NOTOM 009: The Ugly Duckling and the Eureka Moment: MULTIPSK

 

What characteristics should a radio software have? It should be:

beautiful,

organized,

ergonomic,

with a fast learning curve,

comprehensive,

versatile,

able to integrate with other programs,

trendy,

and, most importantly, social.

Well, if these are the requirements for having software on your PC that looks great on your screen… MULTIPSK shouldn’t even be considered. This program uses an outdated interface, and there’s an apparent lack of organization both in the settings screen and in the digital modes menu. You need to study, study, and study some more to use it effectively. Moreover, it doesn’t have its own built-in CAT system. To use it properly and manage your radio, you can rely on the excellent (though rather old) Commander by DXLab. The first few times you run the program… well… you feel a bit lost. Let’s say that, from a superficial and aesthetic point of view, this program might seem like one to discard. But is that really the case?

My interest in this program began some time ago when I was looking for software capable of decoding digital modes outside the amateur radio field. I remember that many years ago there was an MS-DOS program—don’t ask me its name, it’s been far too long—that could decode a wide range of digital modes with customizable features. What can we use today?

To be honest, I came across Multipsk many years ago, but back then, I didn’t have much time as an SWL and preferred flooding the airwaves with my own signal. Then time goes by, we grow older and perhaps a bit wiser. We start to appreciate listening and, consequently, decoding signals.

What software should I use? Hmm, good question! I spent some time on HF listening to various digital signals, researching their source and type online. Then I looked up for decoding software. Can you guess which name stands out? Multipsk, the ugly duckling. 

When I read the list of modes it supports, I wonder: 'If it really decodes everything the website claims, then this is the software for me!

Multifaceted device

Do you have any idea what this program can do? Here's a brief list of its decoding capabilities:

• Phase Shift Keying modes:

○ BPSK: BPSK31-63-125-250 / CHIP (64/128) / PSK10 / PSKFEC31 / PSKAM10-31-50 / PSK125R-250R-500R

○ BPSK with SSTV: PSK63 F - PSK220F + DIGISSTV "Run"

○ QPSK: QPSK31-63-125-250

○ 8PSK: VDL2

○ MPSK: MT63

○ PACKET BPSK1200-250-63-31 + APRS+ DIGISSTV "Run"

○ MIL-STD-188-110A - 4285

○ HFDL

○ EPIRB-ELT-PLB beacons

○ ARGOS (beacons/satellites)

○ AUTEX

○ ORBCOMM

○ AERO

○ EGC

○ M10/M20

○ LRPT

• On-Off Keying Modes: CW / NDB / CCW-OOK / CCW-FSK / QRSS

• Amplitude modulation mode: APT faxes (NOAA satellites)

• Frequency Shift Keying modes:

○ PACKET: 110-300-1200 bauds + APRS+ DIGISSTV "Run"

○ PACTOR 1 / AMTOR FEC-Navtex / AMTOR ARQ / SITOR A

○ ASCII / RTTY 45-50-75-100-110-150-200 / SYNOP + SHIP / IEC 870-5

○ 1382 / BIIS / GMDSS DSC / ATIS / ACARS (VHF) / DGPS / NWR SAME / ARQ-E / ARQ-E3

○ RS41(GFSK)

○ DFM06-09

○ LMS6

○ iMet-4 / iMet-1-RS

• Multi Frequency Shift Keying modes:

○ MFSK8 / MFSK16/32/64 (+SSTV)

○ OLIVIA / Contestia / RTTYM / VOICE

○ THROB/THROBX

○ DominoF / DominoEX / THOR

○ PAX / PAX2

○ Automatic Link Establishment  MIL-STD-188-141A+ ARQ FAE / ALE400 + ARQ FAE

○ DTMF, SELCAL

○ JT65 (A B and C)

○ LENTUS

○ COQUELET

○ (RS ID / CALL ID)

○ EM

○ FT4, FT8, WSPR

• Base band modes: POCSAG, AIS, Packet 9600 bauds (G3RUH), DSTAR, C4FM, DMR, P25

• Hellschreiber modes: FELD HELL / FM HELL(105-245) / PSK HELL / HELL 80

• Graphic modes: HF FAX / SSTV (+QR Code) / PSK SSTV modes (mentioned above) / MFSK16 SSTV (mentioned above)

• PPM (by positioned pulses) modes: mode S (ADS-B included)

• DSP modes: Filters / Analysis / Binaural CW reception

• RTTY, CW, BPSK31, BPSK63 and PSKFEC31 Panoramics

• Identifiers: Video ID / RS ID / Call ID

• TCP/IP digital modem

Integered SdR demodulator/modulator

Here's the Eureka moment, the ral game-changer! 

This software is truly a masterpiece, packed with countless features and settings. It's not for those looking for an NCIS-style program where everything is sleek, perfect, and automated. Let me remind readers that decryption and decoding software often don't look as polished as what we see on TV or in movies. MultiPSK focuses on efficiency and requires study, understanding, and practice to use effectively.

The interface is somewhat like a stereogram—if you look closely, you'll see how everything is harmonious and correctly placed. The point is, software doesn't need to be beautiful; it needs to be effective. The concept of beauty or elegance has little to do with functionality. A great example is the International Space Station (ISS): it's an incredible technological achievement, but inside, it’s not exactly sleek or glamorous. Forget the image of the USS Enterprise from Star Trek or the Battlestar Galactica. Reality is quite different—pragmatic and designed for efficiency.

Unfortunately, cinema, TV, and the internet often portray things as if they must be visually stunning. Beauty standards dominate and influence our decisions. When we buy a radio, what do we focus on? Let's be honest. Of course, we check the main specs first, but then? The layout. Lots of lights to make us happy.

MultiPSK is not a program for everyone. It’s for those who want to dive into the world of decoding with a professional mindset. It requires dedication to master all its features, but it’s absolutely worth it. There's a real joy in receiving weather faxes, tracking weather balloons, or decoding airplane signals.

One of my favorite features of this program is its customizability. For every mode, you can tweak all the parameters to decode almost any signal. Imagine being able to send emails via radio using modes like PAX/PAX2, Packet, MIL-STD-188-141A, or ALE400. The possibilities with this outstanding software are endless.

If I were to compare MultiPSK to an aircraft, I’d liken it to the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter: spartan on the inside but a highly efficient machine.

MultiPSK is not just for listening but also for transmitting in numerous modes. Some of them are particularly interesting, such as AUTEX, which allows for a network of up to 13 stations simultaneously. Transmitting in SSTV or other modes with MultiPSK is truly a joy. The documentation and links provided are exhaustive, clear, and extremely complete. Moreover, the forum managed by the author is very active and incredibly useful.

Good Bargain? Indeed

Looking for a trendy piece of software? Forget about MultiPSK. Looking for software that allows you to explore the airwaves methodically and professionally? MultiPSK is the best choice. Be ready to study the software, the modes, and the attached documents. Do you want to feel like one of the legendary Bletchley Park codebreakers? Then MultiPSK will be your Ultra.

Is it worth purchasing the license? Absolutely yes. This software is truly unique and worth every penny.