THE WEB EDITION - JUN 2008


This Month: No. 143

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THE BADGER EMERGENCY NET GOES INTERNATIONAL

On March 8th and 15th the Badger Emergency Net (BEN) was hosted from Mequon, Wisconsin using a Software Defined Radio (SDR by flex-radio.com) and remotely controlled over the Internet from Antigua, Guatemala. Both the host and remote computers were using Windows XP and the Internet connection was made through a cable modem.

We used Skype (skype.com) to make an audio link and patched its speaker and microphone channels into the SDR application. This connection was made in software to avoid degradation of quality.

Next, a video link was made to the hosts’ desktop. We used Real VNC (realvnc.com) to provide both remote video and keyboard control. VNC is a Virtual Network Controller program that provides the remote station with an image and control of a host desktop.

Next, we started a Software Define Radio (SDR) application on the host computer and within a few seconds an image of a radio was displayed at the remote site. The radio appeared complete with buttons and “s” meter, everything needed and expected (and more) of a ham radio. The radio could then be remotely controller with the click of a mouse or stroke of the key as though the remote operator were sitting in front of the host computer. Let the Net begin!

Many of today’s radios provide the option of computer control. In the case of an SDR it’s just a bit simpler than most to bring up the radio on the computer- it is already there. The SDR avoids the step of first having to get your radio to display and be controlled by your local computer.

The remote operator simply clicks the “push to talk” (PPT) button on the radio image to begin transmission. He can optionally tap the computer space bar to key the transmitter, a handy feature when running a net. While transmitting, the remote operator sees his own audio spectrum and an indication of microphone level. When done transmitting he again clicks the PTT (or taps the space bar) and the SDR switches to receive. The portion of the screen that occupied the microphone switches to an “s” meter and the audio spectrum displays the receive station.

One very useful feature of the SDR for net operation is that the operator can clearly see and discern activity on adjoining frequencies. And with some practice, can identify who is talking because he can see a spectrum of that persons audio band pass in grand detail.

Tom Rehm, K9PIQ

I’m WD9FRI Tom Wheeler and working with K9PIQ Tom Rehm in Wisconsin. K9PIQ and I have been working with Software Define Radio, which allows me to operate K9PIQ’s radio from my computer in Palmyra. We use a program [skype] for our sound which is very clear and very good reception on this end on the computer. We took this one step further when K9PIQ was in Mich., with his laptop; I WD9FRI was still able to run the Badger Emergency Net through Mich to a transmitter in Mequon. While I’m still in Palmyra. I told K9PIQ I was going to Guatemala for two weeks, lights went on and I put the ICON for the Software Define Radio on a flash drive to take with me. I WD9FRI ran the Badger Emergency Net on a computer in the Office of the Dona Luisa QTH Antiqua Guatemala March 8, 2008 and also March 15, 2008. Both nets were very successful. A First for the Badger Emergency Net Yes we as NCS went international For the Badger Emergency Net. All our Thanks for this great idea go to K9PIQ Tom in Mequon, Wis.

Sincerely Thomas Wheeler, WD9FRI

When K9PIQ and WD9FRI fist started working with the SDR on the BEN from Palmyra, we all listened and gleaned what we could from their combined efforts as Net Control. A few of us made comments to help work out the very few glitches that existed. Little did we know that in a short time, they would be expanding their project as they have described. When Tom, WD9FRI told us on the net that he was intending to operate his remote station from Antiqua, Guatemala, I was excited to say the least! For the two nets run from Antigua, we had a number of check in stations that commented on how good the audio was. And in fact most of stations on the BEN did not sound as good as the WD9FRI/K9PIQ station! My congrats to both Toms (WD9FRI, K9PIQ) for a valuable experiment in this SDR project. I’m not sure if its ever been done before (a traffic NCS) but I for one am very proud to have witnessed and took part in it. To close I’d like to say that Tom (WD9FRI) has raised the bar for dedication and experimentation as a Net Control. Thanks again to both K9PIQ and WD9FRI for their efforts.

73, Wayne Pennings, WD9FLJ
Badger Emergency Net Manager

D-STAR Repeaters Coming to Madison & Baraboo Wisconsin

Badger State Smoke Signals, Yellow Thunder Radio Club, Baraboo - March 2008 Meeting Minutes Brad, KB9VMC took the floor and discussed the D Star repeater.

Due to antenna configurations and the fact that Brad may not always own the tower in the future, he is trying to come up with a solution that won't cost the club over the $2,000 committed. Brad recommended going to UHF rather than VHF. UHF will present less interference and intermod problems as well as a better configuration with his combining system.

Bob, W9MZ moved that the club go with a UHF D star repeater for which we already have a frequency pair. Motion seconded by Wayne, W9YYZ. Motion carried unanimously.

The Wisconsin ARES/RACES Newsletter, First Quarter 2008 Edition In other news, WeComm, Ltd. has secured a donation of a complete D-Star repeater system (2-meter, 440MHz, 1.2GHz voice and data). Although D-Star voice repeaters are not part of WeComm's strategy, we could not pass on this opportunity. We are beginning to work with a tower owner in Madison where this system will be installed. It may or may not be interfaced to the WeComm statewide voice network.

Don Michalski, W9IXG retains post

QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 11 ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT May 22, 2008
To all radio amateurs
SB QST ARL ARLB011 ARLB011 New Section Managers to Take Office July 1

In the only contested Section Manager race this spring, Paul Eakin, KJ4G, was elected as the ARRL Northern Florida Section Manager with 430 votes. Dale Sewell, W4NBF, received 385 votes, and Carl Zelich, AA4MI, received 370 votes. Ballots were counted Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at ARRL Headquarters.

Eakin's two-year term begins on July 1; he will be stepping into the office that has been held by Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP, since 1990. Hubbard has served nine continuous terms of office. A Life Member of ARRL, Eakin is from the Tallahassee area and he has been a licensed radio amateur since 1969. He has a strong background in Emergency Communications and many years of emergency service experience.

The ARRL Northern New Jersey Section is getting a new Section Manager starting on July 1, as well: Richard Krohn, N2SMV, of Manalapan, will be taking over the reins from Bill Hudzik, W2UDT, who has served as Section Manager since 2001.

The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers did not face opposition and were declared elected for the next two year terms of office beginning July 1: Tom Ciciora, KA9QPN (Illinois); Bill Woodhead, N1KAT (Maine); Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ (Oregon); Bill Dale, N2RHV (Santa Clara Valley); Paul Gayet, AA1SU (Vermont), and Don Michalski, W9IXG (Wisconsin).

Nominations for the Indiana Section Manager position will be resolicited in July QST for an 18-month term of office beginning in January 2009.


by Richard Regent, K9GDF

WISCONSIN NETS

NetWNAFreq. UTCCDTManager
BWNYES398511000600W9IXG
BENYES398517001200KE9VU
WSBNYES398522151715K9FHI
WNNYES355523001800KB9ROB
WSSNYYES355523301830N9JIY
WIN/EYES355502001900WB9ICH
WIN/LYES55505002200W9UW
RCRANO 01/6100301930KA9OMC
(Mondays CDT - Menomonie Area)
Green Bay AreaNO72/1202452145WB9NRK
ARESNO4.65/5.2502002100
(South East/South Central Wisconsin)
ARES/RACES (WRACES)NO3997.523001800N9VAO
(Sundays)
Please send additions and changes to: k9en@arrl.net Kenneth A Ebneter
822 Wauona Trail, Portage WI 53901
ph 608-742-3560

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