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The process of finding compatible packet radio hardware and software to transfer digital data files has been fruitful.

The only downside is I was unable to make the KPC-3+ TNCs included in the emergency packet kits work with the QtTermTCP software.
I was in contact with the software author G8BPQ and we narrowed it down to a USB driver incompatibility that came into play when using a USB to serial adapter.

However, the Kantronics units can still be used as temporary vias (think repeater) in the data path that doesn't need a computer, if an emergency required a longer path between ends.?

The good news is I've tested both Raspberry Pi (Linux) and Windows versions of terminal program QtTermTCP (software) with the NinoTNC (hardware) doing file transfer tests over packet radio and they work hand in glove.

There is a pre built NinoTNC surface mount part version going on sale for $70 soon. While I'm sure it will be a winner, I would wait until the 2nd or 3rd batch is offered up.? That way they will have found any bugs and rectified them.
Printed plastic cases are around $10/ea for the originals, I would assume the new cases will be priced similar.

The other upside to the NinoTNC is flexibility. It has 16 different packet speed/modes, switch selected - 4 of which offer higher speed HF modes now legal in the US.
If folks are interested, I'll post some links here as they become available.

73
Mike N0QBH

The latest firmware revision to the NinoTNC has PSK shaped transmit envelopes 2400 Hz wide and up to 2400 baud!

// 3/4.31: 24-Oct-23 :
//                   : Improved DCD LED coast time and CSMA logic.
//                   : Added IL2P+CRC (IL2Pc) modes to reduce false decodes.
//                   : Restored full dynamic range of AGC.
//                   : Change self-learn callsign algorithm to UI frames only.
//                   :
//                   :                 MODE SWITCH MAPPING
//                   :
//                   : *** GFSK MODES **
//                   : These require a '9600' data port or                     *
//                   : discriminator/varactor connection.                      *
//                   : IL2P, IL2Pc modes included for performance comparison.  *
//                   : **
//                   : 0000 9600 GFSK AX.25                                    *
//                   : 0001 9600 GFSK IL2P                                     *
//                   : 0010 9600 GFSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : 0011 4800 GFSK IL2P                                     *
//                   : 0100 4800 GFSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : **
//                   :
//                   : *** FM AFSK MODES ****
//                   : These are suitable for FM radio speaker/                *
//                   : mic connection.                                         *
//                   : **
//                   : 0101 2400 DPSK IL2P  Phase reversal of 2400 Hz tone     *
//                   : 0110 1200 AFSK AX.25 Legacy FM Packet, APRS             *
//                   : 0111 1200 AFSK IL2P                                     *
//                   : **
//                   :
//                   : *** SSB AFSK MODES ***
//                   : Legacy HF packet 1600/1800 Hz tone FSK.                 *
//                   : Filtered for 500 Hz occupied bandwidth.                 *
//                   : **
//                   : 1100  300 AFSK AX.25                                    *
//                   : 1101  300 AFSK IL2P                                     *
//                   : 1110  300 AFSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : **
//                   :
//                   : *** SHAPED PSK MODES *
//                   : These are suitable for SSB radios, or FM radios.        *
//                   : Phase modulation of 1500 Hz tone.                       *
//                   : Filtered for occupied bandwidth depending on baud.      *
//                   : 300 BPSK, 600 QPSK send 300 symbols/sec, 500 Hz OBW.    *
//                   : 1200 BPSK, 2400 QPSK send 1200 symbols/sec, 2400 Hz OBW.*
//                   : **
//                   : 1000  300 BPSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : 1001  600 QPSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : 1010 1200 BPSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : 1011 2400 QPSK IL2Pc                                    *
//                   : 1111 1200 BPSK IL2P                                     *
//                   : **

73
'QBH

Gentlemen, start your engines!
This has potential.

ARRL Hails FCC Action to Remove Symbol Rate Restrictions

The ARRL proposal is to keep the first and last channel and add a wider 15khz operating section to the center of the 60m band, as well as keep the peak envelope power at 100w pep.
The FCC proposal reduces the power to 15w pep.

One of the requests that came from the folks over at emergency management was to be able to transfer small spreadsheet files via packet radio.

I suspected there was a solution out there, somewhere, waiting to be found. The one thing Internet is good for is exchanging information and learning sometimes obscure methods.

My shopping list was for a multi O.S. (Windows, Linux, Pi) packet radio terminal program that was dirt simple and could easily transfer binary files.

It turns out I had been using it for a couple of weeks without knowing the program's potential. I'd chose it because it worked with the NinoTNC.

It's called QtTermTCP by John Wiseman G8BPQ the creator of all things "BPQ" since the 1980's. ?

About the only "gotcha" so far, is it's KISS interface. I don't know if it will work with older TNCs in original KISS mode or not.? I have testing to do.

I do know it works excellent with a Raspberry Pi400 keyboard computer and the USB NinoTNC which "talks" via a 2m mobile radio.?

Since the NinoTNC is USB powered from the laptop or Raspberry Pi, it makes a very tidy package.


Out of the box, QtTerm will only connect outwards. Clicking the Listen button and checking the box lets QtTermTCP accept incoming connections AND transfer files via YAPP protocol.

Clicking on YAPP button brings up a pane that asks where you want to store the received files.? Choose or create and choose a folder.

If you are connected to another QtTermTCP station the send file button will be active (not grayed out) and if you click on it it will ask for a file to send.

You chose the file on your computer, click on open and away it goes - at 1200 baud, it's slow by our standards, but will come out a perfect copy at the far end assuming there is a working path.


So far in testing I've sent a 12k file between two stations which took 2.5 minutes. Using 3 stations with WILMAR node as the facilitator a 5k file took 4.5 min.?

The second test was more real world with noise on frequency, multiple hops and??retries due to it.? Nonetheless, the digital copy comes through intact.

This method may or may not be the final solution, but is certainly a step in the right direction.

73
'QBH

I wish the FCC would drop the channelized 60m arrangement.
Us folks with non resonant antennas have a hard time tuning up due to our radios not allowing anything but USB mode there.
About the only way to make it work is to inject a audio tone and I can't hum that long :)
Anyway, my 2 cents...

73
'QBH

The deadline for 60 meter comments to the FCC has been extended until November 28th. Link to overview and comments:?

We hope you enjoyed the premier issue of?The NTS Letter.?We heard from many of you and thank you for your kind words of support. We hope you will spread the word to others. Feel free to share this newsletter with those who may or may not be ARRL members but who have shown an interest in message handling. (Of course, you could encourage non-members to join.) Also remember to send news or suggestions from your Sections. We want to hear from you.

• We have begun to produce PowerPoint presentations and training videos, which will be available on the NTS2 website. The first training video is now available at?. This video is about the APRS-NTS Gateway, and information on this topic can be found later in this newsletter. The teams are currently producing a video about the encapsulation of ICS-213 and other agency forms for use particularly on voice and CW networks.
• Because we believe recognition is so important not only for showing appreciation, but also for motivating and encouraging traffic handlers, we have been working on a recognition program for both new and experienced traffic handlers. More on that in an upcoming issue.
• Because emergency service agencies expect delivery of messages within 30 minutes, as reported last month Don Rolph, AB1PH, has conducted transcontinental tests on 20 meters using digital modes to explore how propagation issues affect point-to-point communication across the country. Don reports these were mostly successful but says more tests will be conducted on 30 meters. He welcomes more operators to participate in these tests.
• There are no updates on the new net directory, but we continue to press forward.

From the NTS2.arrl.org website:

In emergencies, practice exercises, and other scenarios, radio amateurs will likely pass messages for the various served agencies, such as FEMA, Red Cross, and others. It is important that we are able to relay these messages in a way that is compatible with the agencies' existing methods. While NTS stations are used to using the standard radiogram format, agencies will use their own forms, such as the ICS-213 form pictured here.

As part of NTS 2.0, numerous NTS stations and EmComm operators have worked together to define methods and procedures for passing these various agency forms encapsulated within radiograms. This allows the NTS relay stations to handle radiograms as they are used to, while served agencies can continue to utilize their forms.

The??for transmission through the National Traffic System as radiograms, and their final delivery to the served agency in the native form format.

We realize that radiograms with encapsulated agency forms are much longer than traditional radiograms and take more time and effort when passed on CW or voice modes.

We expect these forms to be passed primarily via digital modes for most emergencies, but there can indeed be circumstances when they need to be sent via voice or CW. This could be due to the scale and type of emergency, or because of delivering station capabilities. To be prepared for these circumstances, we hope voice and CW participants and their nets will take pains to become familiar with the forms and develop proficiency through the practice of handling the encoded forms on those modes.

The NTS 2.0 Digital and EmComm working groups have developed encoding for:

• ICS-213 form
• Texas EMA STAR form
• HICS-213 form
• ARC-213 form

It is anticipated that encoding for more forms will be established as we move forward.

We will be updating this material as it is developed.

A New England NTS net played an integral role in a recent ARES Simulated Emergency Test on Cape Cod. The??(MARIDN) meets weekly for the purpose of passing formal, written NTS messages within, into, and out of the Sections of Eastern and Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island. MARIDN is supplemental to the Massachusetts Rhode Island Phone Net (MARIPN) and Massachusetts Rhode Island CW Net (MARICW). MARIDN uses digital modes rather than phone or CW, particularly the fldigi?suite of software.

One of the Many Tools in Our Toolbox

The Cape & Islands ARES team has long embraced NTS as one of many tools in our toolbox for passing messages in emergencies. During exercises, the team routinely uses NTS procedures to pass formal traffic between field stations. For the recent?,"?held August 5, 2023, the Cape & Islands ARES team ran a tactical voice FM simplex net. Then participants passed formal, written NTS traffic via voice from field sites to exercise Net Control, then to exercise NCS liaison N1ILZ. Later in the exercise, N1ILZ was NCS for a session of MARIDN, during which NTS exercise traffic was passed to the greater NTS system for delivery.

Conclusions:

Tactical voice nets are essential for ARES emergency operations. But there will always be a need for a way to pass formal, written traffic. This is where NTS shines.

NTS nets can employ voice, CW, and digital modes. MARIDN is exploring how to use the fldigi?suite / NBEMS to operate an NTS net on HF (80 meters). Advantages include faster message transmission and error correction.

The Cape & Islands ARES group fully embraces NTS as one of many "tools in the toolbox," including the relatively new MARIDN.

--?Jon McCombie, N1ILZ,?Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager?and?MARIDN Net Manager

As active traffic handlers, many of us have relayed or delivered a "Welcome to amateur radio" radiogram to a newly licensed amateur. Some folks do not like accepting these types of messages, claiming that it is next to impossible to deliver radiograms when they contain incorrect phone numbers or no phone numbers at all.

Perhaps it is time to inject some variety into our routine traffic!

Some folks have started creating fun "quiz" sessions where answers are submitted via radiogram. Others confirm their POTA (Parks On The Air) contacts via radiogram. One innovative amateur even offers free certificates for special event contacts, providing the other party "QSLs" via radiogram. (Otherwise, a self- addressed, stamped envelope is required.)

The possibilities are endless; the only limit is your imagination.

I would like to suggest another idea for originating meaningful routine traffic: Many ARES groups and clubs conduct communications for walkathons, parades, and other public service activities. Why not thank the participants via radiogram?

The ham coordinator of the public service event keeps an accurate roster of the volunteers, complete with phone numbers and email addresses. They will no doubt welcome the efforts of a local traffic handler sending a radiogram message on their behalf expressing a "job well done." It's a perfect match! The public service radiogram can be a nice acknowledgement and, at the same time, inject some variety into our daily traffic routine. - New England Division Vice Director?Phil Temples K9HI

From the e-mailbag: Al Sirois, N1MHC, of East Boothbay, Maine reports that he, with K1CYJ and KC1TKR, collected 28 NTS messages at the local library during an event called "Booktoberfest" and transmitted these over the Maine NTS System that day. Al says Heather, KC1TKR, a new licensee, came approximately 50 miles from Oakland, ME to take part in this activity.

According to the website at?, Booktober festivities included "Boothbay Region Amateur Radio Station -?Join members of the N1MHC Ham radio team to learn about the fascinating world of amateur radio and send a message to a friend anywhere in the world!"

Another good idea for traffic originations.

APRS, an?Automatic?Packet?Reporting?System, is used by many amateur radio operators as a digital communications information channel, conveying announcements, bulletins, messages, alerts, and weather information.?Eastern Massachusetts Assistant Section Traffic Manager, Michael Ford, WZ0C, has developed an APRS information service to allow APRS users to send a radiogram through his NTS Gateway (NTSGTE) to the Digital Traffic Network (DTN) where it is relayed as usual. This service would be useful if you wanted to send a radiogram and for whatever reason, such as perhaps you are traveling, are unable to check into a traditional NTS net. You can use this on any APRS client, such as the APRSdroid app or APRSIS32 on Windows. For information on how to send a radiogram via APRS, check the website at?, Training and Documentation, Special Topics, NTSGTE: an APRS-NTS Gateway, or send an email to?WZ0C@....

The Canadian provinces have long been a part of NTS. In the Eastern Area Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces were all part of what was called the 11th region, or ECN (Eastern Canada Net). ECN met nightly and sent a liaison station to the Eastern Area Net. Eventually, however, lack of participation caused that net to deactivate, and Eastern Canadian traffic was then routed via the 2nd region.

Recently however, Glenn Killam, VE1IJ, who recently relocated from Ontario to Nova Scotia, has been collaborating with Joe Earles, VO1BQ, of Newfoundland to revive an Atlantic Provinces Net. Glenn's article, "Atlantic Area Amateurs Needed for Traffic Net," is being posted to?TCA Magazine?in Canada with hopes of recruiting new traffic handlers. Someday, ECN could operate again, but meanwhile Glenn uses the NTS to send radiograms welcoming new amateurs and congratulating hams on their upgrades throughout the US.

---

Many of you are familiar with the NTS Trivia radiograms from Little Elm, Texas, or have been a part of the ARRLNTS group on groups.io.

Aaron Hulett, K8AMH, at Cedar Point, OH

The traffic handler behind both activities is Aaron Hulett, K8AMH. As you might tell from his call sign, Aaron grew up in Michigan where he was fascinated with weather, wondering how he could help during major storm systems. This led him to become involved with SKYWARN, which led him to amateur Radio. He received his license in 2005 and has been a big contributor ever since. His professional background has included program manager, paralegal, and software engineer. He currently works as a project manager for a managed service provider.

As a ham radio operator, Aaron has been active in both NTS and emergency communications. He currently serves as Section Traffic Manager for the North Texas Section and is a regular net control on the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) Metroplex Traffic Net, which is an affiliate of the ARRL National Traffic System. He has also been assisting with the NTS 2.0 initiative to help expand participation and lay the groundwork for how the NTS can assist in today's incident response environment. He became involved in traffic handling after hearing the DFW traffic net shortly after moving to the area in 2017, and quickly became interested after seeing the potential the traffic system offered.

As a STM, he feels one of his primary responsibilities is to push the system to move out of its comfort zone and embrace growth and change. He has conducted a traffic system exercise simulating an infrastructure failure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and coordinated with the Oklahoma and South Texas Sections to execute an exercise simulating widespread hurricane destruction affecting Houston. These have provided valuable insight into how the system can respond, and what areas to look at for refining operations and developing new best practices for traffic handlers, net control stations, and Section Traffic Managers overseeing operations.

Outside of amateur radio, you might find Aaron at a local amusement park, where he enjoys riding roller coasters, especially those with airtime. If you find yourself at Cedar Point, you may catch him riding Magnum XL-200 repeatedly during opening and closing weekends.

---

The National Traffic System^??(NTS) is a network of amateur radio operators who move information during disasters and other emergencies. General messages offering well wishes also move through the NTS to help test the system and to help amateur radio operators build traffic handling skills. While the NTS is primarily set up to serve the United States and Canada, it is possible to move traffic internationally through the NTS through various local, regional, area, and international network connections.

---

The NTS Letter?is published monthly and is free of charge to ARRL members. Subscribe:?

Editor:?Marcia Forde, KW1U, Section Traffic Manager -- Eastern Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

ARRL Director of Emergency Management: Josh Johnston, KE5MHV

ARRL Emergency Management Planner: Jeremy Dunkley, KC1SIV

---

NTS is a program of?^?. No other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur radio! ARRL members enjoy many benefits and services including digital magazines, e-newsletters, online learning (), and technical support. Membership also supports programs for radio clubs, on-air contests, Logbook of The World^?, ARRL Field Day, and the all-volunteer ARRL Field Organization.

• Join ARRL or renew today!?
• Find ARRL on?,?,?, X (?and?), and?
• ARRL Store:?
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• Contact us to advertise in this newsletter (space subject to availability):?ads@...

I recently received an email from Ace KB0MNU describing the mounting location and antennae in conjunction with the packet node and UHF repeater.
You can imagine my surprise when it said these were located atop the 400' tower!!
Each frequency splits out to a 2 element co-linear antenna with modest gain in a slightly cartioid pattern that should favor the north.
Hams don't usually get that lucky.? We are usually lucky to get a side spot 150' up.
This means the Willmar UHF repeater should be on a par with the 146.91 machine when it comes to coverage.
An having a packet node at 400' is a Godsend this day in age. Coverage should not be an issue.
I did have to see for myself, so I drove over to the high school and took a gander. Sure enough!
73
'QBH

Just a note with a new subject line - the WILMAR packet radio node is on line and open to ALL licensed Ham users.
It's frequency is 145.670 MHz simplex. The packet data rate is 1200 baud.
WILMAR is the node's alias and it has to conform to callsign max length of 6 characters.
That's why it's spelled wrong :)

A node's job is to act as a relay with good ears and a powerful "voice" due to it's antenna being on a commercial tower.
This lets it connect weaker or more distant stations to each other, who normally don't hear each other well, much like a repeater does for voice comms.

The WILMAR node responds to three different callsigns which have different purposes.
To use the "relay"? feature you connect to the alias WILMAR by typing c wilmar then press enter. Once connected, typing c and the call of the station you want initiates a connect attempt.
To use the mailbox feature you instead connect to W0SW-1 by typing c w0sw-1 then enter.? Once connected you will get a short menu of choices and typing h for a help menu.
The main thing to remember is you really can't break anything beyond your own station and if you get frustrated, take a break.
The 3rd callsign is last because it does nothing if you connect to it. W0SW is for connecting to a person sitting at the node. Normally it is unattended.

This link is broken up into easy to digest parts and covers packet radio end to end. Even if it's 25 yrs old!

Also, I'm looking for a contact with the StCloud club who would know about their node on 145.67 MHz. We need it working!

73
Mike N0QBH

Sorry for the delay, Ben.
This is a little like trying to drink from a fire hydrant, but it is broken up into pieces :)
He doesn't miss much? - and it was decades ago!

I'll keep my eye open for something more condensed

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.

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?

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

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

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