[MarinTeams] CERT Radio Digital Workshop

[Bill Smith]

Those of you who have visited the Hamilton Wireless Association Clubhouse recently have no doubt seen the Winlink2000 demonstration.  Winklink2000 allows information to be transferred over radio via a computer or laptop.  The availability to convey data digitally has many advantages in both speed and security.

The setup is very simple, consisting of a laptop connected to a radio with a cable.  A software program in the laptop takes care of the data exchange.  The software is available for download at no charge from the Internet.

Of course life is never that simple, and in this case most, but not all, of the hard work has been done.  The cable between the laptop and the radio needs to be a custom fit as off-the shelf cables are either very expensive or not commercially available.  Accordingly, CERT Radio will be holding a series of workshops to install the software and configure a cable for your computer and radio.

Here are the issues:

(1) Although not directly related, if you have a laptop that can be called upon for mobile operation, it is recommended you obtain a 12-volt power adapter so that you can power the laptop from an automobile.  As an example, an excellent adapter was purchased through e-bay for a Sony VAIO laptop for $21.00 shipped.  The vendor was Small_Parts_USA.

(2) The laptop needs to be tested to make sure it can work with the software.  Reportedly, not all laptops have suitable sound-card electronics, however many laptops will work well provided they also have a serial port.  If the laptop only features USB ports, a $100+ adapter is the only option.

(3) As digital-packet is basically a simplex service, 5-watt handhelds may not be satisfactory.  A 25 watt or stronger powered mobile radio is preferred.  If you would like to try using a 5-watt handheld anyway, please feel free to participate!

(4) Packet can make use of older mobile transceivers that are otherwise unsuitable for use with voice repeaters.  If you have an older set in storage, or someone gave you an old transceiver, here is a place to use it.

(5) We may be able to obtain a limited number of used laptops for this use.  Information to follow.

If you would like to participate, please let me know (1) what make and model radio and (2) what make and model computer you would like to use.   We'll attempt to find hookup information on the Internet and determine the appropriate parts to build the cable.  Cost will be nominal.  We will then test the radio and laptop to make sure they are viable, and construct the cable.

Station testing can be done at Hamilton Tuesday and Thursdays, but please make pre-arrangements.

We need mobile digital stations, especially in MMRC.  Digital stations are very easy to operate.  I hope you will make the effort!

Sincerely,

Bill, AB6MT
hbco2 at sbcglobal.net
415-258-0864