Key Words used in Voice Operations

KEY WORDS USED IN VOICE OPERATION

The following words should be used by all voice operators  during an emergency or exercise. Note that all use of jargon or “Q” signals is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. All voice communication must be done in plain language ONLY. Please observe the following key words. Typically, most communicators use these words every day however, if you are not in the habit of using them then please be mindful of them when using voice during an event or incident operation. Read the rest of this entry »

Digital Frontiers

In the 1800s there was the frontier of West. Today we have digital frontiers to explore. The digital frontiers may not always be digital voice or data that appears within this new frontier. Read the rest of this entry »

FDMDV – Digital Voice on HF SSB

FDMDV – Frequency Division Multiplex Digital Voice
Digital Audio over HF SSB

FDMDV is the latest digital voice mode on HF – it caters to high quality digital voice under poor band conditions, in only 1100Hz bandwidth!. Read the rest of this entry »

URI – USB Radio Interface

This is a interface for the Asterisk app_rpt radio control.

URI – USB Radio Interface

URI - USB Radio Interface Read the rest of this entry »

dBm to mW

dBm to mW

What if? A short list to readiness.

What if? That is the question often asked as a starting point to preparedness. Ask yourself, what if we loose all electricity, a tower site, Telco, microwave or network infrastructure, our ability to recharge radio batteries? What if we have a lack of fuel for our back up generators and emergency response vehicles or a lack of basic life supporting essentials? While this is an extremely short list, answering such questions before an emergency is a proven way to ensure our success during an emergency.

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National Incident Management System (NIMS)

While most emergency situations are handled locally, when there’s a major incident help may be needed from other jurisdictions, the state and the federal government. NIMS was developed so responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines can work together better to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, including acts of terrorism. NIMS benefits include a unified approach to incident management; standard command and management structures; and emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid and resource management.

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Emergency Operations – Regulations

Emergency Operations – Regulations regarding radio communications.

A station in, or within 50 nautical miles of Alaska may transmit emissions J3E and R3E on the channel at 5.1675 MHz (assigned frequency 5.1689 MHz) for emergency communications. The channel must be shared with stations licensed in the Alaska-Private Fixed Service. The transmitter power must not exceed 150 W PEP. A station in, or within 92.6 km of, Alaska may transmit communications for tests and training drills necessary to ensure the establishment, operation, and maintenance of emergency communication systems.
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Asterisk app_rpt via USB

A new low-cost way to interface Asterisk app_rpt to radio can now be used with a USB sound adapter. Some modifications are needed to bring out the PTT, block DC on the audio outputs, and attenuate the receive audio to match the microphone levels.
A new low-cost way to interface Asterisk app_rpt to radio can now be used with a USB sound adapter.
Some modifications are needed to bring out the PTT, block DC on the audio outputs, and attenuate the
receive audio to match the microphone levels.

From the qrvc.com web site the following features are mentioned:

chan_usb radio contains all of the interface code to interface app_rpt to a CM108 based USB sound fob.
In addition it contains DSP code to do CTCSS encoding and decoding, squelch, pre-emphasis and soft
limiting, de-emphasis, and audio level adjustments.

Basically, you only need to make 3 or 4 connections to your radio:

  • Discriminator audio, de-emphasized audio, or speaker audio.
  • Transmit audio (direct to modulator, or microphone)
  • PTT

A new doorway is quickly opening to continue the progression of Asterisk as the way to interconnectivity.

For more details about Asterisk app_rpt visit http://app-rpt.qrvc.com/

and information about Asterisk can be found at http://www.asterisk.org

ALE On-The-Air Week

ALE On-The-Air Week
05-15 October AOTAW-2007
START:
0001 UTC 05 October 2007 Friday

END:
2359 UTC 15 October 2007 Monday


HFLINK sponsors this annual International Amateur Radio event.

All ham radio operators worldwide are invited to participate in 10 days of HF Automatic Link Establishment activity on the air. “AOTAW” is an open operating event for hams to explore ALE communications and equipment. The experience gained by operator participation in this readiness exercise is useful for HF Emergency/Disaster Relief communications.

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