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 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. 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. for more info.

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 system based on Winlink 2000 Software. Since then, many ARES groups have included the Winlink 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 There is a RMS Gateway located in the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office. Connect to K7OJI-10 on You can connect through the BUTTE node to reach K7OJI-10 if needed.

OREGON ARES DIGITAL NETWORK

Winlink 2000 (WL2K) is a worldwide system of volunteer resources supporting by radio, with non- commercial links to internet . 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 long- distance 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. THE WINLINK 2000 NETWORK

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 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 using the Airmail program. The Winlink 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 server.

X-Received: from WL2K(WL2K B2FWIHJM$/) by KA7U with telnet/FBB-2/KHz id 1066_K7OJI; 15 Apr :25: X-From: K7OJI X-WL2K-MBO: K7OJI To: NB7O Cc: K7COW, KA7U, K7RHB Subject: K7OJI ICS213 X-WL2K-Date: 2011/04/14 18:32 Date: 14 Apr :32: X-MID: 1066_K7OJI X-System-Context: HAM Message-Id: X-Type: ; 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: MESSAGE: Reporting county: Malheur Location: Vale Sheriff's Office EOC Call sign used: K7OJI SAMPLE MESSAGE USING THE ICS-213 FORM

Station Contacted: W6IM Date and time: Frequency: (p3) Maximum througput: 480 bytes/min Station Contacted: W7ODN Date and Time: Frequency: (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 ICS-213 MESSAGE CONTINUED…

MORE INFORMATION ON HOW ARES USES DIGITAL MODES By using the digital modes and the Winlink 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 e- mail 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 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