[GreenKeys] Real RTTY

[Lee Reynolds]

Interesting to see Real RTTY versus Computer RTTY as terms being used.

Myself, I look on both means of mark/space generation as being a means to 
an desired end. I do miss my old RTTY hardware ('20s/'30s vintage Creed 3X, 
Creed 10 tape printer, old Olivetti TTY, Creed 75s and a model 15, various 
tape readers, perfs and winders) but conversely I don't miss the mechanical 
maintenance that went with 'em.

Of course, warm oil and metal is a scent that computers just can't 
recreate. And the synchronized sound of a machine once it gets into the 
groove and starts chugging out the old AP Caribbean HF news link.

Thinking about it, though, I do recall that one of the things that most of 
the RTTY types (myself included) were always on the lookout for was more 
modern machines to replace the older devices we used. The Creed 444, for 
example, was a highly desirable item because of its functionality and form 
factor. Then I started building a glass TTY interface in the late seventies 
as being a really whizzbang device. And then there were the solid state 
speed controls for motors, regenerative repeaters for signals, etc....

Thing is, we were reaching (although we didn't know it) for exactly the 
kind of RTTY generation means that exist today, courtesy of the PC. Your 
average PC/sound card combo can do RTTY stuff that people only dreamt of 
thirty years ago.

RTTY's RTTY, regardless of how you generate it, I think. It's what we 
choose to generate the signal that differs, is all. If that perfect 14, or 
15, 19 set or Mini-Mite ever shows up, I'll happily hang it off the ST-6000 
and let rip...

But MMTTY and MixW sure do a good job, too.

       Lee