Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

1. Beginners' Questions Answered

1.1. What is Fldigi?
Fldigi is a computer program intended for Amateur Radio Digital Modes operation using a PC (Personal Computer).
Fldigi operates (as does most similar software) in conjunction with a conventional HF SSB radio transceiver, and
uses the PC sound card as the main means of input from the radio, and output to the radio. These are audio-
frequency signals. The software also controls the radio by means of another connection, typically a serial port.
Fldigi is multi-mode, which means that it is able to operate many popular digital modes without switching programs,
so you only have one program to learn. Fldigi includes all the popular modes, such as DominoEX, MFSK16,
PSK31, and RTTY.
Unusually, Fldigi is available for multiple computer operating systems; FreeBSD™; Linux™, OS X™ and
Windows™.
1.2. What is a Digital Mode?
Digital Modes are a means of operating Amateur radio from the computer keyboard. The computer acts as modem
(modulator - demodulator), as well as allowing you to type, and see what the other person types. It also controls the
transmitter, changes modes as required, and provides various convenient features such as easy tuning of signals and
prearranged messages.
In this context, we are talking about modes used on the HF (high frequency) bands, specifically chat modes, those
used to have a regular conversation in a similar way to voice or Morse, where one operator talks for a minute or two,
then another does the same. These chat modes allow multiple operators to take part in a net.
Because of sophisticated digital signal processing which takes place inside the computer, digital modes can offer
performance that cannot be achieved using voice (and in some cases even Morse), through reduced bandwidth,
improved signal-to-noise performance and reduced transmitter power requirement. Some modes also offer built-in
automatic error correction.
Digital Mode operating procedure is not unlike Morse operation, and many of the same abbreviations are used.
Software such as Fldigi makes this very simple as most of the procedural business is set up for you using the
Function Keys at the top of the keyboard. These are easy to learn.
1.3. Why all the different modes?
HF propagation is very dependent on the ionosphere, which reflects the signals back to earth. There are strong
interactions between different signals arriving from different paths. Experience has shown that particular modulation
systems, speeds and bandwidths suit different operating conditions.
Other factors such as available band space, operating speed and convenience, noise level, signal level and available
power also affect the choice of mode. While in many cases several different modes might be suitable, having a
choice adds to the operating pleasure. It is difficult to advise which mode is best for each particular occasion, and
experience plays an important role.
[To gain a good insight into each mode and its capabilities, you might consider purchasing Digital Modes for All
Occasions (ISBN 1-872309-82-8) by Murray Greenman ZL1BPU, published by the RSGB and also available from
FUNKAMATEUR and CQ Communications; or the ARRL's HF Digital Handbook (ISBN 0-87259-103-4) by Steve
Ford, WB8IMY.]

1.4. How do I recognise and tune in the signals?

Recognising the different modes comes with experience. It is a matter of listening to the signal, and observing the
appearance of the signal on the tuning display. You can also practise transmitting with the transceiver disconnected,
listening to the sound of the signals coming from the computer. There is also (see later paragraph) an automatic
tuning option which can recognise and tune in most modes for you.
The software provides a tuning display which shows the radio signals that are receivable within the transceiver
passband. Using a point and click technique with the mouse, you can click on the centre of a signal to select it, and
the software will tune it in for you. Some modes require more care than others, and of course you need to have the
software set for the correct mode first — not always so easy!

1
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

The RSID (automatic mode detection and tuning) feature uses a special sequence of tones transmitted at the
beginning of each transmission to identify and tune in the signals received. For this feature to work, not only do you
need to enable the feature in the receiver, but in addition the stations you are wishing to tune in need to have this
feature enabled on transmission. Other programs also offer this RSID feature as an option.
2. Setting Up
2.1. Fldigi settings
Essentials
 Use the menu Configure->Operator item to set the operator name, callsign, locator and so on.
 If you have more than one sound card, use the menu Configure->Sound Card, Audio Devices tab, to select
the sound card you wish to use. You can ignore the other tabs for now.
Rig Control
 Use the menu Configure->Rig Control item to set how you will control the rig. If you will key the rig via a
serial port, in the Hardware PTT tab select Use serial port PTT, the device name you will use, and which
line controls PTT. If in doubt, check both RTS and DTR. You must then press the Initialize button.
 If you plan to use CAT control of the rig via the COM port, check Use Hamlib in the Hamlib tab. Select
your rig model from the drop-down menu and set the serial port device name, baud rate, and RTS/CTS
options as needed. If in addition you wish to use PTT control via CAT, also check PTT via Hamlib
command. You must then press the Initialize button.

If your rig is CAT-capable but not yet supported by Hamlib, it may still be possible to control it via Fldigi's
RigCAT system. Refer to the Online Documentation for details.

CPU Speed
 When you start Fldigi for the very first time, it makes a series of measurements to determine your
computer's processing speed. Although these measurements are usually accurate, if you have a very slow
processor (under 700MHz), you should verify that Slow CPU under Configure->Misc->CPU has been
enabled. The receiver decoding strategy of certain modems uses fewer processor cycles in this mode.
Modems
 Each of the modems can be individually set up from the Configure->Modems multi-tabbed dialog. You
need not change anything here to start with, although it might be a good idea to set the secondary text for
DominoEX and THOR to something useful, such as your call and locator.
[Secondary text is transmitted when the text you type does not keep up with the typing speed of the mode
— this handy text appears in a small window at the very bottom of the screen.]
Note that this set of tabs is also where you set the RTTY modem speed and shift, although the default
values should be fine for normal operation.
Other settings
 Use the menu Configure->UI, Restart tab, to set the aspect ratio of the waterfall display and whether or not
you want to dock a second digiscope to the main window.
 Use the menu Configure->IDs item to set whether you wish to transmit RSID data at the start of each over
(this is for the benefit of others and does not affect RSID reception). If you plan to regularly use the RSID
feature on receive, you should deselect the option that starts new modems at the “sweet spot” frequencies in
Misc->Sweet Spot.
Finally, use the menu item Configure->Save Config to save the new configuration.

2
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

2.2. Sound Card Mixer

 Use your sound card Master Volume applet to select the sound card, the Wave output and set the transmit
audio level. You can check the level using the Tune button, top right, beyond the Menu.
 On Windows, the Volume applet can usually be opened by clicking Start->Run… and entering sndvol32, or
from the Control Panel.
 Use your sound card Recording Control applet to select the sound card, the Line or Mic input and set the
receiver audio level. Watch the waterfall display for receiver noise when setting the level. If you see any
dark blue noise, you have the right input and about the right level. The actual setting is not very important,
provided you see blue noise. If the audio level is too high, the little diamond shaped indicator (bottom
right) will show red. The waterfall may also show red bands. Performance will be degraded if the level is
too high.
 On Windows, the Record applet can usually be opened by clicking Start->Run… and entering sndvol32, or
from the Control Panel. If opened from the Control Panel, you'll end up with the Master Volume applet,
and need to switch using Options->Properties, and selecting the Recording radio button.
3. Guided Tour
The main window consists of three main panes. Study it carefully as you read these notes. From top to bottom, these
are the Receive pane (navajo white), the Transmit pane (light cyan), and the Waterfall pane (black). At the top is the
collection of entry items which form the Log Data, and at the very top, a conventional drop-down Menu system,
with entries for File, Op Mode, Configure, View and Help.
Between the Transmit and the Waterfall panes is a line of boxes (buttons) which represent the Function Keys F1 -
F12. This is the Macro group. Below the Waterfall pane is another line of boxes (buttons), which provide various
control features. This is the Controls group. The program and various buttons can mostly be operated using the
mouse or the keyboard, and users generally find it convenient to use the mouse while tuning around, and the
keyboard and function keys during a QSO.
3.1. Receive Pane
This is where the text from decoded incoming signals is displayed, in black text. When you transmit, the transmitted
text is also displayed here, but in red, so the Receive pane becomes a complete record of the QSO. The information
in this pane can also be logged to a file.
The line at the bottom of this pane can be dragged up and down with the mouse. You might prefer to drag it down a
bit to enlarge the Receive pane and reduce the size of the Transmit pane.
3.2. Transmit Pane
This is where you type what you want to transmit. The mouse must click in here before you type (to obtain focus)
otherwise your text will go nowhere. You can type in here while you are receiving, and when you start transmitting,
the text already typed will be sent first. This trick is a cool way to impress others with your typing speed! As the text
is transmitted, the text colour changes from black to red. At the end of the over, all the transmitted text (and any as
yet not transmitted) will be deleted.
3.3. Waterfall Pane
This is the main tuning facility. There are three modes, Waterfall, FFT and Signal, selected by a button in the
Control group. For now, leave it in Waterfall mode, as this is the easiest to tune with, and gives the best
identification of the signal.
WF (Waterfall)
A spectrogram display of signal strength versus frequency over passing time. The receiver passband is
analysed and displayed with lower frequencies to the left, higher to the right. Weak signals and background
noise are dark while stronger signals show as brighter colours. As time passes (over a few seconds), the
historic signals move downwards like a waterfall.

3
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)

A spectrum display of the mean signal strength versus frequency. Again frequency is displayed from left to
right, but now the vertical direction shows signal strength and there is no brightness or historic information.

SIG (Signal)
An oscilloscope type of display showing the raw audio being captured by the sound card.
At the top of the pane is a scale of frequency in Hz, which corresponds to the frequency displayed immediately
below it. This scale can be moved around and zoomed using buttons in the Control group.
As you move the mouse around in this pane you will see a yellow group of tuning marks following the mouse
pointer. Tuning is achieved by left-clicking on a signal displayed by the waterfall in this pane. Use these yellow
marks to exactly straddle the signal and then left-click on the centre of the signal. The tuning marks change to red.
The red vertical lines will show the approximate width of the active signal area (the expected signal bandwidth),
while a red horizontal bar above will indicate the receiver software's active decoding range. When you left-click, the
red marks move to where you clicked, and will attempt to auto-track the signal from there.
Audio history and “casual tuning”
You can temporarily “monitor” a different signal by right-clicking on it. As long as you hold the mouse
button down, the signal under it will be decoded; as soon as you release the mouse, decoding will revert to the
previously tuned spot (where the red marks are). If you also hold the Control key down before right-clicking,
Fldigi will first decode all of its buffered audio at that frequency.

3.4. Log Data

Fldigi provides two QSO entry views, one for casual QSO logging and the second for contesting. The View-
>Contest fields menu item switches between the two modes.
The Frequency, Time Off, and (when in contest mode) #Out fields are filled by the program. All the others can be
populated by manual keyboard entry or by selection from the Receive pane. The Time Off field is continuously
updated with the current GMT time. The Time On field will be filled in when the Call is updated, but can be
modified later by the operator.
A right click on the Receive pane brings up a context sensitive menu that will reflect which of the two QSO capture
views you have open. If you highlight text in the Receive pane then the menu selection will operate on that text. If
you simply point to a word of text and right click then the menu selection will operate on the single word.
Quick log entry
Certain fields (Call, Name, RST In, QTH and Locator) may also be populated semi-automatically. Point to a
word in the Receive pane and either double-left-click or hold a Shift key down and left-click. The program
will then use some simple heuristics to decide which log field will receive the text.
It is generally not possible to distinguish between Operator and QTH names. For this reason, Fldigi will use the first
non-Call and non-Locator word to fill the Name field, and subsequent clicks will send text to the QTH field.
Likewise, a text string may be both a valid callsign and a valid IARU locator. For best results, you should attempt to
fill the log fields in the order in which they appear on the main window, and clear the log fields after logging the
QSO. Of course, text can always be manually typed or pasted into any of the log fields!
You can query online and local (e.g. CD) database systems for data regarding a callsign. You make the query by
either clicking on the globe button, or selecting Look up call from the popup menu. The latter will also move the call
to the Call field.
When the Call field is filled in, the logbook will be searched for the most recent QSO with that station and, if an
entry is found, the Name, QTH and other fields will be pre-filled. If the logbook dialog is open, that last QSO will
also be selected for viewing in the logbook.

4
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

You open the logbook by selecting from the View menu; View->Logbook. The logbook title bar will show you
which logbook you currently have open. Fldigi can maintain an unlimited (except for disk space) number of
logbooks.
3.5. Menu
At the very top of the program window is a conventional drop-down menu. If you click on any of the items, a list of
optional functions will appear. Keyboard menu selection is also provided. Where underscored characters are shown
in the menu, you can select these menu items from the keyboard using the marked character and Alt at the same
time, then moving around with the up/down/left/right keys. Press Esc to quit from the menu with no change.
3.5.1. Menu functions
File
Allows you to open or save Macros (we won't get into that here), turn on/off logging to file, record/play audio
samples, and exit the program. You can also exit the program by clicking on the X in the top right corner of the
window, in the usual manner.
Op Mode
This is where you select the operating modem used for transmission and reception. Some modes only have one
option. Where more are offered, drag the mouse down the list and sideways following the arrow to a secondary list,
before releasing it. When you start the program next time, it will remember the last mode you used.
Not all the modes are widely used, so choose a mode which (a) maximises your chance of a QSO, and (b) is
appropriate for the band, conditions, bandwidth requirements and permissions relevant to your operating licence.
At the bottom of the list are two “modes” which aren't modes at all, and do not transmit (see Online Documentation
for details). WWV mode allows you to receive a standard time signal so the beeps it transmits can be used for sound
card calibration. Freq Analysis provides just a waterfall display with a very narrow cursor, and a frequency meter
which indicates the received frequency in Hz to two decimal places. This is useful for on-air frequency
measurement.
Configure
This is where you set up the program to suit your computer, yourself and your operating preferences. The operating
settings of the program are grouped into several categories and there are menu items in which you enter your
personal information, or define your computer sound card, for example. Modems can be individually changed, each
having different adjustments. The Modems dialog has multiple tabs, so you can edit any one of them. Don't fool
with the settings until you know what you are doing! The final item, Save Config allows you to save the altered
configuration for next time you start the program (otherwise changes are temporary).
View
This menu item allows you to open extra windows. Most will be greyed out, but two that are available are the
Digiscope, and the PSK Browser. The Digiscope provides a mode-specific graphical analysis of the received signal,
and can have more than one view (left click in the new window to change the view), or maybe none at all. The PSK
Browser is a rather cool tool that allows you to monitor several PSK31 signals all at the same time! These windows
can be resized to suit.
Help
Brings up the Online Documentation, the Fldigi Home Page, and various information about the program.
3.5.2. Other controls
RSID
This button turns on the receive RSID (automatic mode detection and tuning) feature. When in use, the button turns
yellow and no text reception is possible until a signal is identified, or the feature is turned off again. If you plan to
use the RSID feature on receive, you must leave the Start New Modem at Sweet Spot item in the menu Configure-
>Defaults->Misc tab unchecked.

5
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

TUNE
This button transmits a continuous tone at the current audio frequency. The tone level will be at the maximum signal
level for any modem, which makes this function useful for adjusting your transceiver's output power.
3.6. Macro buttons
This line of buttons provides user-editable QSO features. For example, the first button on the left sends CQ for you.
Both the function of these buttons (we call them Macros) and the label on each button, can be changed.
Select each button to use it by pressing the corresponding Function Key (F1 - F12, you'll notice the buttons are
grouped in patterns four to a group, just as the Function Keys are). You can also select them with a left-click of the
mouse. If you right-click on the button, you are able to edit the button's label and its function. A handy dialog pops
up to allow this to be done. There are many standard shortcuts, such as <MYCALL>, which you can use within the
Macros. Notice that the buttons also turn the transmitter on and off as necessary.
You can just about hold a complete QSO using these buttons from left to right (but please don't!). Notice that at the
right are two spare buttons you can set as you wish, and then a button labelled 1. Yes, this is the first set of four sets
of Macros, and you can access the others using this button, which changes to read 2, 3, 4 then 1 again (right-click to
go backwards), or by pressing Alt and the corresponding number (1-4, not F1-F4) at the same time.

If you really mess up the Macros and can't see how to fix them, just close the program without saving them,
and reopen it.

3.7. Controls
The line of buttons under the waterfall is used to control the program (as opposed to the QSO). If you hover the
mouse over these buttons, you'll see a little yellow hint box appear which tells you what each button does.
The first button switches between Waterfall, FFT and Scope modes. The next two buttons adjust the signal level
over which the waterfall works. The default range is from 0dB downwards 70dB (i.e. to -70dB). Both of these
values can be adjusted to suit your sound card and receiver audio level.
The next button sets the scale zoom factor (visible display width, ×1, ×2 or ×4), and the next three buttons move the
visible waterfall area in relation to the bandwidth cursor.
The next button selects the waterfall speed. NORM or SLOW setting is best unless you have a very fast computer.
The next four buttons (two on either side of a number, the audio frequency in Hz) control the receiving frequency
(they move the red cursor lines).
The QSY button moves the signal under the bandwidth cursor to a preset audio frequency (typically, the centre of
the transceiver's passband). The Store button allows you to store or recall the current frequency and mode. See the
Online Documentation for details on these functions.
The Lk button locks the transmit frequency (fixes the red cursors), and the Rv button turns the signal decoding
upside down (some modes are sideband sensitive, and if they are the wrong way up, can't be received correctly).
Remember to turn this one off when you're done, or you won't receive anything! If every signal you hear is upside
down, check your transceiver sideband setting.
The T/R button forces the transmitter on or off.

Use the T/R button with care, as it will stop transmission immediately, losing whatever is in the buffer (what
you have typed in the Transmit pane), or start it immediately, even if nothing is ready to transmit.

There are two further controls in the bottom right corner of the program, to the right of the Status line:
AFC (AFC) control
When this button is pressed, an indicator on the button turns yellow, and the program will automatically
retune to drifting signals. When the button is again pressed, AFC is off, and the tuning will stay where you
leave it.

6
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

SQL (Squelch) control

When off (no coloured indicator on the button), the receiver displays all “text” received, even if there is no
signal present, and the receiver is simply attempting to decode noise. When activated by pressing the
button, the indicator turns yellow. If the incoming signal strength exceeds that set by the adjacent slider
control (above the SQL button), the indicator turns green and the incoming signal is decoded and printed.
The signal strength is indicated on the green bar beside the Squelch level slider. If nothing seems to be
printing, the first thing to do is check the Squelch!
3.8. Status Line
At the very bottom line of the Fldigi window is a row of useful information. At the left is the current operating
mode. Next (some modes) is the measured signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver, and (in some modes) the measured
signal intermodulation level (IMD).
The larger central box shows (in DominoEX and THOR modes) the received Secondary Text. This is information
(such as station identification) which is transmitted automatically whenever the transmitter has completed all user
text that is available to send. It is transmitted using special characters, and is automatically directed to this special
window. Secondary text you transmit is also shown here. This box changes size when you enlarge the program
window.
4. Operating
4.1. Procedure
Operating procedure for digital modes is similar to that for Morse. Some of the same abbreviations are used. For
example, at the beginning of an over, you might send VK3XYZ de WB8ABC or just RR Jack and so on. At the end
of an over, it is usual to send ZL1ABC de AA3AR K, and at the end of a QSO 73 F3XYZ de 3D2ZZ SK. When
operating in a group or net it is usual to sign AA3AE es gp de ZK8WW K.
It is also considered a courtesy to send a blank line or two (press Enter) before any text at the start of an over, and
following the last text at the end of an over. You can also place these in the macros. The purpose is to separate your
text from the previous text, and especially from any rubbish that was printed between overs.
Fldigi does all of this for you. The Function Keys are set up to provide these start and end of over facilities, and can
be edited to suit your preferences. In order that the other station's callsign can appear when these keys are used, you
need to set the other station's callsign in the log data — it does not matter if you use the log facility or not.
Macro symbols
Some Function Key Macro buttons have graphic symbols on them which imply the following:

>> The transmitter comes on and stays on when you use this button/macro.

|| The transmitter goes off when the text from this button/macro has been sent.

The transmitter comes on, sends the text from this button/macro, and goes off when the text from this
>|
button/macro has been sent.

The Macros are set up to control the transmitter as necessary, but you can also switch the transmitter on at the start
of an over with Ctrl and T or the TX macro button, and off again with Ctrl and R or the RX macro button. If you
have Macros copied into or text already typed in the Transmit pane when you start the transmitter, this is sent first.
Calling another station you have tuned in is as simple as pushing a button. Put his callsign into the log data (right
click, select Call) and press the ANS Macro button (or F2) when you are ready. If he replies, you are in business!
Then press QSO (F3) to start each over, and BTU (F4) to end it, and SK (F5) to sign off.
When typing text, the correct use of upper and lower case is important:
 Modes such as RTTY and THROB have no lower case capability.
 In most other modes, excessive use of upper case is considered impolite, like SHOUTING!
 Modes such as PSK31, MFSK16, DominoEX and THOR use character sets which are optimized for

7
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

lower case. You should use lower case as much as possible in these modes to achieve maximum text
speed. In these modes upper case characters are noticeably slower to send and also slightly more
prone to errors.

4.2. Adjustment
Most digital modes do not require much transmitter power, as the receiver software is very sensitive. Many modes
(PSK31, THROB, MT63) also require very high transmitter linearity, which is another reason to keep transmitter
power below 30% of maximum. Some modes (Hellschreiber, Morse) have high peak power output, which may not
indicate well on the conventional power meter, another reason to keep the average transmitted power low to prevent
a very broad signal being transmitted.
Adjust the transmitter output power using the TUNE button, top right, beyond the Menu. The output will be the
same as the peak power in other modes. Adjust the master Volume applet Wave Out and Master Volume controls to
achieve the appropriate power. Use of excessive drive will result in distortion (signal difficult to tune in, and often
poorer reception) and a very broad signal.
Some multi-carrier modes (MT63 for example) may require individual adjustment as the average power may be
rather low.
Where possible, use the area above 1200Hz on the waterfall.
 Below 1200Hz the second harmonic of the transmitted audio will pass through the transmitter filters.
 When using lower frequency tones, adjust the transmitter and audio level with great care, as the
second (and even third) harmonic will appear in the transmitter passband, causing excessive signal
width.
 A narrow (CW) filter in the rig is no help in this regard, as it is only used on receive. When you do
use a narrow filter, this will restrict the area over which the receiver and transmitter will operate
(without retuning of course). Try adjusting the passband tuning (if available).
 Keep the sound card audio level to a minimum and set the transmitter gain to a similar level used for
SSB.

4.3. Waterfall Tuning

When using this program, as with most other digital modes programs, tuning is generally accomplished by leaving
the transceiver VFO at a popular spot (for example 14.070MHz, USB), and performing all the tuning by moving
around within the software.
The Fldigi software has a second “VFO” which is tuned by clicking on the waterfall. On a busy band, you may see
many signals at the same time (especially with PSK31 or Morse), and so you can click with the mouse on any one of
these signals to tune it in, receive it, and if the opportunity allows, reply to the station.
The software “VFO” operates in a transceive mode, so the transmitter signal is automatically and exactly tuned to
the received frequency. If you click correctly on the signal, your reply will always be in tune with the other station.
You must not use RIT (Clarifier) when using digital modes.
 With RIT on, you will probably have to retune after every over.
 Use of the RIT will also cause the other station to change frequency, and you will chase each other
across the band.
 Older transceivers without digital synthesis may have an unwanted offset (frequency difference)
between transmit and receive frequencies. Such rigs should not be used for digital modes.
Wider digital modes (MT63, Olivia) can be tuned using the rig if necessary, as tuning is not at all critical. The
software tuning still operates, but because the signal is so wide, there is limited ability to move around in the
waterfall tuning.

8
 Beginners' Guide to Fldigi

5. Special Keys
Several special keyboard controls are provided to make operating easier.
Start Transmission
Press Ctrl and T to start transmission if there is text ready in the transmit buffer.
Pause Transmission
Press Pause or Break while in receive, and the program will switch to transmit mode. It will continue with the text in
the transmit buffer (the Transmit pane text) from the current point, i.e. where the red (previously sent) text ends and
the black (yet to be sent) text begins. If the buffer only contains unsent text, then it will begin at the first character in
the buffer. If the buffer is empty, the program will switch to transmit mode, and depending on the mode of
operation, will send idle characters or nothing at all until characters are entered into the buffer.
If you press Pause or Break while in transmit mode, the program will return to receive mode. There may be a slight
delay for some modes like MFSK, PSK and others, that requires the transmitter to send a postamble at the end of a
transmission. The transmit text buffer stays intact, ready for the Pause/Break key to return you to the transmit mode .
Pressing Alt or Meta and R has the same effect as Pause/Break. You could think of the Pause/Break key as a
software break-in capability.
Escape
Pressing Esc while transmitting will abort the transmission. Transmission stops as soon as possible, (any necessary
postamble is sent), and the program returns to receive. Any unsent text in the transmit buffer will be lost.
If you press Esc Esc (i.e. twice in quick succession), transmission stops immediately, without sending any
postamble, and the program returns to receive. Any unsent text in the transmit buffer will be lost. Use this
feature as an emergency stop.
Return to Receive
Press Ctrl and R to insert the ^r command in the transmit buffer at the current typing point. When transmission
reaches this point, transmission will stop.
Move Typing Cursor
Press Tab to move the cursor (typing insertion point) to the end of the transmit buffer. This will also pause
transmission. A Tab press at that position moves the cursor back to the character following the last one transmitted.
Morse operation is slightly different. See the Online Documentation for CW.
Send Any ASCII Character
Press Ctrl and (at the same time) any three-digit number (on the numeric keypad or the normal numeric keys) to
insert the ASCII character designated by that entry value into the transmit buffer. For example, Ctrl 177 is “±”
(plus/minus) and Ctrl 176 is “°” (degree). If you press a key other than the numeric keypad's 0-9 the sequence will
be discarded

Taken from: http://www.w1hkj.com/beginners.html