HFLink PC-ALE v1.062H ALE Net monitoring a single frequency with a non-computer
controlled transceiver.
ALE, or Automatic Link
Establishment, is a system used to establish quick voice or data links on HF
Nets
Hardware:
A RIGblaster (1ea), Soundcard speaker
cables: Radio Shack-42 2387 (2ea)
RIGblaster:
Strap P1 to match your radio's
Microphone. (i.e. RJ45 IC706 page 9). Set Audio Level
Control full clockwise.
Switch VOX/AUTO to AUTO, apply power. Cable RIGblaster to
radio and
computer, as shown in RIGblaster manual’s hookup diagram. The RIGblaster
interface will
allow computer speakers to continue to operate for music etc.
Note: Don't use low impedance un-amplified
speakers.
Computer Downloads: PC-ALE
v1.062H Beta http://hflink.com/beta/
QRG File
(IARQ Region 2)
Frequencies:
3596.0 USB
7102.0 USB
14109.0 USB
28146.0
Radio setup:
Set all IF Filters to OFF (or as wide as
possible)
Set Audio RF to MAX
Set VFO to: 7102.0
Set Transmitter output power to ¼ manufacturer’s
rated RF power output, 30 watts or
less is a good
operating setup to provide linear performance.
Set Mode to USB (convention is USB for all
Bands)
Set Processor to OFF and SWR ON
Adjust Tuner for 1:1
Set ALC to ON and SWR OFF
Adjust Tuner for 1:1
ALC can remain (on) to control drive
limit.
PC-ALE Program Setup and
Operate:
Configuration – see http://hflink.com/pcale/setup for setup instructions
MIL – STD 188
141 Options
Properties:
TX Audio Level
= 99
RX Audio Level
= 99 (99% of ¼ radio rated power)
Single Channel setup: Click
Channels – Select Active Group – 20 – 10
List All Channels – 17 OK
Go to Channel – 17 OK
Transmit TEST (broadcast):
Click Call:
Click Individual Call
Select @@@ Select TIS
Click OK Check TX Power Output
Examples, Operate PC-ALE:
Transmit an AMD or DTM/DBM ARQ or Broadcast Data
message: (ARQ requires far-end to
acknowledge message)
Click DATA – AMD – SEND - Select an Address
Type message in message window and end
with Callsign and Name
(an acceptable
message would be ie.: Propagation
anomalies SFI=101 A=13 K=2 AA3EU Joe)
Click OK (message is transmitted)
Click Clear Screen
Bottom window shows Frequency 07103000USB
and STOPPED and RX
STOPPED will change to LINKING then
changed to LINKED (to other station(s))
Send AMD envelope button, and
Individual Clear button, will light-up
Click Send AMD envelope button and type message ending
with Callsign and Name in the AMD window
Click OK to transmit
LINKED changes to HANDSHAKING
[TX] [TO @?@]
[CMD 50 52 4F] DAT PAG] [RPT ATI] [DAT ON] [RPT ANO] DAT MAL] RPT IES] [DAT SF]
[RPT=1]
[DAT 01] [
HANDSHAKING changes to LINKED
At the end of transmission - Click
AXE Icon
LINKED changes to STOPPED
Click Clear Screen.
Transmit (broadcast) a Data message:
Click Call:
Click Netcall or
Global Anycall (CQ) or Global Allcall (QST)
Select NET (HFL) and Termination TIS or a
Channel and Termination TIS
Type message ending with Call and Name in
the AMD window
Click OK (message is transmitted)
ALE, frequency hopping/instant
tuning requires a broadband, no tune NVIS antenna. Broadband antennas sacrifice efficiency for
frequency diversity.
References: