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

Another success for Dove House...

Positive feedback received from the Dove House Walk!

Just a quick email to say thank you very much to you all for helping making the Sponsored Walk on Sunday a success. From everyone at Raynet, Jean on registration to Pete and his quick thinking ‘cow manoeuvering‘ procedure and all the volunteers that manned each checkpoint, crossing point and each walk’s sweepers you all did an amazing job to make the walk a very enjoyable day!

The feedback from walkers was very positive and I am sure the sun shining helped this too! Walker number were unfortunately down this year, however the family walk attracted a fair bit of interest and we will have to review the date, location etc for next to year to make sure we improve year upon year! All said, there were around 120 walkers and 20 families that participated and we are set to raise £10,000. Fortunately we are very kindly supported by Sargent Electricals who cover the costs incurred to stage this event therefore the profits raised are contributed direct to the hospice!

I will keep you all informed of the final figure from this event and thank you again for all your hard work I couldn’t do any of it without you! Please can you pass my thanks on to all volunteers who helped as I don’t have contacts for all.

Thank you again and hopefully we will see some of you at the midnight walk in August!

https://www.dovehouse.org.uk/walkityourway

D-Star Digital Radio – A Success for the Jane Tomlinson Hull 10k

On Sunday morning, approximately 3,500 runners took to the streets of Hull's historic city centre for the Jane Tomlinson Hull 10k. Logistical support to the event was provided by Yorkshire 4x4 Response, using D-Star communications provided by the East Yorkshire Emergency Communications Group.

The combination of the Icom IC-E92D and HM-175 GPS microphones allowed vehicles to be tracked during the several handovers which occurred as the runners crossed major roads and took to the pedestrian-only areas of the city.  From a communications viewpoint, the exercise proved the value of using UHF frequencies in an urban area; with the D-Star GMSK signal surviving the multiple reflections from the tall buildings which obscured the line-of-sight path, with trouble-free communications throughout the course.

Despite many runners being disappointed by the last minute changes which diverted the route, due to a hydraulic failure of one of bridges over the Marina, the back markers managed an unimpressive time of 1:33:12 whilst enjoying the view and soaking in the atmosphere from the spartan comfort of an ex-army Land Rover!