[600MRG] New open source data mode FSQ

[Ralph Wallio, W0RPK]

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2015/february/new_open_source_data_mode_fsq.htm#.VNc-di5K080

New open source data mode FSQ

Con Wassilieff ZL2AFP has developed a new fast simple chat data mode for 
use on HF and VHF

FSQ is a Fast Simple QSO mode for MF/HF. It works well under NVIS and 
sunrise/sunset conditions on the lower bands, and also works well for 
short skip on higher bands. It can also be used on VHF FM, and clearly 
has a much wider useful range of operating conditions that other more 
conventional digital modes. Sending speed can be varied between 20 and 
60 WPM.

FSQ is designed for simple but effective 'Chat' operation, rather like 
phone text messaging or Skype^(TM) chat; fast and easy to use. You don't 
use 'overs' as you would with a conventional digital or voice mode. It 
is highly suited to net operation. You just type a sentence and press Enter.

An important factor in the design of FSQ is that no synchronising 
process is required to locate and decode the received characters. Lack 
of sync means that reception is much less influenced by propagation 
timing changes that affect almost all other modes, since timing is quite 
unimportant; it almost completely eliminates impulse noise disruption; 
and it also contributes to very fast acquisition of the signal (decoding 
reliably within one symbol of start of reception). Fast acquisition 
removes the need for addition of extra idle characters at the start of 
transmission, and this leads to a very slick system. Add high resistance 
to QRM and QRN, thanks to the low baud rate, and you have a system so 
robust that it does not need error correction.

Sensitivity is believed to be about -13 dB SNR at 6 baud, and -16 dB SNR 
at 3 baud. That's about 10dB better and several times faster than 12 WPM 
Morse.

FSQ is NOT compatible in any way with EXChat or DominoEX. While also a 
Chat mode, it uses a completely new and revolutionary protocol.

Read more about FSQ at
http://www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/MFSK/FSQweb.htm

Direct download link
http://www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/SOFT/FSQCALL.zip