Military Communications Test on May 9, 10

Had a good time trying to work the MARS stations on the air Saturday. I worked two of the Army stations (40M) and one Navy station (80M).

This event is always challenging since the MARS stations are transmitting on their allotted frequencies and listening on the legal Amateur frequencies. You have to listen to the MARS station and find out where they are listening. Then you call them on that frequency. Good practice!

I was not able to copy the message from the Secretary of Defense. This message is sent via RTTY, AMTOR, MT63 by various stations. If you copy it and send it in for verification, then you will receive a letter from the Secretary of Defense. I have qualified the past two years, but not able to copy this year.

Good event for practicing split operation as well as digital modes.

...AR

Packet Radio for Emergency Communications - EcomScs

In the April issue of CQ Magazine there is an article concerning the use of packet radio for Emergency Communications. This is one of several articles I've seen lately on this topic.

These programs are available at the following website:

www.qsl.net/kb2scs

Even though packet use has been relegated mainly to the APRS applications, the use of packet in EmCom is growing.

The EcomScs program can send and receive messages formatted as NTS messages in attachments. The program handles sending and receiving messages when connected to the bulletin board. Keyboard to keyboard communication is supported as well. Any type of file may be sent or received, whether binary or text. It also allows the user to create their own message forms. It will send picture files as attachments. The program does do some optimization of the file.

GateWayScs provides a temporary mailbox to send and receive local packet mail until normal bulletin board services can be set up or restored. It also can be used to provide an internet gateway for packet messages.

The article describes emergency driven uses for both of these programs. This progam pair provides invaluable connectivity during an emergency situation. Well worth more investigation.

...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 ....