Tuesday Nights (~8pm Local)
Following the Rutherford County ARES Net
Frequency: 145.170 Tone: 114.8 Offset: -600 (KU4B @ Repeaterbook)
Mode: MT63-2KL (Centered at 1500Hz) in FLdigi
Note: This is NOT the same repeater used by the RCARES Net
The net convenes at 8pm OR approximately 5 minutes after the close of the RCARES Net, and will operate using the 145.170 repeater.
If the RCARES Net continues past 8pm, DigiNet will begin at least 5 (but not more than 10) minutes after the RCARES Net closes.
DigiNet is supplementary to the RCARES Net, and is designed to encourage operators who may not be familiar with digital modes to participate in order to explore, learn, and have fun! In addition, many of the skills practiced are items in the ARES Taskbook. Some stations choose to run a digital station 24/7. This can be a useful way to receive bulletins or other traffic from stations, throughout the week, even while your own station is unattended.
FAQ
Q: What do I need to get started?
A: You’ll need a computer (modern-ish), a radio and antenna capable of reaching and receiving the 145.170 repeater, and some software.
The software needed is free and open-source, and developed by hams for hams. It was/is primarily developed for Linux systems, but has good support for both Windows and Apple operating systems. There are 3 applications you’ll need:
FLdigi – provides digital modems and the main user interface
FLmsg – provides supplementary form/messaging capabilities
FLamp – provides file transfer using the Amateur Multicast Protocol
Linux , Windows, and Apple users can find the needed installation files at http://w1hkj.com
Our club has members willing to help you get started, if you need assistance.
Q: What’s the difference between FLdigi, FLmsg, and FLamp?
A: FLdigi is the only application REQUIRED to check-in to DigiNet, however…
FLmsg and FLamp are complementary applications that leverage FLdigi to add the ability to send forms (FLmsg) and files (FLamp).
Q: How do I check-in to DigiNet?
A: Net Control will request check-ins in a specified format. When check-ins are requested, most participants use a macro to compose and transmit their check-in message.
“Wait, what’s a macro?!”
A macro is just a way to automate repetitive actions. So, instead of typing your callsign, name, city/state, and gridsquare (look out for typos), you can just click a button. One-click check-ins!
Don’t worry if this seems complicated. We know you don’t know all this, yet. We didn’t know either at one point in time.
The standard check-in format is:
CALLSIGN
NAME
CITY, ST
GRID
Q: What if I have technical issues during DigiNet?
A: You won’t be the first, nor will you be the last. Stuff happens. DigiNet tries to accommodate this eventuality by incorporating a “voice check-in” portion.
Net Control will ask for stations with technical issues to check-in using voice. While limited technical support may be provided during the net, this will alert Net Control of the issue, and still allow you to check-in.
Q: What about other modes…like JS8Call, Winlink, APRS, SSTV, etc.?
A: Let’s do it all!!!
DigiNet will always start, and take check-ins, using FLdigi and the MT63-2KL mode on the 145.170 repeater. However, participants are encouraged to create and participate in “DigiNet Challenges” which often venture into other modes, and even into the HF bands. Challenges may also include the use of open-source software and technology beyond amateur radio. If you have an idea for a challenge, please check-in to DigiNet and share it with us! Try to keep a focus on usability during group/net operations. Though, sometimes it’s fun to get weird…Hellschreiber anyone?!
Q: Can I be Net Control?
A: Absolutely…eventually! 😉
If you’ve successfully participated in a few nets, and want to act as Net Control in the future, please inform the acting Net Control station during a net and we can help get you ready to run the net yourself! You can use your own macros, or request a copy of the Net Control macros to use or modify. This is our net, and we can make it whatever we want it to be!
