IAS Baudrate determination
Fast Fourier Transform Shift Measurement
Autocorrelation of signal and data
System Alphabet and Bit analysis
Bit Length Analysis
Automatic Recognition of all systems decoded
Extras Required: VGA Monitor
Supplier: WaveCom Nachrichtentechnik AG, Badenerstrasse 122,
CH-8434, Kaiserstuhl, Switzerland. Tel: 1858 0200
Approx. Price: Unknown at time of writing.
--------------------
Decoder: WaveCom W4100 (version 2.5.09)
Level: Comprehensive, VERY sophisticated decoder for Experts
Synopsis: Until the Hoka Code 30 came along, this was
probably the decoder of choice for professional
monitors in military and government agencies. The
W4100 is a 19 inch rack mounting machine, self-contained
unit which requires a VGA monitor as a display. If
you want to build your own decoders, software can
be loaded into the machine via a front panel
mounted 3.5 inch disk drive. Like the Hoka
decoders, a comprehensive set of signal analysis
tools come as standard and the array of systems
that the machine can decode is equally impressive.
The display can also show text in English, Arabic,
Cyrillic, and Greek directly.
Modes Decoded: Baudot RTTY Auto speed determination
CW Auto speed determination
TORG-10 & 11
SITOR-A
SITOR-B
ASCII (ITA-5/IRA)
SI-ARQ
ALIS (RS-ARQ)
FEC-A
FEC-S
SI-FEC
SPREAD 11, 21, 51
AUTOSPEC
DUP-ARQ
TWINPLEX
ARQ-6-90 & 98
SWED-ARQ
ARQ-E
ARQ-E3
POL-ARQ
ARQ-M2
ARQ-M4
ARQ-N
PACTOR, including ICRC variants
Hellschreiber
Piccolo Mark VI and Mark 12
Coquelet Mark I
ROU-FEC/RUM-FEC
HC-ARQ
HNG-FEC
AX.25 Packet 300 and 1200 Baud
FAX 60, 90, 120, 240 LPM: 288, 352, 576 IOC
Meteosat Satellite FAX
Meteo Synoptic Decoder (Optional)
POCSAG
GOLAY
ATIS
FMS-BOS
INFOCALL
Analysis Tools: Fast Fourier Transform Speed/baudrate Determination
Real-Time Spectrum Analyser
IAS Baudrate determination
Fast Fourier Transform Shift Measurement
Autocorrelation of signal and data
System Alphabet and Bit analysis
Bit Length Analysis
Automatic Recognition of all systems decoded
Extras Required: VGA Monitor
Supplier: WaveCom Nachrichtentechnik AG, Badenerstrasse 122,
CH-8434, Kaiserstuhl, Switzerland. Tel: 1858 0200
Approx. Price: DM 11,650 (excl. Tax)
CHF 10,000 (excl. Tax)
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Section 6. Reference Materials
6-A. Magazines and Books
WUN/Worldwide Utility News Club - a worldwide electronic club dealing
exclusively with Utility Signals on HF. Newsletter is
sent on a monthly basis electronically. Topics covered
include International Civil Aero, Logs, Digital Signals,
Nautical, Military, Numbers and Longwave. To subscribe
send mail to
Majordomo@npl.com
In the BODY of the message type:
subscribe wun.
Paper copies are available from:
Tim Brown
15915 Smithey Dr.
Haymarket, Va. 22069, USA
1.50 per issue
UTE Hunter - This newsletter is being published by the former editor
of Popular Communications RTTY column, Bob Margolis. After
Popular Communications dropped the column for alleged lack
of interest Bob started this monthly newsletter to fill the
gap in US based utility logging and information. You can
get in touch with Bob at rttyman@wwa.com.
UTE Hunter, c/o Robert Margolis
136 E. Woodland Rd.
Lake Forest IL 60045-1729
$60 for 12 monthly issues
Monitoring Times - An all round, covers all aspects of the shortwave hobby
type of magazine. No regular RTTY column since Jack Albert
stopped writing but covers some digital issues in their
Federal File, Utility World or Digital Digest columns. This
magazine is published by Grove Enterprises.
Monitoring Times
P.O. Box 98
300 S. Highway 64 West
Brasstown, NC 28902-0098
704-837-9200
$23.95/yr - U.S.
$34.00/yr - U.S. funds elsewhere
Klingenfuss - One of the premier publishers of frequency reference guides.
Their publications can be found at many radio/Ham equipment
suppliers. The reference tends to be Eurocentric but are non
the less valuable and extensive. The Radioteletype Code Manual
is especially valuable for those that want some of the bit-
level information about the various protocols found on the
shortwave spectrum. A unique reference book for the digital
monitor.
Klingenfuss Publications
Hagenloher Str. 14
D-72070 Tuebingen
Germany
Guide to Utility Stations DEM 70
Guide to Fax Radio Stations DEM 50
Air and Meteo Code Manual DEM 50
Radioteletype Code Manual DEM 30
6-B. Frequency Databases
Klingenfuss
Frequency Data Diskettes
Master Frequency List DEM 150
Former Frequency List DEM 200
ICAO and WMO Lists DEM 300
Super Frequency List DEM 50
Klingenfuss Publications
Hagenloher Str. 14
D-72070 Tuebingen
Germany
Frequency Manager for Shortwave Listener
Ingenieurburo fur Satellitentechnik
23000 up-to-date frequencies and 10000 callsigns for aero, coast,
fixed, embassy, fax, volmet and military. More than 150 pages,
descriptions, tables, all HF-systems as a technical handbook
integrated in a special help system. Tables on NATO routing
indicators, routing indicators for AFTN, callsigns, arabic
translations, HF-systems, table of system parameters with users,
recognizing PSK and formats of common telegramms
PC-Frequenz US 60
Broadcast module (optional) US 20
Quarterly update US 20
NSK
Ingenieurburo fur Satellitentechnik
Muhlenweg 11
24217 Stakendorf
Germany
Tel: 01149 4344 6758
Fax: 01149 4344 5154
6-C. Tape and CD Reference Materials
Klingenfuss - A unique way to test your decoder is to use one of the
following audio reference materials. These sources allow
you to hear and decode what the various modes sound like.
Compact Cassette Recording of Modulation Types DEM 60
Compact Disc Recording of Modulation Types DEM 100
Klingenfuss Publications
Hagenloher Str. 14
D-72070 Tuebingen
Germany
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