3) A computer interfaced with appropriate software. Since RTTY is similar in concept to the codes used in modem communications, with the appropriate software a personal computer can read RTTY through a moderately priced modem-like interface to a short-wave receiver. Not much “brain” is needed for this task, so rather than tie up their main machine, many monitors buy a used Vic 20 or Commodore 64 just for RTTY.
If you can solder a decent joint, you can build a simple RTTY/computer interface for under $50 (many radio magazines have
published circuit diagrams). Off-the-shelf units are generally