Digital Dilemma Summary

In looking over the several different digital packages available for EmCom type communication, here is a brief summary of the packages I know about. Basically, all of these are sound card based. I'm sure there are others available as well.

I have discussed several of these programs in earlier posts. I will be updating this summary as I find out more information. Anyway, here goes ...

NBEMS - Narrow Band Emergency Message System - is detailed in an earlier post. In summary, though, here are the essentials:
1. Has a Windows and Linux Version.
2. Uses Fldigi and Flarq (ARQ provides error-checking)
3. Modes - RTTY, PSK31, PSK63, PSK125, PSK250, MFSK
4. GUI is easy to use. Can send small files.

OUTPOST - Uses BBS System
1. Windows
2. Uses own program
3. Modes - PACKET
4. Excellent GUI includes a message form maker to pre-format messages. Includes NTS, Bulletins, and Private Message form.

EcomScs - Uses BBS System but provision for email
1. Windows
2. Uses own program
3. Modes - PACKET
4. GUI allows creation of message forms. BBS connection and Keyboard to keyboard messages.
5. Extended product called GateWayScs provides a temporary mail box if BBS not available and CAN BE connected to the internet for email.

(PSKMail and WinLink2K covered under another post ... see Comments)

...AR

Weak Signal Digital FM - DominoEX

The March QST has several interesting articles in it. One of the most interesting concerns a mode called DominoEX. Quotes from the article by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, concerning experiments by Skip, KH6TY:

"...to run some tests with ordinary 2 meter FM mobile rigs and horizontally polarized gain antennas. To Skip's amazement, he was able to use the 8 baud form of DominoEX to send and receive text significantly lower than what is commonly experienced with SSB."

"...because DominoEX 8 can copy 12 db under the noise. It works just fine under FM limiting ..."

"...hams who have only FM transceivers (with no SSB capability), can now join SSB operators in chasing 2M DX ..."

DominoEX is part of the free Fldigi software for Linux and Windows at http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html . Wow! ...AR

KNOPPIX Update

Well, I did get the "persistent KNOPPIX image" created on my thumb drive.

When I re-booted, I could write and read files from the thumb drive, however, I still had to insert the KNOPPIX CD into the drive for everything to work. This may be quite correct but not exactly what I thought would happen.

Knoppix

A good place to start with Linux (I hope) is www.knoppix.net . I have started with the Dummies Book and, so far, successfully ran the program on my pc and laptop. Next in line are learning some of the commands and using the ton of software on my DVD that came with the book.

First things first, I guess. I am comfortable with the line command mode called CLI but learning the Linux commands may take a while. My first challenge will be to get Knoppix to recognize my wireless network on my laptop and on my desktop.

Should be interesting ....