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Net Control needed next 2 weeks #netcontrol

Good Afternoon,

I just realized that I won't be able to run the Sunday evening net for the next 2 weeks, Sept. 24 & Oct. 1.? I am looking for a volunteer or two.? The script for the was posted here a couple of weeks ago.? Please respond to this message if you're able to take one or both Sundays.

Tony

Re: Net Control needed next 2 weeks #netcontrol

#52

I can take net control this coming Sunday 9/24

Re: Net Control needed next 2 weeks #netcontrol

#53

Thanks Ben.

Cheapskate's packet radio Part #1

#54

A Cheapskate's Approach to Packet Radio (Part 1 receiving)


Packet radio Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs) are packet radio modems capable of communicating with each other over the air using the AX.25 protocols running at 300, 1200 or 9600 baud.

The radio side has connections for transmit and receive audio as well as the PTT (press to talk). The TNC also has a 12 volt power input and an async serial data connection allowing it to communicate with a computer (and human).

When operating packet with VHF radios, most use 1200 baud because it works well with voice radios and is a relatively forgiving data mode.

Since packet radio is an old digital mode, it's hardware is often found at hamfest flea markets. Some common brands were Kantronics, MFJ, Pacomm and AEA.

Because the TNC's are often 30 years old, they sometimes need some TLC to use them again.

My point here is your mileage may vary.


Another option that can work well is a virtual software TNC running on your computer.

This method uses the computer's sound card to listen for and emit the 1200 baud modem audio (packet racket the old timers called it).

While there are likely options for every computer type, I'll discuss a popular Windows program suite.

A Ukrainian Ham named Andre UZ7HO has created and maintained a popular packet radio program who's latest version is called soundmodem114.

He also has a terminal program called easyterm49 that operates seamlessly with soundmodem running.

The terminal program provides the user a TNC like interface that is functional and uncluttered while soundmodem is like the packet "engine under the hood".

Installing:

Andre's packet radio TNC webpage:



The 3 files needed:

soundmodem114.zip

easyterm49.zip

user_guide114_EN.zip

I created a sub directory named /packet which holds the unzipped programs.
Unzip the downloaded files to your new directory.
Make desktop shortcuts for the programs.

The user_guide114_EN.zip is a very handy .pdf document.


Receiving packets:

The following assumes your computer soundcard's MIC input is connected to a 2 meter FM radio's audio out. This usually takes a 1/8" stereo connector patch or jumper cord.

Set the frequency to a packet channel like 145.670 (local node WILMAR) or 144.390 APRS. You'll want some activity to see things work.


First start the soundmodem114 program. Then start the easyterm49 program.

The unplugged volume should be adjusted low audible with squelch open. When the program is running and it's hearing the radio's open squelch, the effects should be visible on the waterfall display.

An outdoor antenna will likely yield much more packet activity than one indoors, which will likely only hear the local node WILMAR.

When a packet is decoded you will see it a a lot of info on the soundmodem screen, while the easyterm screen is much more like what you would see with a real TNC.

Once you get it working, one of the fun things to do is listen in on the International Space Station (ISS) when they pass overhead several times a day on 145.825 MHz.

You might even hear me use them as a APRS digipeater, sending the world my location.

73
Mike N0QBH

Cheapskates Packet Radio (part

#55

In the first installment I discussed getting set up for packet reception. In this article I'll describe the transmitting side of packet radio.

Most packet operators use their base station 2 meter mobile FM transceiver as the radio. Many of these newer radios have built in data connections, which makes things much easier. Else you take over the mic connection.

Unless you are handy with fine, unforgiving soldering, buying custom cables from a reputable source can save a lot of aggravation.

If you insist on attempting to solder your own, number #1 tip is to plug the connector you are soldering on, to a mating connector. This will keep the pins straight when the plastic gets soft.

Tip #2 small amounts of liquid flux are your friends - particularly when tinning wires and also when making connections. Alcohol cleans up.

The next question is what kind of TNC modem am I going to use? There are two paths here, hardware or software.

Hardware would be a 1200 baud TNC with radio Tx, Rx and PTT, along with DC power and the serial data connection. Since most newer computers do not have async serial ports, you will need a Keyspan serial to USB interface.

Don't forget the serial cables and possibly adapters.

While most use computers running a serial terminal program to talk to the TNC, I've seen the truly nerdy use RS232 to Bluetooth adapters and communicate via tablet or fone.

Software TNC setups use a radio to computer interface. Besides RF isolating and handling the transmit and receive audio, they usually incorporate a VOX type PTT to key the radio when there's data to send.

I personally use and recommend the Signalink USB external soundcard modem. Others prefer the Rig Runner, altho I am not familiar with it.

The most important thing to remember is you are going to be transmitting and like good Hams, we care about our signal. Besides frequency, there are two things under your control, power and deviation (loudness).

Power is simple. Don't use more than you need to get the job done. Accessing a local node using your outdoor antenna will likely work fine at 5 Watts. Save the 50 Watts for when you need it.

This would be a good place to point out many packet stations with a nearby node use Hand Held radios with an external antenna. Trying to use the rubber duck antenna often leads to all sorts of weird RFI issues.

The packet transmit deviation adjustment is best with a radio service monitor, altho, the "by ear method" seems to work well in most cases for us mere mortals.

Like I said earlier, deviation is how loudly the audio data signal is driving the transmitter can be either adjusted internally on most TNCs or on the front panel of the Signalink USB adapter.

The "by ear method" requires a second radio to listen to your transmitted signal while you adjust the volume. The TNCs all have a CALibrate command to key the transmitter with alternating 1200 and 2200 Hz tones.

Software TNCs usually require the packet program provide a calibrate function. In either case, choose an unused simplex frequency or, better yet, use a dummy load to transmit into while you are adjusting.

The idea is to turn up the deviation adjustment to the transmitter until the signal heard at the receiver doesn't get any louder (without distorting), then lower it until the signal is just noticeably quieter.

The way this works is most radios will limit deviation at about 4.5 kHz and your goal is 3 kHz.

Once you are set, it's time to try it out with the KB0MNU packet node. It's on 145.670 MHz simplex and responds to it's alias WILMAR. (Note the spelling - we're limited to 6 chars).

When you are connected, type help or ? to get a cheat sheet on using the node.

I'm including this link to an old, but very comprehensive packet radio primer. It's broken down in to sections, most of the networking stuff is not necessary and apt to be confusing.

https://choisser.com/packet/

73
Mike N0QBH

A great short TNC primer with used prices

#56

This link is chock full of info about ham radio TNC modems.

73
Mike? N0QBH

Re: Welcome

#57

Thank you, kindly!!
i would certainly like to join your club.
Richard Klingler
KF0LKG

Re: Welcome

#58

Hi Rick.

I qso'ed with you on the 146.91 machine this week as you were heading thru Willmar on the way to Tyler I believe.
I was always able to pass the coax of my roof mounted magnetic 2m antenna thru the seal of the hatchback or trunk without trouble with leaking.
A BNC end to fit the hand held radio and your signal will rock by comparison.

73
Mike? N0QBH

Re: Welcome

#59

Thank you, Mike, for the 2m antenna info!! I will give it a try!!
Looking forward to meeting you face to face.
i would like to join the club.
Am traveling, often, between Tyler and Otsego.
73’蝉
Richard Klingler
KF0LKG

Quarterly Meeting

#60

Hello members,
The clubs quarterly meeting is coming up on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad building. The address is 213 Lakeland Dr NE Willmar, Mn 56201

TARPN - An interesting approach to packet radio in the 21st century

#61

What I find interesting - TARPN seems to have figured out how to implement forward error correction (FEC) to AX.25 packets.
Packet's greatest downfall has always been lack of robustness - one error and the packet is trash. This could change.
Another thing is they have figured out how to use mobile radios that claim to support 9600 baud packet (but never did very well) by reducing the speed in half to 4800 baud.
I plan to build and test their NinoTNC with a couple of Yaesu FT-2600 2m radios that fall into the above mentioned category.

73
Mike? N0QBH

60m band comments to the FCC

#62

Link to article above.

ARRL Urges Comments to FCC on 60-Meter Band

10/10/2023

? is asking that all radio amateurs urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to continue the existing use of the 60-meter band. A public comment period is open until October 30, 2023. ARRL encourages expressions of support to the FCC for the current 100 W ERP power limit (instead of reducing the power limit to 15 W EIRP) and continuing secondary access to the current channels.?

ARRL has assembled a web page with instructions on how to submit your comments, as well as background information on the issue:?.?

To submit a filing of your comments for the FCC’s consideration in the rulemaking process, go to the FCC web page for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking’s (NPRM) Docket Number 23-120 at?.

If you wish to directly enter your comments, select the button labeled??or if you are uploading a document that contains your comments, select?. When submitting your comments, be sure the correct proceeding’s docket number, 23-120, is included on the form.?Your name and comments will be entered into the official public record of the proceedings and will be viewable by anyone who visits the docket web page.

While radio amateurs are encouraged to include any comments they would like in their submissions, they’re especially encouraged to draw upon their personal experiences using the 60-meter band for public service purposes and for its location between the amateur 80- and 40-meter bands, which is critical to ensuring signal propagation to certain geographic areas during variations in time and the solar cycle. For example, ensuring radio amateurs have a continuum of communication capabilities across the 7 MHz, 5 MHz, and 3.5 MHz bands is valuable for emergency communications, especially between the US and Caribbean nations during hurricane season.

?

Some of the main points to comment on for this NPRM are:

Urging the FCC to keep the four existing channels allocated to amateur radio on a secondary basis.
Urging the FCC to keep the 100 W power limit for the four existing channels and the new 15 kHz subband.

ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX, underscored the importance of commenting, urging members to speak up. “ARRL members make up the strongest voice in matters of amateur radio spectrum defense,” said Harrop. “Your membership and participation in the rulemaking process both ensure ARRL continues to make the difference when our band privileges are threatened. Please join us in effort to protect our 60-meter band privileges

Digital system for hospital

#63

Hello, Ben!!

I enjoyed chatting with you the other evening!

I am grateful for your willingness to help with digital radio questions.

Did you mention that there are some HAMS in Redwood, or Wabasso, that could assist me with a system for our hospital??

I am stuck behind a tech curve due to my age and never being in the VHF and repeater realm.

Thank you for your interest!!

With regards,

Richard Klingler

KF0LKG

Re: [NLRS] FM carrier with roger beep on 144.200 at 85 degrees azimuth

#64

Hello Mary W?AAT and fellow Amateurs,

I normally don’t get on here all that often, but been on the NLRS email reflector for some years now. I’ve been into Fox hunting for many years. I thought I might be able to try to help here if I can.?

If other hams are hearing stuff send me an email directly to me at KB0DCO@... or REPLY here at NLRS. The more data I can get from other hams, I will try to compile the data on this map using CalTopo. It is a live link till I delete the map. ( screenshot below.) To try track down man made noises. Either being made by industrial machines or a person who is interfering with ham radio communications.?

On this map, I’ve made a custom colors elevations on the map. It’s something I’m using to study the terrain a bit better. Anyone can turn items on and off in the columns on either side of the map. At this time, I believe I’m the only one that can add/edit this map. (Let me know if you are able to.)

So after seeing your message, I thought this was interesting to me because I’ve also heard something stop my radio scanning on 144.200 from my location from time to time. But not enough to have a significant signal reading here in Stewart using a 5/8 wave mag mount antenna inside my apartment.

For those looking to help and make reports… By having a beam antenna and reporting the degrees from your location, plus a signal strength level. If you are a mobile station driving down the road with a vertical antenna… Just give your cross streets with a signal report. Then at a later time, someone can go investigate from those locations that you were in.

A Report Example:

Station Reporting: (KB?DCO Thomas)

What was Heard: (FM Carrier)

Receiving Frequency: (144.200)

Signal Strength: S9 +10 Db

Cross Streets and City or County Location: (Hwy 212 & 41, Carver Co.)

In What Direction in Degrees: 260

If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me and we can discuss things in more detail.

KB?DCO
Thomas Gagnon
Sent from my IPAD 4th Gen. Air Touch

Show quoted text

On Sun, Oct 15, 2023 at 1:34?PM Mary Brown <maryalanab@...> wrote:

I am hearing an FM carrier with a roger beep on 144.200 pointed at 85
degrees... about S5 at its strongest... this is? looking over open field
so isn't being generated in my house....

Mary

W0AAT

EN24ho

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Re: Digital system for hospital

#65

Dan Gelle KC0CAP would be the best source of information that I know in regards to your question.

Kenwood TS-570 For Sale

#66

Kevin-W0RND has a Kenwood TS-570 for sale. $400
Contact Kevin for info at either kc0cgm04@... or cell #320_492_1939
Thanks.
#ForSale

WILMAR packet node offline this weekend

#67

Tony WD0HXV & I removed the WILMAR (note the spelling) node TNC from it's normal location under the LEC big tower Friday.
This was done to change the node callsign from Ace Bonnema's KB0MNU to the Willmar EAR club callsign W0SW and to check over the health of the unit.
I also turned off the CW ider as it is bad for the network and not required in the US.
Tony and I tentatively plan to reinstall it Sunday.
I'm hoping to cobble together a packet station for the meeting Tuesday and demo it to the troops.

73
Mike N0QBH

Re: WILMAR packet node offline this weekend

#68

WILMAR is back on line at the LEC site and is sporting it's new callsign W0SW (Willmar Ham club's call).
The CQ IDer is no longer active which will likely be appreciated by the other nodes it would occasionally interfere with.
I also enabled the node's mailbox W0SW-1.
This can be a place to leave messages for other users and works like a public email.?
I limited the memory allocated to about 20k, so there won't be any huge tomes there, just messages.
Thanks again to Tony WD0HXV for getting me in and sort of introducing me to the "new" WIllmar EAR.
73
Mike? N0QBH

Re: WILMAR packet node offline this weekend

#69

Thank you for the 2m packet presentation at the meeting last night. If I get a chance to get everything set up next weekend I'll give it a try and see if I can make a contact with you through the WILMAR node.?
Is there an online resource anywhere that I can find a "cheat sheet" with commands used for getting started?

Re: 60m band comments to the FCC

#70

I'd like to urge everyone to submit a comment to the FCC on the negative effect of the proposed changes to the 60m band.?
I submitted comments on the behalf of myself and the W0SW club. Comments do nott have to be overly complicated, a simple example could be "Please reconsider the changes to the 60m band. A reduction in power limits the effectiveness of emergency communications during disasters and the ability to relay information over a larger effective area".
It's important that the FCC receives a large response from the amateur radio community regarding this issue even if you don't use the 60m band or have HF privileges.

开云体育

ARRL Urges Comments to FCC on 60-Meter Band