[digitalradio] Scouts High Altitude Balloon ATV/Repeater/Digital Mode Beacons, August 7th

[Mark Thompson]

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=258523

High Altitude Balloon for Scouts to carry ATV/Repeater/Digital Mode beacons on 
Aug 7


To Radio Operators across IL, IN, WI, OH, MO, KY and beyond...

August 7th, 2010 as part of the Scouts Space Jam Technology Merit Badge 
Workshop, more info at http://spacejamboree.com, 2 helium balloons will launch 
with ham radio aboard... details below, we appreciate signal reports, or 
participation.

Balloon 1 (DePauw University BASE Flight 48)
schedule to launch approx. 8:00 CT from Rantoul, IL
APRS Tracking 144.390MHz using callsign N9QGS-11 every one minute with no path
DominoEX-22 followed by 300 baud ASCII RTTY (200 hz shift) every minute with 
Morse code ID every 5 minutes. Flight can be tracked 
at http://www.spacenear.us/tracker
Amateur Television from balloon on 434 MHz NTSC
Flight scheduled for 1000/ft ascent till burst at ~95,000ft

Balloon 2 (DePauw University BASE Flight 49)
schedule to launch approx. 8:30 CT from Rantoul, IL
APRS Tracking 144.390MHz using callsign W9YJ-11 every one minute with no path
Cross band repeater with input frequency: 144.360 MHz and an output frequency: 
446.025 MHz down, no PL, please check in with net control (contact with ISS and 
scouts possibly may be rebroadcasted during flight through balloon.)
A float valve will be used to keep repeater up at 60,000+ feet for approx. 90 
minutes; Estimated time for cross band maximum range should be approx. from 
1430 
UTC till 1600 UTC and above 45 kft from 1415 UTC till 1630 UTC.
DominoEX-22 and RTTY 300 baud (200 spacing) Ascii every minute on TBA frequency 
and callsign (watch twitter for this information)

How to follow the action on the internet:
You can track the balloons using APRS technology at http://tinyurl.com/2ed2u85
Watch decoded DominoEX/RTTY flight data at http://spacenear.us/tracker
Flight details and status on Twitter at http://twitter.com/base_depauw



  

[digitalradio] Fwd: SDR and TAPR Forums Slides @ Dayton Hamvention 2010

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Scott Cowling 
To: 
Cc: 
Sent: Thu, Jun 24, 2010 2:16 pm
Subject: SDR and TAPR forum slides are on-line


Hi everyone, 
 
All of the TAPR forum presentations are now up on 
line. 

www.tapr.org/conf_tapr_dayton2010.html 
 
Thanks for the opportunity to get them out there for folks to read, 
and thank you to the moderators! 
 
73, 
Scotty WA2DFI 


  

[digitalradio] Hamvention APRS Forum, Friday, 5/14 @ 11:30 am

[Mark Thompson]

Hamvention Digital Forums, Friday, May 14, Room #1
  
APRS Forum, 11: 30 – 12:30 pm 
Hosted by Bob Bruninga
WB4APR

Automatic Position Reporting System


Speakers
New Byonics APRS Products, Byon Garrabrant, N6BG

New VHS Products APRS Products, Allen Lord, AF60F


New Argent Systems APRS Products, Scott Miller, N1VG


New RPC Electronics APRS Products, Jason Rausch, KE4NYV


Other Advances in APRS From the Floor


  

[digitalradio] Hamvention D-STAR Activities

[Mark Thompson]

D-STAR at  Dayton Hamvention
 
During the Hamvention several D-STAR events & resources will be available.

D-STAR Digital Voice repeaters in  Dayton  are sponsored by DARA (Dayton 
Amateur Radio Association), the host of the Hamvention. 



Dayton D-STAR Repeaters

145.270 (+600 KHz) W8BI C
Accessible outdoors at Hamvention® HARA Arena with a handheld at 0.5 watts may 
be marginal so higher power is recommended.

444.0875 (+ 5MHz) W8BI B
70 cm repeater has limited range. 
 

Dayton D-STAR Repeater Reflector Linking 
 Hamvention received approval from the D-STAR Reflector REF030B to link a W8BI 
D-STAR over the Hamvention® weekend. 
The repeater was linked last year as well using a different reflector. A 
reflector allows all repeaters & DV Dongles linked to it communicate as a 
group. 
D-STAR activity in  Dayton  over Hamvention® weekend can be followed by using a 
repeater or DV Dongle linked to the 30-B reflector 
instead of linking directly to the W8BI gateway.
 

Hamvention D-STAR Repeaters
At the Hamvention Icom has D-STAR digital voice 2m, 70cm & 23cm digital voice 
repeaters & radios on demonstration and 
the repeaters may be connected to the D-STAR network. The callsigns & 
frequencies of the demonstration repeaters will be available at the Hamvention.


Thursday Night D-STAR Meet, Greet and Eyeball QSO
On Thursday night prior to the Hamvention there is a D-STAR Meet, Greet and 
Eyeball QSO over dinner. 
It will occur on Thursday May 13th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m at  Marion 's Piaza on  
1320 N Fairfield Road  in  Beavercreek ,  OH . 
More information about the event at: http://hamvention.org/events.php#dstar


D-STAR Friday Night Get Together
For the last four years there has been a Friday Night D-STAR Get Together at a 
hotel in  Dayton  hosted by the Texas & Alabama D-STAR groups. 
The event has been an opportunity to hear talks by experienced D-STAR repeater 
operators & innovators and meet with other D-STAR users.
  This year the Friday Night D-STAR Get Together will be on Friday, May 14th 
from 8 – 10 pm at the Drury Inn North, the same location as last year.  
The Georgia D-STAR group will host this year's event. The format this year will 
be a bit different from previous years 
with a few short presentations to start the evening followed by an open session 
with D-STAR experts on many topics stationed 
around the room to meet and answer your questions.

D-STAR Forum, Room #1, Friday, 12:45 – 14:15 pmHosted by Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
 
Speakers
DVAP/DV Dongle/D-PLUS/Multiple Software Packages, Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC
Home-brew D-STAR repeater, David Lake, G4ULF
D-RATS, D-STAR Digital Data Software, Dan Smith, KK7DS


  

[digitalradio] TAPR Digital Activities at Dayton Hamvention, May 15-16, 2010

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa 
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Sent: Mon, Apr 26, 2010 7:23 pm
Subject: [tapr-announce] TAPR at the Dayton Hamvention (May 15-16, 2010)


Dayton Hamvention is the biggest gathering of ham radio operators on
the planet and as usual, TAPR has a full slate on tap for the
Hamvention weekend (May 14-16, 2010).

TAPR Booths:

Booths 455 through 458 in the Ball Arena of the Hara complex is where
TAPR presents the latest advances in the state of the ham radio arts.

TAPR Digital Forum:

TAPR Digital Forum runs from 9:15 to 11:15 AM on Friday in Room 1 of
the Hara Arena with the following schedule of presentations, moderated
by Mark Thompson, WB9QZB:

9:15 – TAPR Update by Steve Bible, N7HPR, and Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI

9:30 – WL2K Network and its RF Portals by Rick Muething, KN6KB, and Vic
Poor, W5SSM

10:00 – TAPR Project Design for Manufacturing, by Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI

10:30 – Putting HPSDR on the Internet, by John Melton, G0ORX/N6LYT

11:00 – Wrap-up

TAPR-AMSAT Banquet:

Friday evening, TAPR joins AMSAT for their fourth annual joint banquet
at the Kohler Presidental Banquet Center, Kettering, OH (just south of
Dayton). Dr. Bob McGwier, N4HY, will be the after dinner speaker.

Doors open at 6:30 PM and a cash bar will be available. A buffet dinner
begins at 7:15 and includes Salmon with Newberg Sauce, Marinated
Roasted Garlic Rosemary Chicken Breast in Lemon Butter Sauce, Marinated
Pork Loin, Scalloped Potatoes with Parsley, Normandy Blend Green Beans,
Fresh Fruit, Green Salad, Pie, Iced Tea, Hot Tea and Coffee. 

Make reservations for the banquet online at the AMSAT Store 
<http://www.amsat-na.com/store/item.php?id=100158> or contact
Martha at the AMSAT office from 10 AM to 6 PM EST/EDT at 301-589-6062
or toll free at 888-322-6728. You can pick up your reserved tickets at
the AMSAT booth on Friday or at the door.


___
tapr-announce mailing list

NOTE:  This list includes all addresses currently subscribed to any TAPR 
mailing 
list.  Please don't try to manually unsubscribe from this list; it won't work.  
If you unsubscribe from all other TAPR mailing lists, you will automatically be 
unsubscribed from this one.


  

[digitalradio] Dayton Hamvention D-STAR Linking Announcement

[Mark Thompson]

 Original Message  
Subject: [Hamvention] D-Star Linking Announcement 
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:26:22 - 
From: ke4wle  
Reply-To: hamvent...@yahoogroups.com 
To: hamvent...@yahoogroups.com 

Hamvention just got approval from the DStar reflector owner and we will be 
linking the W8BI to the 30-B reflector over the Hamvention® weekend. 

We did the same thing last year, with a different reflector. A reflector allows 
everyone that is linked, either via a repeater or over the internet to 
communicate with everyone else that is linked.  Here's the announcement, feel 
free to punch it up.

With the permission of the reflector owner, the W8BI DStar gateway will be 
linked to the 30-B reflector during Hamvention® weekend. 

If you would like to follow the DStar activity in Dayton over Hamvention® 
weekend, please use a linked repeater or link your DV Dongle to the 30-B 
reflector. Please do not link directly to the W8BI gateway.

Direct any questions to this group or Mark Erbaugh [micro...@hughes.net]



  

[digitalradio] Fwd: Balloonsat Flights Launched from Huntsville with APRS on Saturday Morning with & Streaming Video of Launch

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: wb8...@aol.com
To: 
Sent: Fri, Apr 9, 2010 8:18 pm
Subject: Streaming video from this Saturday morning UAH balloonsat flights


Upwards of 5 balloons possible from Huntsville, ALlook for APRS callsigns 
starting with KG4WSV, WB8ELK and UAH on 144.39 (as well as 144.34 and 144.36) 
 
Streaming video of the launches are possible at the following website:
 
http://www.batc.tv
 
Click on "Members Streams"
 
Then click on "WB8ELK" and hit View Stream


  

[digitalradio] Fwd:TAPR Spring PSR Journal Call for Papers!

[Mark Thompson]

TAPR Spring PSR Journal Call for Papers! 

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa 
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Sent: Mon, Mar 15, 2010 5:51 pm
Subject: [tapr-announce] Spring PSR: Write For It!


The Spring issue of TAPR's quarterly newsletter, PSR, is in the works. If you 
would consider writing something for PSR, 
the PSR editorial board would seriously consider publishing it. The 
deadline for the Spring issue is April 15, so you have one month to 
write something! 
 
The Spring issue appears just before the Dayton Hamvention, so if you 
want to write something that ties in with the Hamvention, then even better! 
 
Thank-you and 73, 
 
Stan, WA1LOU 
PSR Editor 


  

[digitalradio] TAPR PSR Digital Journal Winter 2010 and ARRL/TAPR DCC Proceedings On-Line

[Mark Thompson]

 

TAPR Winter 2010 PSR Journal Now On-Line at: 

www.tapr.org/psr/psr110.pdf  



   TAPR DCC (Digital Communication Conference) Proceedings Now On-Line at: 

www.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html


 TAPR DCC (Digital Communication Conference) Proceedings Now On-Line at: 
www.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html


  

[digitalradio] TAPR President Emeritus Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ (SK)

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2010/03/01/11367/?nc=1
TAPR President Emeritus Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ (SK)

TAPR President Emeritus Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ (SK)

David Toth opened the 2008 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Convention. Watch 
the video 
 www.youtube.com/user/KN4AQ#p/u/6/yBrumFbn05o [Video courtesy of ARVN's Gary 
Pierce, KN4AQ]
Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ -- President Emeritus of Tucson Amateur Packet Radio 
(TAPR) -- passed away Friday, February 26after a long battle with cancer. He 
was 55. A resident of Spencerville, Ohio, Toth served as a Director and 
Executive Vice President of TAPR in the 1980s and was elected President of the 
organization in September 2005. With his advancing illness, he decided not to 
stand for re-election last October and was instead named President Emeritus 
with Steve Bible, N7HPR, taking the reins as TAPR President.
"Dave was a great manager during his tenure at the head of TAPR," said ARRL 
Contributing Editor and TAPR Secretary Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU. "I give him a lot 
of credit for the success of TAPR's involvement in the high performance 
software defined radio (HPSDR) projects. The ham radio world has lost one of 
its best with VE3GYQ's passing."
An ARRL Life Member, Toth was a medical doctor who, despite his busy schedule, 
still made time to be an active amateur. In addition to experimenting with 
digital communications, he was an avid VHF contester. Licensed since the 1970s, 
Toth -- a native of Windsor, Ontario -- came to the US in 1993 to practice 
emergency medicine in Ohio. He was a partner of Premier Health Care Services in 
Dayton and worked at Lima (Ohio) Memorial Health System and St Rita's Medical 
Center (also in Lima) until the time of his illness.
"Dave was an extreme pleasure to work with," TAPR President Steven Bible, 
N7HPR, told the ARRL. "Most people saw Dave's dry wit and humor, but 
underneath, he was also very passionate about TAPR and promoting the technical 
side of the Amateur Radio."
QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, remembered Toth fondly: "After years of 
telephone chats and e-mails, I finally met Dave Toth in the flesh at the 2006 
ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference in Tucson. Some say a brilliant 
intellect and a well-developed sense of humor are mutually exclusive, but Dave 
defied the stereotype. It was difficult to keep a straight face at the forums 
while Dave was muttering irreverent comments. He will be greatly missed."
Bob McGwier, N4HY, who worked with Toth on SDR and other digital communications 
projects, told the ARRL that Toth was important to Amateur Radio "in so many 
ways. He was an early member of TAPR, a long time supporter of AMSAT and he 
gave of his time and talents to promote technical endeavors in Amateur Radio. 
Dave was an important player in the earliest days of packet radio in that he 
helped promote packet and supported it with on the air hardware, but he also 
participated in the development of a widely used BBS software suite that helped 
promote packet radio. As a board member and President of TAPR, he helped TAPR 
become the principal support for Open HPSDR, a project to promote the 
development of hardware and software for software defined radio use by Amateur 
Radio. TAPR kitted the hardware developments and made the widely available to 
amateurs everywhere. Dave was a great confidante, advisor, and friend. He will 
be sorely missed by all who knew him."
Toth was a private pilot for more than 30 years and an avid amateur astronomer. 
Since he was a young boy, Toth enjoyed looking at the night sky and reading 
about space and the stars. He had his own observatory that he opened up on 
clear nights. Toth was the founding member of the London (Ontario) Astronomy 
Club and served as its president; he was a member of the Royal Astronomical 
Society of Canada and belonged to the Lima, Dayton and Columbus Astronomy Clubs.
Friends may call from 3-8 PM Monday, March 1 and 1-8 PM Tuesday, March 2 at the 
Shawnee Chapel of the Chiles-Laman Funeral Home in Lima, Ohio; a parish wake 
service will begin at 8 PM on Tuesday. Services will begin at 10:30 AM on 
Wednesday, March 3 at St Charles Catholic Church. Burial of the cremated 
remains will be at a later date.



  

[digitalradio] ARRL/TAPR 2009 Digital Conference DVDs Now Available

[Mark Thompson]

ARRL/TAPR 2009 Digital Conference DVDs Now Available
Posted by: "Gary Pearce KN4AQ" kn...@arrl.net kn4aq
Date: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:18 am ((PST))


ARVN has released a new 6-DVD set of videos from the ARRL and TAPR 2009 
Digital Communications Conference, held last September near Chicago.

This year's conference didn't have as much D-STAR info as the 2008 DCC did. 
Tom Azlin N4ZPT has a presentation on using the DD mode and ID1's at the 
Marine Corps Marathon, and John Ronan EI7IG has been experimenting with 
what he calls "Delay and Disruption Tolerant Networking in AX.25 and DSTAR 
Networks."

Other topics presented include: equipment design and construction, Software 
Designed Radio, AMSAT/ARISSat, packet, advanced APRS, and Digital ATV. It's 
all interesting, but I found the Digital ATV presentations to be 
particularly new and intriguing.

The six DVDs are organized around common topics. Each DVD has several 
presentations, and most presentations run about 45 minutes (good for club 
meeting programs, if your club leans a bit technical).

You can buy individual DVDs covering the area you're interested in for $15 
each (+ $3 shipping), or the whole set for $75 (but still just $3 
shipping).  The DVDs are produced in NTSC standard definition video.

And a reminder that DVDS of the D-STAR presentations at the 2008 and 2009 
Dayton Hamventions are also available. If you find yourself hungry for more 
D-STAR information, these DVDs should help fill you up (or at least keep 
you busy for a day).

Free previews, details and ordering at:  www.ARVideoNews.com.

73,
Gary KN4AQ

ARVN: Amateur Radio//Video News
Gary Pearce KN4AQ
508 Spencer Crest Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
kn...@arvideonews.com
919-380-9944
www.ARVideoNews.com  


  

[digitalradio] WU3V Offering Repair Services for Older Kantronics TNCs

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 


Repair for the [older] Kantronics TNC products 

I have a repair center for the Kantronics TNC products,
We are supporting the KPC-2 KPC-3 KPC-2400 and the Dataengine units.

Our rates are very reasonable and offer less than 5 day turnaround (parts 
availability).

Jim WU3V
406.231.4483


  

[digitalradio] Fwd: ARLB004 W1AW to Alternate Digital Mode Schedule

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: ARRL Web site www.arrl.org>
To: wb9...@aol.com
Cc: Subscribed ARRL Members:;
Sent: Fri, Feb 12, 2010 1:06 pm
Subject: ARLB004 W1AW to Alternate Digital Mode Schedule


SB QST @ ARL $ARLB004
ARLB004 W1AW to Alternate Digital Mode Schedule

ZCZC AG04
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 4  ARLB004
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  February 12, 2010
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB004
ARLB004 W1AW to Alternate Digital Mode Schedule

Beginning Monday, March 15, 2010, W1AW will alternate the digital
modes used for its digital bulletin transmissions.

While Baudot, PSK31 and MFSK16 still make up the digital mode
complement, the schedule will be altered to give more exposure to
PSK31 and MFSK16.

Because of time constraints and the varying lengths of digital
bulletins, there were many instances where only Baudot was used.
With the new schedule, amateurs preferring either PSK31 or MFSK16
will find these modes no longer secondary.

The regular callup will be made using the mode that is transmitted
first.  The digital bulletin times remain at 6 PM and 9 PM eastern,
daily.

The Tuesday and Friday Keplerian data bulletins will continue to be
sent using just Baudot and PSK31.

The new digital schedule is as follows:

Monday:Baudot, PSK31, MFSK16

Tuesday:   PSK31, MFSK16, Baudot 

Wednesday: MFSK16, Baudot, PSK31

Thursday:  Baudot, PSK31, MFSK16

Friday:PSK31, Baudot, MFSK16

Given time constraints and bulletin lengths, all three modes may not
always be transmitted.

The complete W1AW schedule can be found on page 100 of the January
issue of QST, or on the web at,
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#w1awsked.

/EX


  

[digitalradio] CSS to release The PK-232 25th Anniversary Software CD

[Mark Thompson]

CSS to release The PK-232 25th Anniversary Software CD


Muscle Shoals AL, January 5th 2010: 

Creative Services Software announced today that ham can pre order the PK-232 
25th Anniversary Collectable CD. This collection of software is limited to 
10,000 copies. It includes: 

• PakRatt for DOS 
• PkFax for DOS 
• PakRatt Lite 
• PakRatt 2.3 for Windows 
• Pkterm ‘99 
• Wefax ‘99 
• Pacterm for Windows 
• Wefax for Windows 
• Radio Operations Center for AEA/Timewave 
• Wefax Ops for AEA/Timewave 
• PDF manuals for all the programs are included! This way, those that have lost 
their manuals can print them out again! 

Company President Rick Ruhl, W4PC, said, “The conception of the PK-232 in 1985 
was a leap forward in Ham technology. For the last 25 years, over 100,000 
PK-232 have been sold and tens of thousands are still in use. The re-release of 
the DOS and Windows 3.1 software, which now all have Y2K fixes, is to show how 
far development has come since those early days of the PC and the PK-232. These 
older programs will not be sold separately, but only in this anniversary 
collection.” 

CSS and Timewave are also including pictures of older advertisements from AEA 
and Timewave has given CSS special permission to include PDFs of the AEA 
catalogs. For ham radio operators, this is a golden opportunity to own a piece 
of ham history, as the collection will only be available during 2010. Each copy 
will be numbered and have a certificate of authentication included. 

A pre-order price of $139.95 is available at the CSS online store at 
http://www.cssincorp.com. Customers who purchase the pre-order will get the 
latest copy of Radio Operations Center sent to them along with their special 
serial number that will work with all the products on the 25th Anniversary 
collectable.
__
Check out the Radio Operations Center for Kantronics and Timewave and Emcomm 
Ops for the MFJ TNCs at http://www.cssincorp.com



  

[digitalradio] Linux Journal Guest Editor, KG4GIY Talks about Ham Radio

[Mark Thompson]

RAIN Report: Linux Journal Guest Editor David Lane, KG4GIY, talks
about featuring ham radio in the January 2010 issue. (11 minutes) 
www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-1-2-2010.mp3


  

[digitalradio] Visit the Online Ham Radio Stacks (Digital & Linux)

[Mark Thompson]

www.arrl.org/news/features/2010/01/01/11272/?nc=1


Surfin': Visit the Online Ham Radio Stacks

 
This week, Surfin' checks out the stacks at Linux Journal and Tucson Amateur 
Packet Radio.

 
  
TAPR’s DCC Proceeding Web page www.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html houses the searchable 
and downloadable proceedings from recent ARRL/TAPR Digital Communication 
Conferences (DCC) 

Linux Leaning Hams
Those of you who lean towards Linux should check out the January 2010 issue of 
Linux Journal www.linuxjournal.com/issue/189.
It features ham radio with three feature articles on the subject: "An
Amateur Radio Survival Guide for Linux Users," "Xastir -- Open-Source
Client for the Automatic Packet Reporting System" and "Rolling Your Own
with Digital Amateur Radio."

TAPR's Online Libraries
One of the many hats I wear is the editor's chapeau at TAPR (Tucson
Amateur Packet Radio), where I copy, cut and paste together TAPR's
quarterly newsletter, Packet Status Register (PSR).

Recently, I was researching something or other concerning TAPR and I
thought, "Wouldn't it be a better world if all the back issues of PSR were 
online?" I made some inquiries and discovered that Phil Karn,
KA9Q, already had a bunch of the early issues online. Phil graciously
granted permission for us to copy what he had and then we -- John
Ackermann, N8UR; John Koster, W9DDD; Darryl Smith, VK2TDS, and I --
began back-filling the missing issues. In short order, we assembled a
complete library of back issues that you can access at TAPR's PSR Web page 
www.tapr.org/psr.

Meanwhile, Ken Konechy, W6HHC, assisted by W9DDD, uploaded the five
most recent years of abstracts from the ARRL/TAPR Digital Communication
Conferences (DCC) papers on the TAPR Web site. Years 2005 through 2009
are now searchable on the Internet and you can download PDFs, too.
Visit TAPR's DCC Proceeding Web pagewww.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html to check out 
these valuable technical documents.

Happy New Year and until next time, keep on surfin'!

Editor's note: Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, is working on the 58th
installment of his New Year's resolutions. To contact Stan, send him 
e-mailwa1...@arrl.org or add comments to his bloghttp://horzepa.blogspot.com/ .


  

[digitalradio] Nifty E-Z Guide to PSK31 Operation

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=0370#top


  Nifty E-Z Guide to PSK31 Operation
-- by Bernie Lafreniere, N6FN

Learn how to setup your
station for PSK operation. Using the very popular DigiPan software as a
basis, a simple approach is utilized for configuring your interface
hardware, software and computer system. Separate chapters are devoted
to the installation and setup of three different PC-to-radio
interfaces. You'll also explore the pros and cons of building a
home-brew interface or purchasing several types of commercial
interfaces. 


This book is designed to
help you get PSK31 up and running quickly and easily. Light on theory,
it concentrates on the practical issues of getting things connected and
making PSK31 QSOs. With this step-by-step guide you'll experience the
fun of PSK!

70 pages. © 2008, by Nifty Ham Accessories(ISBN: 0-87259-037-0) #0370 -- $12.95



  

[digitalradio] Call for TAPR PSR Journal Articles

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: Stan Horzepa 
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Sent: Sun, December 20, 2009 7:54:27 AM
Subject: [tapr-announce] write for PSR

We are now seeking articles for the next issue of TAPR's quarterly newsletter, 
Packet Status Register (PSR). 

All contributions are welcome, so if you have anything for the newsletter, 
please e-mail what you have to me. 

The deadline is January 15. 

Thank you and 73,

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
PSR Editor


All PSR Issues Are Now Online
By Stan Horzepa , WA1LOU

All current and back issues of TAPR's quarterly
newsletter, Packet Status Register (PSR), are now
online and accessible at www.tapr.org/psr
The newsletters are in Adobe Acrobat format.
Thanks to John Ackermann, N8UR, Phil Karn,
KA9Q, John Koster, W9DDD, and Darryl Smith,
VK2TDS, for helping to fill in the gaps in the
collection.

By the way, we can automatically notify you by
e–mail whenever a new issue of PSR is available for
downloading by signing up here:
https://www.tapr.org/cgi–bin/mailman/listinfo/
psr–announce

And we can automatically e–mail new issues of
PSR to you whenever a new issue is available by
signing up here:
https://www.tapr.org/cgi–bin/mailman/listinfo/
psr–pdf
###


TAPR Twitter

TAPR set–up a Twitter account for TAPR
to keep TAPR members and digital enthusiasts
aware of TAPR’s events & activities.

The TAPR Twitter account can be accessed
at: http://www.twitter.com/taprdigital


  

[digitalradio] TAPR PSR Jounal Fall Issue Now On-line & TAPR on Twitter

[Mark Thompson]

TAPR's PSR Journal Fall Issue is Now On-Line at: 

http://www.tapr.org/psr/psr109.pdf


All PSR Issues Are Now Online
By Stan Horzepa , WA1LOU

All current and back issues of TAPR's quarterly
newsletter, Packet Status Register (PSR), are now
online and accessible at www.tapr.org/psr
The newsletters are in Adobe Acrobat format.
Thanks to John Ackermann, N8UR, Phil Karn,
KA9Q, John Koster, W9DDD, and Darryl Smith,
VK2TDS, for helping to fill in the gaps in the
collection.

By the way, we can automatically notify you by
e–mail whenever a new issue of PSR is available for
downloading by signing up here:
https://www.tapr.org/cgi–bin/mailman/listinfo/
psr–announce

And we can automatically e–mail new issues of
PSR to you whenever a new issue is available by
signing up here:
https://www.tapr.org/cgi–bin/mailman/listinfo/
psr–pdf
###


TAPR Twitter

TAPR set–up a Twitter account for TAPR
to keep TAPR members and digital enthusiasts
aware of TAPR’s events & activities.

The TAPR Twitter account can be accessed
at: http://www.twitter.com/taprdigital


  

[digitalradio] Ham Radio and Linux Cover Story in Linux Journal

[Mark Thompson]

The Cover Story of the January 2010 Linux Journal is: 

"Amateur Radio and Linux: Open Source for the Next Generation"


More information at: http://www.linuxjournal.com/issue/189


  

[digitalradio] New ARRL Course on Digital Technology for EmComms

[Mark Thompson]

New ARRL Course on Digital Technology for
EmComms

With digital technology becoming an
integral part of Amateur Radio, hams interested in emergency communications now
have a new tool to help them take advantage of emerging modes such as Packet
Radio APRS, Winlink 2000, IRLP, EchoLink and WIRES-II, D-STAR, APCO25, HF
sound card modes and Automatic Link Establishment (ALE). The ARRL Digital
Technology for Emergency Communications 
Coursehttp://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1247 will introduce hams to all of
the ways Amateur Radio operators are using digital technology as a valuable
emergency communications tool.


Written by ARRL
Publications Manager and QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, this self-study
CD-ROM will answer such questions as: Can you transfer supply lists or
personnel assignments between emergency operations sites? Can you get critical
e-mails to the Internet if a connection goes down? Can you relay digital
images of damage at specific locations? Can you track the locations of emergency
personnel and display them on computer maps?


Illustrations, screenshots, Internet links and audio files are used to 
demonstrate
transmission modes and equipment configurations. Bite-sized learning units
and interactive knowledge checks make learning interesting and fun.

"This course is a great starting point for anyone interested
in the public service applications of digital communications technology,"
said Ford.


  

[digitalradio] Ham Radio Article in ComputerWorld Magazine

[Mark Thompson]

Want to bone up on wireless tech? Try ham radio
 
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139771/Want_to_bone_up_on_wireless_tech_Try_ham_radio?taxonomyId=15&pageNumber=1


  

[digitalradio] Fwd: Georgia Statewide ARES Network Receives Funding $$$ for D-STAR Equipment [1 Attachment]

[Mark Thompson]

Great example of what's possible with good planning. 

See message below & attached presentation. 


$$$ Georgia statewide network receives funding $$$
    Posted by: "WB4QDX" wb4...@arrl.net jdavis6129
    Date: Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:38 pm ((PDT))

An official announcement will be released in the next few days, but it can be 
announced to the Amateur community that $165,000 in Federal funding has been 
secured by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to complete the statewide 
Georgia D-STAR network.  Equipment has already been ordered and is beginning to 
arrive.

This is a project that began back in 2005 with a vision for Amateur Radio 
emergency communications in Georgia. Georgia Public Broadcasting's former 
Director of Engineering Mark Fehlig, WA6NGC, seized an opportunity to install 
two Amateur Radio antennas on each of nine tall television towers that provide 
statewide Public Television coverage as a part of the required conversion to 
Digital Television.  Fehlig designated Georgia ARES to control the use of these 
facilities for emergency communications.

The next task was to determine what technology or mode would provide the best 
use of these sites for emergency communications.  After considering many modes 
and technologies including linked FM repeaters and packet.  About this time, 
the D-STAR digital technology was emerging as a state of the art platofrm for 
voice and data communications.  D-STAR allows flexible linking of repeaters and 
provides simultaneous voice and low speed data along with high speed data with 
Internet connectivity on 1.2 GHz.

2 meter, 440 and 1.2 GHz voice and data repeaters will be installed on each of 
the nine television towers of Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). These nine 
towers are strategically located to provide near statewide Public Television 
coverage.  They will also provide similar Amateur Radio coverage from two 
antennas located between 500 and 600 feet above ground and connected with 1 
5/8" transmission lines.  GPB will also provide indoor equipment space with 
backup power at each site.  Connectivity on GPB's robust DS-3 data network will 
be provided with Internet access to allow flexible linking of repeaters using 
the D-STAR technology.  Two of the D-STAR repeaters are already in operation at 
Pembroke, Georgia near Savannah and atop Stone Mountain serving the Atlanta 
metro area. 

The funding also provides 20 dual-band D-STAR radios for installation at EMA 
offices around the state, a portable UHF D-STAR repeater for emergency 
deployment, three 1.2 GHz D-STAR radios with laptops for sending data and 
photos from field locations and a robust reflector to serve the Georgia network 
during emergency conditions and available for general use during non-emergency 
times. The complete Georgia D-STAR network should be in operation by early 
2010.  

The Georgia network will complement other D-STAR systems planned or in 
operation in neighboring states of Alabama, Florida and South Carolina creating 
regional capabilities in the Southeast. Weather systems approach Georgia either 
as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes from the West or tropical systems from 
the Gulf or the Atlantic.  Having flexible statewide communications will 
provide new capabilities to support emergency communications.

John Davis WB4QDX
District Emergency Coordinator
Georgia ARES


  

[digitalradio] New D-STAR D-RATS Version 0.3.1 Released [2 Attachments]

[Mark Thompson]

FYI. Info about new D-RATS version below. 

Brochure & QST article about D-RATS also attached. 

 From: Dan Smith 
 Date: October 22, 2009 6:23:06 PM MDT
 To: Discussion of D-RATS 
 Subject: [drats_users] D-RATS 0.3.1
 Reply-To: Discussion of D-RATS 

 Hi all,

 I have just posted the official release of D-RATS 0.3.1 for all
 platforms.  Below is the list of changes since 0.3.0.  Many thanks to
 the large number of people that contributed to this release with  
  testing and bug reports.

 - Fix file transfer session refusing to give up on a peer that disappears
 - Fix the chat Send button size for MacOS users
 - Fix Broadcast Text File function to use currently-selected chat port
 - Fix up the message reply function
 - Fix the email settings to hide passwords in the config dialog
 - Fix Email
- Form conversion to concatenate all text/plain parts   is used instead
 - Fix rendering some special characters in the message list
 - Fix forcing email addresses to uppercase
 - Fix sending warmup if the timeout is zero
 - Fix the socket data consumption algorithm to better tolerate slow data
  streams arriving over fast sockets
 - Fix losing static overlays
 - Fix D*Query to use the currently-selected chat port
 - Fix repeater ID list growing without bound
 - Fix Map->Broadcast Location function
 - Fix DPRS button in GPS QST editor
 - Fix DPRS message detection when checksum is a single digit
 - Fix repeater path list growing without bound
 - Fix repopulating the stations list after a clear
 - Fix killing the message routing thread when there is no route for a station
 - Fix a TNC bug that was causing an IO error on some blocks on Windows
  with the TNX-C
 - Fix editing TNC radio ports
 - Fix a couple of incoming-email-related crashes
 - Fix allowing the user to click Upload or Connect in Files tab when  
   no  callsign is selected
 - Make proxy application work on packets instead of the raw data stream
 - Remove duplicated to/from fields in the email form, since routing   info
 - Change "Send" to "Forward" in the messages toolbar to clarify what
  you're doing when you manually send something somewhere
 - Add a form logo path configuration element and make the form logo file
  relative to that
 - Add a list of available logo files to the logo path edit box
 - Add DVDongle support (preliminary, there are still issues with this)
 - Add capability to specify a negative transmission delay that selects
  between 0.5 and abs(X) on each transmission
 - Add a Default GPS Message configuration element that controls what is
  returned during a remote position request
 - Add port name to chat status notification
 - Add a fabricated subject for forms that don't have a subject field
 - Add suggestion of the destination station on a form send
 - Add email functionality to the message router so that they
  automatically get handled there
 - Add http proxy function for fetching map images
 - Add locking to prevent opening a message while it's being transferred
  and to prevent it from being transferred while it's being edited
 - Add a method to launch the proxy application from the File - Tools menu
 - Add image detection and the image tool to the "Send file" function in
  the stations list

 Should be posted officially on the web site in a little bit...

 -- 
Dan Smith
dsmith#danplanet.com, s/#/@/
www.danplanet.com
 KK7DS
 ___
 drats_users mailing list
 drats_us...@lists.danplanet.com
 http://lists.danplanet.com/mailman/listinfo/drats_users



  

[digitalradio] Fwd: MFJ and CSS release EmComm Ops for MFJ TNCs

[Mark Thompson]

W4PC  
Platinum Subscriber   Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Florence, AL
Posts: 117
 MFJ and CSS release EmComm Ops for MFJ TNCs 


Muscle Shoals AL, October 19 , 2009 : MFJ and Creative Services Software 
announced today that EmComm Ops™ for MFJ, a packet only, 32-bit host mode 
program for the MFJ-127x series of TNCs has been released. 

EmComm Ops™ for MFJ is based on the successful EmComm Ops™ products for 
Kantronics and AEA/Timewave TNCs. The new release will run on Windows 2000, 
Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. 

This is the latest addition to the Radio Operations Center line. 

Company President Rick Ruhl, W4PC, said, "BLP Host Mode was created by Howard 
Goldstein, N2WX, in 1991. According to the MFJ technical staff, we are the only 
company, in the 18 years it has existed, to successfully interface to BLP Host 
Mode.” 

At an introductory price of $29.95, EmComm Ops offers radio operators an 
efficient and affordable entry into advanced software-enhanced packet and radio 
control. 

For operators who require support beyond packet radio, CSS’ ROC Digital 
Desktop™ ($99.95) offers a step up that supports the classic HF digital modes, 
as well as support for soundcard-based radio modes including PSK-31 and MT-63. 

Product features include: Each stream has its own window and transmit buffer, 
support for the major callbooks on CD, user configurable colors and fonts, a 
'bottomless' receive window, automated connections, binary file transfer, runs 
true 32 bit multitasking and multithreading and is easy to use with online help 
at your fingertips. 

"The program is written in robust C++ ", Ruhl said. "This allowed us to add 
features to the program that couldn’t be done in other languages." 

Creative Services Software, Inc was incorporated in 1988 and created the 32 bit 
Terminal program for Kantronics TNCs, AEA/TimeWave and is focusing its efforts 
to Windows 7 and the 64 bit software market. EmComm Ops allows users to control 
radios, TNCs, rotors, and to access logging applications, call books and more — 
all from within a single Microsoft Windows application. Unlike MS-DOS or 
Windows 3.1-based radio software, EmComm Ops is a 32-bit Windows application 
designed from the ground up for Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7, offering 
users true multitasking, seamless integration of other radio or PC productivity 
tools, and the ability to take full advantage of the speed and processing power 
of the latest Windows-based computers. Operators can control radio 
transmissions while simultaneously running logging programs, call book programs 
or any Windows application (including Microsoft Office). 

"True multitasking means that EmComm operators can send and receive packet 
communications while simultaneously relaying messages to families and rescue 
personnel in e-mail,” said Rick Ruhl, W4PC, CSS president and chief architect 
of the company’s software suite. “And in emergency situations where 
communications infrastructure has been compromised or conditions limit reliable 
radio operation, messages can be noted in a text or Microsoft Word file, then 
imported into EmComm Ops to be re-transmitted at a later time when conditions 
improve. Operators can also export messages to a file to document 
communications. Of course, simple Windows cut-and-paste is also supported.” 

EmComm Ops was designed in response to requests from emergency communications 
volunteers who need advanced tools that help then set up and operate emergency 
radio services quickly, reliably and affordably,” Ruhl said. “It also gives 
radio operators who only work in packet mode a streamlined solution specific to 
their requirements.” 

A free, 30-day trial of EmComm Ops is available now on the CSS Website at 
www.cssincorp.com. The purchase of EmComm Ops includes one year of e-mail or 
phone technical support, access to the CSS user forum and free maintenance 
updates 

Creative Services Software is at http://www.cssincorp.com 

MFJ is at http://www.mfjenterprises.com 
__
Check out the Radio Operations Center for Kantronics and Timewave and Emcomm 
Ops for the MFJ TNCs at http://www.cssincorp.com  

__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

[digitalradio] TAPR Board Selects New Officers at DCC in Chicago

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/?artid=9234

 TAPR Selects New Officers (Oct 15, 2009) -- At the recent ARRL and TAPR 
Digital Communications Conference (DCC) in Chicago, the TAPR Board of Directors 
of selected a new slate of officers and named Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ, President 
Emeritus of TAPR. Dr Toth served as TAPR President from 2005-2009 and as a 
member of the Board from 1987-1993 and 2004 to present. The new TAPR officers 
are: Steve Bible, N7HPR, President; Scott Cowling, WA2DFI, Vice President; Tom 
Holmes, N8ZM, Treasurer; and Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, Secretary. TAPR recently 
elected three new members to their Board of Directors: Scott Cowling, WA2DFI; 
John Koster, W9DDD, and Mark Thompson, WB9QZB.  -- Thanks to Stan Horzepa, 
WA1LOU, for the information
 
 
 
TAPR Activities & Events Updates at: www.twitter.com/taprdigital
 
More Information about TAPR at: www.tapr.org
 
More Information about ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) at: 
www.tapr.org/dcc


  

[digitalradio] New 23cm (1.2 GHz) D-STAR Group

[Mark Thompson]

A new group, D-STAR_23cm has been created to discuss the use of D-STAR Digital 
Voice (DV) and High-Speed Data (DD) on the 23cm (1.2 GHz) band 
using the Icom ID-1 mobile, IC-9100 transceiver, RP-1V & RP-2V Digital Voice 
Repeaters, RP-1D & RP-2D Data Access Points 
and applications using both the 23cm High-Speed IP Data(DD) & the Digital 
Voice(DV) Low-speed Data capabilities. 


The group can be joined & accessed at: 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/D-STAR_23cm/

Look forward to your participation in the group. 

73, Mark, WB9QZB 


  

[digitalradio] Fwd: D-STAR High-Speed Data Replaces Packet Radio at Twin Cities, MN Marathon [3 Attachments]

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: erik westgard 
To: List for people interested in the D Star repeaters 
; 
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2009 6:59:54 AM
Subject: AX.25 Packet Retired from the 2009 MTCM Project - All Data now D-Star 
DD Mode

After flawless D-Star operation in 2007-2009, the Amateur Radio team
supporting the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon has officially retired AX.25
packet from the effort.

"We've used D-Star DD Mode now for three years, and we're no longer afraid
of the technology" said one of the leaders of the project.

The five Icom D-Star RP-1D access points installed on Twin Cities building
rooftops have been 100% reliable, including at the unusually warm 2007 race,
where more than 50 runners were sent to area hospitals.

"The low data rate, complexity of the character mode interface, and user
training issues we have had with packet have put it on the back burner" said
Erik Westgard, NY9D.  "Again this year we can sit any available operators or
even community volunteers in front of our web based missing runner
application and they can be helping family members immediately."

One objective for the 2010 team is to start phasing in D-STAR digital voice, who
also allows the concurrent use of low speed data.

Erik Westgard, NY9D
www.14567.org 
10/5/2009


  

[digitalradio] TAPR PSR Journal Call for Articles

[Mark Thompson]

TAPR PSR Journal Articles Available at: www.tapr.org/psr.html
 
 
TAPR Event & Activity Twitter Updates at: www.twitter.com/taprdigital

- Forwarded Message 
From: Stan Horzepa 
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 7:49:50 AM
Subject: [tapr-announce] write for PSR

We are now seeking articles for the next issue of TAPR's quarterly newsletter, 
Packet Status Register (PSR). 
All contributions are welcome, so if you have anything for the newsletter, 
please e-mail whatever you have to me ASAP.

Thank you and 73,

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
PSR Editor

___



  

[digitalradio] TAPR's N7HPR Discusses Digital Communications Conference on RAIN Report [2 Attachments]

[Mark Thompson]

TAPR's N7HPR Discusses Digital Communications Conference on RAIN Report 
 
www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-9-18-2009.mp3



More Info about the DCC in Chicago on September 25 - 27 at: www.tapr.org/dcc 


  

[digitalradio] ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Next Weekend [2 Attachments]

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/?artid=9182
 
 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Next Weekend (Sep 17, 2009) -- 
ARRL and the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Group (TAPR) will jointly host the 
28th Annual Digital Communications Conference (DCC www.tapr.org/dcc) September 
25-27 in Chicago. The DCC has something for everyone from those new to digital 
modes to those experienced with digital communications including technical and 
introductory forums. According to DCC Co-host Mark Thompson, WB9QZB, one of the 
highlights of this year's DCC will be Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, presenting 
"Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging." The Saturday night banquet speaker will 
be Bill Brown, WB8ELK, a pioneer in flying balloons with payloads including 
Amateur Radio digital communication technologies. Brown is the publisher and 
editor of Amateur Television Quarterly magazine. ARRL Technical Relations 
Manager Brennan Price, N4QX, will be on hand to discuss the upcoming World 
Radiocommunications Conference in his talk
 "WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.19: Shaping the International Regulatory Framework for 
Software Defined and Cognitive Radio Systems." QEX Editor Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, 
and ARRL Central Division Director Dick Isely, W9GIG, will also be in 
attendance. The 2009 DCC forum and speaker schedule is available 
online http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2009_Schedule_Preliminary2009-09-16.pdf. 
TAPR provides leadership and resources to radio amateurs for the purpose of 
advancing the radio art and is a research and development oriented group 
offering kits, assembled products and publications related to the intersection 
of Amateur Radio and digital technology.



  

[digitalradio] WB4APR Presenting APRS at Digital Communications Conference, September 26th [2 Attachments]

[Mark Thompson]

The ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) in Chicago on September 
25 - 27 
has  some very interesting forums  & presentations this year including:  

- Bob Bruninga, WB4APR presenting "Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging" 

WB4APR's presentation is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, September 26th. 
 
More details about the DCC & the forum schedule are below. 
 


ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) Forum Schedule Announced
 
TAPR is the premiere national digital organization covering all digital voice & 
data technologies and digital techniques such as SDR. More information about 
TAPR can be found at: www.tapr.org
  
TAPR is active throughout the year. At the Dayton Hamvention TAPR sponsors a 
digital forum and a joint banquet with AMSAT. TAPR publishes a quarterly 
journal, the PSR and develops digital techniques such as SDR. TAPR holds in 
conjuntion with the ARRL an annual national Digital Communication 
Conference. You can follow TAPR's activities, events & updates regularly 
on Twitter at: www.twitter.org/taprdigital
  
The ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) will be held on September 
25 - 27, 2009 again in the northwest suburbs of Chicago at the Elk Grove 
Village Holiday Inn near O'Hare airport with a free hotel shuttle bus. 
 
The DCC has something for everyone from those new to digital modes to those 
experienced with digital communications. 
The DCC has 2 full days of Technical forums on Friday & Saturday. On Saturday 
there is an additional  
concurrent track of Introductory forums. On Sunday morning there is a 1/2 
day technical session which is a deep dive into 
one or more digital topics, such as SDR. 
  
The DCC is well known for introducing new technologies & concepts. This 
year presentations include: 
 
* Two Ham DTV, Digital Television presentations by Art, WA8RMC & Ken, 
W6HHC. 
* "Use of Digital Communications at the Marine Corps Marathon in 
Washington D.C."  by Tom, N4ZPT.  
* "Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging" by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, creator 
of APRS. 
 
 
After the Friday night social we plan to have another D-STAR get together. 
  
The Saturday night banquet speaker will be Bill Brown, WB8ELK. Bill is a 
pioneer in flying BalloonSats, 
balloons with payloads including amateur radio digital communication 
technologies. Bill is also the publisher & 
editor Amateur Television Quarterly Magazine. 
 
You can learn more about the DCC & register on-line at: www.tapr.org/dcc
Registration is preferred prior to September 17th for planning purposes, but 
walk-in registrations will be accepted. 
  
If you can't attend the DCC the Proceedings can be purchased at the TAPR web 
site at: www.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html 
  
Starting last year, 2008 and continuing this year DCC presentations are being 
recorded by 
Amateur Radio Video News. DVDs of the prresentations are available at: 
http://www.arvideonews.com 
  
If you have any questions you can reach the TAPR Office at: 
taproff...@tapr..org  
  
Look foward to seeing many of you at the DCC. 
  
73, Mark, WB9QZB
DCC Local Co-Host
Chicago, IL 
 
The 2009 DCC forum & speaker schedule is attached & is available online at the 
TAPR web site at: 
http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2009_Schedule_Preliminary2009-09-08.pdf 


  

[digitalradio] ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) Forum Schedule Announced [2 Attachments]

[Mark Thompson]

ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) Forum Schedule Announced
 
TAPR is the premiere national digital organization covering all digital voice & 
data technologies and digital techniques such as SDR. More information about 
TAPR can be found at: www.tapr.org
  
TAPR is active throughout the year. At the Dayton Hamvention TAPR sponsors a 
digital forum and a joint banquet with AMSAT. TAPR publishes a quarterly 
journal, the PSR and develops digital techniques such as SDR. TAPR holds in 
conjuntion with the ARRL an annual national Digital Communication 
Conference. You can follow TAPR's activities, events & updates regularly 
on Twitter at: www.twitter.org/taprdigital
  
The ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) will be held on September 
25 - 27, 2009 again in the northwest suburbs of Chicago at the Elk Grove 
Village Holiday Inn near O'Hare airport with a free hotel shuttle bus. 
 
The DCC has something for everyone from those new to digital modes to those 
experienced with digital communications. 
The DCC has 2 full days of Technical forums on Friday & Saturday. On Saturday 
there is an additional  
concurrent track of Introductory forums. On Sunday morning there is a 1/2 
day technical session which is a deep dive into 
one or more digital topics, such as SDR. 
  
The DCC is well known for introducing new technologies & concepts. This 
year presentations include: 
 
* Two Ham DTV, Digital Television presentations by Art, WA8RMC & Ken, 
W6HHC. 
* "Use of Digital Communications at the Marine Corps Marathon in 
Washington D.C."  by Tom, N4ZPT.  
* "Universal Ham Radio Text Messaging" by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, creator 
of APRS. 
 
 
After the Friday night social we plan to have another D-STAR get together. 
  
The Saturday night banquet speaker will be Bill Brown, WB8ELK. Bill is a 
pioneer in flying BalloonSats, 
balloons with payloads including amateur radio digital communication 
technologies. 
 
You can learn more about the DCC & register on-line at: www.tapr.org/dcc
Registration is preferred prior to September 17th for planning purposes, but 
walk-in registrations will be accepted. 
  
If you can't attend the DCC the Proceedings can be purchased at the TAPR web 
site at: www.tapr.org/pub_dcc.html 
  
Starting last year, 2008 and continuing this year DCC presentations are being 
recorded by 
Amateur Radio Video News. DVDs of the prresentations are available at: 
http://www.arvideonews.com 
  
If you have any questions you can reach the TAPR Office at: 
taproff...@tapr.org  
  
Look foward to seeing many of you at the DCC. 
  
73, Mark, WB9QZB
DCC Local Co-Host
Chicago, IL 
 
The 2009 DCC forum & speaker schedule is attached & is available online at the 
TAPR web site at: 
http://www.tapr.org/pdf/DCC_2009_Schedule_Preliminary2009-09-08.pdf 


  

[digitalradio] First TAPR President & Packet Radio Pioneer, KD2S SK [1 Attachment]

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/?artid=9159

Den Connors, KD2S (SK) (Sep 3, 2009) -- The first president of Tucson Amateur 
Packet Radio (TAPR) Den Connors, KD2S, of Pepperell, Massachusetts, passed away 
September 3 from lymphoma. He was 58. Connors, an ARRL Life Member, conducted 
the first amateur packet radio contact with all-American hardware and software, 
using the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Terminal Node Controller (TNC) with Lyle 
Johnson, WA7GXD (now KK7P), at 9:12 PM (PST) on June 25, 1982. The tests were 
conducted at 146.55MHz, with both stations sending plain-text ASCII messages. 
"Den was instrumental in the early PACSAT work, and as TAPR's first president, 
led that organization from a local club he co-founded into an international 
organization," Johnson said in an e-mail. "His was a very cheerful, positive, 
can-do influence."


ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference), Chicago, September 25 - 27, 
2009 
www.tapr.org/dcc
 
 
TAPR Updates & Announcements on Twitter
www.twitter.com/taprdigital


  

[digitalradio] Fwd: New DVDs from ARVN: The Dayton Collection 2009

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Gary Pearce KN4AQ 
To: kn...@arvideonews.com
Sent: Wed, Aug 26, 2009 2:07 pm
Subject: New DVDs from ARVN: The Dayton Collection 2009


Hello, ARVN Customers!

First, the news:

We've just released a new 3-DVD set of videos from the Dayton Hamvention® 2009. 
Details - and some fun preview video - are on the ARVN web site 
(www.arvideonews.com), so I'll be brief here.

DVD-1 has our annual TOUR (well, I guess it's bi-annual, since I didn't get 
around to editing last year's TOUR. Jeff gives me grief for that, but the 
footage we shot then is included this year.  Also on DVD-1 are the FCC Forums 
from 2008 (good-bye Riley) and 2009 (hello, Laura).  And the ARRL Forum for 
2009, with a good review of the newly UN-redacted FCC staff information on BPL 
interference.

DVD-2 has the TAPR and SDR (Software Defined Radio) Forums.

DVD-3 is all D-STAR, the Friday Forum and Friday Night Event.

That's all for the news. The rest is just me rambling... I won't be offended if 
you skip it...


And now, a request of ARVN customers: many of you have told me how much you 
like our videos, and that you hope we keep making more. Well, here's the deal 
with that. With four years experience in20making and marketing our DVDs, I can 
now tell you that it's just barely worth it, at least financially. The 
emotional payback is huge, but Burger King won't take that in payment for a 
double-Whopper. 

In cash terms, the programs are mostly paying their expenses (travel, 
tape-stock, duplication), and they've paid off some of the equipment (camera, 
audio, editing system and software). But they haven't made a dent in my time. 
I've put in nearly eight weeks full-time editing the Dayton 3-DVD set. How much 
do you make in eight weeks?  How much should I? (I'll give you some sales facts 
and figures below that you might find interesting.)

Enough whining. What can you do to help? 

Get the word out!

Here's why: most hams have never heard of ARVN, aside from a few (very nice) 
reviews and New Product announcements in QST, CQ and a few other publications. 
We need to reach more hams. I've seen that a small, but significant enough 
number of hams become customers after they see what we've got. It's very 
satisfying to see that at a hamfest booth! But getting hams to take a first or 
second look at ARVN videos is very difficult. We're all busy, and we've all got 
a lot built-in sales resistance. Most advertising is prohibitively expensive 
for this small operation. 

Word of mouth (or word-of-keyboard) has been our most effective "advertising." 
It's your personal endorsement, and it's heard by people who know you. Now and 
then I'll see sales spike for one DVD or another a few weeks after the initial 
release and "rush." When that happens, a little investigation shows that 
someone placed a message on a mailing list somewhere, and BOOM, DVD sales take 
off again (relatively).

Here's how: Actually, I think you know it already. If you like ARVN videos and 
want to help us grow to sustainability (and make me rich... kidding), just use 
your "circle of influence" to tell people about us. Clubs, mailing lists, 
on-air discussion (OK as long as you don't work for me). Whatever.

Be gentle. Nobody likes a pushy salesman. You know the product. It doesn't take 
persuasion, just exposure. Point them to the demos on the web site, or show a 
DVD if it's convenient. You can make a "cold" announcement ("Hey, everybody - 
I've just seen this cool video I think you might like"). Or tie it in to a 
discussion that you come across ("I found this video that's great for 
introducing your club to D-STAR").

When I started ARVN, the chorus echoed the mantra: hams are cheap, you can't 
succeed. There's too much free video on the web. I didn't argue. I couldn't, 
because I more or less agreed. But I had to try. Now, I see the possibility of 
success. I see your notes of encouragement, and a certain level of actual sales 
(and repeat business) that tells me that it's worth trying a little longer and 
harder.

And... asking for help.

Some hard numbers for those interested:

My biggest seller is D igital Voice for Amateur Radio. No surprise there, it's 
an awesome program, if I do say so myself. I've sold 224 copies so far, 
grossing not quite $6000.  Expenses ran around $3000 (travel to Dallas, 
Alabama, Chicago, St. Louis, 300 copies at about $2 each, 30 DVCam tapes at $12 
each). Editing took 13 weeks full-time. Have you ever looked at the list of 
credits after a movie or TV show?  I did this all by myself! Hmmm, no catering 
budget... No Best Boy, whatever they do.

Next on the hit parade are the TAPR 2008 DCC DVDs. That's sold 53 6-DVD sets, 
and 110 individual disks (428 total DVDs). Gross is $5900, also after about 12 
weeks of editing. Travel expenses were lower, since it was a single trip to 
Chicago, but duplication and tape costs were higher.

The 2008 D-STAR meetings at Dayton: 102 copies. The Charlotte D-STAR semin

[digitalradio] Need Packet Radio, APRS, Winlink and/or Emcomm Presentations at DCC (Digital Communications Conference) in Chicago [1 Attachment]

[Mark Thompson]

Need Packet Radio, APRS, Winlink and/or Emcomm Presentations at DCC (Digital 
Communications Conference) 
 
As many of you know the ARRL / TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference) is 
returning to the Chicago area hear O'Hare airport 
on September 25 - 27. 
 
The DCC is the national premiere digital conference covering all digital modes 
including voice & data. 
 
The DCC has 2 1/2 days of Technical forums on Friday & Saturday and on Sunday 
morning one or more deep dive sessions. 
 
On Saturday there is a concurrent track of Introductory sessions. 
 
While we have several great technical & introductory presentations already 
scheduled there are some topics we would like 
covered with presentations: 
 
1) Introduction to APRS 
 
2) Introduction to Winlink 
 
3) Introduction to Packet Radio. 
 
4) Using Digital Modes for EmComm 
 
While it is always better to present in person we recognize some of you may not 
be able to make it to Chicago, but would like to present. 
This year we have the capability to support remote presentations using Skype 
for audio & Adobe ConnectNow for video. 
 
If you are able to present on one of the topics above or perhaps another topic 
please let me know as soon as possible. 
 
In the meantime, you can learn more about the DCC at: www.tapr.org/dcc 

73, Mark, WB9QZB
Chicago, IL 



  

[digitalradio] NBEMS Digital EmComm Messaging System Featured in August QST [1 Attachment]

[Mark Thompson]

There is an interesting article in August QST, pages 73 - 74, about the NBEMS 
(Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System) software. 

NBEMS can be used to transmit bulletins & binary files using the MT63 digital 
data mode over FM simplex or repeaters using accoustical coupling. There is 
no need for a sound-card, TNC, external modem, radio & computer interfacing, 
modified radios or dedicated digital radios / infrastructure. 

Dave, KB3FXI & Harry, W3YJ, ARRL Assistant SEC, Western Penn. section are 
featured in the aritcle.They have experience using NBEMS and have a group, 
www.wpanbems.org that uses NBEMS with MT63 & Olivia. 

Last winter Dave & Harry held a webinar about NBEMS. I've attached a copy of 
the NBEMS webinar presentation. Dave should also be able to forward a copy to 
you. 

More information about NBEMS capability is available at: www.w1hkj.com

Additionlly, there is Yahoo group, NBEMSham, focusing on NBEMS available 
at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NBEMSham/

It's an interesting technology that seems very easy to use & may have some 
application, especially on a local basis. 

73, Mark, WB9QZB 
Chicago, IL 


  

[digitalradio] FlexNet Info at USPacket

[Mark Thompson]

FlexNet Info at USPacket 


The USPacket website now has all of its FlexNet articles and tutorials 
available again.

Whether your interest is in networking or running a home station, articles on 
all versions of FlexNet are now in the USPacket Library/Forum, ready for your 
enjoyment. 

All of these articles are open to the amateur radio community, membership at 
USPacket is not required.

http://www.uspacket.org 
__
Charles Brabham, N5PVL

Prefer to use radio for your amateur radio communications? - Stop by at 
HamRadioNet.Org !

http://www.hamradionet.org 


  

[digitalradio] ClusterClient

[Mark Thompson]

ClusterClient

For many years, the DX Cluster network has been used to check for that elusive 
"DX" - in the hey-day of packet, cluster access was achieved via a TNC and a 
basic packet terminal (such as paKet62 or WinPack)...

Nowadays, radio amateurs rely heavily on the internet to provide 
up-to-the-minute information on band conditions, beacon reports and activity.

I like to operate /P from my village green (among other places) and often find 
the DX cluster a useful tool to see what's happening on the HF bands. With the 
advent of compact netbooks and USB broadband dongles, getting 'net access "in 
the field" has never been easier.

A netbook typically offers a low screen resolution so any fancy graphics, 
windows, tables and such would immediately make a bit of a mess on such a small 
screen - In the absence of a simple DX cluster viewer, I wrote 'ClusterClient'.

ClusterClient is a DX Cluster monitor application that connects via telnet to 
your favourite DX cluster. It offers a simple window with a spot counter (for 
each band) on the left-hand-side and a couple of text-boxes that permit easy 
"spotting" of stations heard/worked. The simple screen layout is thus ideal for 
laptops and can be re-sized to suit operating preferences.

Spots can be filtered to display only the bands you're interested in - no 
complex cluster filter commands to worry about, just (un)tick the bands on the 
filter window!

This software came about as a result of my work on a /P logging package called 
MiniLog (http://www.m0pzt.net/projects.php#MiniLog) and a few people asked if I 
could make the DX cluster window a "standalone" package...

ClusterClient is a free application written by Charlie Davy, M0PZT and is 
available at: http://www.m0pzt.net/projects.php#ClusterClient


  

[digitalradio] New Illinois Packet Radio Group

[Mark Thompson]

Over the last couple years there has been a resurgence in interest & 
activity in packet radio. 
The interest is not in creating the former BBSes & networks of the 1990s, but 
instead in doing things packet radio is uniquely good at. 

Packet radio's resurgence started with the new application, APRS which uses 
packet radio. In some areas the application 
DX PacketCluster provides access via packet. More recently applications like 
Output & Winlink are making use of packet radio. 

As is indicated in the attached email, Illinois ARES is planning to implement 
the Winlink application state-wide using packet radio for user access. 
However, the Illinois ARES Digital Working Group is apparently more focused on 
the ARES implementation of Winlink and 
is not the appropriate forum for general discussion of packet radio or other 
digital modes. 

So I have created a new group, Illinois Packet Radio. The focus of the group 
will be to discuss packet radio usage in Illinois 
including applications using packet radio, such as APRS, Outpost, Winlink, DX 
PacketCluster, etc. 

We hope to also create a database of packet radio usage in the state. 

The Illinois Packet Radio group is available at: 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IllinoisPacketRadio/

Look foward to your participation in the group. 

Thanks. 

73, Mark, WB9QZB 

By the way, the Illinois D-STAR yahoo group, is also available at: 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IllinoisD-STAR


- Forwarded Message 
From: Brad Pioveson W9FX 
To: il_ares_...@yahoogroups.com; illinois_a...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 7:30:18 AM
Subject: [IL_ARES_DWG] Once again. . .

With apologies for the dual reflector post, it is important that this 
message get out to all concerned.

Regarding the Illinois ARES Digital Communications Network initiative:
Let's go through the motions one more time.  I have been
given to understand that there are those who have misunderstood the recent
efforts to develop a digital EMCOMM system for Illinois.

Here are the facts, plain and simple:

The effort underway is to develop an Illinois ARES digital communications
network.  Note the acronym - ARES.  That acronym refers to the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service.  That third word is the operative term in the phrase.
This will be an emergency digital communications system.  This effort is
neither intended to supplant, extend, nor change the frequency of operation
of any existing digital activity anywhere in this state (or, bordering
states).  We are neither trying to usurp nor hinder a resource for DX packet
cluster users, nor are we trying to provide a digital outlet for those
without high-speed Internet systems to obtain their daily dose of email.
The network we are building is for the expressed purpose of providing a
digital conduit by which emergency communications traffic - data - can be
moved between any two points in Illinois.

This network will be on a discrete frequency.  This frequency is far from
any of the current packet radio activity of which I am aware in the state of
Illinois.  The frequency assignment we have been handed can be found in the
IRA's 2006 document, available online, at 
http://www.ilra.net:80/Band-Plan-2006.html
If you take the time to follow the link, you'll see '145.610  ARES 
Statewide Packet.' I didn't attend the meeting that preceded that publication, 
and, it is not 
an issue for me. As far as I'm concerned, it's as suitable a frequency for our 
purposes as
any other, and, it meets the criterion of being well removed from 145.01,
145.05, 144.39 and 147.555.  Users of those particular frequencies need not
worry about interference from the ARES network.

We're not looking to develop a system of BBS's.  We're not looking to move
routine email around the state.  We are not putting a network together to
facilitate classified ham ads or hamfest announcements.  We are developing
an emergency digital communications system.  We hope that it will be used
enough on a weekly or daily basis to ensure that the network operates 
properly, but, again, we're not building a replacement for the Internet.

This network will offer 1200 baud VHF packet radio connectivity as a minimum
standard.  If node operators (RMS Packet/Relay stations) have 9600 baud
capabilties, so much the better.  But, 1200 baud is the least common
denominator.  Joe Ham can get on 1200 baud packet radio with any 2 meter FM
rig and a sound card equipped PC running AGWPE TNC-emulation software.  It
isn't the prettiest lash up, and, certainly not the most efficient, but, it
will work, and, that gives us our starting point and minimum standard.

The network will operate using Winlink 2000 RMS Packet/RMS Relay software
and the current iteration of UIView software.  These can be run
simultaneously on a Windows XP/Vista platform using AGWPE software running
concurrently.  I understand that RMS Packet/Relay and APRS applications can 
also be run under the Linux OS.

Individuals will use client softwar

[digitalradio] Fwd: ARLB027 W1AW to add new digital modes to its transmitting schedule

[Mark Thompson]

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB027
ARLB027 W1AW to add new digital modes to its transmitting schedule

ZCZC AG27
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 27  ARLB027
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  July 14, 2009
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB027
ARLB027 W1AW to add new digital modes to its transmitting schedule

After a survey of W1AW-listeners, W1AW will begin using two
different modes on August 17, 2009.

On August 17, 2009, W1AW will replace its AMTOR and ASCII
transmissions with PSK31 and MFSK16, respectively.

RTTY (Baudot) will continue to be the first digital mode used in the
transmission schedule.

The frequencies used by W1AW for all its digital transmissions will
remain the same.

All regular 6 PM and 9 PM eastern time digital transmissions will
begin with RTTY.  PSK31 and MFSK16 will be sent as time allows.

The Tuesday and Friday Keplerian data bulletins will be sent using
RTTY and PSK31.

The W1AW operating schedule -- complete with times and frequencies
-- can be found on the ARRLWeb page at,
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#w1awsked.

/EX


  

[digitalradio] Call for TAPR PSR Journal Articles & TAPR PSR On-Line

[Mark Thompson]

TAPR PSR Jounrnal On-Line

http://www.tapr.org/psr.html

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa 
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Sent: Mon, Jul 6, 2009 8:07 pm
Subject: [tapr-announce] write now


This is Stan announcing that the TAPR editorial board is now considering 
articles for the Summer issue of our quarterly newsletter, Packet Status 
Register (PSR). If you would like to submit anything for PSR, please e-mail it 
to me, your PSR editor, as soon as possible. (The PSR deadline is July 31.) 
 
Remember, each piece that is published in PSR extends your TAPR membership by 
three months! 
 
73, 
 
Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, PSR Editor 
 
___ 
tapr-announce mailing list 


  

[digitalradio] Fw: TAPR PSR Journal is Now Available

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa 
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Sent: Tue, 5 May 2009 8:10 pm
Subject: [tapr-announce] Spring 2009 Packet Status Register (PSR) is now 
available


Spring 2009 Packet Status Register (PSR) is now available at 
http://www.tapr.org/psr 
 
Table of Contents of the Summer 2009, #108 issue of Packet Status Register 
(PSR): 
 
* President's Corner 
* TAPR at Hamvention 
* New Products: TADD-2 and TADD-2 Mini Frequency Dividers 
* Treasurer’s Report for 2008 
* A Cheap SDR Loran-C Frequency Receiver 
 
___ 
tapr-announce mailing list 


  

[digitalradio] RAIN Report - Peter Loveall, AE5PL, talks about modern-day APRS

[Mark Thompson]

RAIN Report - Peter Loveall, AE5PL, talks about modern-day APRS


THIS WEEK: Software developer Peter Loveall, AE5PL, talks about modern-day 
APRS. (15 minutes). 
http://www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-4-17-2009.mp3


  

[digitalradio] RAIN Report - W2VU Discusses Packet Radio's Resurgence & Emcomm Applications

[Mark Thompson]

 
RAIN Report - W2VU Discusses Packet Radio's Resurgence & Emcomm Application

THIS WEEK: CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, talks about packet's remarkable 
comeback and its emcom applications. (14 minutes)

http://www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-4-3-2009.mp3


  

[digitalradio] FORUM SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2009 DAYTON HAMVENTION

[Mark Thompson]

==> FORUM SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2009 DAYTON HAMVENTION 

One of the many highlights at Dayton Hamvention is the myriad of educational 
and 
fun forums that take place the entire weekend at Hara Arena. The Dayton Amateur 
Radio Association has coordinated 45 unique programs that encompass nearly 80 
hours of programs and activities for the thousands of people expected to attend 
these programs. Hamvention, the largest event of its kind, will be May 15-17 at 
Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Please keep in mind that the schedule may change 
before Hamvention.

Friday, May 15
9:15-11:15 -- TAPR Digital Forum (Room 1)
9:15-10:15 -- Engineering Manuals (Room 2)
9:15-10:15 -- Kit Building (Room 3)
9:15-10:15 -- QRP (Room 5)
10:30-12 -- Drake Forum (Room 2)
10:30-12 - Teachers Workshop (Room 3)
10:30-11:30 -- ARRL Field Day (Room 5)
11:30-12:30 -- APRS Forum (Room 1)
11:45-12:45 -- QSL Cards (Room 5)
12:15-1:15 -- ARRL, The Doctor Is IN (Room 2)
12:15-2 -- Ham Radio and the Law (Room 3)
12:45-2:15 -- D-STAR Forum (Room 1)
1-2:15 -- Alternative Energy Forum (Room 5)
1:30-2:30 -- ARRL, Public Relations (Room 2)
2:15-3:30 -- Gordon West (Room 3)
2:30-5 -- Antenna Forum (Room 1)
2:30-5 -- Software defined Radio (Room 5)
2:45-3:45 -- Foxhunting Forum (Room 2)
3:45-5 -- Techniques of the Best Operators (Room 3)
4-5 -- County Hunting Forum (Room 2)

Saturday, May 16
9:15-11:15 -- Contesting Forum (Room 1)
9:15-10:15 -- SATERN Forum (Room 2)
9:15-10:15 - Lightning Grounding Forum (Room 3)
9:15-11:00 - VHF/UHF/Microwave Forum (Room 5)
10:30-11:30 -- ARRL Members Forum (Room 2)
10:30-11:45 -- Heil Sound (Room 3)
11:15-1:30 -- AMSAT Forum (Room 5)
11:30-1:15 -- Youth Forum (Room 1)
11:45-2 -- Newsline Town Meeting (Room 2)
12-1 -- RTTY Forum (Room 3)
1:15-2:15 -- ARRL, Digital Contesting (Room 3)
1:30-2:30 - ARRL Presents Richard Garriott, W5KWQ (Room 1)
1:45-3 -- SSTV Forum (Room 5)
2:15-3:15 -- FCC Forum (Room 2) 
2:30-3:30 -- ARES Forum (Room 3)
2:45-5 -- DX Forum (Room 1)
3:15-5 -- MARS Forum (Room 5)
3:30-5 -- ATV Forum (Room 2)
3:45-5 -- Collins Forum (Room 3)

Sunday, May 17
9:15-10:15 -- Red Cross Forum (Room 1)
9:15-11 -- QCWA Forum (Room 2)
9:15-10:15 -- Volunteers and EmComm Forum (Room 3)
9:30-11:15 - Bicycle Mobile Forum (Room 5)
10:30-11:30 - When All Else Fails, South Carolina Is Ready (Room 1)

For more information on forums at the 2009 Dayton Hamvention, please visit the 
Dayton Hamvention Web site . 


  

[digitalradio] TAPR/AMSAT Joint Banquet at Dayton Hamvention

[Mark Thompson]

-Forwarded Message-
From: John Ackermann N8UR 
Sent: Apr 17, 2009 5:22 AM
To: tapr-annou...@tapr.org
Subject: [tapr-announce] Reminder: Sign up now for the 2009 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet 
at Dayton Hamvention

2009 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet at Dayton Hamvention

The third annual joint TAPR/AMSAT Banquet will be held Friday evening, 
May 15, 2008 during the Dayton Hamvention.

The Banquet will be in the Jefferson Room at the Kohler Presidential 
Banquet Center, Kettering, OH (just south of Dayton).

Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, 11 May 2009. 
Seating is limited, so make your reservations early.

TICKETS WILL *NOT* BE AVAILABLE AT HAMVENTION; YOU *MUST* REGISTER IN 
ADVANCE!

The price for the Banquet is $30 per person. Reserved tickets may be 
picked up at the AMSAT booth at Hamvention on Friday, or at the door.

You may make reservations for the 2009 TAPR/AMSAT Banquet online in the 
AMSAT Store or contact Martha at the AMSAT office. You can reach Martha 
from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST/EDT at (301) 589-6062, or in the US toll 
free at (888) 322-6728.

For additional information contact Martha at the AMSAT office 
(mar...@amsat.org).



6:30 PM Doors open and Cash bar is available with Beer, Wine, Liquor and 
soft drinks.

7:15 PM Buffet Dinner service begins. The Center has a justly deserved 
reputation for good food and service.

___



  

[digitalradio] New ARRL Course: Digital Technology for Emergency Communications

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/11/13/10448/?nc=1


ARRL PUBLICATIONS BULLETIN – February 6, 2009 www.arrl.org/new
 


Dive into the Digital Radio Universe!
NOW SHIPPING!
The ARRL Digital Technology for Emergency Communications Course CD-ROM
 
In this course, we will introduce you to all the ways Amateur Radio operators 
are using digital technology as a valuableemergency communications tool.
 Get answers to questions such as:
...can you transfer supply lists or personnel assignments between em ergency 
operations sites?
...can you get critical e-mails to the Internet if a connection goes down?
...can you relay digital images of damage at specific locations?
...can you track the locations of emergency personnel and display them on 
computer maps?
…and more!
 
 The topics discussed during the course include:=0 A 
 
o Packet radio APRS
o Winlink 2000
o IRLP
o EchoLink and WIRES-II
o D-STAR
o APCO25
o HF sound card modes
o Automatic Link Establishment (“ALE”)
 
Illustrations, screenshots, Internet links and audio files make your learning 
experience exciting and fun!
 
“This course is a great starting point for anyone interested in the public 
service applications of digital communications technology."
-- Steve Ford, WB8IMY, Course Author and QST Editor/ARRL Publications Manager
 
Only $49.95
MORE INFO and ORDER NOW>
&nb sp;
Also Available… 
ARRL’s HF Digital Handbook ORDER NOW>
ARRL’s VHF Digital Handbook ORDER NOW>
 



ORDERING 
Prices do not include shipping & handling charges, and are subject to change 
without notice. To order from ARRL, please20use the links in this message to 
visit ARRL's secure online catalog. Or, call our Publication Team toll-free in 
the US1-888-277-5289, Monday through Friday from 8 AMto 5 PM Eastern time 
[Outside US telephone (860) 594-0355]. ARRL publications are also available 
from your local ARRL dealer.06111-1494USA
 
ABOUT THIS E-MAIL
Participation in ARRL Product Announcements and Special Offers is voluntary. 
During the registration to access ARRL's Members Only Web Site features, you 
indicated a preference to receive these emails. To unsubscribe from future 
announcements, visit the ARRLWeb site and click the "Modify membership data" 
link.
 
ARRL 
The national association for AMATEUR RADIO
225 Main Street, Newington, CT



Great Deals on Dell Laptops. Starting at $499. 


  

[digitalradio] One Mode Down, Two to Go! - Triple Play WAS

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/01/08/10550/?nc=1

 One Mode Down, Two to Go!

 

When you upload your log to Logbook of The World, your Triple Play total is 
calculated separately, making it easier for you to keep track of your totals. 
With the advent of the ARRL's Triple Play Award, on-air participation has 
reached a level of excitement not seen in recent years. This new, exciting 
award is available to all amateurs who confirm contacts with each of the 50 
states using three modes for each state: CW, phone and RTTY/digital. All 150 
contacts must be made on or after the January 1, 2009 and must be confirmed via 
Logbook of The World (LoTW). All bands -- with the exception of 60 meters -- 
may be used in pursuit of the Triple Play Award. 
 
The ARRL RTTY Round Up, held this past weekend, was one of the first organized 
events eligible for the award. "If the amount of activity in the 2009 ARRL RTTY 
Roundup is any indicator, the Triple Play is off to a fantastic start," said 
ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X. "The RTTY Roundup was the first 
contest to take place since the award's inception. It ended only a few days 
ago, and we already have received almost 1100 logs. There's been a lot of 
chatter on the RTTY e-mail reflectors about getting the Triple Play completed, 
and I personally have seen numerous stations calling 'CQ Triple Play' on PSK31 
since the first of the year. People already have their 'needed list' programmed 
into their PSK31 macros. There is no question that the new Triple Play award is 
causing a lot of buzz in the digital community. I'm happy that we have been 
able to come up with a new award that so many people are interested in right 
off the bat."
 
According to Norm Fusaro, W3IZ, Assistant Manager for the Membership and 
Volunteer Programs Department, hundreds of new LoTW certificates have been 
processed each day since the first of the year. "We are excited to see such an 
upswing in LoTW participation," he said. "I know what a thrill it can be to 
upload my logs to LoTW right after a contest and see the QSOs appear almost 
instantaneously. That's the magic of Logbook of The World."
Those who participated in the RTTY Round Up were ecstatic over how easy it was 
to use LoTW. Jose Castillo, N1BAA, of Amherst, Massachusetts, said, "Just 
amazing! Just under 24 hours since I uploaded my ARRL RTTY Round Up log and now 
I have Worked All States confirmed via LoTW [from just the RTTY Round Up]. 
Gotta love LoTW!" Bob Garceau, W1EQ, of Putnam, Connecticut agreed: "I'm 
impressed with the response to my uploaded log to LoTW. I uploaded 728 QSOs and 
50 hours after the contest closed, I have 336 QSLs. That's a 46 percent 
response. Impressive! I think that someone will get #1 Triple Play by the end 
of January."
 
Don't be too upset if you wanted to work one of the digital modes and didn't 
participate in the RTTY Round Up -- other digital modes, such as PSK31 and 
Hellschreiber are also eligible for the digital portion of the award. The first 
ever 24 hour Hellschreiber sprint takes place January 17. According to the Feld 
Hell Club's Web site, all modes of Hell on any band (with the exception of 17, 
30 and 60 meters) are allowed in the sprint. If you like operating digital 
modes and you missed the RTTY Round Up, why not give the Feld Hell sprint a 
try? According to QST Editor and digital guru Steve Ford, WB8IMY, free sound 
card software for Hellschreiber, such as Fldigi, MultiPSK (for PCs) and 
cocoaModem (for Macintosh) can be found online.
For SSB and CW aficionados, the North American QSO Parties (NAQP) are later 
this month; the CW portion is 1800 UTC January 10-0600 UTC January 11, and the 
phone portion is 1800 UTC January 17-0600 UTC January 18 (the NAQP RTTY Contest 
is 1800 UTC February 28-0600 UTC March 1). Of course, you don't have to 
participate in a contest to chase the Triple Play Award. As long as you submit 
your logs to Logbook of The World, you're good! LoTW is set up to calculate 
your Triple Play QSOs separately from your other QSOs (see picture).
 
According to ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, the Triple Play 
Award is a one-time award -- once you have made the required 150 confirmed 
contacts via LoTW, you're done. The Triple Play Award is not a contest, but 
Sumner points out that with all the contests happening this time of year, it 
should be fairly easy to achieve this award. "Contesters are among the most 
loyal devotees of LoTW," Sumner said, "so participating in RTTY Round Up and 
the NAQP events should take care of all of the easy states, as well as some of 
the more difficult ones."
 
Sumner warned that it can be "addictive" once you begin making your contacts 
for the Triple Play Award, and that "there are many possible variations on the 
theme. You can try to be the first (or at least the first on your block) or you 
can set your own pace. Think it's too easy? Limit yourself to QRP while 
operating your favorite 

[digitalradio] PSKFest, January 10th, 0000Z - 2400Z

[Mark Thompson]

PSKFest, January 10th, Z - 2400Z
 
PSKFest rules:
http://www.podxs070.com//contests/pskfest_rules.htm


  

[digitalradio] Fwd: ARLS009 ARISS Finalizes Plans for Silver Anniversary of Amateur Radio from Space

[Mark Thompson]

SB SPACE @ ARL $ARLS009
ARLS009 ARISS Finalizes Plans for Silver Anniversary of Amateur
Radio from Space

ZCZC AS09  
QST de W1AW  
Space Bulletin 009  ARLS009
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington, CT  December 18, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB SPACE ARL ARLS009
ARLS009 ARISS Finalizes Plans for Silver Anniversary of Amateur
Radio from Space
 
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team is
currently celebrating the silver anniversary -- 25 years -- of
Amateur Radio operations from space. According to ARISS
International Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, the crew on the
International Space Station (ISS) has configured the radio to
support cross-band repeater operations. They have also supported
some SSTV downlinks and participated in a special test of 9600 baud
packet radio operations on the simplex frequency of 145.825 MHz.
After December 19, Bauer said he expects the ISS ham radio system to
be on the 145.825 MHz frequency supporting 1200 baud packet. If
PCSAT is configured during the week, he said double hop APRS is
possible.

"During the week of December 21-26, we plan to support the
cross-band repeater mode with a twist," Bauer said. "Our intent is
to configure the radio for 145.99 MHz uplink -- including CTCSS tone
of 67.0 and 437.80 MHz down. This will be performed in low power
mode. We should also note that an extra-vehicular activity (EVA) is
planned for that week -- Expedition 18 Commander Mike Fincke,
KE5AIT, and Flight Engineer Yury Lonchakov, RA3DT, plan to perform a
spacewalk on December 22. As per standard procedure, the ISS ham
radio system will be turned off for the EVA."

Bauer said that from December 28-January 3, the cross-band repeater
will be reconfigured for what he called "a special experiment. This
will be a test of our L-Band uplink capability, which, to date, has
not been proven out. Plan for an uplink of 1269.65 MHz and a
downlink on the standard frequency of 145.80 MHz, using low power,"
he said. "Given the substantial cable losses of the L-band system,
we hope some 'big guns' are able to penetrate through, keep up with
Doppler and make the connection."

A special certificate is being developed for those who communicate
with the ISS from November 30, 2008 to January 15, 2009. This
certificate will be awarded to those who have had two-way
communications with the ISS on voice, packet (APRS) or through the
voice repeater. Those who hear the ISS from space in any of the
ARISS operations modes -- voice, SSTV, school contact, voice
repeater or digital - will also be eligible to receive a
certificate.

To receive the certificate, Bauer said to note the ARISS mode of
operation (such as SSTV, voice or school) on your QSL and whether
the contact was one-way (receive only) or two-way. "You should send
your self-addressed, stamped envelope to the normal ARISS QSL
volunteer distributor in your area of the world," he explained. "On
the outside of the QSL envelope, please include the words '25th
Anniversary Certificate.' Make sure your envelope is big enough to
accept an 8.5 x 11 inch certificate and includes the proper
postage."

If you do not know where to send your QSL, check the ARISS Web site
to find the one that serves your part of the world.

"We will be sending your certificate to the volunteer distributors
in bulk after the event is over," Bauer said. "This saves workload
and money. So do not expect to see it until 1-2 months after the
event closes on January 15." Bauer reminded hams that due to ISS
flight requirements related to spacewalks and vehicle activity, the
radio onboard the ISS may be off for some portion of this schedule.
School contacts and general QSO opportunities by the crew will also
preempt this schedule for short periods of time. "But remember that
if you hear these," he said, "you still qualify for a commemorative
certificate. Enjoy the ARISS ops on ISS!"

/EX


  

[digitalradio] RAIN Report: KN6KB Discusses New WINMOR Software

[Mark Thompson]

RAIN REPORT THIS WEEK

Rick Muething, KN6KB, talks about his new WINMOR (Winlink Messages Over Radio) 
software (16 minutes).


  

[digitalradio] ARISS to Operate Packet & APRS from Space

[Mark Thompson]

 
SB SPACE @ ARL $ARLS008
ARLS008 ARISS to Celebrate 25 Years of Amateur Radio in Space 
with Special Events

ZCZC AS08  
QST de W1AW  
Space Bulletin 008  ARLS008
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington, CT  December 2, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB SPACE ARL ARLS008
ARLS008 ARISS to Celebrate 25 Years of Amateur Radio in Space 
with Special Events
 
Twenty-five years ago this week, Owen Garriott, W5LFL, made history
by being the first Amateur Radio operator to talk to hams from
space.  His historic flight on STS-9 on board the Space Shuttle
Columbia was launched on November 28 and landed on December 8, 1983.
Garriott's ham radio adventure on that mission ushered in a host of
what Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, called "outstanding outreach
activities that continue today with the ARISS program."

Bauer said that many hams still remember that first set of contacts
and downlinks with Garriott: "Those first contacts allowed each of
us to share the excitement of space exploration through Owen's
first-hand eyewitness accounts.  Owen's ham radio legacy enabled
space travelers that have flown on the space shuttle, the space
station Mir and now the International Space Station (ISS) to share
their journey of exploration."

Just last month, Garriott's son Richard, W5KWQ, became the first
second generation Amateur Radio operator to travel in space and
speak with hams. "What other hobby, except Amateur Radio," Bauer
wondered, "could or would open the communications lines of space
travelers beyond that of the space agencies or international heads
of state?"

To celebrate 25 years of Amateur Radio operations from space, ARISS
has planned a set of special event opportunities for December and
part of January. According to Bauer, a special certificate will be
available for those who communicate with the ISS, either two-way
direct (with the ISS crew, the digipeater or cross-band repeater) or
one-way reception of SSTV or voice downlink. "Several 'surprises'
are planned over the month-long celebration," he said, and will be
announced soon.

Bauer said that in addition to school contacts and APRS
digi-operations, ARISS will configure the radio system for
cross-band repeater operations to utilize the standard ultra-violet
operations in low power mode during the first week of December.

Starting December 7, ARISS will then run a test of 9600 baud packet
operations on 145.825 MHz. "Given that PCSat should be in full Sun
starting December 9," Bauer explained, "we will switch to 1200 baud
packet on 145.825 on December 14-19 to support double hop
opportunities. At times, especially during the weekends, you might
see some SSTV operations if the crew is available." Bauer reminded
hams that due to ISS flight requirements related to spacewalks and
vehicle activity, the radio onboard the ISS may be off for some
portion of this schedule. School contacts and general QSO
opportunities by the crew will also preempt this schedule for short
periods of time. "But remember that if you hear these," Bauer said,
"you still qualify for a commemorative certificate!"

/EX


  

[digitalradio] WINMOR Status

[Mark Thompson]

WINMOR Status
    Posted by: "Rick Muething" [EMAIL PROTECTED] kn6kb
    Date: Tue Dec 2, 2008 10:43 am ((PST))

A brief update on to where we are with WINMOR the new sound card mode being
developed for WL2K.

We have begun limited over-the-air testing on 10.140.0 USB Dial and 18107.0
USB dial between K4CJX, VE1YZ, KN6KB and W5SMM.  This is currently limited
to 1K and 10K block exchanges of random binary files with end to end
verification. (after all FEC and ARQ).

The results look encouraging though there is still some optimization
required especially on the fastest QAM16  modes.  The tests have been done
using WINMOR's 200 Hz, 500 Hz and 2000 Hz bandwidths using 4FSK, QPSK and
16QAM modulation modes including auto mode control.

I am now in the process of the initial integration of the WINMOR virtual TNC
into Paclink (the new Paclink) and RMS HF (the new replacement for RMS
Pactor).  This will take some time to complete and to do initial testing
before any beta testing can proceed.

WINMOR will NOT replace Pactor but be used in addition to Pactor. The RMS HF
will be able to operate BOTH WINMOR and Pactor (1-3) but not simultaneous
connections. While WINMOR may not equal P2 and P3 in total performance it
will provide lower cost, higher performance and more robustness than P1.
The primary applications will be for those lower usage Emcomm applications
which have trouble justifying the high cost and low utilization of the P2
and P3 modem.

As soon as the Winlink web site is back on line Lor will update the site
with the preliminary WINMOR spec and speed comparison worksheet to support
the currently posted  DCC 2008 paper and PowerPoint presentation.

There is a WINMOR yahoo group set up (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WINMOR/ ) 
but there will not be much activity
on this until we get closer to beta testing which I suspect will start
sometime in February depending on what snags are encountered.
   

73,

Rick Muething, KN6KB

Winlink Development Team


  

[digitalradio] CSS Announces Upgrade Offer for Users of Old MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 Radio Software

[Mark Thompson]

CSS Announces Upgrade Offer for Users of Old MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 Radio 
Software


Users of HostMaster, KaWin, KaGOLD, PkGOLD and PC PakRatt Can Upgrade to the 
Radio Operations Center Digital Desktop and Save 20 Percent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2008 — Creative Services Software, Inc. 
(CSS) today announced a special upgrade offer for licensed users of HostMaster, 
KaWin, KaGOLD, PkGOLD and PC PakRatt software. With a valid serial number for 
any of these older MS-DOS and Windows 3.1-based products, users can upgrade to 
CSS’ Radio Operations Center (ROC) Digital Desktop™ for $79.95, a 20 percent 
savings off the regular retail price of $99.95. The special upgrade offer will 
expire on January 31, 2009. Radio operators can also take advantage of a free, 
30-day trial of the software, but must complete their purchase by January 31, 
2009 to take advantage of the upgrade pricing.

“A lot of radio operators still use old software that is no longer in 
development and no longer supported, which limits their ability to keep up with 
the latest in amateur radio technology,” said Rick Ruhl, CSS president. “All of 
these older systems are built on the 16-bit MS-DOS or Windows 3.1 platforms of 
the 1980s. As older PCs get retired and new radio technology continues to 
evolve, it becomes less and less feasible to continue to run software that is 
well more than a decade old.” 

Because most of the old radio software programs are no longer in development, 
amateur radio operators cannot take advantage of new features and new 
capabilities without upgrading to advanced solutions like the Radio Operations 
Center. Customer service is usually not available at all or available only from 
other users rather than from software professionals. “If a radio amateur gets a 
new PC, a new TNC or a new radio, there’s no guarantee their old software will 
work at all,” Ruhl explained. “And even if they are able to run the software in 
an emulation window, they’ll run into all kinds of limitations—like the 
inability to multitask, or to work in full screen, for example. That can take a 
lot of the enjoyment out of the radio hobby.” 

CSS cites a number of features and benefits available in the Radio Operations 
Center Digital Desktop that are not available in older software, including: 

* The industry's most complete support for digital radio modes in one 
comprehensive solution. 
* Advanced radio, TNC and soundcard compatibility, supporting more 
hardware than any other radio control software solution. 
* Robust integration with other Windows applications and ham radio 
tools such as logging programs and call books, supporting both binary and ASCII 
file transfers as well as Windows cut-and-paste. 
* The productivity advantage of 32-bit Windows multitasking that frees 
operators to run other applications, including desktop software such as 
Microsoft Office, while operating a transceiver at the same time. 
* Support for more than 70 radios, with an on-going commitment to 
adding compatibility for the latest radio technology as it develops. 
* Better performance and reliability, thanks to ROC Digital Desktop’s 
32-bit Windows operating system design. The Radio Operations Center is 
available for a free, 30-day trialon the CSS Website and retails for $99.95. 
The purchase of ROC Digital Desktop includes one year of e-mail or phone 
technical support, access to the CSS user forum and free maintenance updates. 
The $79.95 upgrade offer for licensed users of HostMaster, KaWin, KaGOLD, 
PkGOLD and PC PakRatt software expires on January 31, 2009, regardless of how 
long the trial software has been in use.

Visit www.cssincorp.com/offers/upgrade-the-old.html for more information, to 
download the demo version, or to take advantage of the special upgrade offer. 
CSS products are also available from many ham radio retailers and radio 
equipment catalogs.

About the Radio Operations Center
The Radio Operations Center software suite from CSS is the only amateur, MARS 
and commercial radio software solution that combines the integration, 
automation and multitasking capabilities of Microsoft® Windows with the 
flexibility and control to operate on multiple TNCs, soundcard and radio 
hardware in all the digital modes. The Radio Operations Center allows users to 
control radios, TNCs, rotors, and to access logging applications, call books 
and more — all from within a single 32-bit Microsoft Windows application. The 
software formerly known as PKTerm™ (for Timewave/AEA TNCs) and PacTerm™ (for 
Kantronics TNCs) are now called ROC Digital Desktop™. Other Radio Operations 
Center products include EmComm Ops, Marine Radio Opsand Weather Ops. 

About CSS
CSS is a privately held software and technology consulting company specializing 
in software connectivity for commercial and amateur radio operators; office 
automation and network management solutions for business; and custom software 

[digitalradio] TAPR PSR Journal Digital Articles Due

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 6:06 pm
Subject: [tapr-announce] Last Call for PSR

This is the last call for articles for the next issue of TAPR's 
quarterly newsletter Packet Status Register (PSR). If you have anything 
for the newsletter, please send it to me ASAP.

Thank you, 73, and have a great Thanksgiving!

Stan, WA1LOU
PSR Editor


  

[digitalradio] Global Emergency Network Marks Record

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/?artid=8610

 Global Emergency Network Marks Record (Nov 19, 2008) -- The Global ALE High 
Frequency Network (HFN) -- an international Amateur Radio Service organization 
of ham operators dedicated to emergency/relief radio communications -- has 
become the first network to operate continuously for more than 500 days on all 
international Amateur Radio shortwave bands simultaneously. According to HFN 
International ALE Coordinator Bonnie Crystal, KQ6XA, the main purpose of the 
Network is to provide efficient emergency and disaster relief communications to 
remote areas of the world. "Beginning with a core group of six North American 
radio operators in June 2007, HFN rapidly expanded to cover large areas of the 
planet with 24/7 digital communications," she said."HFN was designed to be an 
open framework for global Amateur Radio emergency services to interoperate on 
HF using the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) system." Relying on ionospheric 
radio communications,
 interconnected HFN base stations scan the radio bands every 10 seconds, from 
3.5 MHz-28.0 MHz. Through this Net, Crystal said, ham operators stay connected 
with each other at all hours of the day or night in any mode of operation, and 
can send Internet e-mail or cell phone mobile text messages from the field."



  

[digitalradio] ARRL to Offer Self-Study Course on Digital Technology for Emergency Communications

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/11/13/10448/?nc=1
ARRL to Offer Self-Study Course on Digital Technology for Emergency 
Communications


 
A sample of what The ARRL Digital Technology for Emergency Communication Course 
offers. 
 
With digital technology becoming an integral part of Amateur Radio, hams 
interested in Emergency Communications now have a new tool to help them take 
advantage of emerging modes such as Packet Radio APRS, Winlink 2000, IRLP, 
EchoLink and WIRES-II, D-STAR, APCO25, HF sound card modes and Automatic Link 
Establishment (ALE). The ARRL Digital Technology for Emergency Communications 
Course http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1247 will introduce hams to all of the 
ways Amateur Radio operators are using digital technology as a valuable 
emergency communications tool.
Written by ARRL Publications Manager and QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, this 
self-study CD-ROM will answer such questions as:
 
* Can you transfer supply lists or personnel assignments between 
emergency operations sites? 

* Can you get critical e-mails to the Internet if a connection goes 
down? 

* Can you relay digital images of damage at specific locations? 

* Can you track the locations of emergency personnel and display them 
on computer maps? 

* …and more! 

Illustrations, screenshots, Internet links and audio files are used to 
demonstrate transmission modes and equipment configurations. Bite-sized 
learning units and interactive knowledge checks make learning interesting and 
fun!
 
"This course is a great starting point for anyone interested in the public 
service applications of digital communications technology," said Ford. The ARRL 
Digital Technology for Emergency Communications Course is available from the 
ARRL for only $49.95.
 
Minimum System Requirements for CD-ROM -- Microsoft Windows 
Vista/XP/2000/NT/98/95 or Apple OS X; 200 MHz processor; 32 MB RAM; sound card 
and speakers; 4-speed CD-ROM drive or higher. Requires Web browser -- Microsoft 
Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla Firefox 2.0, Apple Safari 3.0 or later versions. 
Some documents require Adobe Reader.
 Page last modified: 08:31 AM, 13 Nov 2008 ET
Page author: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Copyright © 2008, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 





  

[digitalradio] W1AW to Participate in Global Simulated Emergency Test

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/?artid=8582


 W1AW to Participate in Global Simulated Emergency Test (Nov 4, 2008) -- On 
November 8, W1AW, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, will be participating 
in the 2008 Global Simulated Emergency Test 
(GlobalSET http://raynet-hf.net/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=34), sponsored 
by IARU Region 1. The event runs from 0400-0800 UTC, but due to the W1AW 
transmission schedule, the ARRL station will be on the air from 0500-0800 UTC. 
ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Dennis Dura, K2DCD, and ARRL 
Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, will be on the air from 
W1AW. According to event organizer Greg Mossop, G0DUB, the GlobalSET is an 
exercise http://www.iaru-r1.org/GlobalSETNov08Rules-English.pdf for 
headquarters stations of IARU Member Societies and stations of emergency 
communications groups -- it is not a contest. Activity will be concentrated 
around the IARU Emergency Centre of Activity frequencies. Where permitted by 
their
 licensing administration, participating stations will use “/D” after their 
call sign, indicating distress or disaster. A list of participating stations 
can be found here http://www.raynet-hf.net/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=35.


  

GlobalSETNov08Rules-English.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document

[digitalradio] TAPR PSR Journal Needs Articles & Authors

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 6:38 pm
Subject: [tapr-announce] Write for PSR

Here is your chance to become rich and famous! Well, maybe not rich, but
certainly famous.

The editorial board of Packet Status Register (PSR, TAPR's quarterly
newsletter) is now soliciting articles, news items, etc. for the next issue
of the newsletter. Topics related to digital Amateur Radio will be given
preference and the editorial board reserves the right to determine what is
suitable for publication.

E-mail your contributions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ASAP because the deadline for
the next issue of the newsletter is November 15.

73,

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, PSR Editor  


___
tapr-announce mailing list


  

[digitalradio] Olivia Article in December QST

[Mark Thompson]

Article about Olivia digital mode slated for December QST magazine
    Posted by: "garylinnrobinson" [EMAIL PROTECTED] garylinnrobinson
    Date: Sat Oct 25, 2008 3:33 pm ((PDT))

For anyone who may be interested there will be an article in the
December 2008 issue of QST about the Olivia digital mode. It is a
general information article and it is hoped that it will help create
more Olivia activity on the ham bands

The article is called "Ghost QSO's -- Olivia Returns from the Noise"
Subtitle "Olivia -- the magic mode"

Worth reading (though I'm biased since I wrote it) if you are at all
interested in quality digital qso's!

Also - On my web site I have posted versions (based off of FLDigi
3.03AB) of FLDigiROL - my own modified version.  There are binaries
for WIndows, Linux (compiled on Kubuntu 8.04), and source code
available. These are beta versions and have very little in the way of
documention hi hi!

They will be updated in the future when FLDigi stabilizes and not so
many bug fix and updates come out so often.

I have made modifications and added features that suit me so it may
NOT suit anyone else's taste. But they are available for anyone to
look at on : http://home.roadrunner.com/~rolswana/



  

[digitalradio] Creative Services Software Releases First Version of PacTerm and PKTerm Software as the Radio Operations Center

[Mark Thompson]

Creative Services Software Releases First Version of PacTerm and PKTerm 
Software as the Radio Operations Center

Version 3.91.04 Launches Updated Windows Interface, 
Adds New Logging Capabilities


October 22, 2008 — Creative Services Software, Inc. (CSS) today announced the 
availability of the Radio Operations Center (ROC) Digital Desktop™, formerly 
called PacTerm (for Kantronics TNCs) and PKTerm (for Timewave/AEA TNCs). 
Version 3.91.04 includes a number of new features and enhancements in addition 
to rebranding PacTerm and PKTerm under CSS’ new Radio Operations Center product 
brand. The new version also represents a complete recompile of the former 
PacTerm and PKTerm C++ code.

User Interface Enhanced to Comply with Windows Standards

The ROC Digital Desktop user interface has been updated with new icons and 
enhanced window behavior to comply with Windows XP and Vista interface design 
standards. “As users upgrade or replace their PC hardware and software, their 
Radio Operations Center software will now fit right in,” said Rick Ruhl, CSS 
president and lead software developer. “And for new users who are accustomed to 
newer Windows applications, the look and feel will be more easily recognized.”

Complete Code Recompile Ensures Windows Compatibility, Improves Performance

The new version of ROC Digital Desktop is a completely recompiled version of 
the software, ensuring that the software offers faster performance and optimal 
compatibility with the Windows XP and Vista operating systems. The Radio 
Operations Center is written in the C++ programming language, with results in 
an open architecture for seamless integration and easier customization. For 
example, the ROC Digital Desktop comes with snap-in DLL (dynamic link library) 
code released under the GNU open source license for the MT-63 mode. “For 
computer-savvy Hams, that means you can roll your own mode,” CSS President Ruhl 
said. “If you know how to program in C++, VB or any other language that can 
create a DLL, you get everything you need to extend the software. The software 
comes with support for all the widely-used digital modes, but our open 
architecture gives you the freedom to take it even further.”

New Features Offer More Advantages for Contesting

ROC Digital Desktop now offers a serial number macro variable that 
auto-increments serial numbers for ham contest exchanges, adding another 
advantage for contesters. 

The built-in logging program now includes new macro variables called 
“{logsave}” and “{logcall},” designed to help contesters start and log contacts 
faster. Using {logcall}, users can further automate contacts to work through 
the bands faster. The logsave macro saves the contest QSO contacts to the 
logbook on-the-fly, so contesters don’t have to slow down to log contacts. 

The Radio Operations Center is compatible with most popular logging programs, 
but offers streamlined logging inside the software for contesters, in addition 
to integration with external logbook and callbook applications. “A separate 
logging program does not have to be running during the contest, which can 
sometimes slow down the computer and the operator,” Ruhl said. “The combination 
of the built-in features and user-customizable macros literally means that Hams 
can run an entire contest exchange from just one or two clicks of the mouse.”

ROC Digital Desktop is the latest addition to CSS’ recently-rebranded Radio 
Operations Center™ (ROC) product 
line http://www.cssincorp.com/Radio_Operations_Center_Software.html. A packet 
radio-specific product, EmComm Ops™ 
http://www.cssincorp.com/EmComm_Ops.html, was released earlier this month. ROC 
Digital Desktop allows amateur (Ham), commercial and MARS radio operators 
connect to, access, integrate and operate HF digital and packet radio stations 
with a Windows PC or laptop from a fixed station or in the field using 
Kantronics or Timewave TNCs or your computer’s soundcard.
Current PacTerm and PKTerm customers who are on a current maintenance agreement 
may download an upgrade to the Radio Operations Center Digital Desktop at no 
charge at www.cssincorp.com/product-upgrades.html. Other CSS customers can 
purchase an upgrade for $49.95 from the company’s Website. The Radio Operations 
Center is available for a free, 30-day trial on the Website and retails for 
$99.95. The purchase of ROC Digital Desktop includes one year of e-mail or 
phone technical support, access to the CSS user forum and free maintenance 
updates. 
Visit www.cssincorp.comfor more information, or to download the demo version, 
upgrade or purchase the software. CSS products are also available from many ham 
radio retailers and radio equipment catalogs. 
]
About the Radio Operations Center
The Radio Operations Center software suite from CSS is the only amateur, MARS 
and commercial radio software solution that combines the integration, 
automation and multitasking capabilities of Microsoft® Windows with the 
flexibility a

[digitalradio] ARLB015 FCC Responds to ARRL Petition Against Experimental License using 40 Meter Band

[Mark Thompson]

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB015
ARLB015 FCC Responds to ARRL Petition Against Experimental License
using 40 Meter Band

ZCZC AG15
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 15  ARLB015
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  October 24, 2008
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB015
ARLB015 FCC Responds to ARRL Petition Against Experimental License
using 40 Meter Band

On Monday, October 20, the ARRL filed a "Petition for Modification
or Cancellation of Experimental Authorization" (Petition) with the
FCC with respect to WE2XRH. According to the FCC, this experimental
license -- issued to Digital Aurora Radio Technologies (DART) --
proposes to "test digital transmissions in 4.50-5.10 MHz, 7.10-7.60
MHz and 9.25-9.95 MHz for a terrestrial digital radio service to the
citizens of Alaska." The League's protest was prompted by the
certainty that high-power operation in the frequency range 7.10 to
7.30 MHz would cause unacceptable and harmful interference to the
Amateur Radio Service in this part of the 40-meter band, which is an
exclusive amateur allocation in ITU Region 2 (North and South
America).

On October 24, the FCC responded by issuing an amended license that
redefined one of the station's frequency ranges to eliminate
conflict with the Amateur Radio Service. The amended license narrows
the range to 7.30 to 7.60 MHz and gives as the reason for the
change, "operation in the band 7.1-7.3 MHz will cause harmful
interference to Amateur Radio Service licensees."

"We are delighted that the FCC acted so promptly to correct this
error and are pleased that the matter has been resolved," said ARRL
CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ.

WE2XRH will be using a 20 kHz bandwidth digital emission at a
transmitter output power of 100 kW and an ERP of 660 kW within a
radius of 1500 kilometers of Delta Junction, Alaska. According to
the amended license, the transmissions will take place in the
frequency ranges 4.4 to 5.1 MHz, 7.3 to 7.6 MHz and 9.25 to 9.95
MHz.

/EX


  

[digitalradio] ARLB014 ARRL Files Petition with FCC against Experimental License Using 40 Meter Band

[Mark Thompson]

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB014
ARLB014 ARRL Files Petition with FCC against Experimental License
Using 40 Meter Band

ZCZC AG14
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 14  ARLB014
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  October 22, 2008
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB014
ARLB014 ARRL Files Petition with FCC against Experimental License
Using 40 Meter Band

On Monday, October 20, the ARRL filed a Petition for Modification or
Cancellation of Experimental Authorization (Petition) with the FCC
with respect to WE2XRH. According to the FCC, this experimental
license -- issued to Digital Aurora Radio Technologies (DART) --
proposes to "test digital transmissions in 4.50-5.10 MHz, 7.10-7.60
MHz and 9.25-9.95 MHz for a terrestrial digital radio service to the
citizens of Alaska."

The League's Petition states that DART's hopes that this
experimentation "will lead to a terrestrial, high-frequency (HF)
digital aural (domestic broadcast) service in Alaska. Ostensibly to
study the operation of this 'shortwave' system at high latitudes,
and apparently in order to roll out this domestic broadcast service,
DART specifies exceptionally high power operation in various
segments of the HF spectrum. ARRL's interest in this matter is
limited to the fact that the experimental license includes the band
7.1 -7.3 MHz, allocated domestically exclusively to the Amateur
Radio Service."

"It is astonishing that the FCC would grant this experimental
license for operation at such a high power level in a band that is
allocated exclusively to a service with which such operation is
clearly incompatible," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David
Sumner, K1ZZ. "The only possible explanation is that it was an
error; the only reasonable step for the FCC to take is to correct
its error immediately, either by cancelling the license or by
amending the frequency ranges to delete 7.1 -7.3 MHz."

It is the ARRL's view that "Simply stated, there is a 100% certainty
of severe, continuous, harmful interference from operation of the
DART facilities as authorized by the Commission to ongoing Amateur
Radio operation at 7.1 to 7.3 MHz. This authorization must be
modified immediately (if not cancelled completely), so as to delete
the band 7.1-7.3 MHz" from DART's experimental license application.

The ARRL ascertains that DART has been permitted operation in the
7.1-7.6 MHz band using a 20 kHz bandwidth digital emission at a
transmitter output power of 100 kW and an ERP of 660 kW within a
radius of 1500 kilometers of Delta Junction, Alaska. In the
Petition, ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, points out that
while DART says it will coordinate with the High Frequency
Coordination Conference (HFCC), "[i]t does not propose any
coordination with any individual or entity in the Amateur Service.
There is no showing whatsoever how DART proposes to avoid
interference to Amateur Radio operation at 7.1-7.3 MHz. In fact,
there is no indication that DART is even aware of the allocation."

Calling the 40 meter band "perhaps the most heavily-utilized Amateur
HF band in the United States," the ARRL states that it can see "no
compatible use that DART can make of this band in any state or
territory of the United States, at any time of the day or night" and
will cause "preclusive interference" to amateurs using that portion
of the band. "The entire 7.0 - 7.3 MHz band is used heavily within
Alaska, especially by radio amateurs located in its remotest areas,
at all times. It is particularly critical in times of emergency due
to its daytime and nighttime propagation characteristics. The band
is also used at all times of the day and night for worldwide
communications by radio amateurs."

The League's Petition points out that the FCC's Rules at Section
5.83(b) state that experimental license grants are subject to change
or cancellation by the Commission at any time without hearing if in
the Commission's discretion the need for such action arises: "ARRL
submits that this application should never have been granted as
applied for in the first place, and there is an urgent need to
prohibit operation of the DART high power transmitters in the
entirety of the 7.1-7.3 MHz band. It is likely that DART has been
under a misapprehension that the band is among the international
broadcast allocations, because, in ITU Regions 1 and 3, the band is
allocated to that Service. However, in Region 2, in Alaska, it is
not." After March 29, 2009, 7.1-7.2 MHz will not be available for
broadcasting anywhere.

The League goes on to say that Section 5.85 of the Commission's
Rules governs the selection and use of frequencies by holders of
experimental authorizations and adamantly states that "there is no
justification submitted by DART for the use of the frequency bands
requested, particularly with respect to 7.1-7.3 MHz. It is unclear
why such large segments of spectrum were specified by DART, given
its stated course of experimentation, and given its narrow occupied
bandwidth" and notes that DART "should have been

[digitalradio] Popular Communications Articles - D-STAR, APRS, SDR, ALE, EmComm, DRM

[Mark Thompson]

November 2008 Popular Communications Articles - D-STAR, APRS, SDR, ALE, Emcomm, 
DRM 
 
http://www.popular-communications.com/PC%20Highlights%20PC%20Nov%2008.html
 


Digital Ham Group 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/illinoisdigitalham/


73, Mark, WB9QZB 


__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

[digitalradio] TAPR Announces HPSDR Mercury Receiver Board

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/?artid=8540

 TAPR Announces HPSDR Mercury Receiver Board (Oct 18, 2008) -- High Performance 
Software Defined Radio (HPSDR) http://www.hpsdr.org/ is an open-source hardware 
and software project designed and developed by a group of enthusiasts with 
representation from interested experimenters worldwide. 
 
TAPR http://www.tapr.org/ is looking for a "show of interest" to determine the 
production run for the new HPSDR Mercury receiver board. The assembled Mercury 
receiver board uses SMT parts and is manufactured in quantity by machine. 
 
                    If interested, please check out the HAMSDR Web site 
http://www.hpsdr.org/ and log in. You will find the interest page under the 
 tab. 
    
                    Once interest has been determined, Mercury boards may be 
purchased from TAPR. Mercury board specifications can be found 
here http://hpsdr.org/wiki/index.php?title=MERCURY .

__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

[digitalradio] More Going ATV Digitally

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2008/10/10/10380/

Surfin': More Going ATV Digitally
By Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
Contributing Editor 
October 10, 2008


This week's Surfin' again considers Web sites related to Amateur Television 
(ATV) going digital.


 

Amateur Television in Central Ohio (ATCO) has had the first US digital ATV 
(D-ATV) repeater system on the air for three years. 
 
Back to last week's Surfin' 
http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2008/10/03/10374/ about Amateur Television 
(ATV) going digital, I received some comments that are worth repeating here.
 
Steve Lampereur, KB9MWR, recommended these resources for further information on 
the topic: Fundamentals of Digital Television Transmission, by Gerald W. 
Collins, PE (ISBN 0-471-21376-4) and "Digital Amateur Television (D-ATV)," by 
Don Rotolo, N2IRZ, in the June 2004 issue of CQ Magazine.
 
Bob Hale, N1WBD, commented that Dish Network uses MPEG-2/DVB in their satellite 
service to US customers: "One could homebrew a MPEG-2/DVB receiver and/or 
transmitter for use in D-ATV, or for that matter possibly modify a Dish Network 
receiver for use on D-ATV."
Sjaak Van Dam, W4RIS (ex-PA3GVR), revealed that ATV hams in Europe have been 
experimenting with D-ATV for almost 10 years. The standard that they use is 
DVB-S, which is widely used in the US by free-to-air satellite providers.
 
Art Towslee, WA8RMC, wrote that Amateur Television in Central Ohio (ATCO) in 
Columbus, Ohio, also has an operational D-ATV repeater system on the air and 
were the first ones in the US to do so. On the air for more than three years 
with excellent results, ATCO uses DVB-S modulation because of its simplicity, 
availability of inexpensive receivers and the ability to receive while in 
motion. In fact, they have had success with mobile digital ATV. You can learn 
more at the ATCO Web site http://www.atco.tv/.
 
Until next time, keep on surfin'!
 
Editor's note: Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, still wonders if program content will also 
improve when commercial television goes digital on February 17. To communicate 
with Stan, send him e-mail or add comments to his blog. By the way, every 
installment of Surfin' is indexed here, so go look it up.
 
 
Page last modified: 08:00 AM, 10 Oct 2008 ET
Page author: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Copyright © 2008, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 


  

[digitalradio] Global SET, Saturday, November 8 0400 - 0800 UTC

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Hans Zimmermann [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 05:33
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: GlobalSET - November 2008

To all participants of GAREC-05-06-07-08:

The next GlobalSET has been announced for 8 November 2008. Below please find
the details for this second global emergency communications exercise,
provided by the organizer of the event, Greg Mossop, G0DUB.

PSE QSP  -  pass on the information to your emergency communications groups
!

TNX in advance and 73

Hans, F5VKP / HB9AQS
IARU International Coordinator for Emergency Communications

(This message is being sent to all participants of GAREC-05, -06, -07, -08;
I have tried to consolidate all the addresses, but please let me know in
case you receive more than one copy, so that I can correct the list
accordingly, tnx.)


-

                Global Simulated Emergency Test - November 2008
            *Saturday November 8th 2008 04.00 - 08.00 UTC*

IARU Region 1 invites the HQ-Stations of all IARU member societies and
stations of Emergency Communications Groups to participate in a Global
Simulated Emergency Test on

Saturday November 8th, 2008  04.00 -  08.00 UTC.

The operation will take place on and near the emergency Centre-of-Activity
(CoA) frequencies on 80, 40, 20, 17 and 15 metres (+-QRM ).

The objectives of the test are;

1/ increase the common interest in emergency communications.
2/ test how usable the CoA frequencies are across ITU regions.
3/ create practices for international emergency communication and 4/
practice the relaying of messages using all modes.

Please remember that this is not a contest, it is an emergency
communications exercise !

Following the recommendation of the GAREC conferences, participating
stations are requested to use /D in their callsign (D=distress/disaster)
where permitted by their licensing administration.

Traffic may be passed on voice (SSB), Data or CW modes as detailed below.

Voice mode
Each IARU Region will have a HQ station operating on voice as follows:
Region 1 - TBA
Region 2 - TBA
Region 3 - TBA
HQ stations will be QRV simultaneously on all CoA frequencies appropriate to
their region +- QRM as shown below.

Region 1        Region 2                    Region 3
3760            3750 or 3985            3760
7060            7060, 7240 or 7290          7060
14300
18160
21360

Stations intending to participate are requested to send their callsigns to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] before the exercise so that HQ stations can be
aware of the number of stations calling them. A list of participating
stations will also be available at www.raynet-hf.net

To practice relaying messages, each participating station is allowed to send
six (6) messages: three during the first two hours and three more during the
last two hours of the test.

After sending their own messages, participating stations should start to
relay messages of other stations, when a message has been relayed twice it
should then be sent to the HQ station of their own region. It is very useful
if messages 'jump'' between countries and/or Regions.

Participating stations should call 'CQ GLOBALSET' giving their callsign and
organisation ( ARES,RAYNET, NETMAR etc. ).

Each participating station will send up to six messages to their Regional HQ
station as follows;

- Time of sending the message in UTC
- The callsign of the sending station
- Message number - 1,2 or 3 in the first half of the exercise, 4,5 or 6 in
the second half.
- Bands available for use - use the meter band designation NOT frrequency.
- Number of operators at the station
- Emergency power available - 1=None, 2=Battery, 3=Generator (of any kind),
4= Battery and Generator.
- Emergency Communications Group or National Society
- As messages are relayed, add via... via... to show the callsigns of
stations which have relayed this message.

A one-character prefix will be used before each part of the message in order
to make it easier to decode

Where:
- M(ike) = Message number
- B(ravo) = Band available
- O(scar) = Operators
- P(apa) = Power available
When a station other than an HQ station receives a message, it should relay
the message towards the destination in whatever way it can.

For example :- a message originated by SU1KM in Egypt for the Region 1 HQ
station might be passed initially to a station in Malta on 40m, from there
to a French station on 80m, and finally to the destination HQ station on
80m.

For example :-

1.  ZS6BUU sending message number 1 at 0430UTC, 80,40,20,10m bands
available, 3 operators, no emergency power, member of HAMNET.

      "0430 ZS6BUU M1 B80 B40 B20 B10 O03 P1 HAMNET"

2.  MM3UJL/P sending message number 4 at 0700UTC, 160,80,40,20,10m bands
available, 2 operators, both battery and generator available, member of
RAYNET

      "0700 MM3UJL/P M4 B160 B80 B40 B20 B10 O02 P4 RAYNET"

Regional HQ stations will not sending messages, only receive the

[digitalradio] DCC (Digital Communications Conference) A Success & Returning to Chicago Next Year

[Mark Thompson]

s 
are purged from the system from time to time."
Rick Muething, KN6KB, described his "WINMOR Soundcard ARQ Mode for Winlink HF 
Digital Messaging." Wolfgang said that this was a much anticipated 
presentation: "Rick reported that WINMOR is 3 to 4 months from beta testing. 
His preliminary comparisons to Pactor 1, 2 and 3 use a simulator. He indicates 
that WINMOR will have better throughput than Pactor 1 and comparable to, or 
perhaps a bit better than Pactor 2, but not quite as good as Pactor 3. He 
indicated that the efficiency is within about 70 percent of Pactor ARQ."
 
The TAPR Annual Meeting was held after all the presentations on Saturday where 
the Board of Directors discussed the idea of coming back to the same hotel for 
next year's DCC. "The local group that supported DCC this year, including Mark 
Thompson, WB9QZB, and Kermit Carlson, W9XA, did a great job of providing AV 
support," Wolfgang said. "Ron Steinberg, K9IKZ, who owns a local audio/visual 
company, provided two large projection screens and projectors, so every 
presentation was shown on both sides of the room, as well as on a widescreen TV 
outside the room. The audio was very easy to hear, even if you were in the hall 
outside the room or in the demonstration room; the set-up was left there from 
the W9DXCC Convention the previous weekend. They offered to provide the same 
support for next year, if the DCC returned. So, the decision was made to break 
with tradition, and return to Chicago next year, September 25-27."
 
Phil Harman, VK6APH, presented the Sunday morning seminar, "Software Defined 
Radio Through the Looking Glass." Wolfgang said he found Harman's presentation 
to be understandable "at my level of knowledge, and he gave a lot of good 
insight into many of the design decisions that went into the High Performance 
Software Defined Radio Project. I found his descriptions of how the hardware 
and software work to be very interesting. The four hours went by quickly."
 
For more information on the 2008 Digital Communications Conference, please 
visit TAPR's DCC Web page.
 
 
Page last modified: 01:47 PM, 02 Oct 2008 ET
Page author: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Copyright © 2008, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 


  

[digitalradio] RAIN Report: WB4APR, Sets the Record Straight about APRS

[Mark Thompson]

RAIN Report: Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, sets the record straight about APRS  
(17 minutes) 

http://www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive/rainreport-10-3-2008.mp3



  

[digitalradio] Going ATV Digitally

[Mark Thompson]

http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2008/10/03/10374/?nc=1
Surfin': Going ATV Digitally
By Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
Contributing Editor 
October 03, 2008



This week's Surfin' considers Web sites where Amateur Television (ATV) is going 
digital.



 
What Exactly Is 8-Vsb Anyway? 
http://www.broadcast.net/~sbe1/8vsb/8vsb.htm answers many of your questions 
concerning digital television. 

If you watched television during the past months, you could not miss the 
barrage of announcements concerning the switch from analog to digital 
broadcasting over the airwaves that will occur next year on February 17. If you 
use an analog television to receive broadcast signals over the air and not from 
a satellite, cable, or telephone company, then you will need a converter to 
receive broadcasts after Presidents' Day 2009.
 
David Sparano has written an excellent article, 
http://www.broadcast.net/~sbe1/8vsb/8vsb.htm"What Exactly Is 8-Vsb Anyway?", 
that according to Nick Sayer, N6QQQ, has the best and most accessible 
description of 8VSB (8-level vestigial sideband modulation) that he has ever 
found.
 
Nick is working on setting up an 8VSB transmitter. His goal is to get as close 
to an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee)-compatible ATV station as he 
can get. Hhe recommends the article to anyone who wants to get started in 
digital ATV.
 
By the way, Nick has a Web page http://www.kfu.com/~nsayer/ and a blog where 
you can read about his adventures in ATV.
 
Another by the way -- if you search the Internet for digital ATV information, 
you will find European Web sites dedicated to the topic, but note that 
Europeans use DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) Standards that North American 
television receivers cannot demodulate.
 
Until next time, keep on surfin'!
 
Page last modified: 08:00 AM, 03 Oct 2008 ET
Page author: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Copyright © 2008, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 


  

[digitalradio] North American RTTY Sprint, 10/12, 0000Z - 0400Z

[Mark Thompson]

North American RTTY Sprint, 10/12, Z - 0400Z
 
http://www.ncjweb.com/sprintrules.php



  

[digitalradio] CSS releases EmComm Ops Radio Software for Packet Radio

[Mark Thompson]

W4PC  
QRZ Member   
  
 CSS releases EmComm Ops! 


EmComm Ops Radio Software Now Available

Creative Services Software Releases New Addition to
Its Radio Operations Center Software Suite for Packet Radio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Muscle Shoals, AL, September 30, 2008 —Creative Services 
Software, Inc. (CSS) today announced the availability of EmComm Ops™, a new 
software solution for packet radio operations. Designed primarily for emergency 
radio communications, EmComm Ops helps amateur (Ham), commercial and MARS radio 
operators connect to, access, integrate and operate packet radio stations with 
a Windows PC or laptop from a fixed station or in the field. EmComm Ops is the 
first addition to CSS’ recently-rebranded Radio Operations Center™ (ROC) 
product line. 

The just-released version of EmComm Ops supports Kantronics and Timewave/AEA 
TNCs. A version for MFJ TNCs is now in beta testing and is available for 
pre-order or trial download. The pending release of EmComm Ops for MFJ hardware 
is in response to the recent re-introduction of TNC solutions by MFJ 
Enterprises. 

At an introductory price of $29.95, EmComm Ops offers radio operators an 
efficient and affordable entry into advanced software-enhanced packet and radio 
control. For operators who require support beyond packet radio, CSS’ ROC 
Digital Desktop™ ($99.95) offers a step up that supports the classic HF digital 
modes, as well as support for soundcard-based radio modes including PSK-31 and 
MT-63. 

EmComm Ops allows users to control radios, TNCs, rotors, and to access logging 
applications, call books and more — all from within a single Microsoft Windows 
application. Unlike MS-DOS or Windows 3.1-based radio software, EmComm Ops is a 
32-bit Windows application designed from the ground up for Windows 2000, XP and 
Vista, offering users true multitasking, seamless integration of other radio or 
PC productivity tools, and the ability to take full advantage of the speed and 
processing power of the latest Windows-based computers. Operators can control 
radio transmissions while simultaneously running logging programs, call book 
programs or any Windows application (including Microsoft Office).

“True multitasking means that EmComm operators can send and receive packet 
communications while simultaneously relaying messages to families and rescue 
personnel in e-mail,” said Rick Ruhl, W4PC, CSS president and chief architect 
of the company’s software suite. “And in emergency situations where 
communications infrastructure has been compromised or conditions limit reliable 
radio operation, messages can be noted in a text or Microsoft Word file, then 
imported into EmComm Ops to be re-transmitted at a later time when conditions 
improve. Operators can also export messages to a file to document 
communications. Of course, simple Windows cut-and-paste is also supported.” 

EmComm Ops supports emergency operations by accelerating, streamlining and 
automating packet radio. Features include:

• One-click access to any data stream, packet mode, radio, TNC and rotor for 
quicker response in an emergency.
• Support for multiple packet radio data streams, connection types and 
transmit/receive/listen modes. Up to 25 packet conversations and links can be 
managed when used with a Kantronics TNC, and up to nine with Timewave/AEA TNCs.
• Built-in and customizable macros that automate common commands.
• Support for dual TNCs, allowing radio amateurs to work in multiple packet 
modes simultaneously.
• Multiple monitor windows, including separate windows for network traffic. 
• Robust support for packet mailboxes, including point-and-click settings for 
multiple TNC start-up/shut-down commands. Operators can manage Packet bulletin 
board systems from the TNC, even when the software and computer are shut down. 
• Robust file transfer capabilities in ASCII (text) or binary (data) formats, 
with an unlimited buffer for ASCII file transfers.
• A built-in mini logging program built on a Microsoft Access database, plus 
interoperability with Log Window and DX4Win software.
• Multiple call-book integration.
• Compatibility with over 70 radios from leading manufacturers including ICOM, 
Kenwood, Tentec, Yeasu and Alinco.
• Includes an advanced TNC Wizard that accelerates connecting and configuring a 
TNC for radio operation.

“EmComm Ops was designed in response to requests from emergency communications 
volunteers who need advanced tools that help then set up and operate emergency 
radio services quickly, reliably and affordably,” Ruhl said. “It also gives 
radio operators who only work in packet mode a streamlined solution specific to 
their requirements.” 

A free, 30-day trial of EmComm Ops is available now on the CSS Website at 
www.cssincorp.com. The purchase of EmComm Ops includes one year of e-mail or 
phone technical support, access to the CSS user forum and free maintenance 
updates. 

About the Radio Operations Center

[digitalradio] TARA PSK31 RUMBLE THIS WEEKEND!!!

[Mark Thompson]

TARA RUMBLE THIS WEEKEND!!!
    Posted by: "w7psk" [EMAIL PROTECTED] w7psk
    Date: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:40 am ((PDT))

00:00 UTC through 24:00 UTC - 4 October 2008

The fall classic, the original PSK31 contest is THIS WEEKEND. So get
get things together. ALSO, NOW is when you should be getting your
teams in for the team Challenge.

LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE !!!


Rumble Page

http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_rumble_rules.html


TEAM CHALLENGE PAGE

http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_rumble_club.html


Hope to see you there

W7PSK Scotty
Rumble Manager



  

[digitalradio] DCC (Digital Communication Conference) Announced on QRZ.com

[Mark Thompson]

DCC (Digital Communication Conference) Announced on QRZ.com 
 
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=176621


  

[digitalradio] Fw: NBEMS/FLDIGI vs 3.03 - MT63 ops

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: David Kleber <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2008 11:43:37 AM
Subject: [MT63] NBEMS/FLDIGI vs 3.03 - MT63 ops


Hello all,

I've done extensive testing with the NBEMS/FLDIGI software and it 
just keeps getting better and better. The latest version (3.03) now 
holds the 64 bit interleave (long) setting after program restarts. 

The latest version of the software can be downloaded here:
http://www.w1hkj. com

Also, I have a yahoo group setup for sharing information on the use 
of NBEMS/FLDIGI/ FLARQ and for setting skeds with ops in the Western 
Pennsylvania area, but anyone, anywhere is welcome to join.

Here's some basic info on the setup and tuning procedures for the use 
of MT63 on NBEMS/FLDIGI:

NBEMS/FLDIG - MT63 1K/Long Interleave - Instructions for USB ops
(recommended USB frequencies: 3.590, 7.090, 14.109):

### SETUP ###

1) Go to Configure/Modems and click the MT63 tab.
2) Click 64 bit interleave long, save configuration, then close (on vs
3.03 this setting is now saved after restarts of the program).
3) Go to Op Mode/MT63, arrow over and click on MT63 - 1000.

### TUNING ###

1) Tune transceiver to desired HF frequency (always us USB and make 
sure all DSP, compression and noise blanker settings are disabled).
2) All stations should always center on 1000 Hz on the waterfall (MT63
always uses a bottom freq on 500 Hz on transmit. When you initialize
the MT63 modem, the waterfall tx will be set to this default).
3) Click tune button in the upper right corner of the program and let 
it transmit for about 10 seconds.
4) RX stations center on the received 1000 Hz tone by tuning the
receiver VFO.
5) Transmit and receive some text to make sure all stations are tuned
and decoding properly.

NBEMS/FLDIG - MT63/2K Long Interleave - Instructions for FM 
6m/2m/70cm ops:

### SETUP ###

1) Go to Configure/Modems and click the MT63 tab.
2) Click 64 bit interleave long, save configuration, then close (on vs
3.03 this setting is now saved after restarts of the program).
3) Go to Op Mode/MT63, arrow over and click on MT63 - 2000.

### TUNING ###

1) Tune transceiver to desired FM frequency (make sure all DSP,
compression and noise blanker settings are disabled and stations
operating under weak signal conditions should open the squelch on the
transceiver) .
2) All stations should always center on 1500 Hz on the waterfall (MT63
always uses a bottom freq on 500 Hz on transmit. When you initialize
the MT63 modem, the waterfall tx will be set to this default).
3) Transmit and receive some text to make sure all stations are 
decoding properly. Assuming that all soundcards are properly 
calibrated, no tuning should be necessary.

-Dave, KB3FXI


  

[digitalradio] CSS Rebrands Product Line to Set the Stage for Product Line Expansion (Correction)

[Mark Thompson]

For some reason Yahoo email took the draft contents of another email I was 
composing & substituted it for the actual contents of the email I was sending. 

Below is the original email I intended to send. 

Sorry for the confusion. 
 73, Mark, WB9QZB
Chicago, IL 



CSS Rebrands product line 


Creative Services Software Announces Additions and Changes to Its Radio 
Software Product Line 

Software Rebranding to Set the Stage for Product Line Expansion 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Muscle Shoals, AL, September 17, 2008 —Creative Services 
Software, Inc. (CSS) today announced a product rebranding initiative in 
anticipation of several new products now in development. All of the company's 
amateur and commercial radio software products will now be developed and 
marketed under the name Radio Operations Center(ROC). The ROC brand will serve 
as a platform for marketing CSS' pending additions to its software suite as 
well as the company's current product line. 

The Radio Operations Center name will serve as an `umbrella brand' that will 
bring greater clarity and simplicity to the company's development and marketing 
efforts. Individual products will continue to be sold as stand-alone software 
under the unified brand. 

The software formerly known as PKTerm (for Timewave/AEA TNCs) and PacTerm (for 
Kantronics TNCs) will now be sold under the name ROC Digital Desktop All other 
current CSS software products will be renamed with an “Ops” designation to tie 
each solution to the umbrella Radio Operations Center brand. For example, CSS' 
software for marine radio and weather fax will be renamed Marine Radio Ops and 
Weather Ops in the next releases. 

As is standard with most commercial software products, customers will simply 
choose the version specific to any TNC hardware requirements when downloading 
or purchasing Radio Operations Center solutions. 

“The Radio Operations Center brand allows us to talk about our software as a 
unified solution, making it easier for radio operators to evaluate and select 
the specific software they need as we expand our product line,” said Rick Ruhl, 
W4PC, president of CSS. “This approach will also help us manage complexity and 
costs as we develop, package and sell new and improved software.” 

New Packet-Only Solution to be Added to the Radio Operations Center Software 
Suite

CSS is in final beta testing for the first addition to the Radio Operations 
Center, designed primarily for emergency communications (EmComm) where only 
packet communication is needed. In keeping with the Radio Operations Center 
branding strategy, the pending packet-only software product will be marketed as 
EmComm Ops. Scheduled for release in late September, EmComm Ops will support 
TNC packet communications with Timewave/AEA, Kantronics and the 
soon-to-be-reintroduced TNCs from MFJ Enterprises: the MFJ-1270D. Support is 
also included for the older MFJ-1270x series as well as the MFJ-1276 
Packet/Pactor and the MFJ-1278 Multimode TNCs. 

EmComm Ops will be introduced at a special price of $29.99 for a limited time. 
Radio operators may pre-order EmComm Ops on the CSS Website at 
www.cssincorp.com. In addition to EmComm Ops, several other new products are 
currently in development and scheduled for release in late 2008 and early 2009. 

Maintenance Releases to Rebrand Current Software Products

Rebranded versions of all of CSS' existing products will be issued as 
maintenance releases over the next several weeks. In addition to the new 
product names, several of the pending maintenance releases will contain some 
performance and functionality improvements. Maintenance releases are available 
at no charge for customers with a current support subscription. 

New CSS Website to Reflect Rebranding

“We are in the final stages of development of a new Website and new messaging 
to support the rebranding effort,” said Laura Tanner, KJ4CNG, of 8 Alarm 
Marketing, Inc., the consulting firm supporting CSS in its marketing strategy 
and communications. “CSS has an aggressive product development strategy for the 
future which will continue to add more value and new options in amateur and 
commercial radio software. As CSS adds more choices for radio operators, we 
felt it was important to ensure clarity in how the company organizes and talks 
about its software products.” 

About the Radio Operations Center 

The Radio Operations Center software suite from CSS is the only amateur and 
commercial radio software solution that combines the integration, automation 
and multitasking capabilities of Microsoft® Windows with the flexibility and 
control to operate on multiple TNC, soundcard and radio hardware in all the 
digital modes. All Radio Operations Center products are available for purchase 
online at www.cssincorp.com, at many ham radio retailers and through several 
amateur radio equipment catalogs. CSS offers free, 30-day trials of all Radio 
Operations Center modules. A pro

[digitalradio] CSS Rebrands Product Line to Set the Stage for Product Line Expansion

[Mark Thompson]

Hap - 

I don't know if you can read .PDF files, but I've attached a copy of DCC forum 
schedule. 

I would think a space for you 

Below is a list of DCC speakers with email addresses that I would recommend you 
interview. 

As we discussed, if you email them in advance to let them know you'll be at the 
DCC perhaps you can 
schedule a time for an interview. 
 73, Mark, WB9QZB
Chicago, IL 


Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, APRS, [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Pete Loveall, AE5PL, D-PRS, [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Dan Smith, KK7DS, D-RATS (D-STAR Text Messaging), [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC, DV Dongle, dplus (D-STAR Repeater Linking & Reflectors), 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Phil Harman, VK6APH, SDR, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 

"Tom Clark, K3IO, AMSAT & Banquet Speaker,[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Mel Whitten, K0PFX, [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Paul Rinaldo (ARRL), SDR,[EMAIL PROTECTED]

Larry Wolfgang (ARRL), WR1B, QEX Editor,[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

Rick Muething, KN6KB, WINMOR (New Sound Card ARQMode for Winlink), [EMAIL 
PROTECTED]

Ray Novak, Icom, [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, Amateur Radio Video News, [EMAIL PROTECTED]


  

[digitalradio] Automatic Digimode Identifiers

[Mark Thompson]

Automatic Digimode Identifiers

Patrick Lindecker F6CTE has written a useful paper on Automatic Digimode 
Identifiers

The paper 'RS_ID_English.DOC' describes the use of identifiers for digital 
transmissions to enable the receiving station to automatically determine which 
mode is in use. 

RS_ID_English Contents:

* Introduction,
* Reed-Solomon identifier ("RS-ID") of mode and frequency,
- Main use
- Principle
* The video identifier of mode ("Video ID").
- Main use
- Principle

The paper RS_ID_English.DOC can be downloaded from: 
http://f6cte.free.fr/PAPERS.ZIP


by G4TUT at QRZ.com 


  

[digitalradio] RAC Announces Newly Revised Canadian HF Band Plan

[Mark Thompson]

RAC announces a newly revised HF Band Plan

The HF band plan presently in use in Canada was adopted in 1996. Since then, 
many changes have happened in the Amateur radio world and other band plans have 
been revised and modified.

Let us only mention the changes announced by the FCC in 2007 affecting the US 
band plan and the revised one adopted by the IARU Region 2 countries at the 
Brasilia conference in September 2007.

Just under two years ago, Radio Amateurs of Canada had asked Bob Nash, VE3KZ, a 
former First Vice President of RAC, to re-activate the HFBPC (HF Band Planning 
Committee) with a goal to review and modernize the Canadian HF Band Plan. Bob's 
committee has since worked very hard in studying and consulting all across 
Canada to eventually come up with a band plan proposed to the Board of 
Directors of Radio Amateurs of Canada. 

The RAC Board has adopted this plan at its July 2008 meeting and the new band 
plan is now on the RAC Web page at: 
http://www.rac.ca/service/bandplans/hfband_e.php

RAC wants to thank the HFBPC members for their hard work and wishes the 
Canadian Amateur community much pleasure in using the new band plans.

Please spread the news.

73,

Daniel A. Lamoureux, VE2KA

Vice President International Affairs,
Radio Amateurs of Canada.

[EMAIL PROTECTED]


  

[digitalradio] Fw: PSK from IEEE special event station in Detroit

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: James French <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 10:32:00 PM
Subject: [PSK_VHF_UHF_HAMRADIO] PSK from IEEE special event station in Detroit

I will be trying PSK from the IEEE EMC convention at special event
station W8MRM on 144.200 and 144.260 and 432.100.

I will be monitoring these frequencies from 8am to 4:30pm Tuesday
and Wednesday.

The station is has only a vertical on the roof of Cobo Hall for
all the VHF/UHF activities. The antenna is up at roughly 85 feet
about ground level here, so I should be able to make a few contacts
if anyone is out there.

We will also be trying PSK on HF probably around lunchtime these two
days also.

James W8ISS




Are you in the shack? If so why not try some digital mode contacts to Hams 
around you (check he database)...also try some DX Meteor Scatter WSJT contacts 
if the band is open or not.

http://www.pingjockey.net/cgi-bin/pingtalk

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PSK_VHF_UHF_HAMRADIO/database

Any ideas to better the group?  Need information or help or do you have 
information for the group..please feel free to Post a "Message"


  

[digitalradio] Doppler Shift & Digital Voice

[Mark Thompson]

Has anyone considered the implications of using narrow-band digital voice in an 
environment that has Doppler Shift, for example, from space? 
If you have some thoughts about the challenges, feasiblity & approach to using 
digital voice with  Doppler Shift please reply to me OFF-LIST so I can discuss 
it with you in more depth. 

Thanks. 
 73, Mark, WB9QZB
Chicago, IL


  

[digitalradio] Fw: Huntsville Hamfest D-STAR forums

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: Greg Sarratt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 9:48:19 PM
Subject: [al-dstar] Huntsville Hamfest D-STAR forums

Welcome to the Huntsville Hamfest and take in the many forums and 
activities.

There will be D-STAR forums at the Huntsville Hamfest, the ARRL 2008 
Southeastern Division Convention on Saturday August 16th

Introduction to D-STAR 
Rick Seeders, KG4PNL, ARRL AL Assistant Section Manager 

D-STAR Advanced / Demos
Ed Woodrick, WA4YIH and John Davis WB4QDX from Georgia D-STAR group.

See you there!
73,
Greg, W4OZK
Alabama D-STAR group


  

[digitalradio] Minneapolis Packet & D-STAR Radio Workshop Sat July 26 (tomorrow) in Golden Valley

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: Doug Reed <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: List for people interested in the D Star repeaters <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 8:12:30 AM
Subject: [d-star] Packet & Radio Workshop Sat July 26 (tomorrow) in Golden 
Valley

How is this for no notice?

The next workshop is tomorrow at the Golden Valley location, 9AM till 
around 5PM. Main project it to try and get the next D-STAR data repeater 
ready for install in St Paul and whatever else we can do in our 
preparations for the RNC and the MTC Marathon.

We'll have one more work party before the Marathon, Probably Sat Aug 
9th. We'll have time for another work party in September after the RNC 
leaves.

I'm not bringing anything significant in the way of tools or anything to 
this work party. There will be enough other stuff to work on.

If you need directions, please check one of the old emails.

Doug.

___
d-star mailing list
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://lists.twinslan.org/twinslan/listinfo/d-star



  

[digitalradio] TAPR PSR Journal Deadline: August 1

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 5:55 pm
Subject: PSR Deadline: August 1
Just a reminder for anyone writing something for the next issue of TAPR's 
quarterly newsletter, Packet Status Register (PSR), that the deadline is August 
1.

73,

Stan, WA1LOU
PSR Editor
___
Call for Papers--2008 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference
    Posted by: "Ford, Steve,  WB8IMY" [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
    Date: Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:17 am ((PDT))
 
Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the 27th Annual ARRL
and TAPR Digital Communications Conference to be held September 26-28,
2008 in Chicago, Illinois. http://www.tapr.org/dcc.html
 
These papers will also be published in the Conference Proceedings 
(you do NOT need to attend the conference to have your paper included in the 
Proceedings). 
 
The submission deadline is July 31. 
 
Please send papers to:
Maty Weinberg
ARRL
225 Main St
Newington, CT 06111
 
or you can make your submission via e-mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
Papers will be published exactly as submitted and authors will retain all 
rights.
 
73 . . . Steve, WB8IMY
ARRL



  

[digitalradio] CSS Enhances Radio and TNC Support, User Interface in Maintenance Release of PacTerm/PKTerm Amateur Radio Software

[Mark Thompson]

Creative Services Software Enhances Radio and TNC Support, Enhances User 
Interface in Maintenance Release of PacTerm/PKTerm Amateur Radio Software 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Muscle Shoals, AL, July 7, 2008—Creative Services 
Software, Inc. (CSS) today announced a maintenance release of the company’s 
radio control software. Version 3.76.15 of both PacTerm™ (for Kantronics TNCs) 
and PKTerm™ (for Timewave/AEA TNCs)is now available for download at no charge 
for customers with current maintenance contracts. 

PacTerm and PKTerm 3.76.15 features new packet mailbox capabilities, enhanced 
support for Kenwood transceivers, and enhanced operation in HF and terminal 
modes. 

PKTerm Simplifies Multiple Call Sign Support in Packet Mail
PKTerm now offers new functionality for managing MTEXT and CTEXT messages for 
multiple call signs. Using registration sets for each of up to 10 call signs, 
operators can switch from their Ham Radio call sign to a MARS call sign. Mail 
drop and automatic answer text changes automatically depending on the call sign 
registration set activated on start-up. 

Improved Mailbox Performance
Both PacTerm and PKTerm now include user interface modifications that 
automatically bring up an HF window on startup and improve performance when 
returning to terminal mode. 

Improved Support for Kenwood Radios
The new release adds full log book functionality for Kenwood radios. PacTerm 
and PKTerm support more than 66 radios from multiple manufacturers, providing 
many times greater transceiver compatibility than other TNC software solutions. 

Both programs require Windows 2000, XP or Vista. Existing PacTerm and PKTerm 
customers who are current maintenance subscribers may download the new release 
at no charge from the CSS Website. PacTerm and PKTerm retail for $99.95 (49.95 
for upgrades) and are available for purchase online at www.cssincorp.com, at 
many ham radio retailers and through several amateur radio equipment catalogs. 

About CSS
CSS is a privately held software and technology consulting company specializing 
in software connectivity for amateur radio operators; office automation and 
network management solutions for business; and custom software development for 
specialized Web and wireless applications. 

### 

Creative Services Software, the CSS logo, and PKTerm are trademarks of Creative 
Services Software, Inc. PacTerm is a trademark of Kantronics used with the 
permission of the trademark owner. All other trademarks or registered 
trademarks are the property of their respective holders. 


  

[digitalradio] Need Articles for TAPR PSR Journal

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Stan Horzepa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 6:33 pm
Subject: Packet Status Register in the works

It is time again to hit the keys and write for TAPR's quarterly 
newsletter, Packet Status Register (PSR), as the deadline of the Digital 
Communcations Conference (DCC) issue of PSR fast approaches. You can write 
about SDR or APRS or LSMFT or anything with or without initials, as long as it 
is related to ham radio, preferably on the digital side of the hobby.

And remember, besides the glory of having your work appear in PSR, your TAPR 
membership will be automatically extended by three months.

Write early and write often!

73,

Stan, WA1LOU
PSR Editor


  

[digitalradio] ARLX006 2008 W1AW Field Day Bulletin Schedule

[Mark Thompson]

SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX006
ARLX006 2008 W1AW Field Day Bulletin Schedule

ZCZC AX06
QST de W1AW  
Special Bulletin 6  ARLX006
>From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  June 24, 2008
To all radio amateurs 

SB SPCL ARL ARLX006
ARLX006 2008 W1AW Field Day Bulletin Schedule

Day   Mode Pacific Mountain    Central Eastern

FRIDAY    CW   5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
  Teleprinter  6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM
  Phone    6:45 PM 7:45 PM 8:45 PM 9:45 PM
  CW   8:00 PM 9:00 PM    10:00 PM    11:00 PM
 
SATURDAY  CW   7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM    10:00 AM
  Phone    8:00 AM 9:00 AM    10:00 AM    11:00 AM
  CW   5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
  Teleprinter  6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:00 PM
  Phone    6:45 PM 7:45 PM 8:45 PM 9:45 PM
 
SUNDAY    CW   7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM    10:00 AM
  Phone    8:00 AM 9:00 AM    10:00 AM    11:00 AM
  PSK31    9:00 AM    10:00 AM    11:00 AM    12:00 PM


2008 K6KPH Field Day Bulletin Schedule

Day   Mode Pacific Mountain    Central Eastern

SATURDAY  CW   7:30 AM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM    10:30 AM
  CW   5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:30 PM
  Teleprinter  6:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:30 PM 9:30 PM

SUNDAY    CW   7:30 AM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM    10:30 AM
  Teleprinter  9:30 AM    10:30 AM    11:30 AM    12:30 PM


W1AW will operate on its regularly published frequencies.

The special PSK31 bulletin will be transmitted on the regular W1AW
teleprinter frequencies.

CW frequencies are 1.8175, 3.5815, 7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975,
21.0675, 28.0675 and 147.555 MHz.

Teleprinter frequencies are 3.5975, 7.095, 14.095, 18.1025, 21.095,
28.095 and 147.555 MHz (includes PSK31).

Phone frequencies are 1.855, 3.990, 7.290, 14.290, 18.160, 21.390,
28.590 and 147.555 MHz.

W1AW will transmit the bulletin in 45.45-baud Baudot RTTY, 100-baud
AMTOR FEC Mode B, and 110-baud ASCII.

The Maritime Radio Historical Society's K6KPH will transmit the
"W1AW" Field Day 2008 message for the benefit of West Coast stations
on 3.5815, 7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975 and 21.0675 MHz, CW only.

The frequencies for K6KPH Teleprinter (RTTY and FEC AMTOR) will be
7.095 and 14.095 MHz.  The K6KPH schedule is accurate as of June 24,
2008.

Any additional transmissions or changes in the schedule will be
posted on the web at,
http://www.arrl.org/contests/forms/fd-2008-w1aw-sked.html .

/EX


  

[digitalradio] GAREC 2008 Friedrichshafen EmCommm Meeting

[Mark Thompson]

GAREC 2008 Friedrichshafen EmComm Meeting Agenda 

http://www.darc.de/referate/ausland/new/HR2008/GAREC_2008_080618.pdf


Note: Thursday - 14.45  “D-Star – an Advanced Technology in Emergency 
Communications” by Joachim Berns, DL1YBL"


  

GAREC 2008 Agenda Friedrichshafen.pdf
Description: Adobe PDF document

[digitalradio] Announcing D-STAR at Field Day

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: "Woodrick, Ed" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 9:40:01 PM
Subject: [illinoisdigitalham] Announcing D-STAR at Field Day


D-STAR Field Day!
If you or your club is planning on participating in Field Day this year, then 
think about also setting up a D-STAR Field Day station and participating in 
D-STAR Field Day. The rules are similar to Field Day in that is to demonstrate 
capabilities to others such as Amateur Radio Operators, Public Officials, and 
even your own Club Officials.
Setting up a D-STAR Field Day Station doesn't take much, a handheld and a log 
book may be all that is required. Or go all out and setup a Voice, Low Speed 
Data, and High Speed Data Station.
The rules and more information may be seen at  DSTARINFO 
 
 http://www.dstarinfo.com/news/DSTAR_Field_Day.html
 
We look forward to hearing you during D-STAR Field Day!
 
Ed WA4YIH


  

[digitalradio] PropNET Project Innovation

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: Ev Tupis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Stanford VHF email Remailer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; WeakSignalVHF email 
remailer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: PropNET Online <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, June 5, 2008 9:11:28 PM
Subject: [PSK_VHF_UHF_HAMRADIO] If you call CQ...

...and nobody answers, did anybody hear it?

Attention Digital VHF Enthusiasts...

Another PropNET Project innovation is being tested...AND YOU DON'T NEED TO LOAD 
ANY SPECIAL SOFTWARE TO TRY IT OUT!

PropNET ID's often draw the attention of non-PropNET operators who enter the 
segment and call CQ.  This is welcomed!  Now, read on...

Starting today, the software used by PropNET participants will parse 
non-PropNET formatted PSK31 signals that contain either 'CQ CQ' or 'CQ DX' and 
plot them on the PropNET maps (http://www.PropNET.org)!

PropNetPSK (the software used by full PropNET participants) inspects everything 
in the reception that "looks like a callsign" and tries to look it up in a 
callsign database.  If one is found, and grid information is present, the 
station is plotted with a special brown "N" (for "N"on PropNET) symbol.

Some database entries don't have grid info, but do have city names. Those are 
plugged into a public geocoding system, which often returns a latitude and 
longitude. If you see stations in Russia on soon, you'll know that's working 
too.

So...wanna have some fun without loading up special software?  Call "CQ CQ" or 
"CQ DX" in the PropNET segment and see if you're heard/decoded!  At best, 
someone will answer your CQ. At worst, you'll know that you are being heard, 
but no human operator is willing to reply to you.  Try a breath mint and call 
CQ again. :)

Regards,
Ev Tupis, W2EV

PS: Visit http://www.PropNET.org to see the frequencies (even on HF) where you 
can find the PropNET network active.

PPS: This innovation is thanks to Dave Donnelly (KF6XA), one of a team of folks 
supporting the project.


  

[digitalradio] APRS HF Net

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: g0jxn.jim <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Illinoisdigitalham <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2008 2:16:31 AM
Subject: [illinoisdigitalham] APRS HF Net


Hi Guys

Despite my proposed World Wide APRS HF Net apparently not generating much 
interest, several friends and I are launching it on 3rd June 2008. 
Setup is detailed on my web site www.bandscommunications.co.uk under the ‘aprs 
hf net’ tab. 
If you would like to be kept informed of progress please email me and I’ll put 
you on the mailing list. 

73

Jim, G0JXN


  

[digitalradio] WSPR New Digital Mode - QSO Completed

[Mark Thompson]

WSPR QSO Completed 


WSPR is a new digital mode that hams have been experimenting with on HF and VHF 
bands over the last few months. Joe Taylor K1JT has been the driving force 
behind this weak signal development.

WSJT is capable of extremely weak signal detection way below the noise floor 
due to its use of very robust Forward Error Correction techniques. 

Stations previously have been operating using beacon like transmissions to test 
the capabilities of the mode using very low power often way less than 1Watt.

On May 6 2008 the first two way QSO was made using WSPR between K1JT and W6CQZ 
on 30meters using simple antennas and 1Watt TX power.

Take a look at this link if interested in that QSO and what might be to come in 
future releases of WSJT:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wsjtgroup/message/4799

If you are interested in experimenting with this mode you can download the free 
software at:

http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/index.htm

I think that a lot of very interesting experimentation is going on and we are 
going to continue to hear about breakthrough uses of this technology. Thanks to 
K1JT and others for all their hard work.



By WB3BEL 


  

[digitalradio] D-STAR, WinLink & ALE Mentioned at FCC Forum at Dayton Hamvention

[Mark Thompson]

D-STAR, WinLink & ALE Mentioned at FCC Forum at Dayton Hamvention 

 http://www.arrl.org/news/images/nms/other/FCCForumMP3.mp3


  

[digitalradio] ARRL Introduces "Fifth Pillar" at Dayton Hamvention®

[Mark Thompson]

ARRL Introduces "Fifth Pillar" at Dayton Hamvention®
On Saturday, May 17 at the Dayton Hamvention, ARRL President Joel Harrison, 
W5ZN, plans to announce that the League will expand its identity program to 
include greater emphasis on technology. Harrison explained that "Ham radio 
operators, and particularly ARRL members, closely identify with current and 
emerging radio technology. Today, we are naming 'technology' as ARRL's new 
fifth pillar." ARRL's other four pillars, the underpinnings of the 
organization, are Public Service, Advocacy, Education and Membership. "For 
hams, expanding the four pillars to include technology will reinforce one of 
the organization's guiding principles -- that ham radio is state-of-the-art, 
innovative and relevant," he said.
 
"Radio amateurs have entered a new era. More than a dozen Amateur Radio 
satellites are presently in orbit with more to come. Software is expanding the 
capabilities of their radio hardware and communication by digital voice and 
data is expanding rapidly among hams," Harrison said.
 
In addition to the new fifth pillar, the ARRL has launched a year-long ham 
radio recruitment campaign emphasizing the Amateur Radio Service as a 
scientific national resource. The campaign invites newcomers to discover ham 
radio in the 21st Century -- where hams are using science, technology and 
experimentation to explore the radio spectrum. "For more than 90 years, the 
ARRL has been at the forefront of technology, encouraging experimentation and 
education through its license training resources, publications and periodicals. 
ARRL provides its members with top-notch technical information services, 
trusted product reviews and radio spectrum advocacy," Harrison said. "The ARRL 
Laboratory is a centerpiece of ham radio technology, contributing to radio 
electronics experimentation, spectrum development and advocacy, and radio 
frequency engineering."
Harrison also noted that many hams attribute their affinity to "Amateur" Radio 
as launching their professional careers in radio engineering, satellite 
communications, computer science and wireless communications.
 
"This is less about defining a new course for Amateur Radio, but simply 
recognizing a course that has always been a precept of radio amateurs and the 
ARRL," he said. Referring to the federal rules and regulations for Amateur 
Radio, Harrison explained that one of the defining principles of the Service's 
very creation by the government is the amateur's proven ability to contribute 
to the advancement of the radio art. Harrison remarked, "Today's technology is 
nothing new to ham radio!"
 


Page last modified: 03:06 PM, 16 May 2008 ET
Page author: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Copyright © 2008, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 




  

[digitalradio] Creative Services Software Expands Radio and TNC Support, Enhances Automation in New Release of PacTerm and PKTerm Amateur Radio Software

[Mark Thompson]

Creative Services Software Expands Radio and TNC Support, Enhances Automation 
in New Release of PacTerm and PKTerm Amateur Radio Software 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dayton, Ohio, May 15, 2008—Creative Services Software, 
Inc. (CSS) will debut a new release of the company's TNC software at the Dayton 
Amateur Radio Association's Hamvention,® which gets underway tomorrow at the 
Hara Arena. Version 3.76.02 of both PacTermâ„¢ (for Timewave/AEA TNCs) and 
PKTermâ„¢ (for Kantronics TNCs) expands the number of radio transceivers that 
may be PC-operated through a terminal node controller (TNC), adds flexibility 
to TNC operation, further automates setup, startup and shutdown procedures, 
expands support to 2000 Hz in MT 63 mode, and increases file transfer 
capabilities. 

CSS Expands Support for ICOM, Yaesu Transceivers 

PacTerm/PKTerm now supports the new ICOM 7700 and four new Yaesu radios, adding 
the FT-450, FT-950, FT-2000, FT-DX 9000 models. The expanded radio 
compatibility is in addition to the 66 radios already supported, providing many 
times greater compatibility than other TNC software solutions. 

In addition to new radio support, PKTerm also now supports the new Timewave 
DSP-232+ TNC. The plug-and-play DSP-232 is Timewave's newest multimode data 
controller designed around a high-speed digital signal processor. Digital 
signal processing combined with memory ARQ, true DCD, and hardware HDLC provide 
advanced signal filtering, modem performance and flexibility. 

PacTerm/PKTerm Now Offer Expanded Multitasking Power 

PacTerm and PKTerm are already the only available TNC software offering true 
32-bit multitasking capability, allowing operators to control radio 
transmissions and run logging programs, call book programs and any Windows 
application simultaneously. PacTerm/PKTerm also continues to support dual TNCs, 
allowing radio amateurs to work in HF and packet modes simultaneously as well 
as two single port TNCs on different com ports. 

“Multitasking is taken for granted in a Windows environment, but many radio 
amateurs may not realize that most TNC software products were written before 
32-bit multitasking was a standard. PacTerm and PKTerm are the only software 
solutions of their kind that don't restrict the user's ability to work in other 
applications at the same time.” said Rick Ruhl, CSS president. “The ability to 
work in HF and packet modes at the same time gives operators a real advantage 
in contesting. It's like turbo-charging the sport of radio. And that's not to 
mention the personal productivity to be gained from keeping an eye on email and 
other applications while operating radios.” 

New Startup and Shutdown Commands Support Continuous Packet BBS Operation 

PacTerm/PKTerm Version 3.76.02 adds support for multiple start-up and shut-down 
commands, allowing Hams to operate Packet, AMTOR and Pactor bulletin board 
systems from the TNC, even when the software and your computer are shut down. 

TNC Wizard Further Automates Set-Up 

In addition to the new and enhanced capabilities of PacTerm and PKTerm, CSS' 
TNC Wizard has been enhanced to automate soundcard mode setup for the user. The 
TNC Wizard, included with PacTerm and PKTerm, automatically locates a 
computer's serial ports and baud rate, making TNC emulation easier to set up 
and ensures more error-free operation. 

File Sharing, Transmission Modes Improved 

PacTerm and PKTerm also now support an unlimited buffer for ASCII file 
transfers, an important enhancement for MARSGRAMS in particular. In addition, 
MT-63 mode has been updated to support the 2000 Hz spectrum. 

PacTerm and PKTerm will be available for purchase in Booth 108-109 at 
Hamvention. Existing customers who are current maintenance subscribers may 
download the new release at no charge from the CSS Website, or may pick up an 
upgrade CD at Hamvention. PacTerm and PKTerm retail for $99 and are available 
for purchase online at www.cssincorp.com, at many ham radio retailers and 
through several amateur radio equipment catalogs. 

About CSS 
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in software connectivity for amateur radio operators; office automation and 
network management solutions for business; and custom software development for 
specialized Web and wireless applications. 

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Press Release 

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[digitalradio] TAPR Dayton Hamvention Activities - HPSDR

[Mark Thompson]

-Original Message-
From: Steven Bible <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tue, 13 May 2008 8:49 am
Subject: [tapr-announce] TAPR Dayton Hamvention Activities - HPSDR

TAPR DIGITAL
Friday, May 17, 2008 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM ­
Forum Room 1
Speaker
John Ackermann, N8UR and Phil Harman, VK6APH
"Design Considerations for an HPSDR Time Reference"

Speaker
Steve Bible, N7HPR
"How to Submit a Project for Consideration by TAPR"

Speaker
Steve Bible, N7HPR and Scott Cowling, WA2DFI
"Manufacturing for the HPSDR Community: An Update on Penelope and Mercury"

Speaker
Mel Whitten, K0PFX
"Update on Digital Voice"

Speaker
Matt Ettus, N2MJI
"USRP 2008" 



Dayton SDR Forum ­ Saturday May 17 2008 ­ 9:00 A.M. ­ 11:30 A.M.
Forum Room 1
Moderator ­ Eric Ellison ­ AA4SW
The phenomenal Software Defined Radio  paradigm shift continues with a
significant number of ³off the shelf¹ as well as amateur hardware offerings.
Many programmers are fueling the fire! Come hear the leaders in this
movement describe the vast potential of this rapidly advancing technology on
ham radio. 
An Atlas Motherboard, and Ozymandias USB computer interface, the basic
building blocks of a High Performance Software Defined Radio will be given
away as a door prize, at the end of the session. You must be present to win.

Scotty Cowling WA2DFI
Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI, was first licensed in 1967 and has been continuously
active since that time.  He is active in the Maricopa County Emergency
Communications Group (MGECG) in Arizona, mostly implementing APRS networks
for public service events. Scotty is active while mobile on HF CW and on
APRS. Scotty is an advisor for Explorer Post 599, a BSA affiliated ham club
for teens in the Phoenix area.  Scotty has been involved in the HPSDR
project for the last 2 years, and currently serves on the TAPR Board of
Directors. He is active in the production of HPSDR components and with other
TAPR projects.

Hands-on SDR Projects
Are you interested in Software Defined Radio but don¹t know where to start?
Are you a dyed-in-the-wool experimenter looking for an exciting new project?
>From the $10 Softrock Software Defined transceiver to the six-board modular
High-Performance Software Defined Radio (HPSDR) project, new technology is
here today and waiting for you!  Scotty Cowling, WA2DFI, leads the
production team at TAPR and is helping to make low cost HPSDR project
components available to designers and experimenters. He will give you an
overview of hands-on SDR projects and help you jump-start your involvement
in SDR projects that are the most exciting thing to happen in ham radio in
recent years. 


Phil Harman G3WXO, VK6APH

Phil Harman, VK6APH, has held a ham license for over 40 years. For much of
this time he has worked on leading edge RF techniques related to receivers
and transmitters.  Phil's current passion is the development of fully
digital HF radios. Phil co-writes the Software Defined Radio column in the
RSGB Radio Communications journal and also co-authored the SDR chapter in
the latest RSGB Handbook.



Fully Digital HF Radios

Talk Overview
Do you remember vinyl records, 8 track tape recorders, Beta video tapes and
Super 8 cine?  What has happened to them?  They have all been superseded
with digital technologies that provide superior quality, higher performance
and lower cost than the original.  We are just seeing the start of a new
wave of HF radios that use digital technologies directly at the antenna
socket. Are these new radios going to be better, faster, smarter and cheaper
than the analogue radios we are use to?  Phil Harman, VK6APH, has been
helping design, build and operate this new technology and will explain how
they work and, more importantly, if they will live up to our expectations.

Frank Brickle, AB2KT


Frank Brickle, AB2KT was first licensed in the early 60's, went inactive for
a long time, but started  once again to foul the bands in 2000. He has long
maintained a dual career as a musician ­ a composer, with a PhD from
Princeton in Music ­ and as a technologist, working in computer science,
cryptomathematics, and the strange area where radios and computers meet. He
is a member of the ARRL SDR Working Group, the AMSAT Eagle and Suitsat II
design teams, and has been a frequent presenter at recent TAPR and AMSAT
conferences. Technology notwithstanding, you're likely to meet him on the
air late at night on 40 or 80 CW.

Talk Overview
SDR in the Clouds

Hams are becoming very interested in using their radios remotely. With
Software Defined Radio, however, it's suddenly a lot less important where
all the pieces of the radio system are located physically. In this talk we
will discuss how to use the new SDR technology to build a remote system
that's tailored to high performance in your area of interest ­ DXing, HF
contesting, weak-signal VHF, or EMCOMM.







___
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[digitalradio] TAPR Spring 2008 PSR Journal Available

[Mark Thompson]

TAPR Spring 2008 PSR Journal 

 ftp://ftp.tapr.org/psr/psr105.pdf
D-STAR Digital Voice Sensitivity vs. Analog FM Sensitivity article on pages 4 - 
5 


  

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[digitalradio] Monitoring Times, May 2008 Digital Modes Issue

[Mark Thompson]

Monitoring Times, May 2008 Digital Modes Issue 
 
"Working the World with the Digital Modes", pages 9 - 12
"VoIP and Ham Radio", pages 22 - 23 
"A D-STAR is Born", pages 60 - 61
"West Mountain Radio RIGBlaser Pro",  pages 66 - 67


  

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[digitalradio] Fw: GO-32 9.6k APRS Sked May 17, ~8:30pm EDT

[Mark Thompson]

- Forwarded Message 
From: Joe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Thursday, May 8, 2008 10:21:30 AM
Subject: [illinoisdigitalham] GO-32 9.6k APRS Sked May 17, ~8:30pm EDT

I'm putting together a little sked for APRS operations on GO-32.  
I've been listening, and there doesn't seem to be many hams in the 
region using it.

It seems that most folks have seen their own position report, and that
is it.  I'd like to see something other than my own packet :).

I'm working with some of my local hams to help them get on, but we'd
love to see some packets from Dayton and elsewhere in the country!  
So if you'll be there with your TMD7x0 or TH-D7A(g), and you don't 
have anything better to do on a saturday night, set it up for GO-32 
and send a few position reports!

Dayton GO-32 Pass

Time                Satellite              Azm  Elv  Mag Range
--
2008-05-17 20:34:04 GO-32 [P]            145.5 10.0 10.7  2403
2008-05-17 20:39:11 GO-32 [P]            71.8 50.1  9.0  1029
2008-05-17 20:44:20 GO-32 [P]            357.8 10.1 11.1  2416


Everything you need to know to operate via GO-32:
http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/GO32-ops.html

I'm trying to line up someone to switch their igate to GO-32's
downlink and run that configuriation for the duratoin, but so far all
my candidates are stuck on 1200bps, my own home station included.

73 de Joseph Durnal NE3R




Yahoo! Groups Links




  

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