Hi Tony and group members, Based on the use (or non use) of ARQ modes for general ham use, suggests to me that they are going to be primarily used for messaging. This is something that we must have for public service/emergency communications, but there are relatively few who are oriented toward digital modes (speaking from considerable experience). This is likely due in part to the use of VHF as the main part of the spectrum used for such activities. It is actually a very new concept in terms of these newer technologies (developed in past year or so) that work with weak signals rather than the older packet systems that required fairly good signals to work over modest distances. Even so, it is very difficult to get operators to even try the new technologies because the great majority are satisfied with only using VHF/UHF phone. Even the zero interface approach is a hard sell.
Some of us on this group have used FAE400 on HF with success but three or four users is not enough, HI. Also, in order for new modes to become practical to use, they must be available on the programs that are being used. Based on comments from developers, it appears that FAE400 will only be available on Multipsk and this is more of an experimenters program rather than one used by public service or the average digital user. It may not be practical to build a team of operators, whether local or regional, etc., to use multiple programs where they use one program for e-mail, another one for packet, another for messaging, another for chat, etc. That is why I believe that we need one program that has this capability, and it would need to be simple to use, very basic layout that is understandable to the average ham. I believe that we are coming closer and some groups have standardized on certain programs. Even after we have the "perfect" program (until the next "perfect" one comes along), it will take an enormous amount of promotion to effect major changes, HI. One question for Tony: when you tested the "ALE" mode, was this actually the FAE mode? As I understand it, the FAE modes (wide 2000 Hz and narrow 400 Hz modes) are considerably faster than the older ALE modes due to improved compression, even though they use the same 8FSK modulation. And they are more sensitive, plus the memory ARQ feature of FAE adds additional weak signal capability. 73, Rick, KV9U Moderator, HFDEC (Hams for Disaster and Emergency Communications) yahoogroup Tony wrote: > > > John, > > > Hey man you are preaching to the choir!!! > > It seems that way om -- first QSO was yesterday so it's all new to me. > > > ALE400 is a great mode, even at higher latitudes such as I am. > > Simulator seems to indicate that John. Not as robust as other mfsk > modes, but beats the pants off of 300 baud HF Packet!!! > > Are you available for a contact? I'm on 14073.0 USB + 1000Hz. ALE-400 >
