2 Metre Data Net for Essex?

There’s been some discussion of late about the possibility of trying some 2m or 70cm data experiments in Essex. If this is something that may interest you, then we’d like to hear from you.

The idea has been suggested by the team at the Thurrock Acorns Amateur Radio Club, where there seems to be growing interest in data modes such as PSK31, SSTV and EasyPal. TAARC’s data coordinator Neil G0RNU has been discussing the possibilities of an on-air data session for some time, and the first steps were taken today.

Data was the theme of TAARC’s March club night, with Neil G0RNU, Ricky M6DII and Pete M0PSX running through various data modes and how to get started – Neil’s been busy working one-to-one with members getting them ready for using data.

Some tests were made this afternoon in the Grays area with members exchanging SSTV images, and the tests were widened to Southend with Essex Ham’s Pete M0PSX making contact with Neil G0RNU using SSTV to exchange photos.

Easypal image reviewed on 2m from G0RNU
Easypal image reviewed on 2m from G0RNU

Next, a test was made using EasyPal – This is a rather interesting mode that uses DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) to send and receive image files – although a little fiddly to set up, it allows images to be sent with very little loss, resulting in much better images than the more common SSTV format, as demonstrated by the picture sent by Neil:

SSTV exchange between M0PSX and G0RNU on 2m today
SSTV exchange between M0PSX and G0RNU on 2m today

Essex Data Net

After some discussion today, we’re keen to find out if there’s any desire from around the county to try some 2 metre data tests, possibly leading to a regular ‘net – With relatively few data-enabled members at TAARC in Grays, opening this up to Essex and beyond using Essex Ham to promote and coordinate things could link up enough people to make this worth a try.

So – Interested in trying to connect using PSK, JT65, SSTV, RTTY or EasyPal? Please add a comment below – please indicate which modes interest you, and whether a weekday evening or a weekend session would suit you best.

11 Comments

  1. 2E0PSN 19 April 2014 Reply
  2. mike 20 April 2014 Reply
  3. patrick g8jlm 20 April 2014 Reply
  4. K7AGE 22 April 2014 Reply
  5. G6XOU 11 June 2014 Reply
  6. Geoff G8GNZ 26 February 2016 Reply
  7. Herbie.........G6XOU 29 February 2016 Reply
  8. Edmund M0MNG 2 March 2016 Reply
  9. David Castle G6OQJ 6 February 2017 Reply
  10. G7TAV Steve 5 December 2017 Reply
  11. Nick (M0NFE) 15 January 2018 Reply

Leave a Reply to patrick g8jlm Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *