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)

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

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)

N2KI I have and old desktop I can dedicate to the cause and I'm sure KC2IDB will configure it to run UBUNTU. I cannot host the machine, let me know if you're interested.

?

73

KC2YYF

From: Patrick Connor <n3tsz@...>
To: "d-rats_group@..." <d-rats_group@...>
Sent: Tuesday, July 9, 2013 8:03 AM
Subject: Re: [d-rats_group] D-Rats Technical Support Needed

?

Ok, I see that. They are listed alphabetically on my Ubuntu computer, then I checked my XP machine - your're right. So, I'm going to look into that one further.

?

I also agree with N0SO, if you are going to run a ratflector, go with Linux. The operating systems are free and stable. I loaded Ubuntu on a computer I picked out of the trash, and it works just fine. The Raspberry Pi seems all the rage now and a few Ratflectors are running on it. Good luck and 73.

Patrick (N3TSZ)

From: Anthony (N2KI) <n2ki.ham@...>
To: d-rats_group@...
Sent: Tuesday, July 9, 2013 7:08 AM
Subject: Re: [d-rats_group] D-Rats Technical Support Needed

?

Patrick,

Thank you for the reply.

I am not sure what you are referring to with regard to the following:

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.

My templates are already in alphabetical order. ?When I click on "NEW", the program always defaults to choosing a HICS260 form.

?

Regards, Anthony J. Cioffi (N2KI)

On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 11:09 PM, Patrick Connor <n3tsz@...> wrote:

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) <n2ki.ham@...>
To: d-rats_group@...
Cc: Joe Delorenzo <joed100@...>; Phil Mollica <pmollica@...>; David Hubbell <n2kto1@...>
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 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)