For those who use Fldigi, for example on NBEMS nets, you can use one sub-application of Fldigi called Flnet. Once it is downloaded and installed on a computer, it does not rely on an internet connection to work. In fact, it is designed for use in NBEMS nets whose entire purpose is to provide emergency communication in the absence of normal wired communication. For more info, see Groups.IO Fldigi and NBEMS pages.
(Fldigi = Fast light digital, NBEMS = narrow band emergency message system. Nets are held Saturday mornings at 7:30, where NCS is in New Hampshire, and Sunday mornings at 7:30, 80 m, and 10, 40m, where NCS is in Pennsylvania.)
Chris Myers, kb1nek
413-582-6829 (preferred)
(cell) 413-548-4183
Northampton, MA 01060
On Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 8:24 AM, Charles Smith via WMA-ARES <
wma-ares@mailman.qth.net> wrote:
Good morning, Chuck,
I'll have to check it out but my first thought was this. For emergency nets, anything that relies on the internet would be a no-go in a grid down, internet down situation.
I will check it out.
Regards,
Smitty, KC1IKA
The latest ARES Letter had a short mention of various software packages for NCO's. Since the QNI reports I get from the WMA ARES NCS's is apparently created by hand, I thought you might like to see one example of software that can make your life easier.
"The Net Control Manager (NCM) program was designed to make Amateur Radio Net check-ins, management of net resources and net reporting easier and more efficient than using pen and paper. This is not meant however to be a replacement for pen and paper, which will always be your best backup should something go wrong.
The NCM is designed to make ARES, RACES and other EM net logging and reporting as easy and intuitive as possible. But of course works perfectly with your weekly club social net as well. Its many features are aimed squarely at these ideas."
Tools like these can make the NCS job easier - if anyone gives them a try, or is using them currently, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
73 de Chuck, WS1L
Amateur Radio Emergency Service ®Section Emergency Coordinator
Western Massachusetts
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