Nets

Nets

C4FM/WiRES-X Net: (June 19, 2018)

    Plans are in the works to conduct a net for Yaesu C4FM and WiRES-X users. This will allow them an opportunity to use the digital functions of their equipment. The expectation is that participants will be able to check in via several methods, including direct RF on the K1KC 146.61 – repeater, via the Yarddogs-Rptr WiRES-X room (#40383), via various participating nodes in the area, and perhaps by linked repeaters or reflectors.

This net will be for digital users only although it is technically possible for analog users to access the net. The discussions are expected to relate mainly to digital operations. This may evolve as time passes or as demand requires. Since this is a concept rather than a reality at this point, it is hard to say for sure. The basic idea is for digital radio owners to have an opportunity to exercise those capabilities and become more familiar with them. We expect this to be a social as well as a technical net.

Another expectation is that a single frequency for reaching participating nodes will be announced. The idea is to simplify participation in the net. It would therefore be theoretically possible to drive from the coverage of one node, into the coverage of another node and remain in the net, without changing the radio’s controls. If nothing else, it will be easier to remember a single frequency.

Although we expect shortly to install a new DR-2X repeater, we do not yet know if the ‘System Fusion II’ protocols will be employed. It is our goal to provide the latest advances in YSF technology as best we can. All users are encouraged to upload the latest firmware updates to their equipment.

Further announcements will be made here as they occur.

If you are interested in practicing or learning new digital modes, and in particular, EMCOMM modes such as Fldigi, Winlink, D-Rats and DRM, consider this net: Every Wednesday night at 9PM local (an area centered around Covington, Georgia), a digital practice net is held on the WA4ASI repeater.

The purpose of this net is to help newcomers learn how to operate in certain digital EMCOMM modes and for established operators to sharpen their skills. The net begins in the MT63-2000L (MT63-2KL) mode with a center frequency (in the audio passband) of 1500Hz. The repeater frequency is 146.925 with a negative offset of 600kHz and a subaudible tone of 88.5 Hz.

You do not need to be an experienced operator to participate. In fact, the concept behind this net is partially to introduce beginners to these different ways of emergency communication. Along the way we will explore new modes. Recently we have been practicing with Digital Radio Mondiale, or DRM. It is a method of digitally transmitting image files.

Obviously you will need to be within range of the repeater to participate, but we open to suggestion. No stations have joined by Echolink so far. There has been some practice on HF in the past and we expect more in the future. Of course, your Winlink messages can be passed via HF or VHF packet radio.

The net accepts check-ins in real-time from D-Rats equipped stations on the Georgia ARES Ratflector and in advance via Winlink. You will receive acknowledgements from the appropriate net controller of each of those nets.