WICEN Vic: Expression of Interest - WICEN Special Communications

[Donald Fraser]

Pactor special communications.
Hi,
I remain interested in this activity.  I have not submitted the loan agreement as I assume I will use my own SCS modem.

I look forward to extra news.

Don' VK3SP

From: wicenvic [mailto:wicenvic-bounces at vic.wicen.org.au] On Behalf Of John and Bronwyn Morrissey
Sent: Monday, 29 December 2014 8:09 PM
To: 'WICEN Distribution'ist'
Cc: secretary at vic.wicen.org.au
Subject: WICEN Vic: Expression of Interest - WICEN Special Communications

Expression of Interest invited

Expressions of Interest are invited from WICEN members who are interested in participation in deployment and operation of a high performance, secure, digital HF emergency communications system.
Some equipment to facilitate this capability will be available for loan to WICEN members.  Further information follows.

Brief description of the communications system

The communications system to be used has been in limited use within WICEN for the past couple of years.  It uses an enhanced version of PACTOR.    This is the highest performance HF digital communications system currently available to amateurs.  In the past, the cost of modems has precluded its adoption by individual WICEN members; with the purchase of some modems, and the availability of more, WICEN has overcome this hurdle.
As well as PACTOR, the system uses software developed specifically for emergency communications. This system is well proven, having been deployed for over 15 years by Red Cross (RECOM) in a wide range of emergencies.
The communication system consists of field stations and high reliability network stations (gateways).  There are presently two dedicated, high reliability network stations (one near Melbourne and the other in Darwin), which operate 24/7 and scan a wide range of frequencies with another station near Traralgon, operating 24/7 on 80m.  Other network stations can be activated as required.
The system encrypts all information passing through it, making it very suitable for confidential traffic.  (This encryption is consistent with ACMA requirements).  All transactions are automatically recorded at both ends of the communications link for later review if required.
This WICEN capability targets mainly response and relief agencies.  Given that deployment of the system is likely to be in support of a major emergency, it is critical to WICEN that we succeed in providing the service to the client.  For this reason, achieving competence in use of the system will be a high priority.

Loan of equipment

WICEN has purchased a substantial amount of equipment to facilitate this activity.  This includes 3 HF transceivers and 5 PACTOR modems, with ancillary equipment (GPS etc).  If interest is sufficient, more PACTOR modems will also be made available to WICEN members.
The equipment will be offered on loan to individual WICEN members who will be expected to become fully competent in its deployment and use.
Loan of the equipment to WICEN members is subject to execution of a Loan Agreement.  The Loan Agreement is attached to this email.  Allocation of the equipment (ie: transceiver & PACTOR modem & GPS, or modem & GPS, or modem only) will at the discretion of WICEN.

Training

Training will be offered in the use and deployment of the system.  Although not difficult to use, the system includes a number of features and capability not included in other systems.  In addition, communication system efficacy (for example, efficient mobile and portable HF antennas) will receive attention.
Dates for training will be finalised once the expressions of interest are received, with the initial training expected to be late January.

Commitment

As outlined in the Loan Agreement, there will be some expectations on WICEN members who wish to undertake this activity.  Participation in training and regular use of the system will be expected.  So will deployment when requested unless there is a reasonable (and material) reason for non-availability.

Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for WICEN members who wish to advance their technical and communication skills, while offering WICEN clients a proven communications system with features and performance not previously available from WICEN.

Response to this Expression of Interest:

Please respond to John Morrissey VK3ZRX (  jbmorrissey at netspace.net.au<mailto:jbmorrissey at netspace.net.au> ), with a copy to the WICEN Secretary, Mark Dods VK3ZR.  ( secretary at vic.wicen.org.au<mailto:secretary at vic.wicen.org.au> )



Regards,

John VK3ZRX
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