1. Fldigi- Realtime Messaging System Winmor – Radio E-mail System
HF Digital Modes
Fldigi- Realtime Messaging System
Winmor – Radio System

2. What is a Digital Mode?
Digital Modes are a means of operating Amateur Radio from a computer keyboard
In this context, we are normally talking about chat modes used on the HF (high frequency) bands
Used to have a regular conversation in a similar way to voice or CW, where one operator talks for a minute or two, then another does the same.
Normally a two party QSO, but these chat modes could allow multiple operators to take part in a net.

3. What is a Digital Mode? #2
The computer acts as a modem(modulator - demodulator)
Sound card used to convert digital of PC to analog audio for the radio
Can use the built in PC sound card or external such as Tigetronics SignaLink
Software program can control the transceiver depending on type
Remote control connector (Icom CI-V or Serial)
Audio input via ACC connector or Mic

4. What is a Digital Mode? #3 Many software programs available
Digipan, HRD/DM780, MixW, MultiPSK, HamScope & Fldigi
Most are multi-mode
PSK, DominoEX, MFSK, RTTY, CW..
Easy tuning of signals using “Waterfall” display
Shows multiple QSOs
Prearranged message “Macros
CQ, Me/QTH, Rerun, Brag..

5. What is a Digital Mode? #4
Because of sophisticated digital signal processing, digital modes can offer:
Performance that cannot be achieved using voice (and in some cases even CW), through the use of reduced bandwidth
PSK31 uses100 hertz channels with 30 hertz signals
Tens of QSOs in a 3Khz bandwidth versus one voice
Improved signal-to-noise performance (Reception below noise level)
Reduced transmitter power requirement (Typically use 5 to 30 watts)
Some modes also offer built-in automatic error correction

6. What is a Digital Mode? #5
Digital Mode operating procedure is not unlike Morse operation
Many of the same abbreviations are used (CQ, DE, FB, K, SK, PSE, btu.. )
Software such as Fldigi makes for simple operation
Most of the procedural business is setup for you using the keyboard and point-click mouse operation

7. What is Fldigi #1
A multi-mode software program intended for Amateur Radio Digital Modes using a PC
Operates in conjunction with HF SSB radio
Most digital modes use USB
Sometimes used in VHF/UHF operation for NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System)
Uses PC sound card I/O to radio
May also use external sound card such as SignaLink USB from Tigertronics
Uses audio-frequency signals
Sound card converts digital characters of PC to analog sounds for radio

8. What is Fldigi #2
Software can typically control several radio functions depending model
Change Band and Frequency
RF Power, Squelch, Speaker Volume
Fldigi is a multi-mode
Can operate several digital modes
Fldigi includes popular modes, such as PSK, MFSK, RTTY, DominoEX, Olivia, Contestia and even CW
Fldigi runs on multiple operating systems
Linux, OS-X(MAC) and Windows

9. Further Information Lead Developer: Dave Freese – W1HKJ WWW.W1hkj.com

10. Emergency Radio E-mail Systems
Getting Started with Winlink 2000
&
RMS Express with Winmor TNC

11. Radio Systems
Winlink 2000 (WL2K)is a worldwide system for sending and receiving over radio
The connection from the users computer does not depend on the Internet
Widely used by mariners, RV Campers and various groups for emergency communication

12. Winlink Messaging System
Perth, Australia
San Diego, CA
Brentwood, TN
Halifax, NS
Wien, Austria
Common Message Servers (CMS)
5 Mirrored Servers Located Around The World
Internet
Radio Message Servers (RMS)
Servers Maintained by Hams Around The World
Provide Internet Connection to CMS Servers
Ham Radio Station
Running RMS Express & Winmor TNC

13. Winlink Messaging System
Like regular , Winlink messages are sent to a specific address, and may contain attachments such as pictures, maps, ICS forms, etc.
s can be sent between other Winlink stations and normal SMTP/POP3 servers like gmail.com

14. Winlink Messaging System
s sent through Winlink on the ham bands must follow the usual rules for amateur radio communications
May not be used for commercial applications, and messages may not be encrypted
You can go to this site to check the current status of RMS servers

15. Winlink Connection Modes
There are four paths a user can connect to the Winlink system
Via HF radio to one of the RMS hubs
Via VHF/UHF radio to a local RMS hub
Two RMS stations in V.C on MHz
Can use Outpost packet systems to send s
Via Telenet protocol over the internet
Terminal emulation program that allows computer users to connect interactively to a server and access remote sites, e.g. on the Internet
Via Winlink Webmail over the internet
Like using G-Mail
Need Winlink account: “ham

16. HF Winlink Operation
Using HF radio, it is possible to connect to the Winlink system over long distances
Often used by mariners to get information and send while cruising the high seas
In a disaster, HF Winlink allows us to connect to a area where the internet may still be operational

17. Radio Systems
As with all digital modes, certain protocols are used to encode data into a form that can be transmitted over radio
Two protocols are used for sending Winlink messages over HF radio
Pactor 3
Winmor

18. Pactor 3
Pactor-3: Is a superior protocol that can reliably send data over long distances with weak signals over extremely noisy conditions
Used by most mariners and emergency organizations for contingency communications
Unfortunately, Pactor-3 is proprietary protocol that requires a TNC that costs about $1,400
The ACS/ARES radio room here at ECSS has a Pactor-3 system

19. Winmor
WINMOR: Winmor was developed by the Winlink development team as a low cost alternative to Pactor 3
It is an open protocol, and operates through low cost sound card devices such as the SignaLink USB
$1,400 Vs $100

20. Pactor vs Winmor Pactor I 200 300Hz $50 -150 Pactor II 700 450Hz
System
Rate bits/sec (Max)
Bandwidth
Cost (Approx)
Pactor I
200
300Hz $
Pactor II
700
450Hz
$1K - $1.5K
Pactor III
2722
2.2 – 2.4Khz
$1.2K – 1.6K
Winmor 500
329
500Hz
Windows w/
Sound Card
Winmor
1600
1314
1600Hz

21. Equipment Needed for Winmor
Requirements are modest
Computer running Windows XP through Windows 7 with at least 1 GB of Ram
RMS Express Client software and associated ITSHF Propagation prediction
A SignaLink USB sound interface
A HF radio and associated antenna
Winmor RMS’s are found on 80,40,30 & 20 meters

22. HF Channel Selection

23. Winmor WL2K Session

24. Winmor Sound Card TNC

25. Further Information On the web at: http://www.winlink.org/

26. The End
Mike D’Amore – N6MDA