Pi in the Sky!

The new Pi-in-the-sky board add on the new Raspberry Pi Model A+ is a complete telemetry module for High Altitude Balloons. It is a brilliant example of using amateur radio as the "Enabling Technology" for demonstrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for young people.

Even though we aren't officially allowed to do it under the terms of our licence, it gets around this loop-hole by using a licence-free 433 MHz module similar to those used in car key fobs, and to decode the signal all you need is a very cheap TV dongle and some clever software!

HF Data Communications

In this part we take a look at where data communications using HF, or Shortwave, might fit into emergency communications.  We will examine the issues around antennas and propagation, and the multitude of software packages you might use and modes that you might encounter on air.

Part 3 - HF Data Modes

More than just Voice Communications...

In the second part, we explore how APRS can be used to provide Situational Awareness, share this information and create a Common Operating Picture, and how Raynet Groups can develop Community Resilience - Attributes that were identified by Aleksandra Rohde in her paper to the 2012 TAPR and ARRL Data Communications Conference.

Part 2 - More than just voice comms

Downloading and Setting Up APRSISCE

This document was written to accompany the second part of my data communications article, with the aim of providing instructions for setting up APRSIS32 so as to increase the critical mass of users in the area.

Downloading and Setting Up APRSISCE

Digital Amateur Radio - Bridging the Gap

This is the first part of my paper which starts off by exploring the current state of UK Resilience, and examines the role of amateur radio data communications in providing a service for volunteers.

Part 1 - Introduction

The Wireless Bridge

Wireless links are often used to bridge two halves of a computer network together in situations where physical cables cannot be used.  Over the last weekend, members of North Humber Raynet and Yorkshire 4x4 Response have taken this idea one stage further, and have succeeded in joining together the two ends of one of the world’s longest suspension bridges in aid of their local charity the Dove House Hospice.

However, upon our arrival at the Humber Bridge, it quickly became apparent that the plans of placing the control station on the bridge itself clearly wasn’t going to happen due to the Engineering works underway to replace the original 1980’s toll booths.  Following a quick rethink, the control station was hastily set up on Hessle Foreshore on the North bank, with the network looking across the 2,220 metres of murky brown water to the checkpoint at Barton Upon Humber on the South bank – this network worked surprisingly well with a 20dB signal to noise ratio, and with the sponsored walk taking place at midnight, the path wasn’t going to be interrupted by passing ships!

An extra bonus of control being moved was that the 3G wireless router used at control was visible from the checkpoint operating 30m above on the roadway!   Not only did we succeed in passing the checkpoint data over our network, we also managed to use APRS for the first time to track the progress of the back marker as he made his way around the 8 mile course following our ladies dressed in their glow bands, “onesies” and fluffy pyjamas! 

Data Communications Special Interest Group

It is intended to start a Data Communications Special Interest Group within North Humber Raynet that specialises in data communications.  This group will draw upon the expertise of persons outside of the group in order to establish both the requirements and the current practices with the aim ensuring interoperability between ourselves and other Raynet and voluntary response groups. 

See Launch Document