Re: [digitalradio] New SDR related Yahoo gtroup
Congratulations Andy, and have to say how much it was appreciated for all the help Bonnie gave ya getting it up and going too. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ - Original Message - From: Andy obrien To: digitalradio ; multi...@yahoogroups.com ; sdr...@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 8:51 AM Subject: [digitalradio] New SDR related Yahoo gtroup I started the digitalradio Yahoo group ten years ago (next month) because ,at that time , there were many groups dedicated to particular modes of applications but no generic groups where anything related to digit modes was ok to discuss. For the same reason, I have started SDRlist. A Yahoo group for discussion of any software defined radio. Currently there are lists for Flex radios, SDR-IQ, SDR-14, Sofrock, Winrad, CW skimmer, and many more. There is also a forum for SDR-Radio. These lists can be quite good, but it can be a a little awkward if you want to poast a question about a rival product or application. So, if you have any interest in software defined radios for amateur radio or SWLing, please consider joining via http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SDRlist/ . Please help build this new group in to a thriving on-line community where useful exchanges of information and opinion will make the group a leader in SDR. Andy K3UK http://www.obriensweb.com/digispotter.html Chat, Skeds, and spots all in one (resize to suit)Yahoo! Groups Links
[digitalradio] Yes, the best of the Family Thanksgiving To All!
Right on Andy, it is that time of year again that seems to keep coming around faster and faster with each passing year - do only us 'mature' folks feel that though? hi Hi HI Have much appreciated all the constructive comments, and looking forward to the next generation of digital modes. Thanks to all for their contribution, but a special thanks to all those who represent the core glue that makes all this possible for all of us programmers, testers, those who commit personal time and equipment for others benefit ... and bless their hearts, the organizers that are like seed spores that germinate an idea and attract others to join in and grow a healthy crop of amateur radio enthusiasts that provide the synergy that gives the rest of us fun and enjoyment to a special wonderful activity of being a Ham! 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/ - Original Message - From: Andy obrien k3uka...@gmail.com To: digitalradio digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, November 25, 2009 3:35 AM Subject: [digitalradio] Moderator: ALE Busy Detect..Attended/Unattended : 24 hour guillotine snip snip 73 and Happy Thanksgiving to those member in the USA that celebrate this event.
Re: [digitalradio] Digital busy detect
Scamp busy detector as used in Scamp at the time of the group testing I was part of, was NOT the end all of busy detectors. Finding a setting of the threshold was very difficult. Too sensitive and the throughput operation of Scamp was poor due to being held up by the threshold trigger. Not sensitive enough and it did not perform at times when you knew it should have. What worked for one type of band condition for awhile, did not work well during a different type of band condition. Personally witnessed operators that would intentionally come on frequency and put out signals solely for the purpose of triggering the busy detector to stop operations. When Scamp operations were not active, they didnt seem to be active on the frequency. Start Scamp activity and some of the same lids would start up again with just enough activity to activate the busy detector. End result was the agreement to not use it as it was not living up to expectations and stayed that way through the shut down of the group by the author. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
Re: [digitalradio] Getting serious about ALE for non-encomm digital hamming
Good to see this post Andy. For those concerned about having a full blown ALE station that scan, though it is preferred, it is not fully required. You can go to an established ALE channel and stay fixed. Make a long ALE call, and the scanning station(s) that can hear you will respond to you on their scan on the frequency you are fixed on (depending on the kind of ALE call you make, you could get multiple connections). In other words, the will find you if propagation / signal quality permit. This way you dont have to have an antenna for all bands, and a fast tuner for scanning on those bands. When you dont get an answer by the specific station or group call you made, change to another established ALE frequency and try again etc etc until you get the connection. Then communicate your schedule or other needs, and use other modes for a more dynamic exchange of information. Keep in mind that another key feature in addition to those pointed out by Andy, is that the scanning ALE stations also collect information about what stations are heard on what frequencies, when and what signal quality. That information can be used to establish communications quicker, or to determine a schedule that would be best based on on those history of the stations info collected. There are also ALE / Voice channels that are established where short ALE calls are made to determine if a station is on frequency, and to then quickly switch to a voice mode to communicate on that same frequency these are stations that are manned for those activities. Using HFN Stations, short text messages can be sent to email address and cell phones to arrange for communications schedules, or provide information, such as telling your wife that you are ok and will be in touch soon etc etc You can email to non hams, they just cant communicate back along the same path you did, so provide the info they need to reach you by some other means. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/ - Original Message - From: Andy obrien k3uka...@gmail.com To: digitalradio digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:04 PM Subject: [digitalradio] Getting serious about ALE for non-encomm digital hamming As I read and view all kinds of web sites (including my own) that assist digital mode enthusiasts in spotting other stations that my be active on a particular band and looking for a QSO, I can't help but return to the subject of ALE, Automatic Link Establishment. snip snip Andy K3UK
Re: [digitalradio] Which radio ?
Many rigs can be brought into play for a variety of services and be a joy to own. This thread focus's on digital modes, so . I love my TS-480HX, and it is used on the base for 24/7 digital ALE operations. Its better performance due to NOT having two meters and four forty bands improves the HF side. It is my main mobile rig. The extra power of the HX allows running at lower power, such as 100 watts, at near full duty cycle that a normal 100 watt rig would not do well at. Same for operating in hot mobile situations running digital in a hot mobile can be handled by this rig. The HX version has two cooling fans along with the normal 480 heavy case fin cooling design. The IC-7000 runs hot just for the voice duty cycle . Down load the TS-480HX/SAT In Depth Manual at the link below, and read it right from Kenwood experts. Then you will understand why no two meters and four forty is desirable in the design of an HF receiver. An exception is the TS-2000 with separate modules for the other bands, but it is known to have a different HF design that doesnt have as good a performance on HF bands as the 480 design. http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html I miss the DSP auto notch of the MP when using the 480. That is the one feature that amazes me as to why it wasnt included. Yes, I plan on keeping the 480 for a long time, and maybe getting another but I would not part with my Ft-1000MP with the dual I.F. cascaded physical filter design though... hi Hi HI Another ALE operator has a radio of interest for digital, the Icom IC-718. She points out that a few minor mod's are useful and should be incorporated. Please check out Bonnie's email on the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hflink/ reflector for the details. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/
[digitalradio] Red Earthquake Alert Indonesia 11/8/2009 7:41:04 PM
Red Earthquake Alert Indonesia http://www.gdacs.org/ Source: European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) M Magnitude: 6.8 M Depth: 20 km Location (Lat/Long): -8.3 | 118.74 Country: Indonesia Province: Nusa Tenggara Barat Region: Sumbawa Region, Indonesia UTC/GMT (Greenwich time): 11/8/2009 7:41:04 PM Estimated local solar time: 11/9/2009 3:36:02 AM
Re: [digitalradio] Why would anyone-because we just do, and so can you
Well said, well done, and well thought out - Thank You! Ham's have been running ALE for a long time (at least a decade for me, boy does time fly!), and I am not aware of anyone running ALE who has ever received a Notice from the FCC. Our early evaluation work with ALE started out with a special letter to the FCC that included all the callsigns that were going to be running ALE. We received no restrictions about it then, and none since even after numerous communications about ALE to and from the FCC about ALE operation and its unattended nature that is inherent into its original design and intent. Appreciate this great forum, and thanks to those here that I have seen their callsigns on the ALE HFN system from time to time. We can use the participation, and encourage many more to come on board. Regards, and 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/ - Original Message - From: Charles Brabham n5...@uspacket.org To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 9:55 AM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Why would anyone Hard to tell if you are trying to ask a question, or make a statement. In either case though, your post indicates a lack of understanding that I may be able to relieve. Unattended operation has been codified into PART97 for close to thirty years now, and was done in response to the emergence of digital communications on the ham bands. Part of the 'why' of this codification of unattended digital communications can be garnered from the introduction at HamRadioNet: snip snip 73 DE Charles Brabham, N5PVL
[digitalradio] Colorado QSO Party - Sep 5th / 6th
From: Leslie Varnicle wa3...@qwest.net Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2009 11:03 AM Subject: Colorado QSO Party - Sep 5th / 6th We'll be on from Saguache (sue-watch) County at the UFO watchtower Saturday at least. Will be on 40M, 20M and higher bands if open on or around the calling frequencies. Bill, you might want to pass the word as this county is rare in CO. Leslie -Original Message- From: ARRL CO Section The Colorado QSO Party is this coming weekend. Times are 1200 UTC 5 September 2009 until 0400 UTC 6 September 2009 (6AM to 10PM MDT). This is a fun event that has been gaining popularity each year- and this year appears to be no exception judging by the chatter on several email reflectors. Whether you are an experienced contester, an occasional participant, or new to QSO Party events, this is the time to fire up that rig and help put Colorado on the air! All HF bands (excluding WARC), VHF and UHF are eligible for QSOs and points. For more info including rules and awards, see the Colorado QSO Party web page at: http://www.ppraa.org/coqp/ 73, ARRL Colorado Section Section Manager: Jeff Ryan, K0RM k...@arrl.org
[digitalradio] SCAMP and Cynicism? - Nope, no way.
Hello Dave, I was there during those scamp beta testing adventures too . and I remember that part of the evaluation. Various levels were played with, akin to a sensitivity level. Bottom line to me was that when the level made it 'work' ie, not transmit when the frequency was 'active', throughput dropped way back Remember those that would intentionally put 'activity' on the frequency to kick in the transmit control system so we had zero activity with scamp No cynicism involved at all, just the real world. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ (Grateful for those who are doing for all of us what they do, giving us what we have today hi) - Original Message - From: Dave AA6YQ aa...@ambersoft.com To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 10:33 PM Subject: RE: [digitalradio] No FCC data bandwidth limit on HF Re: USA ham rules re The Winmor implementation in PaclinkW (much to the dismay of the naysayers) has busy channel transmit control enabled. I and others strongly encouraged Rick KN6KB to provide a busy frequency detector in SCAMP. We were optimistic when he agreed to give it a shot, and thrilled by the effectiveness demonstrated during the SCAMP beta; even Rick was surprised by the results. When SCAMP disappeared and WinLink failed to upgrade its PMBOs with the SCAMP busy frequency detector, cynicism returned. Many concluded that the WinLink organization simply prefers to keep its PMBO frequencies clear by QRMing trespassers, rather than having to wait for the frequency to become available. snip snip 73, Dave, AA6YQ
[digitalradio] WD8ARZ-L HFN ALE Live Audio Feed on EchoLink
To support the Saturday ALE Clinic at 2200 UTC, a Live ALE audio feed is now online in real-time on Echolink via WD8ARZ-L Information on frequencies of ALE audio feed can be found at: http://hflink.net 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
Re: [digitalradio] illinoisdigitalham?
My last one from them was: - Original Message - From: Jerry - N9LYA Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2009 3:18 PM Subject: [illinoisdigitalham] HARDS NEWSLETTER Not showing as a listing anymore either. Maybe a name change? 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ - Original Message - From: expeditionradio expeditionra...@yahoo.com To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 8:54 PM Subject: [digitalradio] illinoisdigitalham? Anyone know what happened to illinoisdigitalham? Bonnie KQ6XA
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Something New - Ham Radio Email delivery time - Use what we have.
Dave, enjoy your software and respect that effort very much. Really surprised to find your comments that continue the mis-direction from the original email. It is obvious in my original message that no twists or personal comments were directed at anyone, that there is no intent to counter new ideas, or that there were limits to directions anyone could take with software. It is obvious that the intent of my email was to not forget we can use what we have, use it as circumstances and time allow, and it was clear that there are issues that will remain with us for some time to come. There were no efforts to cover all contingencies, represent all modes of training, fit in with all view points or provide the right or wrong way of things should or shouldnt be done. These are short emails that dont have to be manuals that measure up to peer reviewing hobbyists that cant get off their obsessive critique compulsions. It is clear that some responses were done in a personal way, went out side the topic intent, and have distracted the thread into a direction no one enjoys and is counter productive. Which seems to be a trend some do with regularity. It isnt always what is said or done that is important, but how it is said or done that can make a difference in how folks are motivated or feel encouraged to participate. To keep putting others on the defensive seems to be a rather awkward way to garner support for ones view points and my email was not about point of views. It was about using what we have, that there are a lot of options, and there are bandwidth and time issues. No modes were selected, be it digital, analog, voice, cw, satellite, cable, internet, landline, laser, etc etc etc etc ... There was intentionally room to go in any direction one wants to use what currently exists, but it is obvious that one needs to be prepared to use what is here today, as best possible with the inherent limitations. My response here is not just a defensive reaction to criticism. It is a response to try and prevent others from mis-representing the intent of my original email. Silence sometimes is used to avoid contenuation of being a target, and I was tempted to do that (and now will), but I had to make it clear that I by no means approve of the habitual twisted spins some throw out in their verbal spars that do nothing to the betterment of others or the topic. My apologies to others. Moderators, please feel free to block this thread from further negative progression. Regards, WD8ARZ ..
Re: [digitalradio] Something New - Ham Radio Email delivery time - Use what we have.
As usual Rick you take comments and twist them to take off on a tangent and make personal put downs. Worse yet you make associations that were not made and not intended. I will no longer make replies to you or your posts. If your continual mis-directions and abuse of congenial communications continues to get through on the various reflectors we share (your list is shrinking), your address and calls will simply be put into automatic bounce filters and that will be that. Use what we have as best as possible and where appropriate. Do your own programming and put your misdirected energy to better use. As one of the testers of Scamp, its amazing you are still pushing in directions that are not being continued by the originators. WD8ARZ Out - Original Message - From: Rick W. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:28 PM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Something New - Ham Radio Email delivery time - Use what we have.
[digitalradio] HF Digital Voice Programs Once Again Available for Download
HF Digital Voice Programs Once Again Available for Download http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/07/31/10237/?nc=1 From the ARRL snip Citing codec (coding/decoding) licensing issues, three free Windows programs for sound card-based HF digital voice were yanked from their download site for a short time recently, surprising hams who are interested in HF digital voice operation; several online groups that supported the software were also closed for a short time. WinDRM, DRMDV and FDMDV, all written by Cesco Lanza, HB9TLK, used a codec that was developed for the US Department of Defense and NATO. Rights to various forms of the codec are held by several companies; they have never been released for free distribution and use by hams. According to Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, the companies have winked at ham radio use for several years, but a recent complaint caused the programs to be pulled from the download site. Lanza did a quick rewrite to use an open-source codec, and now WinDRM and FDMDV are back, Pearce said. DRMDV, an intermediate program between the other two, has been abandoned. WinDRM could always use the open-source Speex codec, but FDMDV users will need to download the new version. snip FDMDV and WinDRM can both be downloaded from Jason Buchanan's, N1SU, Web site. http://www.n1su.com/ snip 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/
Re: [digitalradio] Software Link for WinDRM?
http://pdis.rnw.nl/norbert/ Full Install of Dream For Windows inst_dream 1_10_6cvs, from the above link download: inst dream.exe or - http://pdis.rnw.nl/norbert/inst_dream.exe Runs fine in XP and Vista. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/ - Original Message - From: Kim A. Hinceman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 3:31 PM Subject: [digitalradio] Software Link for WinDRM? N1SU download link appears to be obsolete. Can someone point me towards source? I'd like to give this mode a try. Thanks, Kim WA4VKW
[digitalradio] DRM on Vista using a SDR-IQ as the receiver
DRM on Vista using a SDR-IQ as the receiver. http://www.rfspace.com/SDR-IQ.html To tie in the audio lines, I used VAC, virtual audio cable from: http://www.ntonyx.com/vac.htm Have DRM in digital mode and tune using about 12 KHz bandwidth in USB mode. Worked great here. If you get a conflict on Line 1 of VAC, set up two lines (cables) and use Line 2. Evaluation version work great. The promo voice is only heard on the AM mode of DRM, not on the digital. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/
Re: [digitalradio] Report: ALE HFN Activity for Global Simulated Emergency Test- 3 May 2008
We can add a footnote to that report too: Propagation was not good that day, not good at all. Otherwise I would have done a few mobile ALE contacts to go along with the ALE base station that was on full battery power with no external power source / charger during the event. Bet the next round will have even a larger number of participants! Thank You, 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ - Original Message - From: expeditionradio [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 11:03 AM Subject: [digitalradio] Report: ALE HFN Activity for Global Simulated Emergency Test- 3 May 2008 Report Log of the ALE High Frequency Network HFN for IARU GlobalSET 03 MAY 2008 On the 3rd of May 2008, the ham radio Global ALE High Frequency Network (HFN) was activiated to participate in the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Global Simulated Emergency Test snip snip ==END REPORT== ==REPORT DATE: 22JUN2008== ==REPORT FROM: ==Bonnie Crystal VR2/KQ6XA ==ALE HFN International Coordinator== http://hflink.com http://hflink.net
[digitalradio] HFLinknet Feedback and Tips
Hello Rick, Ok, lets see if we can steer you to some good future ALE contacts. As you know, a sound card has to measure up to the digital task it is being tasked to perform. Not all do. That topic I will leave to others that have covered this so well in the past on different forms many times. Next it is important that the transceiver being used is calibrated. Doesnt take too many Hz off frequency to not work well. One hundred hertz is too much for example. Many of us have ran into that one at one time or another, right? A couple calibration methods are at: http://hflink.com/calibration/ The ALE Channel Zero site is a great place to meet other Ale operators and find an Elmer: http://hflink.net/qso/ Dont forget that the HfLink forum is a source for information and links to other Ale operators. As with any computer system, make sure your computer uses the latest software and fill files. With all the Ale contacts going on world wide, I suspect there are some other issues with your Ale communications problems. Changes in any system are expected, and the ALE network is no exception. One of the nice parts for Ale systems is that you can scan and find those stations that you can work. Real-time status of all HFN Pilot Stations is provided both on the web and on the air (via hourly station identification). If in doubt about the Pilot stations you can link with, simply set your radio to receive scan all the listed primary data channels, and then link with the station(s) on the bands that are best. NVIS is OK if you can find it, but not needed. For your having problems I suspect you need to fine tune a bit more. The nature of a good ALE signal requires a better level of transceiver calibration, soundcard accuracy, and passband flatness than most other digital keyboarding modes do. In time I am sure you will work out your issues. Many have and can assist you too, on and off the air. Here is one source of setup information: http://hflink.com/pcale/setup/ Some of your concerns have been addressed before. Keep in mind that all this is a work in progress. Over time the system will continue to grow, software and features will be enhanced, and it goes with out saying, that bugs are being worked on all the time. just like any other system as it goes from conception to being routine. Keep trying, hang in there, and I am sure you will get it worked out. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ Current ALE Station Activity http://hflink.net/qso/ Current Location of ALE Pilot HFN Stations http://hflink.com/hfn/ - Original Message - From: Rick W. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 10:04 AM Subject: [hfdec] HFLinknet I have been trying to use the HFN system for some time now. I have had minimal success with connecting to more distant stations, however, I have had no luck with stations within NVIS range. snip snip If anyone is having luck with the system, can you share your exact method of formatting the messages? My DTM nor DBM messages appear to be accepted but I never actually get the e-mail back. I am only using SMTP as recent information from one of the Pilot station operators indicated that if you send traffic to yourself via the Winlink2000 path (WL2K proword in the message header) it assumes you already have the message and will not route it to you. Thus I have been using only the SMTP proword. 73, Rick, KV9U
Re: [digitalradio] Emergency power digital station options for Field Day ?
Antenna. Install low for NVIS, high for low angle on the low bands. Have fun guys and 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/ - Original Message - From: Andrew O'Brien [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 6:56 PM Subject: [digitalradio] Emergency power digital station options for Field Day ? I am usually attend regional Field Day efforts with serious operations, I'm often the digital guy that gets invited so the organization can get digital-related bonus points. This year, the combination of needing to remain close to home due to family health issues and my past views that I miss out on all the operating fun by giving lectures/demos, has caused be to think about doing Field Day at home. I figure that I really need to find some way of not depending on my mains power supply for all my amateur radio operating. So, Field Day looks like a good target date for trying to find some emergency power. I am not going to buy a generator, too much of a hassle and too much noise for my neighbors. I thought about battery power, still thinking about it, but recharging a battery has to be thought about since the ARRL has some limits on how they are recharged. Wind power and Solar panels are appealing but they looked to expensive to me. Seems to me that true emergency communications preparation ought to be simple and cheap so that many stations would be activated , if needed. So, assuming a battery powered laptop computer is part of the stations (and thus is not a problem) what inexpensive options are there to power a modern HF rig using digital modes at 5 watts or less ? Perhaps something that can be used to xmit and receive for 2-3 hours and then be re-charged without mains power in a reasonably quick manner ? I did think of pedal power , good exercise too, but that may be too difficult.
[digitalradio] Equipment for a digital station Fund Day's ?
-480HX 200 watt radio can be operated at 100 watts or less at near full duty cycle for long periods of time (hours, not minutes) due to extra cooling fan and design not available in most 100 watt radios. TM-D700 / D710 Two meter and 440 FM mobile. 50 Watts with APRS and Sky Command Compatible. Easy interface to the AvMap G5 for GPS and Navigation Displays that includes APRS display / tracking. No Computer required to interface these two items. TH-D7AG Two meter and 440 FM Walkie Talkie. Data communicator is equipped with a built-in TNC and APRS. Sky Command Compatible. AvMap G5 Navigator has built-in highly sensitive 20 channel Sirf 3 GPS engine, has a ultra bright, non-glaring, 5 inch, TFT Touch Screen, and comes with cable to interface to the Kenwood D700 / D710. End result is a selection of individual gear that operate totally as separate units, Base, Mobile or Portable. However they can be configured to give the HT remote control access to the dual band mobile leaving the HF rig alone, or using the dual band mobile as an interface to the HF radio, the HT has remote control and transmit / receive access. Due to Katrina, the FCC granted legality for using Sky Command for such HT to HF operation. As a bonus, APRS is supported in this system, and in combination with the AvMap G5 Navigator, GPS information can be fed to the D700 / D710 or the HT as needed. APRS info is sent to and from the G5 making for a seamless interface that doesnt require a computer. Under the right interfacing and some limitations, packet radio can be supported. Using digital protocols, digital modes on a computer provide emergency texting / email until local systems improve. The navigation / gps functions of the G5 are a must in emergency situations where knowing where you are and how to get to where you need to go can other wise be a challenge. Universal flexible powering of he above equipment, with some antenna / atu suggestions are in Emergency power digital station options for Field Day ? Links: TS-480HX http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/hamhf/0480.html TM-D700 / D710 http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/fm_txvrs/0710.html TH-D7AG http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/ht/4211.html Sky Command System: http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/ht/4211sky2.html AvMap G5 Navigator http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/fm_txvrs/50630710.html To get maximum capability from your equipment, know how to use it throughly and have copies of your manuals with the gear! 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/
[digitalradio] Digital station options?
Many HF rigs use relays for bandpass filter switching, and other tasks. Unfortunately when changing bands, these relays cycle to the configuration needed for each band range. When using software to scan the bands, these relays are being cycled with each band change request from the software. Some HF rigs allow using a dual VFO mode that the Software can use to scan in such a way that the band relays are not cycled. Software uses a bandpass relay selection that allows receiver performance during scanning, but switches in the relays for band activity and transmitting. This approach saves relay wear and tear. List of Radios for ALE: http://hflink.com/hardware/ PCALE will function with almost any amateur or commercial HF radio. For rapid channel scanning, PCALE (and MarsAle)uses the computer-to-radio CAT interface to control the transceiver frequency and mode. Some transceivers are better suited to ALE service than others, for various reasons. The following transceivers have internal circuitry that is optimum for fast Quiet Relay Scanning and Sounding with PCALE (and MarsAle): ICOM IC746, IC746PRO, IC7400, IC756PRO (Milspec 1030E-DSP), IC756PRO2, IC756PRO3, IC765, IC775, IC781, IC7800 (except mixer relays), PA relays handled by use of SPLIT VFO, all support up to 2 ch/sec scan rate, newer models at 9600 baud up to the 5 ch/sec and those that can do 19,200 baud at 10 ch/sec scan rate KENWOOD All Kenwood models after, but excluding the TS-440, PA relays handled by use of SPLIT VFO, all support up to 2 ch/sec scan rate, newer models at 9600 baud up to 5 ch/sec and those at 19,200 baud at 10 ch/sec scan rate YAESU FT-920, FT-990 with SPLIT VFO (FT-890 with special QS/S modification) all can do up to 2 ch/sec scan rate. HARRIS Harris RF-350 family: RF-350, RF-350K, RT-1446 URC, AN/URC-119, AN/URC-121(V) PA relays handled by BYPASS command, supports up to 2 ch/sec scan rate. === 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
[digitalradio] Data Suggestions, Interfacing, RFI, Audio and Performance
other software programs, such as a Dream Audio Mondale program, or other digital programs such as ALE or Multipsk. In other cases a program works fine in XP but due to audio handling differences in Vista, they dont work there. Frequently the work around is a virtual audio handling program such as VAC. With VAC installed programs see additional in and out audio lines that can be selected to provide the audio link paths needed. Virtual Audio Cable - http://software.muzychenko.net/eng/vac.html === Last but not least is getting performance out of that computer to perform reliable digital mode operations. Steps that can be taken are: Dont run any programs that are not needed, especially audio video programs (as in cd / dvd programs). If your system has performance options, and may laptops do, choose the faster performing options over battery saving if needed. Turn off all program auto updates. Turned off all program search auto routines, especially auto find operations for your hard drive. Forced network to use G mode when wireless. Defrag hard drive. Adjusted priority of programs so they get more priority to run faster (task manager, select program, right click and set program priority and insure it has access to all cpu's). A biggie turned out to be turning on Hard Drive write caching. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
[digitalradio] HAARP and Moon Echo of HAARP received well in South Bend, Indiana 6.7925
Copied 6.7925 HAARP and the Moon Echo of HAARP real well in South Bend, Indiana using a SDR-IQ on a 10-160 Carolina Windom Antenna. Also copied the signal of a carrier around 0503Z that tuned / swept into the frequency. Thought it was the HAARP signal looking for the sweet spot, but now not sure. Did record a 50 kHz spectrum to the hard drive using the SDR-IQ, and the HAARP primary signal and he moon reflected signal were both recorded. They can be heard and seen on the 3D running spectrum display. Other signals coming and going up and down the band from the HAARP frequency are also copyable in these files. I limited file size to below 45 Megs per file in the series of files covering the time period. The one with the moving carrier is about 22 megs. The first half of the time period I couldn't hear HAARP echo's due to the interfering signal on the low end of the frequency, but great copy after the frequency cleared up. No copy at all on 7.4075 due to the Dentro Cuban Jamming Command and Radio Martà as identified by Glenn Hauser. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/
[digitalradio] Vista Digital System Navigation for Hardware Setting and Info
Navigating can be such a pain when going from xp to vista. Both worlds have there plus and minus properties and I am not advocating or bashing either. Just happen to use em and other operating systems, and I am glad to share that experience. In Vista and using the default Vista Control Panel: === To Manage / View your System Hardware so you can see what your com ports are: Control Panel Additional Options Device Manager View hardware and devices Now you will have the Device Manager panel and will see a com port selection 'if' you have any com ports active. Open the com port icon and plug in and unplug your Rigblaster Plug Play. You will see the com port and info come and go with that activity. (Please note: the usb ports on your laptop will have a com port number assigned to them in Vista that will not match with the same com port number if that same laptop boots with xp. I have a dual boot xp/vista so was surprised to see that ...hi hi) Don forget you can change com port properties including com port assigned number if you want to. === In Vista and using the default Vista Control Panel: To Manage your Sound Options navigate the following - Control Panel Additional Options Hardware and Sound Sound Icon Gives you access to all your sound options. Under 'Change system sounds' you will find under the Recording tab the Microphone Icon. Double click that Icon and you will have the Microphone Properties panel. Under custom you can enable / disable Microphone Boost (I havent had to do that on my two vista laptops, they are enabled) Of course Levels tab lets you set the Microphone volume level. Or: Choose Classic View in the Control Panel, and you will have the XP control panel icons you might be more comfortable navigating around with. Dont forget to have the Rigblaster Plug Play drivers installed for Vista. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ HFN Pilot Station for ALE http://hflink.net/qso/ - Original Message - From: k5rud To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 12:21 AM Subject: [digitalradio] Re: NBEMS HF testing frequency suggestion I had a number of problems with the system. It booted fine. I got both programs running. I have a Rigblaster Plug Play which is a USB serial port. I could not determine what serial port that would be to setup the C-IV for my Icom. I needed that for PTT. I also tried to follow the directions for setting up their rig control but (1) where is $HOME/.something? I opened the file viewer, clicked home but saw nothing that looked like that directory. I could see no input. This is a laptop and I only have mike input. I could generate output from the sound card so I think the sound card was found okay. I decided to pass on this for right now and switch back to Windows. This is the first use of the Rigblaster since I got arrived on Wednesday. It is working under Vista using DM780 and HRD. It is neat using the C-IV to control the rig! The only hassle is that the mike input is to hot so overdrives the sound card. Guess I need to put a pot to allow adjusting it. Since this is my first digital experience I do not know what signals I am hearing to select the digital mode. I did listen to a PSK-31 QSO. But while I can hear and see other signals I cannot get them to decode. Rud K5RUD
[digitalradio] Ham radio today and its roots. 'Hobby' was not top dog in the listing
Ham radio today is no doubt 'different' today than it was in the past. But the past is our history. Wasn't to many years ago that the purpose of ham radio had a listing in the FCC rules. Hobby wasn't the top one listed .. 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ - Original Message - From: Chuck Mayfield [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2007 2:25 PM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: FCC and the unattended ALE/PACTOR lepers Folks, [mounting soapbox] when I was young, say 45 years ago, my brothers and I would be arguing. One would say Dad, so and so is doing [whatever]. Dad would reply, Do you guys REALLY want me to come in there? Look. Government toleration of ham radio is good. Government regulation of ham radio is ok. Government over-regulation of ham radio is not so good. Do we REALLY want the Government to CONTROL ham radio? It is a HOBBY, after all. sigh Relax. Enjoy the hobby. [dismounting soap box] 73, Chuck - AA5J
[digitalradio] Digital Vacation Plans
Storms gone, back on the air!! Program problems seem to be worked out now (transmit audio levels and atu operation). Next I will load up the bbs software and see how that goes. Will be on and off the air from the base from time to time all weekend as I test software and move the system from the base to the mobile setup. On vacation the next two weeks, yahoo!! Will be a mix at home in South Bend, Indiana, in Alabama and in Tennessee. Plans are to mix all ham activities. Hf voice, hf ale, hf aprs, vhf aprs and Pilot station... from mobile and fixed locations in various areas. Will be a true test of the entire system and the ability to move from base to mobile to portable with the various modes. Will be one hundred percent battery operation all locations and modes. Various GPS hardware / software will be used and tested with these modes. Will be using the AvMap Geosat 5 Navigator with a five inch screen to display the APRS information when not using the laptop ( http://www.avmap.us/index.php?swt=01 ). This way I can run Vhf / Uhf APRS with out any laptop computer in the system while I use the laptop for HF Ale and APRS. A cable plugs from the D700/D7 into the G5 and provides GPS info to the equipment, and waypoint plotting of all ham station broadcasted Aprs / Gps data on to the touch screen. Separate GPS units are available to feed GPS data to each radio independently if needed (using Deluo Universal GPS modules). Deluo provides versions for usb laptop interfaces, and Kenwood D700/D7 direct plug in models. Will provide ssid information when I have that worked out. Have the HF base Ale and Aprs (TS-480HX), HF mobile Ale and Aprs (TS-480HX), Vhf/Uhf Dual Band mobile Aprs (TM-D700AG) and Walkie Talkie APRS (TH-D7AG). Will be testing walkie talkie to hf linking on this trip too . 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ
[digitalradio] WD8ARZ and upcoming ALE Week Status
Looking forward to the upcoming week for ALE ON THE AIR WEEK 2006 (13-23 OCT) In preparation for this I have done the following: -- Have put up a new 10-160 Meter Carolina Windom Bought a LDG AT-200 Pro tuner Bought the Kenwood TS-480HX 200 Watt Transceiver -- Thanks to Steve N2CKH, I now realize I need the LDG AT-200 PC version of the tuner. (... as only the AT-200PC is really suitable for ALE, the other LDG models such as the AT-200PRO is not in BYPASS during receive whereas the AT-200PC is set to such via both PC-ALE and MARS-ALE software ...) The LDG AT-200 PC version will be ordered on Monday and will be here in time for the weekend ALE fun. Reason I have made the changes is I have been concerned about the ALE burden on wearing my beloved FT-1000MP relays to death, This concern has limited how often I am on and stay on with ALE. What I hope the benefits with the changes are: 1: TS-480HX doesnt use relays in the bandpass filters (uses switching transistors, but does use relays in the lpf filters) 2: TS-480HX has excellent cooling and better continuous duty transmit time and load support (even with the dual fans not running). 3: With the 200 watts, I can use it if needed, but it allows for running lower power and having better cooling and transmit duty cycle time even more. 4: Using an external tuner transfers the relay cycle mechanical wear to out side the transceiver. 5: The LDG AT-200 Pro tuner has memories, and once stored settings for a frequency are in memory, it makes those tuning selections even faster than other tuners . except the PC version under computer control). I am keeping the Pro version because I want a good fast tuner for HF operations with out using a computer. 6: LDG AT-200 PC under computer control is the best way to go for ALE, and I very much appreciate Steve supporting the manufacture on bring that about! Only thing missing at this time is a ALE version that supports the TS-480HX and LDG AT-200 PC tuner. Currently waiting on replies to Steve, Bonnie and Charles for software access to support this system in time for the upcoming event. Side benefits for the TS-480HX is I am going to pair it up the new HiQ 5/160 mobile antenna purchase and have lots of fun this winter with HF mobile. Now it looks like I need to get a laptop for mobile ALE eh ??? Hi Hi Hey, good luck to all this weekend. I am looking forward to it! 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ South Bend, Indiana Need a Digital mode QSO? Connect to Telnet://cluster.dynalias.org Other areas of interest: The MixW Reflector : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themixwgroup/ DigiPol: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Digipol (band plan policy discussion) Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[digitalradio] One of the interesting upgrades out, is for the HK-232 / PK-232 series of TNC's
One of the interesting upgrades out, is for the HK-232 / PK-232 series of TNC's. Not only does the HK / PK232 series of TNC have excellent passive hf filters, now they are further improved with cascaded DSP filters. The ability to take the load off of the CPU is a great reason to use a TNC. There are also several software programs out there that recognize the upgraded TNC's and switch them in and out of TNC / Sound Card Mode automatically. For example the Airmail program for Winlink uses the Pactor TX/RX and Dsp functions of the HK-232 in Pactor One mode. The interface to the Ham Rig here is a HK-232 (kit form of the PK-232) upgraded with Timewave ( http://www.timewave.com/ )MBX (mail box), DSP, Low Power Chips, and the PSK31 interface switch modules. In essence when the PSK31 interface module is switched to sound card mode for programs like Scamp, the Tnc is bypassed and transformer isolated adjustable audio amplifiers for input and output to the sound card and ham rig is switched in. This same circuit is used when in Tnc mode, but then the internal modes, filters and dsp are used rather than any computer sound card programs. Thus I use the HK-232 with PSK31 in Sound Card mode when using Scamp, but use it in Tnc mode when using Airmail for Pactor Mode One receive and transmit only using the Tnc and internal Dsp support. When ever possible, I always choose a TNC function when available for a mode over software. Heck, I can put the TNC into a mode that will leave me on the air with a radio for vhf packet email, and receive email with no computer running. When I fire up the computer there it is do that with software hi hi 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ The K3UK DIGITAL MODES SPOTTING CLUSTER AT telnet://208.15.25.196/ a href=http://dxcluster.blogspot.com;img src=http://feeds.feedburner.com/DigitalSpotter.gif; height=67 width=200 style=border:0 alt=Digital Spotter//a Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
