HF Digital Modes

Fldigi- Realtime Messaging System

Winmor – Radio E-mail System

Digital Modes are a means of operating Amateur Radio from a computer keyboard

In this context, we are normally talking about chat modes used on the HF (high frequency) bands

Used to have a regular conversation in a similar way to voice or CW, where one operator talks for a minute or two, then another does the same.

Normally a two party QSO, but these chat modes could allow multiple operators to take part in a net.

What is a Digital Mode?

The computer acts as a modem(modulator - demodulator)◦ Sound card used to convert digital of PC to

analog audio for the radio◦ Can use the built in PC sound card or external

such as Tigetronics SignaLink Software program can control the

transceiver depending on type◦ Remote control connector (Icom CI-V or Serial)◦ Audio input via ACC connector or Mic

What is a Digital Mode? #2

Many software programs available◦ Digipan, HRD/DM780, MixW, MultiPSK, HamScope

& Fldigi Most are multi-mode

◦ PSK, DominoEX, MFSK, RTTY, CW.. Easy tuning of signals using “Waterfall”

display◦ Shows multiple QSOs

Prearranged message “Macros◦ CQ, Me/QTH, Rerun, Brag..

What is a Digital Mode? #3

Because of sophisticated digital signal processing, digital modes can offer:◦ Performance that cannot be achieved using voice (and

in some cases even CW), through the use of reduced bandwidth

◦ PSK31 uses100 hertz channels with 30 hertz signals◦ Tens of QSOs in a 3Khz bandwidth versus one voice◦ Improved signal-to-noise performance (Reception below

noise level)◦ Reduced transmitter power requirement (Typically use

5 to 30 watts)◦ Some modes also offer built-in automatic error

correction

What is a Digital Mode? #4

Digital Mode operating procedure is not unlike Morse operation◦ Many of the same abbreviations are used (CQ,

DE, FB, K, SK, PSE, btu.. ) Software such as Fldigi makes for simple

operation◦ Most of the procedural business is setup for you

using the keyboard and point-click mouse operation

What is a Digital Mode? #5

A multi-mode software program intended for Amateur Radio Digital Modes using a PC

Operates in conjunction with HF SSB radio◦ Most digital modes use USB◦ Sometimes used in VHF/UHF operation for NBEMS

(Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System)

Uses PC sound card I/O to radio◦ May also use external sound card such as SignaLink

USB from Tigertronics Uses audio-frequency signals

◦ Sound card converts digital characters of PC to analog sounds for radio

What is Fldigi #1

Software can typically control several radio functions depending model◦ Change Band and Frequency◦ RF Power, Squelch, Speaker Volume

Fldigi is a multi-mode◦ Can operate several digital modes ◦ Fldigi includes popular modes, such as PSK,

MFSK, RTTY, DominoEX, Olivia, Contestia and even CW

Fldigi runs on multiple operating systems◦ Linux, OS-X(MAC) and Windows

What is Fldigi #2

Lead Developer: Dave Freese – W1HKJ◦ WWW.W1hkj.com◦ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/linuxham

Further Information

Emergency Radio E-mail Systems

Getting Started with Winlink 2000

&

RMS Express with Winmor TNC

Radio E-mail Systems

Winlink 2000 (WL2K)is a worldwide system for sending and receiving e-mail over radio

The connection from the users computer does not depend on the InternetWidely used by mariners, RV Campers and

various groups for emergency communication

Winlink Messaging System

Ham Radio Station

Running RMS Express & Winmor TNC

Internet

Radio Message Servers (RMS)

Servers Maintained by Hams Around The World

Provide Internet Connection to CMS Servers

Perth, Australia San Diego, CA Brentwood, TN Halifax, NS Wien, Austria

Common Message Servers (CMS)

5 Mirrored Servers Located Around The World

Winlink Messaging System

Like regular e-mail, Winlink messages are sent to a specific address, and may contain attachments such as pictures, maps, ICS forms, etc.

E-mails can be sent between other Winlink stations and normal SMTP/POP3 e-mail servers like gmail.com

Winlink Messaging System

E-mails sent through Winlink on the ham bands must follow the usual rules for amateur radio communications

May not be used for commercial applications, and messages may not be encrypted

You can go to this site to check the current status of RMS servershttp://www.Winlink.org/RMSHFStatus

Winlink Connection Modes

There are four paths a user can connect to the Winlink system Via HF radio to one of the RMS hubs Via VHF/UHF radio to a local RMS hub

Two RMS stations in V.C on 145.650 MHz Can use Outpost packet systems to send e-mails

Via Telenet protocol over the internet Terminal emulation program that allows computer users to

connect interactively to a server and access remote sites, e.g. on the Internet

Via Winlink Webmail over the internet Like using G-Mail Need Winlink e-mail account: “ham call”@winlink.org

HF Winlink Operation

Using HF radio, it is possible to connect to the Winlink system over long distances

Often used by mariners to get information and send e-mail while cruising the high seas

In a disaster, HF Winlink allows us to connect to a area where the internet may still be operational

Radio E-mail Systems

As with all digital modes, certain protocols are used to encode data into a form that can be transmitted over radio

Two protocols are used for sending Winlink messages over HF radioPactor 3Winmor

Pactor 3

Pactor-3: Is a superior protocol that can reliably send data over long distances with weak signals over extremely noisy conditions

Used by most mariners and emergency organizations for contingency communications Unfortunately, Pactor-3 is proprietary protocol that

requires a TNC that costs about $1,400 The ACS/ARES radio room here at ECSS has a

Pactor-3 system

Winmor

WINMOR: Winmor was developed by the Winlink development team as a low cost alternative to Pactor 3

It is an open protocol, and operates through low cost sound card devices such as the SignaLink USB$1,400 Vs $100

Pactor vs Winmor

System Rate bits/sec (Max)

Bandwidth Cost (Approx)

Pactor I 200 300Hz $50 -150

Pactor II 700 450Hz $1K - $1.5K

Pactor III

2722 2.2 – 2.4Khz $1.2K – 1.6K

Winmor 500

329 500Hz Windows w/

Sound Card

Winmor1600

1314 1600Hz Windows w/Sound Card

Equipment Needed for Winmor

Requirements are modestComputer running Windows XP through

Windows 7 with at least 1 GB of RamRMS Express Client software and associated

ITSHF Propagation predictionA SignaLink USB sound interfaceA HF radio and associated antenna

Winmor RMS’s are found on 80,40,30 & 20 meters

HF Channel Selection

Winmor WL2K Session

Winmor Sound Card TNC

Further Information

On the web at:http://www.winlink.org/http://www.Winlink.org/ClientSoftwarehttp://www.greg-hand.com/hfwin.32.htmlhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/WINMOR

The EndMike D’Amore – N6MDA