[Oremem/Idamem] Oregon Army Mars Members

[leo griffin]

Greetings All,

The SMD has issued some frequencies for us to test as new Gateway freqs. and
I would appreciate all the help you can give to this project. I would like
to ask you to help with the following:

1.  Check to see how many of the frequencies your station can load up on
without too much difficulty.
2.  Check for noise levels over a couple of days.

If you would kindly get that information back to me, it will help to
determine which freqs. we will use in the future for the Gateway.

Here are the frequencies:

KFH 7720.0 LSB w/2.2 offset
KEG 6905.0 LSB w/2.2 offset
KGB 8038.5 LSB w/2.2 offset
KCQ 4930.0 LSB w/2.2 offset
KMO 14936.5 USB w/2.2 offset

Until we get back reports on these freqs. we will maintain our present
schedule of:

7 Days - Noon to 3:30PM PDT on KFC LSB with .7 offset
7 Days - 8:00PM to 11:30 PDT on KDF LSB with .7 offset (ADD .7 to basic
frequency)

We will be testing these frequencies by opening the Gateway on them over the
weekends when we will have the most operators available for link ups.  I
will notify everyone via this email system on the particulars of the tests.
You all have been most helpful in getting the Gateway up and running and
should be complimented on your efforts.

We are all learning the best way to link up and operate the system what with
proofing digital systems operations, fighting the bad propagation, and using
new system commands.  Here's a couple of tips that may aid you in linking up
and operating the Gateway.
1.  Once you have link up, your software will tell you so - but it doesn't
show you if you are tuned precisely to transmit and receive data. Tuning can
be the one factor to a successful exchange of data with the Gateway. Most
TNC units have a series of tuning lights, or a tuning window and this is
your best indicator of where your rig is tuned.  Since we know that radios
do not always transmit exactly the same frequency as that shown on the dial,
tuning is necessary.  The tuning indicators should show two bright marks or
lights and as you tune your radio, they will close together or separate.  It
is best to tune till those bright areas or lights are the farthest apart as
possible. Remember, your rig can link up and still not transfer data.

The reason behind this crucial tuning is that link up can be accomplished
when one is only close to the correct freq.  To transfer date, the Gateway
and your rig will work together to insure the perfect transfer of that
data - The Gateway sends data and your rig sends it back, and if it is
exactly the same, your system will then receive a command that allows your
computer to display this information.  If they are not the same, the Gateway
will re-send the same data until such time as it receives exactly what it
sent.  Without proper tuning this transfer of data and its checking system
cannot operate.  Any questions on this please email me.

To refresh your memories, one cannot hurt the Gateway with any commands you
send.  It will take each command and deal with it, either returning a
"Invalid command" or it will act on your command.  It is wise to consider
whether propagation is blurring your transmission  or reception as the
Gateway also makes sure any commands are correct.  If it can't read the
double check, it will keep cycling until such time as a correct reading is
received by the Gateway.  A review of the basic commands:
"H" for the command menu
"LT" for the listing of all material on the Gateway.
"R" <space> and the number (no pound sign) of the message you wish to read.
Obviously, all commands demand the use of the <enter> after each.
"LM" will be used after we are receiving messages addressed to individual
members and that won't be until we are pretty much done with the testing and
new antenna installations.  Then, entering "LM" will list all messages
addressed to YOU and if you have used the auto-forwarding link up, will be
sent to you automatically.  Otherwise, you will have to use the "LT" command
and select the number of the message to you and then use the "R" command to
receive that message.

Any questions feel free to contact me. Please understand, from our point of
view the only dumb question is the one that is not asked.  Thanks to all for
testing our prospective frequencies!
73's
leo
AAR0NH