information for - ARES Missouri

PSK 31 - Digital Emergency Communication (DigiPan 1.7)
Check-in and more...

MESDN is no longer in session - this page is for
Referernce Only
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Since the Fall/Winter season is here, the MESDN will switch to 80 meters. The primary frequency will switch to 3.595 with a 'day time' alternate on 7.073 - The net is open to all Amateurs whether or not affiliated with ARES/RACES.

If an Emergency condition should develop - attempt to first check in with your local ARES group. Then check for the MESN 3.963 (alt 7.263). If the need for Digital exists - any Missouri ARES member may convene the MESDN to serve during the emergency. Liason should be maintained with the MESN during the emergency.

Quick Find - click on the BLUE

PSK 31 is one of many Digital modes now available and provides the capability to transmit a fair amount of data during an emergency. This document provides a general overview for using DigiPan (a free PSK 31 program) to join the MESN PSK 31 Net. Details and download of DigiPan may be found at http://www.digipan.net/ .

Currently we are experimenting with the MultiPSK program. To veiw further information visit the following URL
Also consider MixW a 'multi-mode' program that works very well. However it must be registered after a 15 day trial period. MixW is located at the following URL http://www.mixw.net/

Information about MESN may be found at the Missouri ARES web site http://www.ares-mo.org/ just click on Missouri Emeregency Services Net from the menu. The MESDN is under direction of MESN and Missouri ARES. MESDN welcomes NTS traffic. The Missouri Traffic Net meets daily at 5:45 PM local on 3.963 (voice) for the purpose of handling traffic in/out of the state (see URL above for more information). The Missouri Emeregency Services Net meets on Sunday evenings at 6:30 PM local also on 3.963 (voice) alternate 7.263 if propagation warrants.

Another interesting web site is http://www.arespacket.com/arespacket.html with sections on several Digital modes.

A typical (non emergency) text script may be found here and a script ending the Net is found here (download using 'right-click' to save).

The MESDN frequency is 7.073 plus or minus 3.0 KHz (always on an even KHz increment). The alternate frequency is 3.595... Of course the main PSK 31 activity may be found on 14.070 on the 20 meter band. However our needs for statewide communication dictates the use of 40 or possibly 80 meters.

Be sure to set your soundcard output and the rig drive level (Mic gain for some) for no more than 30 watts. The 'duty cycle' of many digital modes is high and the PA in the rig heats up - Fast. Excessive drive also distorts the PSK signal making it difficult or impossible to RX and takes a lot more bandwidth. Just 20 watts of power should provide an excellent signal throughout our coverage area (For the Net Dec 8, 2002 - I used 5 watts).

Two important things to remember - you need have your Rig VFO right on the Net. Be sure to turn OFF any RIT! Also the small Red Diamond MUST be on 1000 Hz when you transmit your call. If not 'on' with both items Net Control may miss your call...

Type your 'check-in' similar to this (without the quotes): "MESDN check in your call (THREE times), first name, QTH."
By typing your callsign three times, Net control has opportunity to 'tune' stations slightly off the 1000 Hz, PSK decode is a tight bandwidth
Your 'check in' will not be sent till you 'TX', just wait for a pause in the Net.

The above shows how the actual Net text will look (to 'see' this you must move the small Red Diamond to 1000 Hz). Fred just finished his transmission to the Net and Net Control is ready to TX and turn it over to Carl. Once Carl is finished Net Control will then call for the next station that has been heard.

The top (red text) is the actual Net on 1000Hz While the bottom, green text is Net Control getting ready to TX and turn it over to Carl.

DigiPan is really easy once you get some program use under your belt.

A note of interest - Try PSK 31 using 2M FM simplex, it does work very well.

Please visit the Independence R.A.C.E.S. web site.

73 de KBØEMB .. email is - kbØemb @ ARRL.NET

Last Update Oct 13, 2003