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How about a link to the [[TNPerfectStorm2008 Tennessee Perfect Storm 2008]]?
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I have written an [[APRSOverview APRS Overview]] that I'm trying to maintain in this Wiki also.
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Welcome to the Wiki secion of my web site. I don't have much in here now, maybe that will change, maybe not.
See: [[CategoryCategory Categories]] to see the documents that I have put here.
William
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PublicServiceEvents
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PublicServiceEvents
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[[TNDigitalPlanPurpose Purpose]]
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[[TNDigitalPlanPurpose Purpose]]
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Tennessee Section Digital Emergency Plan
[[TNDigitalPlanPurpose Purpose]]
[[TNDigitalPlanBackground Background]]
[[TNDigitalPlanModes Modes]]
[[TNDigitalPlanObjectives Objectives]]
[[TNDigitalPlanOperations Operations]]
[[TNDigitalPlanAppendix Appendix]]
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Tennessee Section Digital Emergency Plan
[[TNDigitalPlanPurpose Purpose]]
[[TNDigitalPlanBackground Background]]
[[TNDigitalPlanModes Modes]]
[[TNDigitalPlanObjectives Objectives]]
[[TNDigitalPlanOperations Operations]]
[[TNDigitalPlanAppendix Appendix]]
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Tennessee Section Digital Emergency Plan
Outline
Draft 1
Purpose:
To provide a guideline for Amateur Radio Operators to pass messages, formal traffic, or other information digitally, during times of communications failure or overload. This plan may be used in whole or in part and is subject to modification during specific instances that require special consideration. Given the fact that emergencies start at the local level, this plan attempts to provide guidance to the operators across the Tennessee Section so we may all have a common starting point, and have basic knowledge of frequencies and modes that this planning committee feel are of the most benefit and provide the most reliable means. While Winlink 2000 is a proven asset it should not be the ONLY digital means available. Each mode of operation has strengths and weaknesses therefore this plan will focus on ease of operation, lowest cost of equipment, reliability and lowest learning curve, not necessarily in that order. It is also the feeling of this committee that since there are already established Districts in our Section the Digital Districts should follow the current configuration so as not to cause any unnecessary confusion. The frequencies included in this plan were chosen to best suit our Section and NOT cause any interference to our neighboring Sections.
Background:
Over the last several years the Tennessee section of the ARRL has tried to implement some form of Digital Communications initiative. There has been some success and loss. While APRS seems to be growing, Packet and it’s users are dwindling. This plan, a statewide coordinated effort, should prove to be the turning point that brings 4 primary digital modes to the forefront of Emergency Communications.
What are the 4 primary digital modes?
• Breaking the Section into 3 areas currently covered under ARRL appointments, West, Middle and East.
The above is not a sentence.
There is still some connectivity via packet and APRS. Winlink coverage is very localized and only available in a few areas.
These two statement needs clarification. Where is there connectivity and where is the Winlink coverage?
• A plateau stretching South from the Kentucky, Tennessee State line to Chattanooga TN is a large natural obstacle dividing Middle and East TN. This obstacle must be confronted and overcome to connect these two areas by VHF or UHF.
• Some surrounding States are currently using a 9600 Baud backbone to interconnect Packet nodes.
Are you suggesting that this be done in TN? Are we going to try to interconnect to the surrounding states networks?
At least one location in TN is using an 802.11 wireless broadband intranet to connect Winlink nodes.
Again, not sure what you are suggesting here.
Each cluster of operators feel there “preferred mode’ is far superior to others. This is not the case as we will attempt to address here with some of the most popular modes.
HF modes;
CW, A tried and true mode. The Tennessee section already has a CW net function in place and should not be abandoned. The only thing this group feels should be accomplished is that the CW function be expanded by identifying experienced operators from each district and asking them to support the CW nets by checking in regularly and helping train new members to fill in areas where there is little or no CW support.
HF Packet, This mode is inexpensive and equipment is easy to acquire and operate BUT has a few drawbacks. Maximum speed for data transfer is severely limited by Part 97 rules. It is also susceptible to signal fading, noise and interference. It does provide error correction and mailbox operation but we do not feel it’s benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
PSK 31, This mode is also inexpensive and equipment is easy to set up and operate, very short learning curve, extremely narrow bandwidth and is not as susceptible to changing band conditions and noise levels. It is possible to have many stations on the same frequency in and directed net configuration and provides space for stations to “move off” to pass point-to-point messages. It does not provide error correction or mailbox operation. Therefore we feel it should not be considered as a primary mode but should be available for limited use on an as needed basis.
AMTOR / PACTOR 1, have both proven themselves for HF use. Once again ease of equipment and operation, also efficiency, bandwidth friendly, error correction and mailbox operation are factors we find very appealing. Pactor 1 has some advantages over Amtor and should be the choice of these two. The only real drawback is data transfer rate. Pactor 1 should be considered as a primary mode and is also compatible with Winlink 2000. BUT should not be the mode of choice if large files need to be included with the message.
Pactor 2 / Pactor 3, Both are newer technologies that provide all the benefits of Pactor 1 with the increase in speed of data transfer. While both are much more efficient at transferring large files they are proprietary protocols and the equipment is prohibitively expensive for individuals or small groups.
VHF, UHF Modes
Packet, This mode is fairly inexpensive and equipment is readily available. It provides error correction, mailbox operations and has a short learning cycle. In some areas “nodes and digi’s” are already in place. Primary drawback is the small area it will serve given there are limited or no nodes or digi’s available. If there are nodes or digi’s available the service area is greatly increased and could encompass the whole section if coordinated correctly. It is also compatible with Winlink 2000 and is effective even at 1200 baud. Portable stations can be set up in minutes and can be quickly moved from one location to another if need be. It is expandable and upgradeable as funding allows but can be fully implemented with little funding. This mode should be considered as a primary mode beginning at the local level and expanding to the Section level as support grows.
APRS, This mode uses the exact same equipment and closely follows all the advantages and drawbacks of VHF-UHF Packet. Once setup the position reporting function operates unattended and only requires user interface when a setting needs to be changed, objects added or removed or when sending short messages. The messaging system within APRS leaves much to be desired BUT it was not intended to be a messaging system. APRS should not be considered a primary messaging mode but is the only realistic choice for personnel, vehicle and/or asset tracking. Recently Winlink 2000 has added capability to send and receive TEXT ONLY messages via the APRS network. IF used these message should be kept to as short a length as possible so not to saturate the APRS network in a given area with messaging.
Objectives
• To recruit and train a network of stations that can pass any message from one location or agency to another digitally.
• To provide digital operators a coordinated list of modes and frequencies.
• To re-establish the State wide packet network.
• To fully take advantage of Winlink 2000 and its capabilities.
• To fully take advantage or APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System)
• To fully take advantage of PSK on an as needed basis.
• To use standardized equipment capable of expanding and upgrading as the network grows and technology advances.
• To be easy to learn and use.
• To advance the art of Digital Emergency communications.
Operations
Operational procedures should follow current TN Section Emergency Plan. ??????
Mode selection and operation
Winlink operational information ??????
Packet operational information ??????
APRS operational information ??????
The national APRS frequency is 144.390. It operates at 1200 baud. APRS was designed to support the rapid, reliable exchange of information for LOCAL, tactical, real-time events. The concept is that each station with new information transmits his new data to everyone in the net and every station captures that information for display.
When sending a message to a specific station, specifying each digi along the route that the message would need to travel will yield the best results. For example, to get a message from Knoxville to someone in Athens, use WA4KJH-7,KG4FZR-7 as opposed to RELAY,WIDE.
PSK Operational information ??????
FM Packet and APRS node / digi coordination
Node/ DIGI call signs by area ?????
For APRS, East TN is divided into roughly 4 different areas: Johnson City, Knoxville, Athens, and Chattanooga.
The Johnson City area is served primarily by W4FXO-4 which covers ??? counties. It responds to W4FXO-4,RELAY,WIDE and WIDEn-N. Suggested paths for base stations in this area is WIDE2-2; for mobile stations, WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2. This area is served by the ??? IGate.
The Knoxville area is served primarily by WA4KJH-7 which covers Knox, Sevier, Blount, Anderson, and Jefferson counties. It also provides limited coverage to surrounding counties. It responds to WA4KJH-7,RELAY,WIDE,TRACE, and TN. Fill-in digi’s (home stations, etc.) in this same coverage area generally respond to their callsign plus RELAY or WIDE1-1. Suggested paths for base stations in this area is WIDE; for mobile stations, RELAY, WIDE. This area is served by the WA4RYW-1 IGate with KI4HDU-2 acting as a backup.
The Athens area is served primarily by KG4FZR-7 which covers McMinn County. KG4FZR-7 responds to KG4FZR-7, and WIDEn-N up to n=3. Suggested paths for base stations in this area is WIDE2-2; for mobile stations, WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2. KG4FZR-7 is also configured as an IGate.
The Chattanooga area is served primarily by W4LAW-3 which covers ??? counties. W4LAW-3 responds to ????.
Frequencies by area and data rate ??????
Appendix A
Frequency list by mode (also found in operational information)
APRS – Nation wide 144.390.
Appendix B
Preferred equipment and compatibility.
APRS.
UI-View is by far the most commonly used software for APRS. It is available free of charge but does require registration.
Any 1200 baud packet TNC will generally work. A soundcard interface is also very functional and the cost is minimal.
Additions:
Tennessee Section Digital Emergency Plan
Outline
Draft 1
Purpose:
To provide a guideline for Amateur Radio Operators to pass messages, formal traffic, or other information digitally, during times of communications failure or overload. This plan may be used in whole or in part and is subject to modification during specific instances that require special consideration. Given the fact that emergencies start at the local level, this plan attempts to provide guidance to the operators across the Tennessee Section so we may all have a common starting point, and have basic knowledge of frequencies and modes that this planning committee feel are of the most benefit and provide the most reliable means. While Winlink 2000 is a proven asset it should not be the ONLY digital means available. Each mode of operation has strengths and weaknesses therefore this plan will focus on ease of operation, lowest cost of equipment, reliability and lowest learning curve, not necessarily in that order. It is also the feeling of this committee that since there are already established Districts in our Section the Digital Districts should follow the current configuration so as not to cause any unnecessary confusion. The frequencies included in this plan were chosen to best suit our Section and NOT cause any interference to our neighboring Sections.
Background:
Over the last several years the Tennessee section of the ARRL has tried to implement some form of Digital Communications initiative. There has been some success and loss. While APRS seems to be growing, Packet and it’s users are dwindling. This plan, a statewide coordinated effort, should prove to be the turning point that brings 4 primary digital modes to the forefront of Emergency Communications.
What are the 4 primary digital modes?
• Breaking the Section into 3 areas currently covered under ARRL appointments, West, Middle and East.
The above is not a sentence.
There is still some connectivity via packet and APRS. Winlink coverage is very localized and only available in a few areas.
These two statement needs clarification. Where is there connectivity and where is the Winlink coverage?
• A plateau stretching South from the Kentucky, Tennessee State line to Chattanooga TN is a large natural obstacle dividing Middle and East TN. This obstacle must be confronted and overcome to connect these two areas by VHF or UHF.
• Some surrounding States are currently using a 9600 Baud backbone to interconnect Packet nodes.
Are you suggesting that this be done in TN? Are we going to try to interconnect to the surrounding states networks?
At least one location in TN is using an 802.11 wireless broadband intranet to connect Winlink nodes.
Again, not sure what you are suggesting here.
Each cluster of operators feel there “preferred mode’ is far superior to others. This is not the case as we will attempt to address here with some of the most popular modes.
HF modes;
CW, A tried and true mode. The Tennessee section already has a CW net function in place and should not be abandoned. The only thing this group feels should be accomplished is that the CW function be expanded by identifying experienced operators from each district and asking them to support the CW nets by checking in regularly and helping train new members to fill in areas where there is little or no CW support.
HF Packet, This mode is inexpensive and equipment is easy to acquire and operate BUT has a few drawbacks. Maximum speed for data transfer is severely limited by Part 97 rules. It is also susceptible to signal fading, noise and interference. It does provide error correction and mailbox operation but we do not feel it’s benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
PSK 31, This mode is also inexpensive and equipment is easy to set up and operate, very short learning curve, extremely narrow bandwidth and is not as susceptible to changing band conditions and noise levels. It is possible to have many stations on the same frequency in and directed net configuration and provides space for stations to “move off” to pass point-to-point messages. It does not provide error correction or mailbox operation. Therefore we feel it should not be considered as a primary mode but should be available for limited use on an as needed basis.
AMTOR / PACTOR 1, have both proven themselves for HF use. Once again ease of equipment and operation, also efficiency, bandwidth friendly, error correction and mailbox operation are factors we find very appealing. Pactor 1 has some advantages over Amtor and should be the choice of these two. The only real drawback is data transfer rate. Pactor 1 should be considered as a primary mode and is also compatible with Winlink 2000. BUT should not be the mode of choice if large files need to be included with the message.
Pactor 2 / Pactor 3, Both are newer technologies that provide all the benefits of Pactor 1 with the increase in speed of data transfer. While both are much more efficient at transferring large files they are proprietary protocols and the equipment is prohibitively expensive for individuals or small groups.
VHF, UHF Modes
Packet, This mode is fairly inexpensive and equipment is readily available. It provides error correction, mailbox operations and has a short learning cycle. In some areas “nodes and digi’s” are already in place. Primary drawback is the small area it will serve given there are limited or no nodes or digi’s available. If there are nodes or digi’s available the service area is greatly increased and could encompass the whole section if coordinated correctly. It is also compatible with Winlink 2000 and is effective even at 1200 baud. Portable stations can be set up in minutes and can be quickly moved from one location to another if need be. It is expandable and upgradeable as funding allows but can be fully implemented with little funding. This mode should be considered as a primary mode beginning at the local level and expanding to the Section level as support grows.
APRS, This mode uses the exact same equipment and closely follows all the advantages and drawbacks of VHF-UHF Packet. Once setup the position reporting function operates unattended and only requires user interface when a setting needs to be changed, objects added or removed or when sending short messages. The messaging system within APRS leaves much to be desired BUT it was not intended to be a messaging system. APRS should not be considered a primary messaging mode but is the only realistic choice for personnel, vehicle and/or asset tracking. Recently Winlink 2000 has added capability to send and receive TEXT ONLY messages via the APRS network. IF used these message should be kept to as short a length as possible so not to saturate the APRS network in a given area with messaging.
Objectives
• To recruit and train a network of stations that can pass any message from one location or agency to another digitally.
• To provide digital operators a coordinated list of modes and frequencies.
• To re-establish the State wide packet network.
• To fully take advantage of Winlink 2000 and its capabilities.
• To fully take advantage or APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System)
• To fully take advantage of PSK on an as needed basis.
• To use standardized equipment capable of expanding and upgrading as the network grows and technology advances.
• To be easy to learn and use.
• To advance the art of Digital Emergency communications.
Operations
Operational procedures should follow current TN Section Emergency Plan. ??????
Mode selection and operation
Winlink operational information ??????
Packet operational information ??????
APRS operational information ??????
The national APRS frequency is 144.390. It operates at 1200 baud. APRS was designed to support the rapid, reliable exchange of information for LOCAL, tactical, real-time events. The concept is that each station with new information transmits his new data to everyone in the net and every station captures that information for display.
When sending a message to a specific station, specifying each digi along the route that the message would need to travel will yield the best results. For example, to get a message from Knoxville to someone in Athens, use WA4KJH-7,KG4FZR-7 as opposed to RELAY,WIDE.
PSK Operational information ??????
FM Packet and APRS node / digi coordination
Node/ DIGI call signs by area ?????
For APRS, East TN is divided into roughly 4 different areas: Johnson City, Knoxville, Athens, and Chattanooga.
The Johnson City area is served primarily by W4FXO-4 which covers ??? counties. It responds to W4FXO-4,RELAY,WIDE and WIDEn-N. Suggested paths for base stations in this area is WIDE2-2; for mobile stations, WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2. This area is served by the ??? IGate.
The Knoxville area is served primarily by WA4KJH-7 which covers Knox, Sevier, Blount, Anderson, and Jefferson counties. It also provides limited coverage to surrounding counties. It responds to WA4KJH-7,RELAY,WIDE,TRACE, and TN. Fill-in digi’s (home stations, etc.) in this same coverage area generally respond to their callsign plus RELAY or WIDE1-1. Suggested paths for base stations in this area is WIDE; for mobile stations, RELAY, WIDE. This area is served by the WA4RYW-1 IGate with KI4HDU-2 acting as a backup.
The Athens area is served primarily by KG4FZR-7 which covers McMinn County. KG4FZR-7 responds to KG4FZR-7, and WIDEn-N up to n=3. Suggested paths for base stations in this area is WIDE2-2; for mobile stations, WIDE1-1, WIDE2-2. KG4FZR-7 is also configured as an IGate.
The Chattanooga area is served primarily by W4LAW-3 which covers ??? counties. W4LAW-3 responds to ????.
Frequencies by area and data rate ??????
Appendix A
Frequency list by mode (also found in operational information)
APRS – Nation wide 144.390.
Appendix B
Preferred equipment and compatibility.
APRS.
UI-View is by far the most commonly used software for APRS. It is available free of charge but does require registration.
Any 1200 baud packet TNC will generally work. A soundcard interface is also very functional and the cost is minimal.
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