Transcript Slide 1

Chasing the Internet
with Packet Radio
Using digital radio modes to provide RF
circuits to complete Internet connectivity,
for the purpose of sending and receiving
messages and images.
OUTLINE
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What are the RF Digital Modes?
Groups using the RF Digital Modes?
How is a Digital Mode Station Setup?
What are the current Networks?
What Software is normally used?
How do ARES / RACES groups use the
digital modes in this area?
• Why should I acquire the equipment and
knowledge to use the digital modes?
RF Digital Modes
• Packet, Pactor 1, 2, and 3, and D-Star® are
currently used by ARES/RACES groups. These
modes offer error correction and are quite
reliable. (note that Pactor 2, 3, and D-Star are proprietary modes.)
• Winmor is a sound card mode designed for HF.
This mode offers ARQ error correction and can
achieve speeds approaching Pactor 2.
• The horde of other digimodes are not presented
here, but certainly can be used according to the
needs of the moment.
VHF/UHF PACKET
• Packet radio uses AFSK and the AX-25 protocol.
This protocol provides error correction.
• Packet radio is commonly configured using a
Terminal Node Controller (TNC) and radio
adapter cable, and a serial connection to a
terminal or computer.
• Packet radio is typically transmitted at 1200bps
on 2 meters and 9600bps on 70cm.
• Most modern transceivers provided for fixed
audio in/out puts to use the packet mode.
• http://www.tapr.org/pr_intro.html for more info.
PACTOR
• Pactor is hybrid of Packet and Amtor.
• It is used primarily on frequencies between 1
and 30 MHz.
• If offers ARQ error correction and transmission
speeds between 20 and 200 characters per
second.
• It provides good communications on the noisy
HF bands.
• Terminal Node Controllers made by Kantronics,
Advanced Electronic Applications (AEA), and
SCS, are available to transmit and receive
Pactor.
PACTOR 2 AND 3
• Pactor 2 and 3 are proprietary modes and
are only available with the SCS Pactor
Modems.
• Pactor 3 offers speeds up to 5200bps
(with data compression on a 2.4 KHz
channel.) 2722bps actual data speed.
• The SCS Modems are pricey but if you
can acquire one, very good.
• http://www.scs-ptc.com/pactor/pactor for
more info.
WINMOR
• http://www.winlink.org/WINMOR
• Winmor is a sound card digital mode.
• It approaches throughput between Pactor
II and Pactor III speeds.
• The advantage is available to all with a
computer and good sound card.
• The disadvantage is it is not currently
supported by Airmail. More on that later.
Mode Comparisons
GROUPS USING THE
DIGITAL MODES
• July, 2004 The ARRL Board of Directors adopted a
resolution encouraging further development and
expansion of an inaugural network to enhance the
emergency communications capability of the Amateur
Radio Emergency Service.
• ARESCOM was formed and tasked with developing an
augmented long-range emergency communications
system.
• ARESCOM recommended deployment of a digital e-mail
system based on Winlink 2000 Software.
• Since then, many ARES groups have included the
Winlink 2000 email system in their operations.
How is a Digital Mode Station
Setup?
• At a minimum, a digital station needs to have a
working transmitter/receiver and a terminal node
controller. (note: a sound card with appropriate software on a computer can
be a TNC.)
• A computer or terminal to communicate with the
TNC is needed for message handling.
• Connecting cables from the terminal or
computer serial port to the TNC and from the
radio to the TNC must be installed and properly
configured.
THE OREGON ARES DIGITAL
NETWORK
E.O.C. EQUIPMENT
• Desktop computer, printer, Airmail and other
software
• Icom IC-718 HF radio for HF voice and Pactor
• Icom IC-2820 VHF/UHF radio. D-Star capable
• SCS PTC-II Pro Modem for Packet and Pactor
• Icom IC-2200 VHF radio for Packet Gateway
• Kantronics KPC-3+ for Packet Gateway
• Antennas, antenna tuner, power supplies
OVERVIEW OADN
EQUIPMENT
Malheur County Sheriff’s Office
How does this all work???
Maybe I’d rather be fishing!
What are the current
Networks?
• Google “Amateur Radio Packet Networks”
• In this area the Treasure Valley Radio
Association (TVRA), hosts a X1J4 node on the
Ontario Butte. Connect to BUTTE or K7OJI-7,
on 145.050.
• There is a RMS Gateway located in the Malheur
County Sheriff’s Office. Connect to K7OJI-10 on
145.050.
• You can connect through the BUTTE node to
reach K7OJI-10 if needed.
OREGON ARES DIGITAL
NETWORK
THE WINLINK 2000
NETWORK
• http://www.winlink.org/
• Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer
resources supporting e-mail by radio, with noncommercial links to internet e-mail. These resources
come from Amateur Radio, the Military Auxiliary Radio
System (MARS), and other volunteer organizations. The
system provides valuable service to emergency
communicators, and to licensed radio operators without
access to the internet. The all-volunteer Winlink
Development Team (WDT) is committed to continuous
improvement using modern computer and networking
technology with the most efficient and effective radio
modes and digital protocols for local, regional and longdistance applications.
• You must hold an Amateur Radio license or be a
member of a supported organization or agency to use
the Winlink 2000 system. Usage and software is free for
all who qualify.
What Software is commonly used?
• Any terminal program that will connect to the TNC can
be used for keyboard communications.
• Some of the more popular terminal programs include:
Windows “HyperTerminal”
Windows “WinPack”
Windows “PKTerm”
Linux “MiniCom”
and a horde of others….
• Automated Software includes:
Windows/Linux with WINE “Airmail”
Windows “RMS Express” (for WINMOR)
Windows “Paclink” (uses existing email client)
and a few others, some proprietary.
Terminal session to a RMS Gateway.
Airmail Session to a RMS Gateway.
WINMOR session in progress
Completed WINMOR session
VHF Stations
How do ARES / RACES groups use the
digital modes in this area?
• Malheur County Oregon ARES/RACES uses
Packet and Pactor III, to send and receive email
using the Airmail program.
• The Winlink 2000 e-mail network is used and
effectively the radio circuits provide connectivity
back to an Internet connection
• If an Internet Gateway is not operational on VHF
then Pactor is used on HF
• Peer to Peer connections are also possible, but
not as reliable as finding an RMS Gateway to a
Winlink 2000 email server.
SAMPLE MESSAGE USING THE ICS-213 FORM
X-Received: from WL2K(WL2K-2.5.1.6-B2FWIHJM$/) by KA7U with telnet/FBB-2/KHz id
1066_K7OJI; 15 Apr 2011 17:25:09 -0000
X-From: K7OJI
X-WL2K-MBO: K7OJI
To: NB7O
Cc: K7COW, KA7U, K7RHB
Subject: K7OJI - 201104141222 - ICS213
X-WL2K-Date: 2011/04/14 18:32
Date: 14 Apr 2011 18:32:00 -0000
X-MID: 1066_K7OJI
X-System-Context: HAM
Message-Id: <[email protected]>
X-Type: email; inmsg
X-Via: HAM.Telnet.WL2K
X-Date: 2011/04/15 17:25:08
GENERAL MESSAGE
TO: Kevin Hedgepeth NB7O
POSITION: Oregon Section EC
FROM: Robert Batcheller
POSITION: Malheur County EC
SUBJECT: Oregon ARES Quarterly OADN Report
DATE/TIME: 201104141222
MESSAGE:
Reporting county: Malheur
Location: Vale Sheriff's Office EOC
Call sign used: K7OJI
ICS-213 MESSAGE CONTINUED…
Station Contacted: W6IM
Date and time: 201104141207
Frequency: 10141.2(p3)
Maximum througput: 480 bytes/min
Station Contacted: W7ODN
Date and Time: 201104141222
Frequency: 7103.5(p3)
Maximum throughput: 938 bytes/min
No neighboring VHF RMS Gateway to test.
S-SIGNATURE: /S/ Robert Batcheller K7RHB
POSITION: Malheur County EC
REPLY:
---------------------------------------------------------DATE/TIME:
S-SIGNATURE: /S/
POSITION:
AIRMAIL 213 TEMPLATE
MORE INFORMATION ON HOW ARES
USES DIGITAL MODES
• By using the digital modes and the Winlink 2000
e-mail system, a message may be sent to
multiple recipients.
• Attachments such as images, X-rays, maps, and
photographs can be included, given the total
size in bytes is considered for the transport
mode.
• An operator is not required on the relays. This
improves throughput, reduces manpower and
coordination, and eliminates copy errors.
MORE INFORMATION ON HOW
ARES USES DIGITAL MODES
• The internet is a robust and redundant network
around the country and the world. It can be
accessed by land based wire and fiber,
terrestrial based radio, and satellite radio.
• If the normal modes of access are not working in
a disaster area, the probability is great that it will
be working outside of that area.
• Using the Winlink 2000 system, both the sender
and receiver can use radio links out of the area
to send and receive messages as in a regular email system.
Why should I acquire the equipment and
knowledge to use the digital modes?
• Subpart A--General Provisions
• §97.1 Basis and purpose.
• The rules and regulations in this Part are designed to provide an
amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed
in the following principles:
• (a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur
service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial
communication service, particularly with respect to providing
emergency communications.
• (b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to
contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
• (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through
rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communications
and technical phases of the art.
• (d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio
service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
• (e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to
enhance international goodwill.
Why should I acquire the equipment and
knowledge to use the digital modes?
• Amateur Radio is not “just” a hobby. It is a
service!
• We enjoy our radio avocation but with the
privilege there also comes the obligation to
serve in the public interest.
• Amateur Radio offers many ways that you can
serve. Emergency Services is one viable and
useful way.
• Will you take the time to train and improve your
skills so that in a time of trouble you could
provide useful communications to your
community?
CREDITS
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ARRL Oregon SM, Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ
ARRL Oregon SEC, Kevin Hedgepeth, NB7O
Al Pion, KK7XO
Vince Van Der Hyde, K7VV
The Winlink Development Team
GERALD F MUETHING, JR, KN6KB
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WINMOR/