Tuesday Nights (~8pm Local)
Following the Rutherford County ARES Net

Frequency: 145.170 Tone: 114.8 Offset: -600 (Repeaterbook)
Mode: MT63-2KL

[Note: This is NOT the same repeater used by the ARES Net]

The net convenes approximately 5 minutes after the close of the ARES Net, and will operate using the 145.170 repeater (Tone: 114.8, Offset -600).

DigiNet is supplementary to the ARES 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! 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.

[Note: On the 1st Tuesday of each month, DigiNet will be conducted on the simplex frequency of 146.475 Tone: None]

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 users (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint) can find the software available for install from the included repositories. Entering the following command will install all 3 applications:

sudo apt install fldigi flmsg flamp

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. If you are able to rectify the issue, you may check-in digitally during the “late/final check-in” portion of the net.