Transcript Digital Training Update - Cheltenham Alumni Association

Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”

NEDTM1 - Started 28 MAY 2013

That’s the “Northeast Division Digital Training Multi-Mode Net One”

NCS Stations AFE2DM (AFA2HV), AFE3EC (AFA3RH)

Frequent contributors AFA1DI, AFA2QD, AFA2DO

The purpose of the net is to advance the digital capabilities of Northeast Division
AFMARS members

Typically 10 to 15 stations per net

17 sessions to-date

Sound card mode set-up, use of MT63, use of Winlink 2000 and modem modes
covered in detail or introduced since May.
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”

What does it mean to be a digital station on a division net?

This is the ability to relay a message to the recipient via digital modes

Almost all traffic on the nets are net summaries to AFA1VY

This requires Winlink 2000 to make the relay

This can be accomplished with a sound card mode called WINMOR or with a
PACTOR modem

WINMOR (FREE!) is packaged with RMS Express (FREE!) and available on the winlink.org website

PACTOR 1 modems include many of the older Kantronics and AEA PK 232 models

PACTOR 1-4 modems are available from SCS GMBH. They cost a lot but are fast!

If you would like to take traffic on the division nets this is what you need

Hardware needed for RMS Express/WINMOR is a sound card interface (cheap!)
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”

Recommended Level of Capability for Every AFMARS Member


Hardware:

Sound card mode interface between radio and computer

Related cabling
Software:

RMS Express (with included WINMOR software modem) for Winlink 2000 system access

MT63 capable software such as FLDIGI, DM780, MultiPSK, MixW etc (there are many)


Currently FLDIGI has the advantage in accurate reproduction of formatted iinformation spaced by tabs and
keyboard spaces
Advanced Capability

Hardware:


SCS PACTOR 3 or PACTOR 4 (The Dragon) capable modem
Software:

FLDIGI with suite of helper applications
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”

ECOM and Digital Modes – How will we use it?




Good question. Operational concept still being developed.
Likely that it will be used to send error free traffic of length unsuitable for voice
communications

Images as attachments via WL2K

Spreadsheets

Other documents
ECOM nets will likely be mixed mode where initial contact is established by voice
and traffic passed with a digital mode if needed.
Challenges


Interoperability with other MARS services

Navy-Marine Corp MARS = MT63 (√)

Army MARS = M110A (x)
Interoperability with ANG units M110B and other modes

Expensive modems

Potential for proprietary software issues with some hardware
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”