[digitalradio] Re: Re-inventing repeaters via ALE/APRS concepts?
You mean, what Echolink does? Julian, G4ILO --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Andy obrien k3uka...@... wrote: This may be a little off the usual digital mode related topics. Today I was thinking about VHF/UHF FM voice repeaters and the trouble repeater owners go to when maintaining a repeater site. Typically the location is a high hill , atop a large tower, lots of hard line, elaborate lightning protection, expensive and fussy duplexers, etc etc. While I am sure it is fun to own such a system, it must occasionally be quite a chore. The chore is sometimes made worse by the fact that repeater sites are often the result of begging cellular tower operators for a bit of room for the hams, then losing the right of access every time the cell site changes ownership (often very frequently). So, in my day-dreaming today, I was thinking that surely modern technology could come up with some innovation that would eliminate the need to secure high sites atop 500 foot towers. I began to think how 2M or 70cm radios could perhaps be re-invented with better (smarter) cross-band or within-band repeat functions. Where , based on some ALE concepts , K3UK calling a local ham on 2M could have the simplex signal picked-up by a station within simplex range and repeated to the desired destination station based on known LQA-type tables . Or, like APRS, some signals are picked up and echoed (repeated) based on number of hops than can be expected between originating and destination station. Maybe QST or CQ calls would get picked and repeated by the equivalent of node stations versus a call between two stations ? Of course mobile operations would pose a more difficult challenge back to the drawing board but this mega station on a hill idea surely has to be reinvented sometime. Andy K3UK
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Re-inventing repeaters via ALE/APRS concepts?
but without Internet On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 6:57 AM, g4ilo jul...@g4ilo.com wrote: You mean, what Echolink does? Julian, G4ILO --
RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes????
To reiterate the original poster's comment, it is the COMPLEXITY of the multi-mode programs that he was trying to avoid, and with that stated, I agree with his thinking. The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of g4ilo Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 3:53 AM To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes But you are not forced to use any of the modes in a multimode program. I use Fldigi, but I use PSK most of the time, Olivia a little, MFSK and RTTY on rare occasions. I have never used any of the other modes. In the latest version I believe you can even hide the modes you aren't interested in so they aren't listed on the menu. Julian, G4ILO
RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes????
The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Overwhelming yes, but also can get in your way. The same is true of logging programs. This is why I am writing my own logging program with simplicity in mind, but with all the features I want and need. It seems to me that Ham Radio Deluxe and other ham programs ( I am not picking on HRD, it is a great program ) could allow the user to go a setup area and turn off a lot of stuff that only a few users would ever need. Some programs are starting to do this as users demand more features. I am one of those who likes FLDIGI-ROL. This program is not overwhelming and still has most features that one needs. I use HRD and other programs occasionally but still come back to FLDIG verison ROL. With me it's all about compromise. Writing software that everyone likes is NOT easy. I know I have been doing it for many years. I agree with both Ed and Julian, good posts. K5WGM --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Ed G huckleberr...@q.com wrote: From: Ed G huckleberr...@q.com Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 10:43 AM To reiterate the original poster’s comment, it is the COMPLEXITY of the multi-mode programs that he was trying to avoid, and with that stated, I agree with his thinking. The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:digitalradi o...@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of g4ilo Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 3:53 AM To: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes But you are not forced to use any of the modes in a multimode program. I use Fldigi, but I use PSK most of the time, Olivia a little, MFSK and RTTY on rare occasions. I have never used any of the other modes. In the latest version I believe you can even hide the modes you aren't interested in so they aren't listed on the menu. Julian, G4ILO
RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes...
In my view, the SignaLink USB interface is the way to go, both for good operation, and simplicity of installation. Also, I have found AirLink Express to be the most simple program for PSK31 or RTTY…. Even compared to Digipan . Of course one ham’s simplicity may be another ham’s complexity… and personal choices vary widely here on this. Still, I recommend AirLinkExpress be tried first. Regarding that TS-2000 …. I can only suggest the manual be read repeatedly while playing with the radio so the operator can become familiar with it. It is a fairly complex radio, albeit a good one. 73 Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of greathoun...@aol.com Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 10:22 AM To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes... I guess I just feel into the newby bucket. Just got off the phone with a buddy, I guess I got talked into learning to do psk31. He said he was told to get a Signallink thingy. Is that the best easy one to get, or is there better? I see that you list Airlink Express, is that a easy one to learn? I have a k'wood TS2000 and a Flex 5000 That I'm trying to fumble thru.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, he doesn't know how to run it either, and I think he wants me to help him ;-) Thanks Bill N8VWI In a message dated 6/18/2010 1:10:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, k5...@yahoo.com writes: The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Overwhelming yes, but also can get in your way. The same is true of logging programs. This is why I am writing my own logging program with simplicity in mind, but with all the features I want and need. It seems to me that Ham Radio Deluxe and other ham programs ( I am not picking on HRD, it is a great program ) could allow the user to go a setup area and turn off a lot of stuff that only a few users would ever need. Some programs are starting to do this as users demand more features. I am one of those who likes FLDIGI-ROL. This program is not overwhelming and still has most features that one needs. I use HRD and other programs occasionally but still come back to FLDIG verison ROL. With me it's all about compromise. Writing software that everyone likes is NOT easy. I know I have been doing it for many years. I agree with both Ed and Julian, good posts. K5WGM --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Ed G huckleberr...@q.com wrote: From: Ed G huckleberr...@q.com Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 10:43 AM To reiterate the original poster’s comment, it is the COMPLEXITY of the multi-mode programs that he was trying to avoid, and with that stated, I agree with his thinking. The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:digitalradi o...@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of g4ilo Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 3:53 AM To: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes But you are not forced to use any of the modes in a multimode program. I use Fldigi, but I use PSK most of the time, Olivia a little, MFSK and RTTY on rare occasions. I have never used any of the other modes. In the latest version I believe you can even hide the modes you aren't interested in so they aren't listed on the menu. Julian, G4ILO image001.jpgimage002.jpg
[digitalradio] Neby help with digi modes
Welcome to the group. I have a TS2000 and also an SDR-IQ, I will be glad to help in anyway I can. Being an old-time digital mode enthusiast, I tend to suggest that rookies start the way almost all of us did with Digipan. Free, good, and the easiest to set-up. FL-digi and Winwarbler are perhaps the next easiest. You can start receiving digital modes easily by taking the audio out source (headphone or ext speaker jacks) and connecting it via a cable to the line IN of your computer's soundcard. There are some that worry that the audio could be a little to hot and blow your soundcard, I have done it LOTS of times before and never had a problem. To be on the safe side, you can lower the LINE IN audio level in you computers sound card mixer settings. Simply doing the above will allow you to copy all digital modes supported by your software. 95% of the digital modes you are ever likely to hear are either PSK31 or RTTY. So When it comes to transmitting and receiving, you will need to also connect your transceiver to the computer so that the tones generated by your software and sound card are sent over the air. Thus you have both IN and OUT of your sound card connected to your rig. You can also achieve control of your rig via the software and cause the rig to change frequency, transmit or switch to receive (and a few other things). Do do this, most hams have an interface that goes between the rig and the PC. The interface can be built for about $25 worth of parts, but many hams buy one. These interfaces range from the very simple and effective to the very sophisticated and effective . Some use circuitry that achieves full computer assisted operation and some do do it via simple use of VOX (Signal link). For most operations VOX will be fine but there are some more advanced applications that cannot be used via VOX. Andy K3UK --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, greathoun...@... wrote: I guess I just feel into the newby bucket. Just got off the phone with a buddy, I guess I got talked into learning to do psk31. He said he was told to get a Signallink thingy. Is that the best easy one to get, or is there better? I see that you list Airlink Express, is that a easy one to learn? I have a k'wood TS2000 and a Flex 5000 That I'm trying to fumble thru.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, he doesn't know how to run it either, and I think he wants me to help him ;-) Thanks Bill N8VWI
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes...
Thanks Ed, No I've had the TS2k for quite a while, so I can fumble thru it. But learning the Flex 5k Is a thrill. Anything with a manual over 200 pgs. I keep it handy, and they both do. I'll have to wait for the first, a week and a half, to get the Signal Link USB and will do a google for that software. Besides I have 3 Dr appointments next week, one even out of town...Thanks again...Bill N8VWI PS I do have a Yaesu 890AT and a Icom 745, would either of those be easier, in your opinion? I want to keep one radio for this alone. In a message dated 6/18/2010 1:42:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, huckleberr...@q.com writes: In my view, the SignaLink USB interface is the way to go, both for good operation, and simplicity of installation. Also, I have found AirLink Express to be the most simple program for PSK31 or RTTY…. Even compared to Digipan . Of course one ham’s simplicity may be another ham’s complexity… and personal choices vary widely here on this. Still, I recommend AirLinkExpress be tried first. Regarding that TS-2000 …. I can only suggest the manual be read repeatedly while playing with the radio so the operator can become familiar with it. It is a fairly complex radio, albeit a good one. 73 Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@ digitalradi digitalradio@WBRyahoogro digitalradio@ digiOn Behalf Of greathoun...@greatho Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 10:22 AM To: digitalradio@ digitalradi di Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes... I guess I just feel into the newby bucket. Just got off the phone with a buddy, I guess I got talked into learning to do psk31. He said he was told to get a Signallink thingy. Is that the best easy one to get, or is there better? I see that you list Airlink Express, is that a easy one to learn? I have a k'wood TS2000 and a Flex 5000 That I'm trying to fumble thru.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, he doesn't know how to run it either, and I think he wants me to help him ;-) Thanks Bill N8VWI In a message dated 6/18/2010 1:10:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, k5...@yahoo.in a message The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Overwhelming yes, but also can get in your way. The same is true of logging programs. This is why I am writing my own logging program with simplicity in mind, but with all the features I want and need. It seems to me that Ham Radio Deluxe and other ham programs ( I am not picking on HRD, it is a great program ) could allow the user to go a setup area and turn off a lot of stuff that only a few users would ever need. Some programs are starting to do this as users demand more features. I am one of those who likes FLDIGI-ROL. This program is not overwhelming and still has most features that one needs. I use HRD and other programs occasionally but still come back to FLDIG verison ROL. With me it's all about compromise. Writing software that everyone likes is NOT easy. I know I have been doing it for many years. I agree with both Ed and Julian, good posts. K5WGM --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Ed G huckleberr...@huckl wrote: From: Ed G huckleberr...@huckl Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes To: digitalra...@to: To: Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 10:43 AM To reiterate the original poster’s comment, it is the COMPLEXITY of the multi-mode programs that he was trying to avoid, and with that stated, I agree with his thinking. The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications EdK7AAT From: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:digitalradi o...@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of g4ilo Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 3:53 AM To: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes But you are not forced to use any of the modes in a multimode program. I use Fldigi, but I use PSK most of the time, Olivia a little, MFSK and RTTY on rare occasions. I have never used any of the other modes. In the latest version I believe you can even hide the modes you aren't interested in so they aren't listed on the menu. Julian, G4ILO
Re: [digitalradio] Neby help with digi modes
There is a $19.95 interface kit described on Page 37 of the June QST. 73, Skip KH6TY When it comes to transmitting and receiving, you will need to also connect your transceiver to the computer so that the tones generated by your software and sound card are sent over the air. Thus you have both IN and OUT of your sound card connected to your rig. You can also achieve control of your rig via the software and cause the rig to change frequency, transmit or switch to receive (and a few other things). Do do this, most hams have an interface that goes between the rig and the PC. The interface can be built for about $25 worth of parts, but many hams buy one. These interfaces range from the very simple and effective to the very sophisticated and effective . Some use circuitry that achieves full computer assisted operation and some do do it via simple use of VOX (Signal link). For most operations VOX will be fine but there are some more advanced applications that cannot be used via VOX. Andy K3UK
Re: [digitalradio] Neby help with digi modes
Correction - Page 37 of the July QST. 73, Skip KH6TY On 6/18/2010 2:31 PM, KH6TY wrote: There is a $19.95 interface kit described on Page 37 of the June QST. 73, Skip KH6TY When it comes to transmitting and receiving, you will need to also connect your transceiver to the computer so that the tones generated by your software and sound card are sent over the air. Thus you have both IN and OUT of your sound card connected to your rig. You can also achieve control of your rig via the software and cause the rig to change frequency, transmit or switch to receive (and a few other things). Do do this, most hams have an interface that goes between the rig and the PC. The interface can be built for about $25 worth of parts, but many hams buy one. These interfaces range from the very simple and effective to the very sophisticated and effective . Some use circuitry that achieves full computer assisted operation and some do do it via simple use of VOX (Signal link). For most operations VOX will be fine but there are some more advanced applications that cannot be used via VOX. Andy K3UK -- 73 Skip KH6TY
Re: [digitalradio] Neby help with digi modes
And a good one it is... Good job on it Skip.. 73, Chuck AC5PW Once a Marine... ...Always a Marine OOORAHHH ! Saepe Expertus - Semper Fidelis - Fratres Aeterni Often Tested - Always Faithful - Brothers Forever From: KH6TY kh...@comcast.net To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, June 18, 2010 1:31:41 PM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Neby help with digi modes There is a $19.95 interface kit described on Page 37 of the June QST. 73, Skip KH6TY When it comes to transmitting and receiving, you will need to also connect your transceiver to the computer so that the tones generated by your software and sound card are sent over the air. Thus you have both IN and OUT of your sound card connected to your rig. You can also achieve control of your rig via the software and cause the rig to change frequency, transmit or switch to receive (and a few other things). Do do this, most hams have an interface that goes between the rig and the PC. The interface can be built for about $25 worth of parts, but many hams buy one. These interfaces range from the very simple and effective to the very sophisticated and effective . Some use circuitry that achieves full computer assisted operation and some do do it via simple use of VOX (Signal link). For most operations VOX will be fine but there are some more advanced applications that cannot be used via VOX. Andy K3UK
Re: [digitalradio] Neby help with digi modes
On 6/18/2010 2:40 PM, charles standlee wrote: And a good one it is... Good job on it Skip.. 73, Chuck AC5PW Thanks, Chuck, I tried to keep things basic and simple in order make it affordable to most hams. 73, Skip KH6TY
[digitalradio] WINMOR is out of beta and fully released
So you always wanted to access the Winlink network and send/receive email over HF but didn't want to buy a $1500 modem? No problem! Get it here: http://www.winlink.org/ClientSoftware Includes automatic download of server data (you can also get it over the air) and, if you follow the included directions, propagation analysis to assist in choosing the best server to contact. Sadly propagation is so poor these days that some may get frustrated. It's a bad time to launch new modes :-( k*b*l*0*0*q
[digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes...
I agree entirely with getting Signalink first and running Airlink Express. I had no idea about digital and these allowed me to find my way around the new modes. Also Alex of Airlink really helped me when I thought I had a problem... I hadn'tit was my silly fault :-) Jon --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Ed G huckleberr...@... wrote: In my view, the SignaLink USB interface is the way to go, both for good operation, and simplicity of installation. Also, I have found AirLink Express to be the most simple program for PSK31 or RTTYâ¦. Even compared to Digipan . Of course one hamâs simplicity may be another hamâs complexity⦠and personal choices vary widely here on this. Still, I recommend AirLinkExpress be tried first. Regarding that TS-2000 â¦. I can only suggest the manual be read repeatedly while playing with the radio so the operator can become familiar with it. It is a fairly complex radio, albeit a good one. 73 Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of greathoun...@... Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 10:22 AM To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes... I guess I just feel into the newby bucket. Just got off the phone with a buddy, I guess I got talked into learning to do psk31. He said he was told to get a Signallink thingy. Is that the best easy one to get, or is there better? I see that you list Airlink Express, is that a easy one to learn? I have a k'wood TS2000 and a Flex 5000 That I'm trying to fumble thru.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, he doesn't know how to run it either, and I think he wants me to help him ;-) Thanks Bill N8VWI In a message dated 6/18/2010 1:10:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, k5...@... writes: The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Overwhelming yes, but also can get in your way. The same is true of logging programs. This is why I am writing my own logging program with simplicity in mind, but with all the features I want and need. It seems to me that Ham Radio Deluxe and other ham programs ( I am not picking on HRD, it is a great program ) could allow the user to go a setup area and turn off a lot of stuff that only a few users would ever need. Some programs are starting to do this as users demand more features. I am one of those who likes FLDIGI-ROL. This program is not overwhelming and still has most features that one needs. I use HRD and other programs occasionally but still come back to FLDIG verison ROL. With me it's all about compromise. Writing software that everyone likes is NOT easy. I know I have been doing it for many years. I agree with both Ed and Julian, good posts. K5WGM --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Ed G huckleberr...@... wrote: From: Ed G huckleberr...@... Subject: RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 10:43 AM To reiterate the original posterâs comment, it is the COMPLEXITY of the multi-mode programs that he was trying to avoid, and with that stated, I agree with his thinking. The multitude of buttons, tabs, logs, maps, etc etc in such as Ham Radio Deluxe can be quite overwhelming when compared to the elegant simplicity of such as AirLink Express , if all you want to do is PSK31 or RTTY basic communications Ed K7AAT From: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:digitalradi o...@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of g4ilo Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 3:53 AM To: digitalradio@ yahoogroups. com Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes But you are not forced to use any of the modes in a multimode program. I use Fldigi, but I use PSK most of the time, Olivia a little, MFSK and RTTY on rare occasions. I have never used any of the other modes. In the latest version I believe you can even hide the modes you aren't interested in so they aren't listed on the menu. Julian, G4ILO
RE: [digitalradio] Re: Individual software programs for various digital modes...
In my opinion any of those radios would be fine for digital work. I am not familiar enough with either to suggest which would be best for digital. Perhaps others here can help….. Ed K7AAT Thanks Ed, No I've had the TS2k for quite a while, so I can fumble thru it. But learning the Flex 5k Is a thrill. Anything with a manual over 200 pgs. I keep it handy, and they both do. I'll have to wait for the first, a week and a half, to get the Signal Link USB and will do a google for that software. Besides I have 3 Dr appointments next week, one even out of town...Thanks again...Bill N8VWI PS I do have a Yaesu 890AT and a Icom 745, would either of those be easier, in your opinion? I want to keep one radio for this alone.
Re: [digitalradio] Newby help with digi modes-KH6TY Interface QST article
My QST arrived this evening ... VERY nice job Skip, even I can understand it. I'm not sure my soldering skills are up to it, but I may try making one as a backup to my zillion dollar interface Andy K3UK On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 3:23 PM, KH6TY kh...@comcast.net wrote: On 6/18/2010 2:40 PM, charles standlee wrote: And a good one it is... Good job on it Skip.. 73, Chuck AC5PW Thanks, Chuck, I tried to keep things basic and simple in order make it affordable to most hams. 73, Skip KH6TY
[digitalradio] Field Day FLARQ Challenge
A Field Day challenge with a difference since Field Day is about preparedness. I will be operational during Field Day using FLARQ and a FLARQ beacon, in raw form it will look something like A FLARQ Beacon de K3UK 00uK3UK:72 CQ Field day de K3UK in Western NY. D3FE What I would like to achieve is 1 . An actual connect via FLARQ 2. Exchange of a message via FLARQ (either you send me one, or I send one to you) This achieves a goal of Field Day in that it will help operators gain more experience in using a mode that has error correcting methods, facilitates brief message exchanges, and avoids unattended operations. For simplicity, I will mostly use MFSK16 (it will stand out from the mass of PSK31 signals) but could switch to other modes when/if needed. I will try to be around 3583, 7073, 14073 USB and will post my actual QRG on the K3UK Sked Page http://www.obriensweb.com/sked in the digitalradio area.I may try various times, I will not be operational the whole Field Day, just a few hours. When actually operational... I will be on 3583 (or as close as I can get) 00 to 15 minutes past the hour 7073 16-30 past the hour and 14073 40 to 55 past the hour.I'll be glad to pass the formal Field Day exchange even though I am not actually going to be in a contest mode. If you feel like doing the same , set up your FLARQ station and beacon (in attended mode) To FLARQ, download the latest free copy of Fldigi at http://www.w1hkj.com/download.html Andy K3UK