We are pleased to announce a new beta release of NBEMS, version 1.2.0, with the addition of "Plain Talk", a semi-duplex mode built into the Flarq/VBdigi combination. You can use "Plain Talk" for chat-like QSO's that are more like normal conversation than typical simplex operation.
This latest beta release has also been fine tuned for faster throughput on message transfers. Our testing continues to suggest that PSK63 is the most practical speed to use on HF in the presence of the usual QRN and QSB. PSK125, or even PSK250, seems to be practical for faster transfers on the more consistent 2m VHF paths, but falling back to PSK63 if the path does not support the higher speeds. NBEMS on HF is intended to be used with NVIS antennas on both ends of the communication, within a range of 300 miles, as that is more than sufficient for emcomm use. True NVIS antennas have a very high takeoff angle (90 degrees in ideal cases), so QRN, usually arriving at low angles, is discriminated against by the true NVIS antenna. NBEMS on HF, using existing, relatively high, HF antennas will still be subject to both varying skywave propagation and low angle reception of QRN, and tests under those conditions may not be representative of performance obtainable when true NVIS antennas are used on both ends. NVIS antennas are often dipoles mounted only 8' to 12' off the ground, and sometimes include a reflector wire under the dipole to direct the signal straight up and illuminate the ionosphere above the antenna. It is worth giving it a try! Go to http://www.w1hkj.com/NBEMS and look for the installation download link. If you are upgrading from a previous NBEMS installation, it is recommended that you first remove NBEMS by going to Control Panel, "Add or Remove Programs" ("Programs and Features" under VISTA), find NBEMS, and remove it. Then run the latest setup.exe installation program. The NBEMS Development Team Skip, KH6TY Dave, W1HKJ
