[KYHAM] PSK 31 in Emergencies??? Your Thoughts

[Randy Carter]

Hi Ron-

    I'm glad to see it getting some attention as I had mentioned this as
a possibility over a year ago.  In that time a new software application
for PSK-31 has become available that can copy 20 simultaneous qso's...
and it's free!
    Just imagine the possibilities that presents in a disaster.  Greater
information throughput as each receiving station could copy 20 separate
transmissions, especially if the following idea could be implemented.
    Admittedly my programming skills are not what they were, or should
be, so maybe someone could implement the following idea.  While I
haven't done the math, it should be possible to simultaneously transmit
20 separate messages in parallel by treating each one as a component of
a single file for transmission.  Software would assign each component to
a different portion of the operating frequency and be spaced an
appropriate distance from adjacent components (messages) with the output
sent to the radio.
    A number of messages, e.g., health and welfare, the ARRL Radiogram
format etc., would be prepared in advance and then sequentially
converted by the software into the separate components for a given file
for transmission in multiples of 20 until all messages are sent.
    Perhaps some center frequency could be used as a reference that
receiving stations could lock onto so that simultaneous reception of all
20 messages would be automated.  Worst case, three (3) marker
(reference) frequencies, e.g., low, center, and high may be necessary to
facilitate such a transmission.  Software control should also
automatically provide station identification for each of the twenty
components providing redundancy for the station identification
requirement.
    Such a system could, at the very least, minimize transmit time and
conserve power resources at each site.  It should also prove useful to
net control stations, EOC's, etc..   Ideally, of course, the software
would have the ability to print the received messages and store to disk.

    Its just an idea, however, as mentioned in our telephone
conversation, I will be forwarding this idea to TAPR, as I'm a member,
and I'm certain that someone with the programming skills could make the
idea a reality.
    73,
Randy

Ron Dodson wrote:

> During the Feb. 4,  KEN the issue of using PSK 31 for
> passing digital traffic in emergency situations here
> within the Ky Section was raised.  We had not
> previously addressed a designated frequency for PSK 31
> specifically in the 2002 KERR revision as no one had
> really expressed
> interest thus far in this application.
>
> I welcome input and thoughts regarding this
> possibility.  Much of the more sensitive and wordy
> traffic would benefit greatly from the use of PSK 31 as
> lower power levels can be used opening the door for use
> of even QRP equipment such as the Yaesu FT-817 for this
> mode and bandwidth is much reduced per signal making
> more effective use of frequency spectrum.
>
> 73,
> Ron, KA4MAP
> SEC Ky
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