In case you missed it
Here are links to recent post here since the last email notification I sent out to the supporters and follower. I try not to fill up others email inboxes with sending out a notice for every blog post.
Time to get back on track with my Emcomms
Many amateurs who enjoy portable radio have adopted the HAMRS slogan of “everyday is field day” put I don’t think very many fully follow through. I know I certainly do not. I have all the intentions, but I have not been living up to the slogan.
In my opinion, the “spirit of field day” is twofold. One: be out in the public being a good ambassador for the hobby and possible public service of amateur radio. And two: learn new skills and hone skills you’ve already acquired that would be valuable in an emergency situation.
While when I’m out doing a SOTA or POTA activation, I have made sure to be a good ambassador for our hobby. I have also been practicing some of my portable radio skills. Stress some of my portable radio skills.
Sure I can setup a portable station quickly and get on the air. But I need to work on more than just making (as the Tech Prepper puts it perfectly) random contacts. I need to improve my existing skills and development more skills for targeted communication from a remote location.
Two digital modes I need to get my focus back onto.
I have started working with both JS8Call and WinLink in the past. However I quickly grew frustrated and put them aside for “another day when I have more time.” We all know how that goes…
JS8Call is a must for me for two reasons; it works well with weak signal conditions and it can be asynchronous. A peer to peer digital mode that works (practically) regardless of band conditions is a must.
Times for critical communication from a remote location don’t care about current band conditions. Being able to get a message out or in regardless how favorable propagation condition are, is important to me.
Being able to send messages to another station, who’s operator may be focusing on other tasks at the time; or the ability to receive a message when you’re unable to be at the radio is huge for me. The ability to receive a message that I would have normally missed if using only voice or CW; because at the time I was busy with say for example, tending camp chores while in the field solo, is huge for me.
WinLink is another mode I need to get unto speed on. For me personally, WinLink may be a more critical tool in my “emergency communications tool kit” than JS8Call. Besides also being able to use in an asynchronous setting; WinLink can be used to communicate directly to more people I may need to reach, or who may need to reach me.
Most people I would need to reach while “off grid” are not hams. And those that are hams, I think only 1 or 2 uses JS8Call. WinLink works with normal email. I can’t think of anyone I may need to contact who doesn’t have email and is efficient with it. I can communicate with people via WinLink and they may not even know I’m using RF to get my message out or to receive theirs.
Putting Theory into Practice
Now I need to get at it while I’m out “playing radio” at a SOTA summit or POTA park from now on. Besides my normal routine of becoming more efficient and versatile with my setups; I will be making sure to gain experience with JS8Call and WinLink while I’m out and about.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Please forward this blog post to anyone you think would enjoy it.