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
Showing posts with label emergency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emergency. Show all posts
Friday, August 07, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Email is Essential to Deliver NTS Messages
Delivery of National Traffic System messages is difficult in today's world. The low participation of amateurs in traffic handling makes the sending of messages, and, especially the delivery of messages, very spotty. The problem is, in a word - COVERAGE.
Looking at Oklahoma, we have hams in every community. Few, if any, of these hams are interested in handling the NTS traffic. This means the few hams who do enjoy passing and delivering message have to cover much more of the state.
This makes email essential to provide the COVERAGE that is needed.
I can make every net that is available within the state and still not find anyone willing to take and deliver a message to an amateur in a given town. Given the choice between a long distance call and an email, I think the choice is obvious.
Unless we can develop more interest in NTS message-handling and attract amateurs to support the NTS network, we will have to rely more on email to deliver our messages.
So what should be the guidelines for email delivery? An op-ed piece in QST recommended message delivery by email once the message was received by an amateur in the same ARRL Section as the recipient.
This seems like a good recommendation since our coverage is lacking at this level.
And why bother? It is the NETWORK and the TRAINING that are important! The network of the NTS message nets has been long established for efficiency in communication. It is important to keep these nets functional in case the need arises on a local or even a national level. Maybe there is something better, but until we develop it to the point we can depend on it, let's keeep the traffic nets operational.
The TRAINING is important as well. Learning the net procedures facilitates good habits. Practice in sending and receiving of formatted text helps develop accuracy and operator confidence.
But until message handling becomes all the rage within our ranks and people are fighting over sending and receiving messages, we will need to supplement our coverage with email.
... AR
Looking at Oklahoma, we have hams in every community. Few, if any, of these hams are interested in handling the NTS traffic. This means the few hams who do enjoy passing and delivering message have to cover much more of the state.
This makes email essential to provide the COVERAGE that is needed.
I can make every net that is available within the state and still not find anyone willing to take and deliver a message to an amateur in a given town. Given the choice between a long distance call and an email, I think the choice is obvious.
Unless we can develop more interest in NTS message-handling and attract amateurs to support the NTS network, we will have to rely more on email to deliver our messages.
So what should be the guidelines for email delivery? An op-ed piece in QST recommended message delivery by email once the message was received by an amateur in the same ARRL Section as the recipient.
This seems like a good recommendation since our coverage is lacking at this level.
And why bother? It is the NETWORK and the TRAINING that are important! The network of the NTS message nets has been long established for efficiency in communication. It is important to keep these nets functional in case the need arises on a local or even a national level. Maybe there is something better, but until we develop it to the point we can depend on it, let's keeep the traffic nets operational.
The TRAINING is important as well. Learning the net procedures facilitates good habits. Practice in sending and receiving of formatted text helps develop accuracy and operator confidence.
But until message handling becomes all the rage within our ranks and people are fighting over sending and receiving messages, we will need to supplement our coverage with email.
... AR
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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
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
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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
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
Packet Radio for Emergency Messaging - OUTPOST
Outpost creates a screen that resembles an Internet e-mail application. The user doesn't need to be overly familiar with packet radio. You just need to know how to type and click send. Outpost takes care of the rest.
Outpost was covered in the April 2008 issue of QST. It is available at www.outpostpm.org
Outpost was written by Jim Oberhofer, KN6PE. He is a member of the Cupertino, CA ARES group ( www.cupertinoares.org ).
This program provides the following:
This gives a whole different set of programs for using packet radio for emergency messaging.
...AR
Outpost was covered in the April 2008 issue of QST. It is available at www.outpostpm.org
Outpost was written by Jim Oberhofer, KN6PE. He is a member of the Cupertino, CA ARES group ( www.cupertinoares.org ).
This program provides the following:
- Supports all 3 packet message types - Private, NTS, and Bulletins.
- Create messages from imported files, from scratch, or by REPLY or FWD.
- Built-in message form maker. An NTS message form is provided.
- Supports TNCs, AGWPE, and Telnet interfaces.
- Automatic query/posting to BBS based on time.
This gives a whole different set of programs for using packet radio for emergency messaging.
...AR
Monday, April 13, 2009
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
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
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