A new digital mode is on the scene called ROS - a spread spectrum mode ideal for weak signal/QRP use.

The mode can operate at two symbol rates - 1 and 16 baud; the former is ideal for very weak signals with the user guide stating transmissions can be decoded with at up to -35dB S/N. Unlike WSPR (another weak signal mode), this is a 'live chat' mode allowing users to converse in a way not dissimilar to PSK31 (at 16 baud anyway).

I'm keen to have a go. I'm quite fond of digital modes, and anything that means my disadvantage with aerials is not so much of a problem is certainly welcome. Unfortunately though, the software is Windows only.

I know using Linux is my choice, and with that choice comes the expectation that some software will be out-of-reach. I do think that this should not apply to amateur radio software though. In the spirit of the hobby, such software should be portable. It could be just that the source is published so that others can port the software, but however it is done, those that do not use the popular OS should not be left out.

WINE (the Windows compatibility layer) could be a quick option, but a quick attempt has not been successful. I will put some more effort in to getting it going but there's no guarantee of success.

Fortunately the author has promised to release the source once the application is finished. When that will be however, is anyones guess and until that happens, us Linux (and presumably Mac users too) are left high and dry.

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Tags: amateur radio