I echo a lot of Rick's sentiments in traffic handling.
There are two types of traffic that we as amateurs would typically handle. One would be the local VHF/UHF tactical messaging as back-up or replacement for local systems and local responders. Secondly we would also handle state/province wide and national messaging in the event of a major disaster. Many of the responding agencies have recognized this need and have built both HF and VHF/UHF capabilities into mobile command units and EOC comms centers. Problem being when the poop hits the fan there is not an organized net that these folks can go to, at least in Canada. We are working to resolve that and also build in the ability to communicate with Homeland Security on cross border incidents. I have been working with several federal and provincial agencies and hopefully solve the net issues into the new year. >From an outsider's point of view, it is unfortunate that MARS has decided not to share any software with non-MARS members, particularly MARS-ALE. This limits the ability of MARS to function in an emergency environment since non-members could not assist, and there is also the issue of the learning curve. ALE adherents talk of a national traffic system being in place for over 500 days. This is NOT a message system until stations can pass more than a one-line message between each other, and there seems to be little interest in pursuing message handling beyond a one line message. These folks are only fooling themselves and their served agencies unless they practice moving a larger message . There are good reasons for training at times other than the heat of battle!! So far there are a few digital software products out there which show promise. Some , like RFSM800 can handle higher speed transfers but are not very robust and need a pretty good signal to work well. Olivia and FAE400 are slower but do work well into the noise. From what I have heard so far from beta testers, WINMOR has some promise. We do need a good compromise, with the ability to store and forward digital messages and work reasonably well into the noise. John VE5MU
