Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”
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NEDTM1 - Started 28 MAY 2013
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That’s the “Northeast Division Digital Training Multi-Mode Net One”
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NCS Stations AFE2DM (AFA2HV), AFE3EC (AFA3RH)
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Frequent contributors AFA1DI, AFA2QD, AFA2DO
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The purpose of the net is to advance the digital capabilities of Northeast Division
AFMARS members
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Typically 10 to 15 stations per net
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17 sessions to-date
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Sound card mode set-up, use of MT63, use of Winlink 2000 and modem modes
covered in detail or introduced since May.
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”
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What does it mean to be a digital station on a division net?
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This is the ability to relay a message to the recipient via digital modes
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Almost all traffic on the nets are net summaries to AFA1VY
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This requires Winlink 2000 to make the relay
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This can be accomplished with a sound card mode called WINMOR or with a
PACTOR modem
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WINMOR (FREE!) is packaged with RMS Express (FREE!) and available on the winlink.org website
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PACTOR 1 modems include many of the older Kantronics and AEA PK 232 models
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PACTOR 1-4 modems are available from SCS GMBH. They cost a lot but are fast!
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If you would like to take traffic on the division nets this is what you need
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Hardware needed for RMS Express/WINMOR is a sound card interface (cheap!)
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”
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Recommended Level of Capability for Every AFMARS Member
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Hardware:
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Sound card mode interface between radio and computer
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Related cabling
Software:
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RMS Express (with included WINMOR software modem) for Winlink 2000 system access
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MT63 capable software such as FLDIGI, DM780, MultiPSK, MixW etc (there are many)
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Currently FLDIGI has the advantage in accurate reproduction of formatted iinformation spaced by tabs and
keyboard spaces
Advanced Capability
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Hardware:
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SCS PACTOR 3 or PACTOR 4 (The Dragon) capable modem
Software:
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FLDIGI with suite of helper applications
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”
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ECOM and Digital Modes – How will we use it?
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Good question. Operational concept still being developed.
Likely that it will be used to send error free traffic of length unsuitable for voice
communications
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Images as attachments via WL2K
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Spreadsheets
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Other documents
ECOM nets will likely be mixed mode where initial contact is established by voice
and traffic passed with a digital mode if needed.
Challenges
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Interoperability with other MARS services
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Navy-Marine Corp MARS = MT63 (√)
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Army MARS = M110A (x)
Interoperability with ANG units M110B and other modes
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Expensive modems
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Potential for proprietary software issues with some hardware
Digital Training Update
”Every Station a Digital Station”