WICEN Vic: WICEN Digital Playground (last night)

[Mark Hudson]

Hi all,

Many thanks to all those who were able to participate in last night’s digital session. It was an enjoyable evening with lots of excellent discussions held on Zoom. Had my hands full running Zoom and the two systems keeping the stream going but I think we got there in the end.


I finally got my 2M Winlink system working after many had left Zoom. I further tested Winlink P2P today with Rik, VK3EQ and it worked flawlessly. I’m sure my list below can be further expanded and I’ll upload it into Slack under the Winlink channel. Please add your own comments / thoughts in Slack so others may have later all our collective thoughts in one place.

I was hoping next Friday evening we do something similar if there is interest. This will allow others to join us, to test or retest our systems, theories and share ideas. If anyone has any idea’s how we could run the 2hr session please let me know then mid next week I’ll issue the Zoom log in details and how we will structure the exercise for next Friday evening.

The aim is  to see how if decided these Winlink / Vara systems could be used in a WICEN activation or public service event.


Item
Learnings / Questions
Vara HF / VHF Chat
Assuming stations are all operating on a single frequency it’s difficult to ensure messages can be passed. How do stations operating on single or multiple frequencies effectively operate / co-exist.  In testing a message for one station was received and read by another. Messages are not encrypted and could be intercepted. This also begs the question re: other stations / other traffic operating Winlink and causing interference. VARA HF Chat works well when connections are made.

If multiple stations require chat what benefit does Vara Chat bring over TRAK. Multiple stations operating in the field require a TRAK / Mesh like environment.
Winlink Gateways
Some gateways are more accessible than others. No guarantee of up time and if there systems are at the most current software revisions. VARA works well and the system operates as required.
Vara FM P2P
Worked well once systems are configured correctly. 2M FM provided reasonable coverage.
Systems
Systems (radio & computers) should be standardised. While this may not be possible systems need to be established, tested and checked prior to use.  Training of field operators is more than software it needs to be holistic - PC, radio & software.
Software
Updates can be pushed without notice and current versions may be needed to be update prior to use. This imposes a field risk as systems may not be able to be updated in the field.


Cheers,

Mark


Mark Hudson
State Ordinary Member & Membership Officer
WICEN Victoria
Mobile +61 409 500 414 <tel:+61%20409%20500%20414>

Email vk3mdh at gmail.com <mailto:vk3mdh at gmail.com >

Website www.vic.wicen.org.au <http://www.vic.wicen.org.au/>



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