Digital Dilemma - EMAIL Packages

Thanks to Mac, KE5QDA, I have had to reconsider the Digital Dilemma! He asked if I considered Winlink2K to be a digital mode. WELL, I had not even considered that question and I had to do some research on the topic. What I found out (after some soul searching) caused me to re-do my original Digital Dilemma post ... here's my thinking...

From the Winlink2K website:

"Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting e-mail by radio, with non-commercial links to internet e-mail. "

After reading this, I view WL2K as a pipeline rather than a digital mode of communication.

And I am sure there is LOTS of room for argument and discussion. Feel free to discuss because there's plenty of room for other opinions.

Any way, if this is my feeling on WL2K, then what about PSKMail? I reviewed the features list and came to the same conclusion. PSKMail is also PRIMARILY a pipeline to support email. It has some other features that kind of cloud the picture (mainly texting via APRS) but the main function is pipeline rather than allowing station to station communication.

There is WAY MORE information at each of these websites. WL2K is the "official" choice of just about everyone who is any kind of official.

Consider the following a VERY BRIEF introducton to these two programs ....

WinLink 2000 - Provides Email - WL2K Website
1. Windows (obviously)
2. Uses PACTOR 1,2, and 3 and requires pactor modem which is pricey.
3. Some proprietary features? ("The Winlink 2000 system, and Winlink user software is built, maintained and supported by the Winlink Development Team (WDT), your membership in the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, and your tax deductible contributions.")
4. Recently introduced a sound card mode called WINMOR
5. APRS text messaging is possible as well as some packet usage for "last mile" coverage.
6. Lots of email servers world-wide. If you happen onto one of these frequencies, you'll probably have to move your QSO.

PSKMail - Provides Email - PSKMail Website
1. Linux BUT available in Windows emulator (puppy_linux)
2. Uses Fldigi
3. Modes - PSK250 with ARQ
4. GUI easy to use and provides email, APRS and Chat mode.
5. Upload/download email from internet and works with Linux email program called EVOLUTION.
6. While most email servers are in Europe, there appears to be a couple of email servers in the U.S. (one in San Antonio.)

... AR

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

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

Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System

Also in the April 2008 issue of QST, there was a short mention of the Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System which is based on PSK, RTTY, or MFSK rather than Packet messaging.

NBEMS was developed by Skip Teller, KH6TY, creator of DigiPan and Dave Freese, W1HKJ, creator of the Linux-based Fldigi.

In my estimation, this program suite takes direct aim at the much-touted and expensive Winlink process.

Together, NBEMS package lets you exchange text and small files in several modes using ARQ - Automatic Repeat reQuest. As you may or may not know, ARQ supports checking and resending data to provide error free transmission of data.

Everything is handled through sound card interfaces so no expensive TNC is required.

Fldigi program puts you on the air on RTTY, PSK31, PSK63, PSK125, PSK25 and MFSK. If you want to use the ARQ features, then the Flarq program interfaces with the Fldigi to make it happen.

There is a very active Yahoo Group supporting NBEMS testing on VHF and 30 meters. Good success has been had with communication between VHF FM mobiles even using vertical antennas. This opens up all kinds of possibilities due to the many hams with this equipment.

The programs are available at: w1hkj.com/NBEMS

...AR