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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is PSK31?

Learn what PSK31 is, how it works, and why it remains a popular keyboard-to-keyboard digital mode.

Digital Communications Legacy Digital Modes Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn what PSK31 is, how it works, and why it remains a popular keyboard-to-keyboard digital mode.

Explanation

Overview PSK31 is a narrow-band digital communication mode that uses phase-shift keying to exchange keyboard text between amateur radio operators. Developed for efficient conversational communication, it requires very little bandwidth compared to voice modes. Characteristics Keyboard-to-keyboard communication. Narrow bandwidth (approximately 31 Hz). Low transmitter power. Excellent spectrum efficiency. Simple station requirements. Advantages Low bandwidth. Good weak-signal performance. Minimal equipment requirements. Conversational operation. Typical Equipment SSB transceiver. Computer. Digital interface. PSK31-compatible software. Applied to Chameleon Products Chameleon broadband HF antenna systems provide efficient multiband performance for PSK31 operation from both portable and permanent stations. Related Articles What Is RTTY? What Is FT8? What Is JS8Call? What Is Digital Mode Duty Cycle? Related Products CHA LEFS Series CHA MPAS 2.0

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.