Howard, Some really good information. Do you use the RFSM8000 server for local e-mail like we used to use for packet, or do you connect into the internet to go outside the ham RF paths? Or maybe both?
Do you just use the call sign or some kind of e-mail address? If you buy the server software, can RFSM2400 freeware stations use the system? How does it compare with packet, especially in terms of speed and weak signal capability? 73, Rick, KV9U Howard Z. wrote: > Here are some possibilities: > > 1. Teams have their radios on all the time, or perhaps only on the > top of the hour for 10 minutes to check in - so their welfare and > status is known and for delivering any important messages. > > 2. Teams connect to an email server via the radio at least once an > hour. This can be to a VHF RMS Packet station, an HF RMS Packet > station, or RFSM8000. (My local MARS group has been experimenting > with RFSM8000) It is not cheap, but if prepared with a deep cycle > battery, appropriate charger, and a few solar panels (100 watts > each), an email station can be available at scheduled times. Perhaps > all day during daylight hours, and 15 minutes out of each hour during > night-time hours? Perhaps even 24/7 if equipped for it. > > 3. D-Star radios - they have the ability for 'call-sign squelch'. A > member will only hear messages explicitly sent to his call-sign. > Thus he would not have to listen regularly in an hourly net for > information specific for him. This can also be accomplished on FM > radios using different squelch codes - though not as well. > > If VHF simplex can provide for the coverage area - that's fine. > If you need a central voice repeater, digipeater, or email server - > figure out how to have it available without electricity from the > electric company. > > If HF is needed, again plan for that. Equipment costs more and > antennas are larger. > What equipment is needed - how many participants. > What antennas can be easily errected in the field, and stored > compactly in a vehicle? > Electiricy requirements? Maybe people's vehicles will be the > generators needed? > > Then you need some regular practice to see that it all works, > equipment is operational, and people retain familiarity with > equipment and procedures. > > Whatever approach you want to take, just think about it, plan for it, > and practice it. > > There are many approaches, probably more ideas exist in your > organization than I have thought of here. > > Howard > >
