[FADCA] Updating Digital Network Support for EMCOMMs

[bud thompson]

Updating Digital Network Support for EMCOMMs

This note is intended to inform you of what is going on regarding digital
communications that will affect us here in Florida (or should)!

As you know, several of us in FADCA have been promoting the ARRL Amateur
Radio Emergency Service Communications (ARESCOM) committee's recommendation
to use the Winlink 2000 (WL2K) model for supporting Emergency Communications
(EMCOMMs) with E-mail over Ham Radio. This weekend the ARRL BOD of directors
provided further support for implementation (see my FADCA note "ARRL BOD
Sanctions ARESCOM/WL2K)

I am in contact with ARES groups all over the country; no matter how many
holes we have in our Florida Layered Packet Network - it has the greatest
coverage of a state anywhere!  The problem, as with here, is that the older
existing packet networks have deteriorated since the mid 90s and now must be
repaired and upgraded.  The greatest obstacle is operational and packet
network expertise within local ham communities.  I am on two e-mail
reflectors and one weekly Echolink net regarding these matters and receive
phone calls weekly from various places around the country.  Were it all to
surface, such expertise in Florida would far overshadow that anywhere in the
country.

Here in Florida we have an unequaled opportunity to literally lead the way
and set the nationwide network model for statewide coverage through at least
the rest of this decade.  This will require (1) establishing new
LANS/switches to fill in holes for local ham radio communities, (2)
increasing throughput speeds on backbones and LANS, (3) training of hams to
use the network, and (4) training of non-licensed volunteers to use e-mail
over Ham Radio for EMCOMMs.

To assist in growing Florida's nationwide leadership position are two of the
four WL2K Development team members who live in the Melbourne area and
utilize the network for development work.  That results in our working very
closely with the WL2K Development Team, including beta testing end-user
programs.

Several FADCA members are looking to secure grants from Home Land Security
funds to upgrade and grow the Florida Layered Packet Network.  While these
grant applications are not unified, they are generally focused on purchase
of new commercial wideband radios and TNCs for use throughout the network.
Upgrading backbones to at least 19.2KB and all LANS to 9.6KB is technically
feasible and can happen within a year or less given sufficient grant
funding.  Ideally, establishing the switch and data ports with the
grant-funded radios and TNCs would literally be 'plug 'n play', with
securing a good site, installing antennas, feed lines, grounding, and
lightning protection being the hard part!

To my knowledge there is no single grant source for the total amount of
money needed, but two or three grants totaling $50K or so would likely do
the job.  The grant I may be able to apply for would be for $25K.  If the
grant writers decide to use the FADCA case for the grant, the draft
application will be available for others who have a place to make such
applications.

What can you do? (1) If you are in an area of nominal population density and
there is no 2 meter Local Area Network, set one up.  That is the initial
building block toward getting network connectivity.  It only takes two
people on a single packet frequency to start a LAN!  (2) Get more hams in
your community on the LAN, and (3) work with your local ARRL Emergency
Coordinator on a plan to implement Digital Messaging in Support of EMCOMMs.

You can learn about e-mail over Ham Radio on the FADCA website
(www.fadca.org) and www.winlink.org.

If you need help, just ask any questions on the fadca at mailman.org group.

More later as information becomes available.

73,
bud Thompson N0IA
386 574 4124