开云体育

Answers a lot of questions a potential user might have about using VARA software modems. https://www.k7yca.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/VARA-Rev-9.pdf

Tony WD0HXV has joined the local Winlink network! It's built around the Winlink Gateway W0AYE-10 run by Ben W0AYE. This serves as our access to the rest of the Winlink world. We are looking for more Hams to join us. You will need a computer running Windows 10 or 11. A USB sound card to radio interface like Digirig or Signalink USB. A 2 meter transceiver and preferably an outdoor antenna. A rubber duck might work in Olivia, probably not :) We'd like to have you join us, if you are interested. I'm still new to this, but there is a lot of info here: https://www.winlink.org/ on some browsers this link has to be tried twice https://digirig.net/ the Digirig store - lots of info here too. And, of course, ask us questions. 73 Mike N0QBH

If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at: http://www.arrl.org/nts-letter?issue=2024-02-06 February 6, 2024 The NTS Letter Archive ARRL Home Page From the Editor Update on NTS 2.0 -- One Year Later Treasure Hunt -- Let the Hunt Begin! "Radiogrammers" Needed for Web-based Radiogram Portal Traffic Tips: Best Practices Spotlight -- "Bud" Hippisley, W2RU NTS Resources Sign up to Receive The NTS Letter Support NTS: Join ARRL From the Editor Thanks to all who have subscribed to The NTS Letter, and those who have promoted the newsletter throughout other groups. We have received very positive responses. For example, Michael Ford, WZ0C, who operates the APRS-NTS Gateway, reports that The NTS Letter had been circulated via the Packet BBS Circuit. Currently we have over 1,500 subscribers. Unfortunately, there was a slight problem in the distribution process and not everyone who opted in to receive the newsletter was receiving it. We believe this problem has been solved. If anyone continues to experience problems, please let us know. Update on NTS 2.0 -- One Year Later We promised to keep the traffic handling community updated on the progress of the NTS 2.0 subcommittee, which currently oversees the efforts of several teams or "working groups" of traffic handlers. It has been one year since the working groups began meeting weekly. The groups have focused on: Digital Networks Emergency Communications and Agency Engagement Recruitment and Training Updated Access and Delivery Performance Standards and Activity Reporting In addition, several of the working groups are beginning to focus on recruiting new traffic handlers through outreach and mentoring of new and inactive licensees. A few of the accomplishments include: NTS 2.0 website -- A new website, https://nts2.arrl.org, has been created as a source for documentation, training, tools, and information that have been created as part of the NTS 2.0 effort. The NTS Letter -- in collaboration with ARRL HQ, we have created a monthly e-newsletter, The NTS Letter, which features progress on the NTS 2.0 project and spotlights people and activities that represent the great work being done by traffic handlers across the US. ARRL Net Directory 2.0 -- A specification document for a new, more maintainable net directory tool has been created, was reviewed with the ARRL HQ team, and is in the process of being implemented. This tool, when complete, will serve as a source of information about nets of all types, including traffic nets. Web-based tool to enable public origination of traffic -- A web-based tool, the NTS 2.0 Radiogram Portal, has been created to enable members of the public and amateur radio operators who are not traffic handlers to originate traffic to be handled by NTS. Plan to update and modernize recognition for traffic handlers -- A specification that seeks to update and decentralize recognitions for work done by traffic handlers has been created and is in the process of being reviewed and revised by ARRL HQ. Consistent with other recognition programs, the approach proposed relies on members of the ARRL Field Organization to administer the updated recognition vehicles. Tools and procedures to originate traffic via the APRS system -- An NTS gateway for originating traffic has been created and deployed. Documentation and video training have also been created for this tool. Article about NTS in QST magazine - The article, "The National Traffic System - A History and ARRL's Path Forward," appeared in the July 2023 issue, and won the QST Cover Plaque Award for that issue, due to receiving the highest number of ARRL member votes. Articles in On the Air magazine - The July/August 2023 issue featured "Talking About Traffic," and "ARRL Section Traffic Volunteering." There are many other activities in progress as well. The ongoing work is focused on areas such as improving ties between NTS operators and other amateur radio emergency services, expanding and modernizing digital traffic handling, tools to enable nationwide traffic system tests and performance ass

The case for APRS For those who aren't acronym savvy, APRS is Automatic Packet Reporting System. APRS was developed from the late 1980s forward by Bob Bruninga, call sign WB4APR(sk), a senior research engineer at the United States Naval Academy. He maintained the main APRS Web site until his death in 2022. APRS is one of the only applications using packet radio that has stood the test of time. The APRS world network is still thriving, long after other packet radio went away, because it didn't compete with, but leveraged the Internet. It uses mostly 2m FM 144.390 to gather the positions and the Internet to put them all in one place. APRS is an unconnected mode, meaning that the packets aren't connected to any one station. The packets are sent as information beacons without acks, eliminating the connection overhead. The broadcast is either heard or it isn't, hopefully, if not, conditions will be better the next. Here's why I'm telling you this. In the 5 months since I became involved with the WILMAR packet node out at the HHS tower we've had exactly two users locally, WD0HXV and myself N0QBH. We've had a total of 5 outside visitors that I am aware of. K1LEO, WG0A, AJ0O, KF9CP and K0LAV. Here's what I want to do. I propose we add the APRS frequency (144.390 MHz) to the WILMAR node 2m radio and change the freq to it. There are a couple of configuration changes to tell the node TNC it's to use the new UIFLOOD method of handling APRS digis. The node can still function the same as now by switching the frequency back to 145.670 MHz if needed. I think APRS is going to remain popular simply due to several new radios having it and the GPS built in. Too easy! One thing is for certain, this asset will get used if we decide to do this. It should cover approx a 30 mile radius from the tower north of Willmar and the local APRS Internet feeds will hear it as well, so users will plot on the Internet map www.aprs.fi What do YOU think? 73 Mike N0QBH

Ben,W0AYE has a Winlink Gateway station running with access via VARA-FM on 145.690 MHz. Winlink is a full featured email program for amateur radio and VARA is name of the software modem often used to communicate. Useful links: https://www.winlink.org/ https://downloads.winlink.org/ https://digirig.net/ The two programs of interest are Winlink Express and VARA_FM located in their respective subdirectories. You will also need a USB soundcard with PTT control. Digirig is popular (my choice) and Signalink USB is an old favorite that will work too. In both Win 10 and 11 installs, I've had to download and install the UART driver for the Digirig. The UART side of Digirig is what controls the PTT signal to the radio. The link to the driver is on the Digirig page. https://digirig.net/getting-started-with-digirig-mobile/ 73 Mike N0QBH

Saturday 2/3 is the Minnesota QSO Party. It is one of the more popular QSO parties with the amount of activity that is generated. Every county will be activated as you can tell by the activity map https://www.w0aa.org/activity-map/ . For Minnesota stations to get on the map send an email to webmaster@... with your Call, County, planned bands & modes, and if you know the time you will be on. This is you chance to play the rare DX, get on and call CQ as people around the world will be looking for you and your county. The forecast for the weekend looks to be good, so far. Yes, we all know in this part of the country the weather can change at a moment’s notice (usually not for the better). I’ll be mobiling in the NW corner of state, starting in Detroit Lakes and finishing in International Falls. The event states 8 AM CT and finishes 6 PM CT. Full details at https://www.w0aa.org/mn-qso-party/ . Not to leave the other stations out ND is hosting their QSO Party April 13 & 14. South Dakota has theirs party in the fall October 14 & 15. Bill AC?W Special Events: 2/3 – Minnesota QSO Party Minnesota stations it’s your day to be the rare DX, people from around the world will be looking for you. Help put all 87 counties on the air. Full details at www.w0aa.org/mn-qso-party/ 2/17 & 19 - Ice Station W0JH See website for details radioham.org/events/special-events-online-qsls/ ; Stillwater ARA 6/8 – MN Parks On The Air - 8 AM to 6 PM Help make this first-time event an success, get out and active a park or work one of the many park activations that day. This day is MN State Parks free admission day. Sponsored by Stillwater ARA. More details http://mnpota.com/ Hamfests (all times local time): 2/17 – St Cloud, MN; 9 AM – 1 PM; W0SV Cabin Fever Reliever; ST Cloud ARC; https://w0sv.club/hamfest/ 2/17 – Rapid City, SD; 8:30 doors open; Black Hills ARC Spring Auction; Faith Lutheran Church, 17 Indiana ST, Rapid City 2/24 – Bismarck, ND; 8 AM – 1 PM; ARRL ND State Convention; Central Dakota ARC; http://cdarcnd.com ; ARRL reps present 3/23 – Buffalo, MN; 8 AM – Noon; Midwinter Madness; Maple Grove RC; https://k0ltc.org/midwinter-madness/ ; ARRL reps present

Hello members, the next quarterly meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 23rd 6:30 pm located at the Kandiyohi Rescue Squad building 213 Lakeland Dr NE, Willmar, MN 56201 There will be a short presentation and discussion on Winlink and Vara after the club business is handled.

What is WFD? Winter Field Day is a communications exercise. WFD is held on the last full weekend in January. WFD can be worked from the comfort of your home or in a remote location. You can participate by yourself or get your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is open to participants worldwide. Amateur radio operators may use frequencies on the HF, VHF, or UHF bands and are free to use any mode that can faithfully transmit the required exchange intact. Similar to the ARRL’s Field Day, bonus points are earned in several ways, including using non-commercial power sources, operating from remote locations, satellite contacts, and more. Winter Field Day is sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association. We passionately believe that Ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments as the potential for freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards present unique operational concerns. WFD is formatted to help increase your level of preparedness for disasters and improve your operational skills in subpar conditions. Click here to read more about the history and purpose of winter field day. More info at: Home - WFDA (winterfieldday.org)

Because the Yaesu FTM-200 is a single receiver transceiver, when operating in it's pseudo dual receive mode, it cuts away from the main frequency to check for activity on the second frequency. It's the only way you can operate APRS and monitor a repeater. However, it's also annoying. The easy work around is to disable dual receive with a function key on the mic when someone calls you on the main voice frequency. This stops the annoying interruptions and APRS reporting. When the conversation is over pressing the key returns to the dual receive mode and APRS function resumes. Using the FTM-200's menu item #27 you want to select the "DW" option for key 2, 3 or 4. Save it. That's it! Now when you press the function key you selected, it will toggle dual receive mode. 73 Mike