[digitalradio] Scouts High Altitude Balloon ATV/Repeater/Digital Mode Beacons, August 7th
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
-Original Message- From: Scott Cowling sco...@tonks.com 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
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
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
-Original Message- From: Stan Horzepa stanz...@sbcglobal.net 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
Original Message Subject: [Hamvention] D-Star Linking Announcement Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:26:22 - From: ke4wle ke4...@ke4wle.no-ip.org 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
-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!
TAPR Spring PSR Journal Call for Papers! -Original Message- From: Stan Horzepa stanz...@sbcglobal.net 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
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)
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
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 mailto:kn...@arvidionews.comkn...@arvideonews.com 919-380-9944 www.ARVideoNews.com
[digitalradio] WU3V Offering Repair Services for Older Kantronics TNCs
- 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
-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
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
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)
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
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] TAPR PSR Jounal Fall Issue Now On-line TAPR on Twitter
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
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
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
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=15pageNumber=1
[digitalradio] Fwd: Georgia Statewide ARES Network Receives Funding $$$ for D-STAR Equipment [1 Attachment]
Great example of what's possible with good planning. See message below attached presentation. $$$ 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]
FYI. Info about new D-RATS version below. Brochure QST article about D-RATS also attached. From: Dan Smith dsm...@danplanet.com Date: October 22, 2009 6:23:06 PM MDT To: Discussion of D-RATS drats_us...@lists.danplanet.com Subject: [drats_users] D-RATS 0.3.1 Reply-To: Discussion of D-RATS drats_us...@lists.danplanet.com 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
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
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
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]
- Forwarded Message From: erik westgard ewestg...@att.net To: List for people interested in the D Star repeaters d-s...@lists.twinslan.org; 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
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 stanz...@sbcglobal.net 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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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] Need Packet Radio, APRS, Winlink and/or Emcomm Presentations at DCC (Digital Communications Conference) in Chicago [1 Attachment]
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] Fwd: New DVDs from ARVN: The Dayton Collection 2009
-Original Message- From: Gary Pearce KN4AQ kn...@arvideonews.com 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
[digitalradio] NBEMS Digital EmComm Messaging System Featured in August QST [1 Attachment]
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] New Illinois Packet Radio Group
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 w...@verizon.net 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
[digitalradio] ClusterClient
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] FlexNet Info at USPacket
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] Fwd: ARLB027 W1AW to add new digital modes to its transmitting schedule
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] Fw: TAPR PSR Journal is Now Available
-Original Message- From: Stan Horzepa stanz...@sbcglobal.net 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
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] FORUM SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2009 DAYTON HAMVENTION
== 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 http://hamvention.org/forums.php.
[digitalradio] RAIN Report - W2VU Discusses Packet Radio's Resurgence Emcomm Applications
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] TAPR/AMSAT Joint Banquet at Dayton Hamvention
-Forwarded Message- From: John Ackermann N8UR j...@febo.com 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
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
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 mode (or all
[digitalradio] PSKFest, January 10th, 0000Z - 2400Z
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
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
RAIN REPORT THIS WEEK Rick Muething, KN6KB, talks about his new WINMOR (Winlink Messages Over Radio) software (16 minutes).
[digitalradio] WINMOR Status
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] ARISS to Operate Packet APRS from Space
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] CSS Announces Upgrade Offer for Users of Old MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 Radio Software
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
-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
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
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
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
-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
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] ARLB015 FCC Responds to ARRL Petition Against Experimental License using 40 Meter Band
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] Creative Services Software Releases First Version of PacTerm and PKTerm Software as the Radio Operations Center
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
[digitalradio] ARLB014 ARRL Files Petition with FCC against Experimental License Using 40 Meter Band
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 required to conduct its
[digitalradio] TAPR Announces HPSDR Mercury Receiver Board
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 ProjectsTAPR-HAMSDR 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] Popular Communications Articles - D-STAR, APRS, SDR, ALE, EmComm, DRM
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] Global SET, Saturday, November 8 0400 - 0800 UTC
-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 them.
[digitalradio] More Going ATV Digitally
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] Going ATV Digitally
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.htmWhat 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] RAIN Report: WB4APR, Sets the Record Straight about APRS
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] DCC (Digital Communications Conference) A Success Returning to Chicago Next Year
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] CSS releases EmComm Ops Radio Software for Packet Radio
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] North American RTTY Sprint, 10/12, 0000Z - 0400Z
North American RTTY Sprint, 10/12, Z - 0400Z http://www.ncjweb.com/sprintrules.php
[digitalradio] TARA PSK31 RUMBLE THIS WEEKEND!!!
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
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
- 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
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
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
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
- 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
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] Minneapolis Packet D-STAR Radio Workshop Sat July 26 (tomorrow) in Golden Valley
- 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] Fw: Huntsville Hamfest D-STAR forums
- 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] TAPR PSR Journal Deadline: August 1
-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
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
-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
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
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
- 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
- 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 Non 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
- 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
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
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®
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
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 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. All rights reserved. Press Release www.cssincorp.com | Phone 256-381-6100 | [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[digitalradio] TAPR Dayton Hamvention Activities - HPSDR
-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. ___ tapr-announce mailing list
[digitalradio] Monitoring Times, May 2008 Digital Modes Issue
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 Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
[digitalradio] FCC Denies Two Amateur Radio Petitions for Rulemaking
FCC Denies Two Amateur Radio Petitions for Rulemaking In two separate decisions released today, the Federal Communications Commission denied two Petitions for Rulemaking (PRM) having to do with Amateur Radio. These two PRMs, one filed by Mark Miller, N5RFX, of Arlington, Texas, concerning digital spectrum issues, and the other filed jointly by Ken Chafin, W6CPA, of La Crescenta, California, and Leon Brown, KC6JAR, of Los Angeles, California, concerning additional spectrum for more repeaters, including digital systems. Miller's PRM was assigned RM-11392, while the Chafin and Brown petition was not afforded an RM number by the FCC. According to ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, the ARRL filed no comments on either petition in accordance with the League's standard policy on bare petitions for rule making that do not deal with spectrum allocations. Mark Miller, N5RFX Miller filed his PRM (RM-11392) in March 2007, requesting that portions of Part 97 be amended to revise various definitions and frequency privileges. He requested that the Commission amend various rules that relate to use of Amateur Service spectrum by stations transmitting data and other narrow bandwidth emissions. Specifically, the petition requested that the FCC amend the definition of data in Section 97.3(c)(2) to delete language added in the Commission's 2006 Omnibus Report and Order; amend Section 97.221 to limit the subbands on which unattended operation of automatically controlled digital stations is permitted, and amend Sections 97.305 and 97.307 to establish maximum necessary bandwidths for radioteletype (RTTY) and data emissions in the amateur high frequency bands. Miller noted in his PRM that adoption of these changes would result in a small number of wider bandwidth modes, including Pactor III, not being authorized. Miller supported his request, saying, [e]missions have crept into the narrowband RTTY/Data subbands in the 80-10 meter bands that are not appropriate for the RTTY/Data subbands, and that [s]tations under automatic control have taken advantage of loopholes created by terminology in the commission's rules. The FCC noted that it had received more than 650 comments and reply comments to this PRM, most of which oppose the petition. Definition of Data In its 2006 Omnibus RO, the FCC revised the definition of data to include certain image emission types in order to permit amateur stations to transmit both image and data emission types in the same frequency segments. The PRM noted that the Commission proposed this change in response to a rulemaking petition filed by Miller in 2003: The Commission agreed with commenters, including Miller, who argued that permitting images to be transmitted on data emission frequency segments would allow Amateur Radio to make the most of new software programs, thereby advancing Amateur Radio technology, which would be consistent with one of the purposes of Amateur Service, namely to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. Miller asserts in his 2007 PRM that Section 97.3(c)(2) should be amended to return to the pre-2006 definition of data because the necessary tests have not been performed to ensure that this mixing [of data and image emissions] will not cause interference because of an increase in traffic on certain bands by upgraded licensees after the FCC eliminated Morse code testing as an license examination requirement. Miller's assertion conflicts with the FCC's Omnibus RO, as well as Miller's own assertion in his 2003 PRM that permitting amateur stations to transmit both image and data emission types in the same frequency segments would not result in interference. The FCC contends that nothing in the present record indicates that increased activity by upgraded licensees, or any other changed circumstance, provides a basis for revisiting the Commission's 2006 conclusion. The FCC disagreed with Miller's unsupported assertion that elimination of Morse code proficiency testing would cause these bands to transmit both image and data emission types in the same frequency segments requires corresponding action to restrict permissible emission types. Rather, we believe that some upgraded licensees will choose to engage in these types of communications, but others will select different operating activities, the FCC stated in their decision. Moreover, the FCC continued, rescinding the 2006 amendment would conflict with the Commission's conclusion that permitting amateur stations to transmit both image and data emission types in the same frequency segments would contribute to the advancement of the radio art. The FCC concluded that Miller, in his 2007 PRM, had not set forth sufficient reasons for the Commission to consider deleting the 2006 addition to the definition of data: Should future experience substantiate Miller's concerns, he may file a new, factually supported petition for rulemaking. Automatically Controlled Digital
[digitalradio] Fw: GO-32 9.6k APRS Sked May 17, ~8:30pm EDT
- 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 Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
[digitalradio] FCC Denies Petition to Utilize 2m Sub-Band for Digital Repeater Operation
May 7 2008 Ken D. Chafin 3624 Foothill Road #1 La Crescenta, CA 91214 Leon J. Brown 1627 Fair Park Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90014 Re: Petition for Rule Making filed October 10, 2007 Dear Mr. Chafin and Mr. Brown: This is in response to the Petition for Rule Making that you filed on October 10, 2007, requesting that the Commission propose to expand the frequencies on which an amateur station operating as a repeater (repeater station) may operate. Specifically, the Petition requests that the Commission amend Section 97.205(b) of the Commissions Rules to allow repeater stations to transmit in the 145.5-145.8 MHz frequency segment of the 2 meter (m) amateur service band (144-148 MHz), in addition to the 2 m band frequency segments currently authorized for repeater station operation. For the reasons set forth below, we deny the Petition. The Petition argues that additional spectrum is needed for repeater stations because some amateur repeater stations have begun using certain digital communication protocols, and digital voice operation is incompatible with existing analog operations [because d]igital voice users are unable to determine if the desired frequency is in use by analog users and can inadvertently cause harmful interference to those users. It also argues that coordinating groups have been unable to separate analog and digital voice repeater operations to avoid harmful interference because the available repeater spectrum in the 2 m band is fully occupied by existing analog users in most metropolitan areas. After consideration of your request, we conclude that the Petition does not present grounds for the Commission to propose to amend its rules. Repeater stations are authorized to transmit on any frequency in the 2 m band except the 144.0-144.5 MHz and 145.5-146.0 MHz frequency segments. These two segments were excluded to minimize the possibility of harmful interference to other amateur service stations and operating activities, including weak signaloperations. Allocating an additional three hundred kilohertz of the 2 m band to repeater operation would not be consistent with that concern. Rather, it would likely result in increased interference to non-repeater stations. Moreover, to the extent that the petition proposes a separate frequency segment for use by digital but not analog repeater stations, we note that when the Commission has previously addressed the issue of interference between amateur stations engaging in different operating activities, it has declined to revise the rules to limit a frequency segment to one emission type in order to prevent interference to the operating activities of other amateur radio service licensees. Rather, the Commission noted that interference between amateur stations is already addressed by Section 97.101(b) and (d) of the Commissions Rules, which require amateur licensees to cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making the most effective use of amateur frequencies, provide that no amateur frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station allocated to the Amateur Radio Service, and prohibit operators from willfully or maliciously interfering with or causing interference to any radio communication or signal. Based on the record before us, we conclude that the petition has not set forth sufficient reasons for the Commission to propose to amend Section 97.205(b) to allow repeater stations to transmit in the 145.5-145.8 MHz frequency segment. Consequently, we deny the Petition. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 4(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 154(i), and Section 1.401(e) of the Commissions Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.401(e), the Petition for Rule Making filed on October 10, 2007 by Ken D. Chafin and Leon J. Brown IS DENIED. This action is taken under delegated authority pursuant to Sections 0.131 and 0.331 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.131 and 0.331. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Scot Stone Deputy Chief, Mobility Division Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
[digitalradio] Fwd: [tapr-announce] TAPR/AMSAT BASH at Hamvention
-Original Message- From: John Ackermann N8UR [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tue, 6 May 2008 7:29 pm Subject: [tapr-announce] TAPR/AMSAT BASH at Hamvention The 2nd annual joint AMSAT/TAPR Hamvention Dinner will be held on Friday evening, May 16, at the Kohler Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering (a suburb just south of Dayton). AMSAT is handling ticket sales this year, and the following is from the AMSAT web site. Directions to Kohler's will be available at either the TAPR or AMSAT booths. Time is running short, so make your dinner reservations now! Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, 12 May 2008. The price for the Banquet is $25 per person. Tickets can be picked up at the AMSAT booth at Hamvention on Friday, or at the door. Please contact Martha ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) at the AMSAT office for information or call the office to make reservations. You can reach Martha from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EDT at (301) 589-6062, or in the US toll free at (888) 322-6728. Presidents Club Gold members should let Martha know if they are planning to attend the banquet. 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 reputation for good food and service. The Banquet will be in the Lincoln or Kennedy room. MENU Fresh mixed green salad with assorted dressings Roast Prime Rib of Beef au jus - carved on site Marinated Roasted Garlic Rosemary Chicken Breast in lemon butter sauce Salmon with Newburg sauce Whipped potatoes Normandy blended green beans Fresh fruit bowl Roll and butter Coffee/ iced tea/ water Assorted pies ___ tapr-announce mailing list Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
[digitalradio] Icom Produces New D-Star Videos
N9JA at 5/1/2008 6:44:44 AM ~~ New D-STAR Video ~~ Recently released on the Global ICOM website introducing D-STAR and the fantastic features and compatible radios. http://www.icom.co.jp/world/products/video/d-starmovie/index.html --- End of Message - The message can be located at: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/support/forums/fb.asp?m=8050 Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
