There’s been some discussion of late about the possibility of trying some 2m or 70cm data experiments in Essex. If this is something that may interest you, then we’d like to hear from you.
The idea has been suggested by the team at the Thurrock Acorns Amateur Radio Club, where there seems to be growing interest in data modes such as PSK31, SSTV and EasyPal. TAARC’s data coordinator Neil G0RNU has been discussing the possibilities of an on-air data session for some time, and the first steps were taken today.
Data was the theme of TAARC’s March club night, with Neil G0RNU, Ricky M6DII and Pete M0PSX running through various data modes and how to get started – Neil’s been busy working one-to-one with members getting them ready for using data.
Some tests were made this afternoon in the Grays area with members exchanging SSTV images, and the tests were widened to Southend with Essex Ham’s Pete M0PSX making contact with Neil G0RNU using SSTV to exchange photos.
Next, a test was made using EasyPal – This is a rather interesting mode that uses DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) to send and receive image files – although a little fiddly to set up, it allows images to be sent with very little loss, resulting in much better images than the more common SSTV format, as demonstrated by the picture sent by Neil:
Essex Data Net
After some discussion today, we’re keen to find out if there’s any desire from around the county to try some 2 metre data tests, possibly leading to a regular ‘net – With relatively few data-enabled members at TAARC in Grays, opening this up to Essex and beyond using Essex Ham to promote and coordinate things could link up enough people to make this worth a try.
So – Interested in trying to connect using PSK, JT65, SSTV, RTTY or EasyPal? Please add a comment below – please indicate which modes interest you, and whether a weekday evening or a weekend session would suit you best.
I’m interested in anything data and evenings are the best time for me. I have been playing around with HSMM-Mesh and currently use APRS. some of us in Essex RAYNET have been trying out BPQ32 and have also talked about a data net.
Hi All
Iam also interested in datamodesand have been testing out 2m BPQfrom the north of the county .
Can do either evenings or weekends.
Rgds
Mike
G4TVP
I am planning to get data enabled especially on psk31, so would be interested in joining a net
Hi
I have checked into a 2M FM SSTV net that meets 8:30 PM Wednesday night centered around Sacramento Ca. They meet on 145.51 simplex. I can copy about half of the stations from my place 30-40 miles away. If I receive a noisy picture, someone can always resend it. I have been on the net over two hours on some nights. Guys and gals sending pictures of projects that they are working on.
I am also playing around with Blackcat Systems’ SSTV software for the iPad and iPhone. I am working on a couple of Easy Digi (ebay) interfaces to a couple of Icom HTs. I have taken this kit to club meetings and coffee get togethers and it generates lots of interest. I can take a picture with the iPhone and have it received on the iPad. There is also Android software available from other sources.
I also have an Argent Data SSTV camera interfaced to a HT. It takes a picture and send it off into the ether.
I’ll probably soon do a video about 2M FM SSTV. Loads of fun. Give it a try.
Randy, K7AGE
Hi,
Use PSK a lot on the HF bands, would be interested to have a go on VHF bands but would need to get a couple of cables for the FT-736.
Have not tried any other data modes except RTTY so far.
Location is Walton on the Naze.
Regards,
Herbie…G6XOU
Many Essex Ham members may not be aware that back in the 1990’s there was an embryonic tcp/ip network established in Essex and other parts of the world. Indeed, there was a domain name allocated and fixed IP addresses allocated, indeed I was (and presumably still am) g8gnz.ampr.org.
GB7EIP located at the original repeater site at Danbury (but AFAIK NOT part of the ERG) was the local hub and there were a number of users scattered around Essex including myself, g3xvv (the prime mover), g6zvv, g0pae and others. The system was capable of (and did) transfer quite large amounts of data.
I don’t suppose for one minute that the hardware still in place but there was the facility to connect to the internet, but somewhere in California!
Similarly, designs were/are available for data transfer up to Megabit rates, but not on 2m!
Due to improvements to the Internet, the system died from misuse although I believe it is still used in the USA.
Geoff
Hi,
Not sure if this is the type of data you mean.
But being quite had of hearing I use data modes on HF almost exclusively,
So VHF data would be of interest to me.
I see that the Thurrock Acorns club has organised another 2 meter activity afternoon for Saturday 26 March between 1300 and 1700z. I don’t know if I will be available to go up to Firle Beacon again because that is Easter weekend.
If I can get up there, then I will try to transmit some data modes in between all of the FM QSOs! I’m just starting out with datamodes on HF, I’ve only really played with WSPR so far. But if I can manage to work them out between now and then, I will try to transmit some SSTV, PSK or even WSPR on 2 meters during the activity afternoon.
73 from West Sussex
Edmund M0MNG
Following Geoff G8GNZ’s comment above – yes there was an IP network around Essex I was g6oqj.ampr.org. IN A 44.131.16.16 – however gone to norfolk now. Just bought an add on board for my Raspberry Pi and going to set up again here in Norfolk where I have retired to
I remember the TCP/IP work Geoff – and speaking to you on GB3DA!
I must dust off my radio!
Hey all, some time ago I wanted to play around with TCP/IP, and found AMPR still alive but not so much kicking in our area/country. For lack of anyone else, I became the network coordinator for Essex, and we have the 44.131.189.0/24 range allocated to us: https://portal.ampr.org/networks.php?a=region&id=2192. I’ve only had one application in 2 years and the keeper didn’t get his network established in the end. I’ve even shut my own services down due to lack of use.
If anyone’s keen to get something up and running, I’d be interested in helping out :)