[CALV-AUXCOMM] Calvert AUXCOMM Meeting - Wednesday Jan 17 at 7pm

[kew at k3w.us]

Will this meeting be ZOOMed?

73,
Kim, K3OCM
301.575.4396




On 2024-01-15 14:09, Shawn Donley wrote:
> All,
> 
> Our first monthly meeting for 2024 is this Wednesday, 7pm, at the 
> Harriet Brown Community Center in Prince Frederick.
> 
> Main topic:  Discussion of our objectives and desired activities for 
> 2024
> 
> 
> My Proposal:  I would like the group to take on the objective of 
> getting a combined packet and VARA Winlink gateway up and running at 
> the Calvert Hospital.   We have a spare 2M antenna already installed on 
> the roof.
> 
> Generally, Winlink recommends separate frequencies for VARA and packet. 
>  But I don't see us having the resources (or need) for two separate 
> gateway systems.  With VARA's speed advantage over packet Winlink, I 
> suspect packet Winlink will be sundowning in a few years.
> 
> I have not researched the details of what it takes to do this, but in 
> rough terms it requires:
> 
> 1.  A VHF transceiver (might have requirements for quick RX/TX 
> switchover time).
> 2.  A "brick" style mini-PC
> 3.  One or two good sound card interfaces like the Masters 
> Communications DRA-45 or DRA-50
> 4.  Sound modem software i.e. UZ7HO's "soundmodem"
> 5.  VARA software
> 6.  Winlink RMS software
> 7.  Winlink Sysop status
> 
> Some web links to explore ( I have not watched them all myself).  No 
> doubt there are many other links.
> 
> 1.  How to set up a VARA FM and Packet Winlink Gateway  (note:  video 
> has poor focus when showing computer screens)
>      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcnM0QdGGKY
> 
> 2.  Setting up an HF VARA Winlink Gateway  (focus is on HF but might 
> contain some hints)
>      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kNUscwzuvs
> 
> 3. V/UHF Winlink on Packet & VARA FM using sound cards
>     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gGQrJ5NY9Q
> 
> 4. Using a "Brick" computer to run Run RMS Packet and VARA FM
>     
> https://winlink.org/sites/default/files/RMSE_FORMS/brickcomputerforwinink_1.2.pdf
> 
> 5.  KQ9P's Setup to run Packet on VHF and VARA on VHF & UHF (but only 
> an extra 2M antenna available at the Hospital currently)
>     https://cvadn.net/winlink-gateway-configuration/
> 
> 6.  RMS Packet Dual-Mode (Packet and Vara FM) Setup
>      
> https://www.winlink.org/sites/default/files/RMSE_FORMS/rms_packet_dual_mode_single_radio_setup_0.pdf
> 
> 7.  Groups i/o discussion on dual mode gateway
>      https://groups.io/g/VARA-MODEM/topic/86554903
> 
> Hope to see you on Wedesday.
> 
> N3AE
> Calvert EC
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