[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Digital Net Nights

[Kenneth R. van Wyk]

Hi All,

For the past month+, a few of us have been gathering on Discord and on the air for some very (!) informal “Monday Net Nights”. We’ve covered a range of different topics and digital software tools so far, and I’ve been doing some thinking about how we can grow and improve things further. I welcome opinions, ideas, critiques, etc.


As I see it, there really are 3 separate situations I’d like us to address in varying degrees over time. All of this would be based on community demand, of course. But, those 3 situations are:


1 - Just getting started in digital.

2 - Just getting started with a specific software tool.

3 - Looking to get more out of a specific tool by way of expert tips, pitfalls to avoid, etc.


For those just getting started, I’d like to see us focus on helping newcomers configure their rig PCs and radios. There’s a lot of variation among PCs as well as radios, of course. Some prefer Linux, others Windows or Mac, etc. Then there’s the Icom, Yaesu, sound card, signalink, etc., variations on radio hardware. LOTs of ground to cover here.


Then there’s the tool-specific sessions. Those are mostly what we’ve been doing so far. We’ve covered VarAC, Winlink, JS8Call, and FreeDV so far, but that’s just getting started. And even among those, I’d like to see us get farther. In our JS8Call net, for example, we just got started sending message traffic around. Let’s improve on that and use it to send messages among the participants. Here too, LOTs of ground to cover.


And lastly, expert tips. In VarAC, for example, you can run QSOs on 500 Hz or 2300 Hz filtering. Let’s explore those advanced features like 2300 Hz and see how our bandwidth improves. Let’s run a broadcast net on one of the lesser used frequency slots and bands. Let’s pass VMAIL messages around. Those would be fun.


If these sound interesting to you, I believe we need a couple of things. For one, participants that want to dive in, including those who are just getting started. Please speak up and chime in on what interests you about digital. If there’s a specific tool you want to learn about, please chime in — here and/or on Discord.

We also need volunteers to lead topic discussions. None of us are expert on everything, and we each have our favorite tools. If you’re willing to lead a discussion, please chime in.


We’ve run the meetings by coordinating (text) on the Discord group, “Digital-net-night”. Then, at roughly 8 PM on Mondays, we log into the same named VOICE group. It’s like a big voice teleconference then and it works very well. Generally, the topic leader shares a screen for others to follow along with. Ideally, we meet up on the air as well, depending on numerous things.

When we started out, I suggested we try to stick with the 6 meter and 10 meter bands so that those with Technician licensees can participate. That didn’t work out great, admittedly, and the band that seemed to be our “sweet spot” that reached everyone in the group was the 30 meter band. That said, changing bands and frequencies isn’t a problem for most of us, so I suggest we don’t lock in to any specific combination. Rather, if you plan on attending a meeting, log into the Discord group and let people know what your comms capabilities are, and we’ll do all we can to accommodate.

I expect all of us are eager to help newcomers succeed and we’re able to spark your interest in the digital modes. They’re fun, and have all kinds of practical applications.


Cheers,

Ken, K0RvW


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