The code behind the popular PSK-31 digital mode has now been
officially endorsed by the International Telecommunication Union and given its
own "recommendation" number. The ARRL reports that the technical
characteristics of "Varicode," developed by Peter Martinez, G3PLX, in
the 1990s and which serves as the underpinning of PSK-31, has been officially
enshrined by the ITU as Recommendation ITU-R M.2034,
Telegraphic Alphabet
for Data Communication by Phase Shift Keying at 31 Baud in the Amateur and
Amateur Satellite Services.
ARRL CEO Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, says the primary value of the
designation is that it "provides further documentation in an important
international forum of radio amateurs' continuing creativity and contributions
to the art and science of radio communication."
