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Calendar of Events - Maritime and Radio

Listed below, by month, are significant events at this station, happenings in the WL2K system, or events of interest to Maritime and RV users of the network.

Users are welcome to submit information for posting on this page. Events must deal with Ham Radio, Maritime activities, RV activities, or historical maritime radio and WL2K items of interest.


February 2016: With the SCS Tracker/DSP TNC, the SCS PTC-IIPro, and SCS DR7804 modem all fully capable of operating Robust Packet, the RPR mode was added to the RMS Trimode operation and testing indicates it is equivalent to a Pactor 2.5 speed with FEC. The mode is not as popular due to Winlink not supporting the required code to allow for full use in their system of all the SCS hardware. AIRMAIL fully supports all modems.


February 2014: Acquired an SCS Tracker/DSP TNC for use with the RMS Trimode system. Watch for announcement when it is placed online.


November 2013: Installed Signlaink USB sound card interface units for both RMS Server and Client stations. Audio improved with better ability to fine tune input and output audio.


July 2013: Initiated beta testing of the new RMS RELAY HYBRID program. Previously, all message transfers were managed via an internet connection to a CMS (Central Messaging Server). With clients requesting a non-internet means of handling traffic, the WDT developed an automated routing version of Relay that will select the best route to an RMS Server and forward traffic via a RADIO ONLY path. The capability of passing traffic via internet still exists and the sysop may choose which means to utilize. After one week of operation and a minimal number of participating stations, the new system appears to work well and will undergo tweaks and debugging prior to release to all current RMS stations.


October 2012: Reconfigured the antenna system for the Pactor/Winmor HF station. Currently using the Alpha-Delta LB DX+ multi-band dipole with the LDG AT-200Pro II AutoTuner. Generally improved coverage over the mult-band vertical. Resetting of audio levels at the radio, software and soundcard added to much improved performance.


August 2012: Released the 'completed' version of RMS HF Analyzer to the PUBLIC, MARS, CFARS Sysop community. Program features added and matured to the point we anticipate only routine maintenance required for future use. If and when the WDT produce major changes or developments in the system, Analyzer will be revisited to maintain compatibility.


February 2012: Released the Beta version of RMS HF Analyzer to the Sysop community. Program provides real time feedback for RMS Server stations in data and visual formats. It is fully compatible with RMS Pactor and RMS Trimode programs. Additionaly, commenced Alpha testing of the new RMS Tri-Mode software.


December, 2011: A complete revamp of the RMS Monitor program - developed by DoC - W1EO is underway as a collaborative effort between this station and W1EO. We hope to be beta testing it in the coming year and it will be fully compatible with current RMS Pactor/Winmor software, as well as the coming Tri-Mode software.


October, 2011: To take advantage of an opportunity to reduce power consumption and increase reliability of backup power sources, we removed the aging Astron 50A PS/PowerGate combination, and replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics Intelli-Power Converter. The unit runs much cooler (although we may miss the 'footwarmer' in winter).


September, 2011: VA3LKI station is proud to be able to support the latest inovation in Pactor by installing a new P4 Dragon DR 7800 modem from SCS. The station will be one of the first in Canada operating the new mode. All other Pactor operation continues to be supported as in the past, and we look forward to providing the increased service on a global scale.


July, 2011: We have temporarily suspended WINMOR operation at this station, due to low volume, poor band conditions, and software requirements. WINMOR may return with the introduction of the TRI-MODE software package currently under development.


February, 2011: Due to large numbers of photos from user stations, we now have two groups of users photo pages. One is for Marine Mobile stations - MM's, and the second one is for all others. I hope this will speed up some of the searching for pictures.


November, 2010: Alpha testing of a new sysop utility program called WINMOR MONITOR has been completed. Doc - W1EO, has written the program and the VA3LKI WINMOR station is collaberating with him in the Alpha/Beta testing program. Widespread Beta testing will begin early in 2011, with other RMS Winmor Server stations taking part.


September, 2010: RMS Stats pages are now showing the data for P1 and P2 connections. Information is collected from daily RMS Pactor logs and compiled into the monthly summary report. You can see the data by clicking on the RMS Stats link at the left of this page.


July, 2010: Beginning this month (Canada Day) we will post a monthly summary of station activity for both packet and pactor operation. The table will provide separate numbers for packet and pactor, and the pactor numbers will show only P3 data as the WL2K system doesn't report P1 and P2 information by individual station. Link via RMS Stats at left of page.

We welcome any feedback.


April, 2010: The official numbers show the trend.

The WINMOR soundcard HF protocol has not emerged from Beta testing, yet traffic statistics for April show that Pactor I and II use has dropped dramatically while WINMOR use takes up the slack. Nothing beats PIII, and it continues to be the most popular mode for serious long-range communicators using Winlink 2000.

The new user client software, RMS Express, in which the WINMOR protocol is embedded, is being adopted quickly for regular use, even though it also has not made it out of Beta test. It also supports Pactor III, packet and online telnet connections.

Packet radio, mostly local EmComm training traffic, makes up about 10% of the total Winlink 2000 traffic.

The APRS system finds utility as a way to send email in a pinch.

And Webmail, which is supposed to be a convenience for radio email users to access their Winlink email when away from their radio station, has done an about face, and is now used more to send than to receive messages. We suspect some EmComm users are forgetting that reliance on the convenience of the internet can degrade one's ability to perform using their radio stations when needed during an emergency!

The total message traffic always seems to hover around 100,000 messages per month.

7520 registered WL2K users created all the above traffic during April. There are 13,699 current registered users in the USA, and 5500 outside the USA. There are 3611 MARS/agency users of the system as well.

For an up-to-the-minute snapshot of WL2K system traffic, see http://www.winlink.org/SystemTraffic. by Steve Waterman - K4CJX


January, 2010: The beta testing of the RMS WINMOR HF Server at VA3LKI is now operational. The WDT is building the network of WINMOR stations to support that mode and integrate it into the WL2K system. We are pleased to play a part in its development.

Get your copy of the RMS Express program from the Winlink website / yahoo group and start finding out how effective and efficient this new mode is.


September, 2009: The long awaited WINMOR mode was released by the WDT for beta testing. RMS Express installation was as described in the documentation and initial testing is being carried out by the beta test team.

Connect to VA3LKI using RMS Express on 7080 USB DIAL frequency, and leave a message - a reply will be sent back to you. It is anticipated that this new mode will be available for public use on its approval and release by the WDT early in the coming year.


July, 2009: The latest version of RMS Relay included a feature to forward messages via HF in the event of an internet failure. This only functions in a Manual mode and generally only during emergency situations. VA3LKI now operates RMS Relay with both the HF and VHF capability. Contact the Sysop if you need further information.


April, 2009: To reflect the dedication and effort of Ham Radio Operators in Canada to support the WL2K system, additional web pages in an EMCOMM section were added to this site. Maps depicting the approximate locations of regular 'in service' stations are included, and will be updated as stations come online.


January 25, 2009: Radio station completes its first year of operation and service to the global WL2K community. There are more than 100 different users in the station logs and steady increases in traffic occurring. Thanks to those regular stations who make the effort worthwhile!


October 10, 2008: New 5Kw generator purchased for backup to station and residence. Plans to hardwire to residence being developed with intentions to have it operational prior to winter season.


July 15, 2008: The tuning and installation of the multi-band dipole array was completed at VA3LKI RMS Pactor / Packet station.

The original plan to include 30m in the array was scrapped during the process of trying to tune that band in between the 40 and 20m bands without negatively impacting the entire array. It was deemed too time consuming and the interaction was delaying the installation.

To offset this, the completed array covers 80 / 40 / 20 / and 10m frequencies as published on the main page of this site. The configuration is such that the 40m band will act as an NVIS antenna, with its radiating pattern favouring stations in a 200 - 300 mile range. With the eventual increased activity of the new solar cycle, the 10m dipole should be a good DX option along with 20m band.

The 20m frequency is already seeing activity from vessels in the Atlantic.

Signal reports are welcomed.


May, 2008: Testing of RMS modules continue in support of the complete program to upgrade and update the WL2K system. New module - RMS Relay - to support a localized "Store and Forward" operation in the event of an internet outage begins testing.


April 05, 2008: Inauguration of new website for VA3LKI / VE3LKI

April, 2008: Paclink MP released for public use. After eight plus months of beta testing at this station, and many others in North America and around the globe, the WL2K Development Team have determined the software program is reliable and stable enough for use as a client program to support interface between an Emergency Organization computer LAN and Ham Radio RF networks.

Paclink MP has the capability of working with Telnet, Classic Packet, Packet AGW, and Pactor HF. If / when an internet failure occurs at a client installation, Paclink MP simply and seamlessly routes standard internet email messages via RF to other "local" or global stations for insertion and service to/from the internet.


March 28, 2008: Release of RMS Packet 1.0.0 from Beta

March 31, 2008: Release of RMS Pactor 1.0.0 from Beta. After an extensive 3 months of beta testing of both the Packet and Pactor RMS programs, Rick Meuthing - KN6KB announced the release of the programs for Public and EMComm use. The RMS Packet program replaces the TELPAC software allowing for packet operators to link direct to CMS stations for interface and two way messaging with the Internet.

January 16, 2008: RMS Pactor / Packet testing commenced at VA3LKI

 





   
April 17, 2017  
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