Over the last year or so I have been using a really full-featured digital mode software called Multipsk, and it has become my go-to software for most digital modes. Back in September 2015 I wrote an extensive review of the software for The Spectrum Monitor (TSM) which Owner/Editor Ken Reitz has graciously allowed me to post on my blog at All Things Radio. Thomas has written numerous articles for TSM, and will attest to its emphasis on so many aspects of the radio hobby. If you are not a subscriber already you really do not know what you are missing!
The program boasts over 75 modes, not counting some of the many sub-modes or variations, and new modes are being added all the time. There is a free version and a registered version, with the paid mode costing around $45 (U.S.) The free mode will handle a lot of really great modes, but I confess, it was the additional “professional” modes which really made purchasing the registered version a must for me. Whichever way you go, you will not be disappointed. As I have noted on my blog and in the article itself, I consider the registration fee some of the best money I have ever spent for computer software.
As an added bonus, the free or registered version can be run on as many computers as you have in your home, and multiple instances of the program can be run on the same computer provided they are in separate directories. This is a great feature, and it means there is basically nothing going into the Windows registry file–the program runs right from the directory. My only problem is not having enough antennas to have as many instances of the program running as I would like!
I hope you will take time to read my review and then get the program–I think you will be suitably impressed as I was! (I have it running on XP machines through Win10, so compatibility should not be an issue.)
Robert Gulley, AK3Q, is the author of this post and a regular contributor to the SWLing Post. Robert also blogs at All Things Radio.
2 years later.. I have recently started using MultiPSK. I used to run MixW and then FLDigi but FLDigi is finicky. One day it works FB, next day won’t key rig, CAT won’t work, etc. Also no true FSK. I think MulitPSK is only program to run both PSK, RTTY and JT65, hope JT9 and FT8 will be added. MixW better than FLDigi to me but practically abandoned now, minor upgrades perhaps once a year. Never liked HRD,won’t even consider it so now back to MulitPSK. Yes the GUI is bad, however, since it has been colorized to a certain extent and main background color has been changed from that awful mold-green color it is much more tolerable. I’ve recently gotten into SWL’ing a bit so those tons of modes are attractive and I’ll probably register the program.
Nice review. I’ve used this software for 3 years and I gotta say I have nothign to complain. All features are just amazing.
I used Multipsk a while back and kind of forgot about it to be honest, it’s a really good program and suspect most folk end up using Fldigi as it has CAT control, albeit with less modes.
Newer versions (I am not sure when this was implemented) allow for DXLabs Commander program to interface with rigs for CAT control, as well as HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe). I cannot attest to how smooth it is or issues with setup because most of what I do is receive, but I have done some basic transmitting with my SignalinkUSB soundcard interface.
There is a good Yahoo usergroup for Multipsk, and I would imagine there are a lot of folks experienced with both of the above programs. Cheers!
The only complaint I have about MultiPSK vs. MixW is the incredibly crowded window with all the super-tiny buttons and micro-fonts etc, which is all close to unreadable on my 11″ Vaio. Even on a larger screen it’s still a complete mess of information, most of which not really necessary for whatever the current task of the program is. In other words, the UI design is…ouch..
I have to agree, the GUI is a bit crowed, a lot of the buttons could be put into drop down (combo) boxes, which would free up space and make for a cleaner interface.
Indeed, for example a mode display with dropdown menu would free up half of the screen real estate. 🙂
This, a million times this. It gives me a headache to even look at the interface. It’s so obtuse, ugly and frankly hard to decipher it really pays to read all the help before really trying to use it. Whereas FLdigi is less feature packed but seems to be a lot more intuitive, even if it’s still not real consumer friendly. I guess when it comes to ham/radio software, we can have great applications but not great design. Engineers aren’t know for their artistic sense. 😉
It runs great for me in receive mode on OS X El Capitan using WineSMLS from http://subdimensions.com/2015/11/13/winesmls-eseguire-applicazioni-windows-su-osx . It might well work for transmit also but I’ve never tried it.
Thanks for that information, Elwood – should be of use to other folks with OS X machines!