Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
On Jul 8, 2013, at 9:36 PM, "n2ki.ham73" < n2ki.ham@...> wrote:
?
Mike,
Thanks very much for the reply. This is helping out quite a bit. It looks as though it will be in out best interest to run our own ratflector. Can you help with that setup? I currently have a Win764 bit machine I am using as a server. Thanks
Sure.?
I recommend starting out by reading the document "Running your own ratflector", written by Patrick, N3TSZ. It's in the files section of this group.?It's really pretty straightforward. Like Patrick says in his document, the names are a bit confusing: ?d-rats_repeater, repeater_proxy, ratflector all mean the same thing.?
Launch the application d-rats_repeater found in the same start menu folder as d-rats. Set the call sign and check the "accept network connections" and "trust localhost" boxes if you want users to be able to connect over the LAN. Setup any D-STAR radios just as if they were connected to a D-RATS client, then add the COM port the radio is connected to using by clicking on the "add" button. Make sure your Windows firewall and anti malware software will let D-RATS and D-RATS_REPEATER run me use network port 9000. Click the "ON" button to start the ratflector running.
To run a d-rats client on the same machine that is hosting the ratflector, just setup a network port and enter localhost or 127.0.0.1 as the network address, port 9000.
For a Windows based machine, I recommend setting the power save options to HIGH PERFORMANCE or some configuration that will NOT let it go to sleep. Usually when they "sleep" they power off USB and network interfaces. Your ratflector won't like that.
That should get you started, ?let me know how it goes.
Mike, N0SO
PS: I'm a big proponent of Linux instead of Windows for applications like ratflectors. A Raspberry Pi equipped powered USB hub, a small USB hard driver for mass storage instead of an SD card?and USB serial adapters to connect radios?would be enough to host a ratflector with a few radios connected. That's what mine is running on.
--- In d-rats_group@..., Mike Heitmann wrote:
>
> Greetings,
>
> A few comments:
> First, I recommend using the latest "daily" build rather that that beta:
>
> It,too is pretty old, but it does address some of the things you reference and is more stable.
>
> I'll put the rest "in line" with yours below.
>
> Mike, N0SO
>
> PS: D-RATS is still supported, and is, in fact, open source - anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
>
>
>
> On Jul 8, 2013, at 4:23 PM, "Anthony (N2KI)" wrote:
>
> > Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. Thank you for your time.
> >
> > Version 0.3.3b6
> >
> > 1. When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log.
>
> It will show connection status (to radios, ratflectors, etc. in the status bar at the bottom left, but it only displays a single line of text. Beyond that you have to look at the event tab. There is an option to enable blinking when an event occurs.
>
> >
> > 2. The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter.
>
> This could be made an option.
>
> >
> > 3. I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
> >
> > 4. I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
> >
> > 5. I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). .
> >
> > 6 I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all.
>
> D-RATS is not really a 'connected mode' system, so unless a station has its preferences set to beacon when coming online, going offline, etc. there is no way for a listening station to know when these events occur. I would recommend setting the preferences to do so, and to periodically beacon a short QST or position report.
>
> >
> > 7. If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
> >
>
> This could be made an option.
>
>
> > 8. The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
>
> If you're running on a 64 bit version of Windows, then replacing the file lzhuf.exe with the version in the files section of this group should fix this. The version packaged with the Windows installer is a 32 bit version known to eventually use up CPU resources and crash a 64 bit pc.
>
> >
> > 9. Why does the software tell me there is a message for
> > "me" when sending email?
>
> I have not experienced this,but I don't use the mail features much. I recommend seeing if the newer version does this.
>
> >
> > 10. The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
> >
> > 10. The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
> >
> > 11. Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
> >
> > 12. The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read.
> >
> > 13. The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. Can we change it to default to the email selection?
>
> Most, if not all of these things could be made possible.
>
> >
> > 14. What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
>
> I think at least some of this is configurable in the Appearance section of the options window. Unfortunately, there is not much documentation beyond what N3TSZ wrote a few years ago.
> >
> > 15. The stations list seems quirky. I usually leave my software running. I always have to clear all then re-ping to get an updated list. The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
>
> Hopefully the newer version will be more consistent. I have a ratflector running 24/7 ( port 9000) and usually leave a D-RATS client running. The list usually clears after a time if no stations are connected.
>
>
> >
> > 16. We notice that last update was over two years ago. Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
>
> It is still supported, and is, in fact, open source - anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
>
>
> >
> >
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
Thanks for your interest in D-RATS. Some of the issues you are describing will be addressed by installing the latest version. Here is the link for the latest Windows version:
To understand how D-RATS works and why it does some of the things it does, it is important to remember that D-RATS is intended to work in an RF environment. The network connection was added at a later date to increase it's capabilities. I will respond to each of your questions in turn, below:
From: Anthony (N2KI)
To: d-rats_group@...
Cc: Joe Delorenzo ; Phil Mollica ;
David Hubbell
Sent: Monday, July 8, 2013 5:23 PM
Subject: [d-rats_group] D-Rats Technical Support Needed
?
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. ?We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. ?In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. ?In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. ?If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. ?This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. ?We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. ?Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. ?When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log.
It gets easier once you get past the learning curve.
2. ?The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter. ??
Automatic pings and regular station updates would consume airtime better used to send and receive traffic. Several stations regularly sending status updates would congest the channel and make it difficult to pass traffic
3. ?I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. ?I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. ?May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. ?My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
There is no reason to see your own callsign on the station list. The status box in the lower right corner is not an "indicator". Use the drop-down arrow to select the status you show to other stations.
4. ?I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
A station's displayed status is only sent when they log on, log off, or answer a ping request. (See answer #2 above).
5. ?I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended).
See answers 2 and 4
6 ? I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. ?This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all.?
Updating to the latest version addresses this.?
7. ?If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. ?The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
That is a valid complaint.
8. ?The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. ?Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
Someone has identified a thread which gradually consumes more and more CPU cycles on some windows machines. The author is aware of this issue.
9. ?Why does the software tell me there is a message for "me" when sending email?
The sound notifies you of activity on the message tab, whether sent or received. Perhaps you could try a different sound.
10. ?The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. ?The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one folder. ?This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
When someone connects to your file section, you transmit your file list back to them. If you have a large amount of ?files in your shared folder, this may take some time and be prone to errors. Best to keep the only the files needed for a particular event in your shared folder.
11. ?Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. ?The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. ?Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read. ?
13. ?The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. ?Can we change it to default to the email selection?
They are listed alphabetically. Go to the menu bar>file>message templates and edit the ID field to make it alphabetically first.
14. ?What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
Blue = Online Yellow = Unattended Gray = Offline Black = Unknown
15. ?The stations list seems quirky. ?I usually leave my software running. ?I always have to clear all then re-ping to ?get an updated list. ?The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
It has been my experience that if you don't send any outbound traffic on your internet connection, your ISP puts it to sleep. See if your network card will allow you to send "keep alive" pulses. Failing that, create a QST to send your GPS co-ordinates. It keeps your connection alive, and doesn't print meaningless information on every stations screen. The newest version lets you automatically remove stations that have not been heard from in more than" X" minutes.
16. ?We notice that last update was over two years ago. ?Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
The latest version was released in February 2012 and is still supported. I suggest you join the mailing list at d-rats.com to receive the latest updates and communicate directly with the author.
? Regards,
Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
 I hope I have addressed all your concerns. I suggest you look in the files section of this group for the operators guide and other helpful documents.
Good luck and 73 Patrick (N3TSZ)
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
Mike,
FYI. The latest version still tells me "I have a message" when sending a message.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In d-rats_group@..., Mike Heitmann <n0so@...> wrote:
Greetings,
A few comments:
First, I recommend using the latest "daily" build rather that that beta:
It,too is pretty old, but it does address some of the things you reference and is more stable.
I'll put the rest "in line" with yours below.
Mike, N0SO
PS: D-RATS is still supported, and is, in fact, open source - anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
Sent from my iPad
On Jul 8, 2013, at 4:23 PM, "Anthony (N2KI)" <n2ki.ham@...> wrote:
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log. It will show connection status (to radios, ratflectors, etc. in the status bar at the bottom left, but it only displays a single line of text. Beyond that you have to look at the event tab. There is an option to enable blinking when an event occurs.
2. The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter.
This could be made an option.
3. I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
4. I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
5. I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). .
6 I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all.
D-RATS is not really a 'connected mode' system, so unless a station has its preferences set to beacon when coming online, going offline, etc. there is no way for a listening station to know when these events occur. I would recommend setting the preferences to do so, and to periodically beacon a short QST or position report.
7. If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
This could be made an option.
8. The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway. If you're running on a 64 bit version of Windows, then replacing the file lzhuf.exe with the version in the files section of this group should fix this. The version packaged with the Windows installer is a 32 bit version known to eventually use up CPU resources and crash a 64 bit pc.
9. Why does the software tell me there is a message for
"me" when sending email?
I have not experienced this,but I don't use the mail features much. I recommend seeing if the newer version does this.
10. The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
11. Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read.
13. The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. Can we change it to default to the email selection?
Most, if not all of these things could be made possible.
14. What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
I think at least some of this is configurable in the Appearance section of the options window. Unfortunately, there is not much documentation beyond what N3TSZ wrote a few years ago.
15. The stations list seems quirky. I usually leave my software running. I always have to clear all then re-ping to get an updated list. The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
Hopefully the newer version will be more consistent. I have a ratflector running 24/7 (ratf.n0so.net port 9000) and usually leave a D-RATS client running. The list usually clears after a time if no stations are connected.
16. We notice that last update was over two years ago. Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
It is still supported, and is, in fact, open source - anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
Regards,
Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
Thanks John,
I already have a QST beacon but it still goes into oblivion. :-(
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In d-rats_group@..., "John E. Malmberg" <wb8tyw@...> wrote:
From: Anthony (N2KI) <n2ki.ham@...>
8. The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit
machine. Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
There is a known issue for d-rats if it loses the TCP/IP connection to a
ratflector, it will go CPU bound for that thread.
This can be triggered by ISPs that disconnect idle network sessions or
anything else that triggers a disconnect, such as the computer going to
sleep.
The work around for an idle disconnect is to have d-rats send a beacon
to the ratflector.
Regards,
-John
wb8tyw@...
Personal Opinion Only
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
On 7/8/2013 7:58 PM, Mike Heitmann wrote:
8. The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit
machine. Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway. If you're running on a 64 bit version of Windows, then replacing the
file lzhuf.exe with the version in the files section of this group
should fix this. The version packaged with the Windows installer is a
32 bit version known to eventually use up CPU resources and crash a
64 bit pc.
Sorry, that is no longer an issue and replacing lzhuf.exe will not change anything at all. I already tried that while investigating the issue. As I posted previously, d-rats has a bug in handling network disconnects. It goes into a CPU bound loop. This is on all platforms that d-rats runs on. The only work around known is to turn on the beacon to prevent ISPs or other network hardware from disconnecting idle sessions. Regards, -John wb8tyw@... Personal Opinion Only
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
Mike,
Thanks very much for the reply. This is helping out quite a bit. It looks as though it will be in out best interest to run our own ratflector. Can you help with that setup? I currently have a Win764 bit machine I am using as a server. Thanks
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In d-rats_group@..., Mike Heitmann <n0so@...> wrote:
Greetings,
A few comments:
First, I recommend using the latest "daily" build rather that that beta:
It,too is pretty old, but it does address some of the things you reference and is more stable.
I'll put the rest "in line" with yours below.
Mike, N0SO
PS: D-RATS is still supported, and is, in fact, open source - anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
Sent from my iPad
On Jul 8, 2013, at 4:23 PM, "Anthony (N2KI)" <n2ki.ham@...> wrote:
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log. It will show connection status (to radios, ratflectors, etc. in the status bar at the bottom left, but it only displays a single line of text. Beyond that you have to look at the event tab. There is an option to enable blinking when an event occurs.
2. The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter.
This could be made an option.
3. I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
4. I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
5. I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). .
6 I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all.
D-RATS is not really a 'connected mode' system, so unless a station has its preferences set to beacon when coming online, going offline, etc. there is no way for a listening station to know when these events occur. I would recommend setting the preferences to do so, and to periodically beacon a short QST or position report.
7. If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
This could be made an option.
8. The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway. If you're running on a 64 bit version of Windows, then replacing the file lzhuf.exe with the version in the files section of this group should fix this. The version packaged with the Windows installer is a 32 bit version known to eventually use up CPU resources and crash a 64 bit pc.
9. Why does the software tell me there is a message for
"me" when sending email?
I have not experienced this,but I don't use the mail features much. I recommend seeing if the newer version does this.
10. The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
11. Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read.
13. The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. Can we change it to default to the email selection?
Most, if not all of these things could be made possible.
14. What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
I think at least some of this is configurable in the Appearance section of the options window. Unfortunately, there is not much documentation beyond what N3TSZ wrote a few years ago.
15. The stations list seems quirky. I usually leave my software running. I always have to clear all then re-ping to get an updated list. The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
Hopefully the newer version will be more consistent. I have a ratflector running 24/7 (ratf.n0so.net port 9000) and usually leave a D-RATS client running. The list usually clears after a time if no stations are connected.
16. We notice that last update was over two years ago. Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
It is still supported, and is, in fact, open source - anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
Regards,
Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
Greetings,
A few comments: First, I recommend using the latest "daily" build rather that that beta: It,too is pretty old, but it does address some of the things you reference and is more stable.
I'll put the rest "in ?line" with yours below.
Mike, N0SO
PS: D-RATS?is still supported, and is, in fact, open source ?- anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested. On Jul 8, 2013, at 4:23 PM, "Anthony (N2KI)" < n2ki.ham@...> wrote:
?
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. ?We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. ?In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. ?In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. ?If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. ?This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. ?We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. ?Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. ?When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log.
It will show connection status (to radios, ratflectors, etc. in the status bar at the bottom left, but it only displays a single line of text. Beyond that you have to look at the event tab. There is an option to enable blinking when an event occurs.
2. ?The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter. ?
This could be made an option.
3. ?I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. ?I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. ?May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. ?My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
4. ?I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
5. ?I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). ?.
6 ? I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. ?This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all. ?
D-RATS is not really a 'connected mode' system, so unless a station has its preferences set to beacon when coming online, going offline, etc. there is no way for a listening station to know when these events occur. ?I would recommend setting the preferences to do so, and to periodically beacon a short QST or position report.
7. ?If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. ?The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
This could be made an option.
8. ?The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. ?Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
If you're running on a 64 bit version of Windows, then replacing the file lzhuf.exe with the version in the files section of this group should fix this. The version packaged with the Windows installer is a 32 bit version known to eventually use up CPU resources and crash a 64 bit pc.
9. ?Why does the software tell me there is a message for?
"me" when sending email?
I have not experienced this,but I don't use the mail features much. I recommend seeing if the newer version does this.
10. ?The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. ?The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. ?This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
11. ?Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. ?The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. ?Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read. ?
13. ?The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. ?Can we change it to default to the email selection?
Most, if not all of these things could be made possible.
14. ?What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
I think at least some of this is configurable in the Appearance section of the options window. Unfortunately, there is not much documentation beyond what N3TSZ wrote a few years ago.
15. ?The stations list seems quirky. ?I usually leave my software running. ?I always have to clear all then re-ping to ?get an updated list. ?The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
Hopefully the newer version will be more consistent. I have a ratflector running 24/7 ( port 9000) and usually leave a D-RATS client running. The list usually clears after a time if no stations are connected.
16. ?We notice that last update was over two years ago. ?Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
It is still supported, and is, in fact, open source ?- anyone can get the source code and can make changes. I'm not the developer, but I'll look at implementing some of the things you've suggested.
? Regards,
Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
From: Anthony (N2KI) <n2ki.ham@...>
8. The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit
machine. Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
There is a known issue for d-rats if it loses the TCP/IP connection to a ratflector, it will go CPU bound for that thread. This can be triggered by ISPs that disconnect idle network sessions or anything else that triggers a disconnect, such as the computer going to sleep. The work around for an idle disconnect is to have d-rats send a beacon to the ratflector. Regards, -John wb8tyw@... Personal Opinion Only
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
There is a later beta version D-RATS daily-02232012, which can be found here....
?
?
it's named....
?
?
It works on my WINDOWS XP
KC2YYF
From: Anthony (N2KI) To: d-rats_group@...
Cc: Joe Delorenzo ; Phil Mollica
Sent: Monday, July 8, 2013 5:23 PM
Subject: [d-rats_group] D-Rats Technical Support Needed
?
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. ?We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. ?In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. ?In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. ?If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. ?This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. ?We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. ?Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. ?When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log.
2. ?The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter. ?
3. ?I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. ?I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. ?May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. ?My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
4. ?I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
5. ?I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). ?.
6 ? I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. ?This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all. ?
7. ?If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. ?The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
8. ?The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. ?Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
9. ?Why does the software tell me there is a message for?
"me" when sending email?
10. ?The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. ?The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. ?This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
11. ?Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. ?The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. ?Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read. ?
13. ?The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. ?Can we change it to default to the email selection?
14. ?What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
15. ?The stations list seems quirky. ?I usually leave my software running. ?I always have to clear all then re-ping to ?get an updated list. ?The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
16. ?We notice that last update was over two years ago. ?Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
? Regards, Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
|
Re: D-Rats Technical Support Needed
I too am very interested in the answers to all the questions.? I am the DEC for Santa Fe and San Miguel Counties in New Mexico and we are pushing hard to use D-RATS in activation scenarios.? The answers will help me convince Emergency Managers.
? Many thanks to all those who work hard to make D-RATS such a valuable tool. ? 73 de N4VIP, Don Hinsman
On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 3:23 PM, Anthony (N2KI) <n2ki.ham@...> wrote:
?
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. ?We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. ?In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. ?In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. ?If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. ?This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. ?We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. ?Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. ?When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log.
2. ?The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter. ?
3. ?I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. ?I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. ?May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. ?My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
4. ?I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
5. ?I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). ?.
6 ? I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. ?This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all. ?
7. ?If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. ?The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
8. ?The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. ?Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
9. ?Why does the software tell me there is a message for?
"me" when sending email?
10. ?The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. ?The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. ?This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
11. ?Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. ?The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. ?Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read. ?
13. ?The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. ?Can we change it to default to the email selection?
14. ?What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
15. ?The stations list seems quirky. ?I usually leave my software running. ?I always have to clear all then re-ping to ?get an updated list. ?The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
16. ?We notice that last update was over two years ago. ?Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
? Regards,
Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
-- 73 de N4VIP (SFARES EC, SANTA FE AND SAN MIGUEL COUNTIES DEC), Don
|
D-Rats Technical Support Needed
Orange County ARES/RACES/SKYWARN is attempting to acquire D-Star Repeaters from the county. ?We have a very good working relationship with the Office of Emergency Management. ?In the past two weeks we have been scrutinizing the D-Rats software to get a full understanding of how it works, capabilities and limitations. ?In order for us to pitch the idea of utilizing D-Rats to the OEM in support of an emergency activation, we have some questions and concerns that involve its operation which seems kludge at times. ?If someone can help find these workarounds, which we may have missed, it is greatly appreciated. ?This is a list compiled from three operators putting D-Rats through heavy paces. ?We apologize if these functions are available since we may not have discovered it. ?Thank you for your time.
Version 0.3.3b6
1. ?When you first open the program, you have no idea anything is happening unless you are looking at the event log.
2. ?The program should initiate an automatic ping and list all stations at log on and timely thereafter. ?
3. ?I would expect to see my call listed in the right hand column including showing stations logged on. ?I have no idea if I am still connected as the program does not indicate anything other than "Online" in the bottom right. ?May times it says "online" but only to find out I was not. No rhyme or reason. ?My call sign showed up black on another stations screen.
4. ?I would also expect to see the color of the station reflecting whether they are "Online or Unattended" change instantaneously. There seems to be latency.
5. ?I would expect the stations list on the right to be instantaneously updated whenever a station changes it status. (On line or Unattended). ?.
6 ? I would expect the station call sign to disappear when the station is off line or they shut down their computer. ?This only seems to happen if you clear all then re-ping all. ?
7. ?If a station is off line when you try to send a message, the message stays in the outbox and is not sent. ?The program should state that the message was not sent because recipient is not logged on.
8. ?The program seems to "choke" when left running on a Win7 64 bit machine. ?Running it as administrator and not in the x86 pathway.
9. ?Why does the software tell me there is a message for?
"me" when sending email?
10. ?The ability to open a file in the shared folder from the program is not possible.
10. ?The ability to have sub-folders in the shared folder. As is, all files are lumped together in one file. ?This does not lend itself to ease of finding things.
11. ?Be able to move the map with the cursor and not have to use the scroll bars and have to continually re-center.
12. ?The ability to change the map labels font color and background color. ?Map labels are black on Red which makes it difficult to read. ?
13. ?The default message selection is an HICS-260 Patient Evacuation Form. ?Can we change it to default to the email selection?
14. ?What is the legend for the different colors on call signs in the Stations List?
15. ?The stations list seems quirky. ?I usually leave my software running. ?I always have to clear all then re-ping to ?get an updated list. ?The list should refresh automatically and remove any stations that are off line.
16. ?We notice that last update was over two years ago. ?Is this software still supported and will it continue going forward?
? Regards,
Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)
|
Contact va7pug Alfred, or ve7nv or myself va7dgp. We are in the Vancouver area. Friday night on the Can Net. If I'm not tied up at Burnaby Radio Tuesday to Saturday.
I'm on a stand by call out for the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster as I maybe heading to Alberta for the floods.?
73
Don va7dgp?
On Friday, June 21, 2013, ve7hj wrote:
?
How does one work radio - radio Instead of Internet using D-Rats.
James
-- Don Poaps New Westminster, BC VA7DGP Satern Member Vector Member Surrey Amateur Radio Metrotown Salvation Army Community Church Member
? ?
|
Look for "Using_D-RATS_with_your_D-STAR_radio.pdf" in the files section.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
--- In d-rats_group@..., "ve7hj" <ve7hj@...> wrote:
How does one work radio - radio Instead of Internet using D-Rats.
James
|
Just turn on Radio and D'Rats and you will see d star radio station in chat mode. Fill in preferences and uncheck Internet access. Do a search on Rat Reflector. And load them up. In preference
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Friday, June 21, 2013, ve7hj wrote:
?
How does one work radio - radio Instead of Internet using D-Rats.
James
-- Don Poaps New Westminster, BC VA7DGP Satern Member Vector Member Surrey Amateur Radio Metrotown Salvation Army Community Church Member
? ?
|
How does one work radio - radio Instead of Internet using D-Rats.
James
|
Re: D-Rats and TNC ( Slow Transfer Speed)
There's the radio data baud rate, the baud rate of the serial port, many variables and choke points. ? KC2YYF
From: Donald Hinsman
To: d-rats_group@...
Sent:
Friday, June 14, 2013 3:17 PM
Subject: Re: [d-rats_group] D-Rats and TNC ( Slow Transfer Speed)
?
Michael, ? What freq and radio are you using with your TNC?? And the answer is yes, you should be able to achieve the same speed as Packet on VHF. ? N4VIP
|
Re: D-Rats and TNC ( Slow Transfer Speed)
Michael, ? What freq and radio are you using with your TNC?? And the answer is yes, you should be able to achieve the same speed as Packet on VHF. ? N4VIP
On Fri, Jun 14, 2013 at 12:21 PM, k4mkh <k4mkh@...> wrote:
?
A few months ago I connected my D-Rats to my local tnc(timewave pk96) in kiss mode and overall it worked great. Where I saw the slowness was in transfer speeds and retries.
I was working with another local ham and we are only 5 miles away at max.
I had found some document with some TNC value to set in D-Rats. Is there a trick to get the file transfer speed the same as what packet sends normally.
Michael Hendershot - K4MKH
--
73 de N4VIP (SFARES EC, SANTA FE AND SAN MIGUEL COUNTIES DEC), Don
|
D-Rats and TNC ( Slow Transfer Speed)
A few months ago I connected my D-Rats to my local tnc(timewave pk96) in kiss mode and overall it worked great. Where I saw the slowness was in transfer speeds and retries.
I was working with another local ham and we are only 5 miles away at max.
I had found some document with some TNC value to set in D-Rats. Is there a trick to get the file transfer speed the same as what packet sends normally.
Michael Hendershot - K4MKH
|
Re: Running D-Rats on Raspberry PI and have it autostart on boot
You could also put it in the rc.local file or write a service script to launch as a service at boot time. I'll? post an example? a systemd script that starts d-rats_repeater as a service in fedora 18? when I get home this afternoon. I use it to start d-rats_repeater on my raspberry pi based? ratflector for a "headless" ratflector. Mike, N0SO ratflector: ratf.n0so.net port 9000
From: k4mkh
To: d-rats_group@...
Sent: Wed, May 22, 2013 9:49:22 PM
Subject: [d-rats_group] Re: Running D-Rats on Raspberry PI and have it autostart on boot
?
That is a great tip. I will add that to my notes also.
That tells me I could add that in startup of the pi as cron job then instead of launching under the desktop.
--- In d-rats_group@..., "Ed" wrote:
>
> If your running your RPi headless you don't need to launch the X
> desktop.
> I run a ratflector without having to launch the desktop. The ratflector
> application will run from the console.
> the syntax is d-rats_reflector -C -d
> By not launching the desktop you save both memory and CPU resources.
|
Hi,
I've been getting "Mail check failed ((100061, 'Connection Refused')) errors when working through WL2K Gateway.
Here's the setup:
Station #1 - Win7 32 bit on a laptop with Internet connection, connected via serial to an ID-880H. Running 0.3.3, WL2K gateway enabled, set for network/server.winlink.org/8772.
Station #2 - Ubuntu 12.04 LTS 32 bit on a netbook, no Internet connection, connected via serial to an ID-31. Running 0.3.3, WL2K gateway disabled.
All other D-RATS functions, chat, messages, and file transfer work fine between the two machines. I can send Winlink e-mail using the "send via" process, and it works great. When I request a mail check from the station #2 netbook, that's when I get the connection refused error. The only time I've seen a connection refused error on a native Winlink client is when the password is wrong, i.e. something other than CMSTELNET.
Anyone have any insight as to what's going on here? Only part of the southern New Jersey section ARES is on D-STAR, the balance of digital communications go by Winlink, so if I can get this little issue squared away it will go a long way to improving interoperability.
Thanks,
John
|
Patrick Connor
Don Poaps VA7QU