I came across something different, FreeDV. The name FreeDV insinuates it is free, but is it? What is it? And what does it do?
They say it will be the new SSB of radio. They say it is clear and goes further when conditions are not great.
Here is what else I found:
FreeDV is an open-source digital voice mode designed for amateur radio operators, enabling digital communicationover HF (high-frequency) bands. It uses the Codec2 audio codec for low bit-rate voice compression, allowing clear voice transmission in narrow bandwidths (typically 1.1–1.6 kHz), which is more efficient than traditional SSB (Single Sideband).
The system requires:
- A computer with the FreeDV software,
- An HF transceiver, and
- An audio interface or sound card for connection.
As a free and open-source project, FreeDV supports experimentation, digital innovation, and promotes efficient spectrum use within the ham radio community.
Rade
RADE V1 (Radio Autoencoder) is the latest digital voice mode introduced in FreeDV 2.0.0 (released June 2025). It combines Machine Learning (ML) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to provide a neural voice codec optimized for HF (high-frequency) amateur radio.
Key Features:
- ML-based autoencoder architecture integrates voice compression, modulation, and error correction.
- Operates within 1.5 kHz bandwidth, suitable for narrowband HF channels.
- Achieves intelligible voice transmission down to –2 dB SNR, outperforming analog SSB and earlier FreeDV modes like 700D or 1600.
- Uses the Codec2 framework as part of its signal chain.
Performance & Enhancements:
- Enhanced voice quality, robustness under weak-signal, fading, and QRM conditions.
- Integrated with FreeDV Reporter and PSK Reporter for real-time signal tracking.
- Latest builds (e.g.,
2.0.0‑20250130) include:- Live SNR monitoring
- Improved sync algorithms
- Optimized C-based signal processing backend
- Signed macOS binaries, and better Python startup performance
Some FreeDV videos
Below are some videos I’ve done on this project.
I’d encourage you to give FreeDV a go. It seems to work well and so clear. But I am keen to hear what your thoughts are on this? Have you used it? Have you tried? Please let me know in the comments.
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