The HFlinknet is an attempt to provide e-mail capability over HF using the existing open ALE protocols. The initial phase has a group testing SMS messaging to work out the bugs. A key concept is interoperability, even with the closed Winlink2000 system and ability to work with hardware and software set up for ALE.
Members of the group are not supposed to discuss things with others. You have to accept the quasi-secret policies, and you have to be very careful what you say or your posts will be blocked. But first you have to be a member of HFlink to even be involved with HFLinkNet. Terms and Conditions of membership: 1. Only for licensed amateur radio service operators who are MEMBERS OF HFLINK <http://hflink.com/group>. 2. Members agree not to share HFLINKNET information with others outside the group. 3. Members agree to report and exchange all problems, support, and bugs directly to the HFLINKNET group only. 4. Members agree NOT to make direct contact with the software authors for support, comments, or questions. All questions and comments will be posted only to this group forum. I do most of my posting on the open discussion groups instead of on the ALE forums. Also, the HFDEC (HF Digital Emergency Communications) yahoogroup is a safe place to comment since your posts will not be blocked for differences of opinion. My hope is that as the technology matures, different groups will adapt ALE to fit the needs of their own systems. For example, we have a definite need here in our area with communication over too long a distance for practical VHF and we are hoping that with increased upgrades to General/Extra, that more hams will be willing to participate in HF NVIS operation. While this has to be voice for tactical use, having the additional capability of digital messaging and e-mail could be very helpful. Also, signaling others with ALE. And we would not have to scan since we would be on 75/80 meters for our area. Since we don't have adequate ARQ sound card modes at this time, ALE may fill that void. If it really turns out that 8PSK 2400 baud signals can work with amateur power levels and modest antennas, then we would be very pleased. It may be years (decades?) before the FCC changes the rules and allows these high baud rate modes. Then again, maybe not. I still think that they might interpret the rules to allow us to try it on the voice frequencies where there does not seem to be any baud rate limitation. 73, Rick, KV9U Walt DuBose wrote: > > The key..."a change in FCC regulations." > > There are commercial modes that have a user throughput of over 2000 WPM with > ZERO errors and can provide 100% copy at a -12 dB or better SNR...but they > don't > run in a 3 KHz channel either. > > BTW Rick, what is the HFlinknet system? > > Walt/K5YFW > > > Announce your digital presence via our Interactive Sked Page at > http://www.obriensweb.com/drsked/drsked.php > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > >
