ORCA
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ORCA DIGITAL NET, Report 05/May/15
Check-ins: 4
Traffic: 6
Stations:
KI6RIT Nick
KR5RR JB
W7ZAP Mindy
K7KY Doug NCS
A really light turnout tonight. The Humboldt Co. Ops have ARC meetings on first Tuesdays. Ken K7IFG, Howard KB6NN, & David NX6D are currently traveling. Still, we had an interesting and informative net. Small nets are in some ways easier to manage, but I seem to have less time between events for housekeeping.
Mindy sent her messages in 8PSK250, a 620wpm mode. JB KR5RR, Benicia,CA, and I copied both messages perfectly, but Nick KI6RIT didn’t copy it in Ukiah, CA. I sent a message in PSK125RC4, 352wpm, which was copied by all. These modes are much faster than MFSK32, 120wpm, but not as tolerant of band noise. Ron K7IOW monitored the net with an SDR USB stick.
Nick sent his reception report with flamp, his first use of flamp and it went perfectly. JB will likely have flamp configured by next net. By the way, fldigi, flmsg, & flamp all have new versions available.
We’ll be using flamp regularly and we’ll integrate it into our regular traffic rotation. When a message is sent with flamp we’ll do one round of flamp/REPORTs before continuing with traffic rotation. This will provide for filling missing blocks, but not keep us stuck when conditions prevent everyone filling 100%. Stations not completing the message in one resend can fill the message after regular traffic rotation.
Nick is sending from the Ukiah,CA Sheriff’s EOC. There, he uses a Yaesu FT-857 into a ladder-line fed 40/80 dipole @ 30’. He always has a good signal. He was easy copy from 100w down to 5w. There are at least five Yaesu FT-857s on the net. I love this little rig. A very compact and capable 100w all-mode/band radio. JB also uses an 857, but tonight used his FT-817 which tops out @ 5w. 5w was sufficient for all modes tonight.
Thank you for participating tonight. We appreciate your interest and effort. I hope to see you again next week.
The ORCA test image is attached so you can use it to evaluate band conditions. I’ve not yet received it from afar.
72/3 Doug K7KY
—————- Net Log ————————–
ORCA DIGITAL NET, Early Check-in
Send only your callsign or print it on the WF
I’ll list earlies before regular check-in. de K7KY k
QST & WELCOME to the ORCA DIGITAL NET. Doug K7KY NCS – Brookings,OR.
We meet every Tuesday at 1930p here on 3.595 USB. Software: FLDIGI, FLMSG, & FLAMP. Mode: MFSK-32 @ 1500. Other modes
and bands depending on conditions. Alternate digital freq: 7.122 USB. Optional voice freq’s: 3.955 & 7.200.
The ORCA DIGITAL NET is dedicated to learning digital operating skills and practicing digital traffic handling. The
net connects Amateur Operators with mutual interest in training, information-sharing, and support. Visitors welcome.
This is a DIRECTED Net. Please answer check-in with your CALLSIGN. If you can print your call on the WF, use any
free space in the passband.
After check-in, please stand-by while NCS organizes the rotation list.
NCS transmits grayscale test image
NCS transmits Rotation list
NCS transmits Announcements
Call for comments/questions on announcements
NCS calls each station in rotation (traffic or keyboard)
Before sending, please LOCK fldigi @ 1500, enable RxID, TxID, & AFC.
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
A round (or more) of fills, reception reports, comments, questions, follows the traffic round.
Closing Announcment (optional QSY to voice)
————————-
ORCA DIGITAL NET- website: http://orcadigitalnet.com/
Checking in
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:33Z MFSK-32 @ 1499>>
ORCA DIGITAL NET de K7KY
Grayscale image for signal evaluation
Sending Pic:192×192;
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn K7KY-8.b2s]:hdr_fm:20
K7KY 20150605023438
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20150605023159
:mg:167 ORCA DIGITAL NET, Rotation order:
K6RIT Nick
W7ZAP Mindy
K7KY Doug NCS
Please keep this list handy and transmit in order…
(no problem tonight with three Ops!)
[WRAP:chksum F099][WRAP:end]… end
ORCA DIGITAL NET, Announcements, 5/May/15
If you’re using flamp or another mode, tell us before sending. After you send/receive traffic in a different mode,
please return to MFSK-32.
When receiving flamp messages, we always send the flamp REPORT; it confirms 100% reception or lists missing blocks.
NCS will prompt the next station in rotation for a REPORT; remaining stations REPORT in order w/o NCS prompt. If the
previous station does not send, wait 15-20sec and send your REPORT. When rotation returns to the originting station,
that station sends fills. No more REPORTs. If any stations still needs fills, it can wait until after traffic rotation.
Traffic rotation continues with the next station’s traffic. We’re practicing digital traffic handling; our practice
messages are interesting, but not critical.
Following this announcement and comments, NCS will call stations in order. If you don’t have traffic in flmsg, you’re
welcome to keyboard.
Following traffic, a round, of reception reports & comments. Voice comments optional after net.
*** Remember to LOCK fldigi @ 1500, & enable RxID, TxID, & AFC ***
(Set CONFIGURE/ID/RsID ‘Retain tx freq lock’)
Comments, Questions?, come now with your callsign. de K7KY
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:37Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
ge de kr5rr
k
KR5RR GE JB… Nice to see you… I’ll add you to the rotation just after KI6RIT Nick. Very small net tonight.
All the Humboldt Ops have their ARC meetings on the first Tues.
Nick Do you have traffic? And, do you run flamp? over to you…< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:40Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn NC6MC-6.213]:hdr_fm:21
NC6MC 20150605023953
:hdr_ed:21
NC6MC 20150605023953
:to:8 ORCA Net
:fm:9 Ukiah EOC
:d1:10 2015-05-05
:t1:5 1939L
:sb:6 Hello!
:s1:11 Nick KI6RIT
:mg:224 Sorry, been a while since I was last on here. I got busy with other stuff again, and was out of state for a
week (Nevada/Utah). Feels good to be back again!
I have flamp open but wasn’t planning on sending anything with it.
[WRAP:chksum 037B][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:41Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
KI6RIT Good to have you back Nick… YOU came on the right night when most of the
members have other duties. I may send a message in flamp tonight. We’ll see if JB has flamp too.
OVER to you, JB. you can send traffic or kbd as you like…< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:42Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
NO FLAMP SET UP BUT I DO HAVE A MESSAGE.
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn KR5RR-3.213]:hdr_fm:21
KR5RR 20150605024247
:hdr_ed:21
KR5RR 20150605024247
:to:9 Dout k7ky
:fm:8 JB kr5rr
:d1:10 2015-05-06
:t1:5 0107L
:sb:6 A Joke
:mg:206 Charles was getting annoyed and shouted upstairs to his wife,” Hurry up or we’ll be late.”
“Oh, be quiet,” replied his wife.
“Haven’t I been telling you for the last hour that I’ll be ready in a minute?”
[WRAP:chksum CE1E][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:43Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
hat’s all I got for now
Tnx de kr5rr k
KR5RR OK JB copied you perfectly. I’ll hold the flamp message for tonight. I can help you get it going if you
need any input. It’s pretty easy to setup.
OK over to Mindy W7ZAP for traffic…< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:45Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
My messages (2) will be sent using 8PSK250 (250wpm).
Standby for transmit…
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:46Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn 5b_may2015.213]:hdr_fm:21
W7ZAP 20150605024556
:hdr_ed:21
W7ZAP 20150605011442
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:p1:22 25w 120′ doublet @ 65′
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:13 Brookings, OR
:d1:10 2015-05-05
:t1:5 0106Z
:sb:42 Upcoming Digital Contests (May 9-10, 2015)
:mg:1239
F9AA Cup, PSK: 1200Z, May 9 to 1200Z, May 10
Mode: PSK
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 2m
Rules: http://www.site.urc.asso.fr/urchaut-6/om-6/131-trophee-f9aa.html
SKCC Weekend Sprintathon: 1200Z, May 9 to 2400Z, May 10
Mode: CW
Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m
Rules: http://www.skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/
CQ-M International DX Contest: 1200Z, May 9 to 1159Z, May 10
Mode: CW, SSB
Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://www.cq-m.ru/en/rules.html
HPC World Wide DX Contest: 1200Z, May 9 to 1159Z, May 10
Mode: BPSK63
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://pskclub.gr/contest
VOLTA WW RTTY Contest: 1200Z, May 9 to 1200Z, May 10
Mode: RTTY
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://www.contestvolta.com/Volta49ww.pdf
Portuguese Navy Day Contest: 1500Z, May 9 to 1500Z, May 10
Mode: CW, SSB
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://www.nra.pt/portuguese-navy-day-contest—2015.html
FISTS Spring Unlimited Sprint: 1700Z-2100Z, May 9
Mode: CW
Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
Rules: http://fistsna.org/operating.html#sprints
Nevada Mustang Roundup: 1700Z, May 9 to 1700Z, May 10
Mode: CW, SSB, Digital
Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6m
Rules: http://www.nvqsoparty.info/nevada-mustang-round-up.html
[WRAP:chksum 4B56][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:46Z 8PSK-250 @ 1504>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn 5may2015.213]:hdr_fm:21
W7ZAP 20150605024622
:hdr_ed:21
W7ZAP 20150505202852
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:p1:22 25w 120′ doublet @ 65′
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:13 Brookings, OR
:d1:10 2015-05-05
:t1:5 2021Z
:sb:53 New Sunspot Region: Flare Activity Expected This Week
:mg:471
There is a new sunspot region rotating into view, producing moderately-strong (M-class) x-ray flares. This video shows
you the first 11 hours of May 5, 2015 (in 2 minutes 45 seconds).
Expect flares throughout this week, which will degrade HF propagation DURING the flare, but enhance propagation overall
(due to the higher Radio Flux). There might be occasional coronal mass ejections, too.
Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgis5Bg8dBk (2:45)
Source: Thomas NW7US
[WRAP:chksum 7D0D][WRAP:end]… end
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:46Z 8PSK-250 @ 1504>>
Returning net to MFSK-32 < W7ZAP k
ALL ORCA Wow! those were super fast. We'll see how well the more distant stations copied. I'll also send in a
different mode. PSK125RC4 here comes.
... start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn SunCycle.213]
:hdr_fm:20
K7KY 20150605024819
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20150605005009
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:p1:3 mbr
:fm:9 Doug K7KY
:p2:23 180′ doublet @ 80′, 25w
:d1:10 2015-05-05
:sb:33 Weakest sun spot cycle since 1906
:s1:9 Doug K7KY
:mg:566 The sun is almost completely blank. The main driver of all weather and climate, the entity which occupies
99.86% of all of the mass in our solar system, the great ball of fire in the sky has gone quiet again during what is
likely to be the weakest sunspot cycle in more than a century.
The sun—s X-ray output has flatlined in recent days and NOAA forecasters estimate a scant 1% chance of strong flares
in the next 24 hours. Not since cycle 14 peaked in February 1906 has there been a solar cycle with fewer sunspots.—Pa
ul Dorian, Vencore Weather, 30 April 2015
[WRAP:chksum 4038][WRAP:end]… end
KI6RIT Over to you Nick for a round of comments and reception reports < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:49Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
I’m going to try sending my report with flamp…wish me luck!
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:50Z 4xPSK125R @ 1504>>
QST DE KI6RIT
{82CF:1}Doug – ~98% copy, occasional garbled characters. Strong signal t
{82CF:2}hough. Auto switch and 100% copy on PSK125RC4 – FAST!!
JB – 1
{82CF:3}00% copy
Mindy – No copy on 8PSK250, didn’t switch over from
{82CF:4}MFSK32. TxID?
DE KI6RIT K
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:52Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
KI6RIT Worked perfectly Nick. Sorry for the mistake in modes. I should have
returned the net to MFSK32 before handing it over to you. It didn’t print correctly in the fast mode.
OK over to JB for comments and reception report…< K7KY k de kr5rr OK. Did not copy Mindy's message. 100% copy on Doug's and Nick's. Downloaded lfamp but don't have setup. That PSK125 was FAST! So was Mindy's but no copy. BTW FT817 at about 5 watts to 135' dopole. BTU Doug de kr5rr k KR5RR I'm glad to hear you did copy the one fast mode. WE need to try more of these fast modes to see which are robust enough for poor band conditions. Your 817 is doing very well tonight. UR S-8 here and 100% cpy... OK over to Mindy... Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:57Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
W7ZAP Reception Report
K6RIT Nick – (S8) 100% copy + FLMSG
100% copy + FLAMP (nice job Nick!)
KR6RR JB – (S8) 100% copy + FLMSG
K7KY Doug – 100% copy + FLMSG + image
Nice to see Nick and JB tonight :-) I wasn’t sure what to expect of the band tonight… both Nick and JB had strong
signals here. Wondering how much power you each are using tonight?
Good to know how my message in 8PSK250 was received… trying to understand the different modes and band conditions.
73,
Mindy W7ZAP
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:58Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
Testing on 5w, how do I sound? I was set to 50w before.
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T02:58Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
KI6RIT < W7ZAP
Nick at 5w you're still S8. Great signal....
< W7ZAP k
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn K7KY-8.b2s]:hdr_fm:20
K7KY 20150605025935
:hdr_ed:20
K7KY 20150605023159
:mg:275 ORCA DIGITAL NET, Rotation order:
K6RIT Nick 100% + flmsg, flamp msg 100%
KR5RR JB 100% + flmsg
W7ZAP Mindy Both 100% + flmag, but I’m very close by
K7KY Doug NCS PSK125RC4
Please keep this list handy and transmit in order…
(no problem tonight with three Ops!)
[WRAP:chksum B23A][WRAP:end]… end
ALL ORCA With such a small net, you would think I have more time to get everything right, but it seems different to
me. I’ve made more mistakes tonight with only four Ops than I do with 10.
Any more comments or observations? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:02Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
Now for max power – 100w! Any audible distortion or waterfall weirdness?
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:02Z MFSK-32 @ 1499>>
K7IFG Oops! Ken’s not here.
KI6RIT @100w you went up from S8 to S9 for Mindy and up to S9.5 for me. We copied you well @ 5 w too.
anything further or anyone want to send another message, come now or we can close the net..< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:04Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
I’ll leave it at 5 then. Anyone mind if I try MFSK128?
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:04Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
ALL ORCA I don’t think anyone minds. JB, you still with us?< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:04Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
Yes, I am not used to the switch over delay.
Think I may have doubled with someone.
HI! Can’t go any higher than 5 watts!
Good copy on all.
Can try other modes.
Nick, go for it.
\
de kr5rr
KI6RIT OK Nick give us the faster mode…< K7KY k KI6RIT Nick.. we're ready for MFSK-128 when you are...< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:08Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
Whoops, heard someone else right when I went to go transmit, tried to stop fldigi but it crashed instead
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:08Z MFSK-32 @ 1499>>
I’ll try MFSS128
that is a wide signal.
I’ll pass on this
de kr5rrk
Testing with MFSK128 on 5w from Ukiah, CA. Using a ladderline dipole cut for 40/80, about 30′ up. Radio is a Yaesu
FT-857.
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:09Z MFSK-128 @ 1493>>
Back to normal
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:10Z MFSK-32 @ 1493>>
KI6RIT Nick we did copy the 128 at one point, I think there was a double for some
of your transmission. Still, I think 128 is not up to the band tonight. Mindy is going to resend one of her messages
in MFSK64. Here she comes..< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:11Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
… start
[WRAP:beg][WRAP:lf][WRAP:fn 5may2015.213]:hdr_fm:21
W7ZAP 20150605031143
:hdr_ed:21
W7ZAP 20150505202852
:to:16 ORCA DIGITAL NET
:p1:22 25w 120′ doublet @ 65′
:fm:11 Mindy W7ZAP
:p2:13 Brookings, OR
:d1:10 2015-05-05
:t1:5 2021Z
:sb:53 New Sunspot Region: Flare Activity Expected This Week
:mg:471
There is a new sunspot region rotating into view, producing moderately-strong (M-class) x-ray flares. This video shows
you the first 11 hours of May 5, 2015 (in 2 minutes 45 seconds).
Expect flares throughout this week, which will degrade HF propagation DURING the flare, but enhance propagation overall
(due to the higher Radio Flux). There might be occasional coronal mass ejections, too.
Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgis5Bg8dBk (2:45)
Source: Thomas NW7US
[WRAP:chksum 0542][WRAP:end]… end
KI6RIT Nick thanks for the station info. How copy W7ZAP MFSK64? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:13Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
So close to copying the whole thing! grr Dropped out right after the date and came back at “Expect flares”. Other
than that, great!
de KI6RIT k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:14Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
KR5RR JB how copy Mindy? < K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:14Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
100% copy here de kr5rr
I like the way fldigi switches modes automatically.
THATs neat!
I have never done that before. AMazing.
to w7zap de kr5rr k
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:15Z MFSK-32 @ 1504>>
Oh I forgot.
100% copy on the message.
If fact I’ve got all but the 250(?) one you sent k
KR5RR Interesting JB.. YOu are much further from us than Nick. I still like FFSK32 for general net business.
it works in most conditions.
OK gang. if there’s any thing more you would like to try before we close, come now.
< K7KY k Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:17Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
Just like ot say that I think digital mode should be narrow.
When one has to go beyond 500 HZ then I don’t think were using the band well.
Just my two cents worth.
73 and thanks for the net practice.
or really, 72
de kr5rr k
KR5RR I think everone will agree on narrow modes for HF digital, JB. You did great with 5w tonight. Not
the best band, either. I’ve used 5w quite a bit on this net, but lately I’ve stuck with 25w as some stations have less
antenna capacity and 5w doesn’t work for then. Thanks for coming and thanks to Nick for coming too. We appreciate
everyone who takes the time to work digitally with us on Tuesday evening… I hope to see you all again next tuesday..
73 & 72 Doug K7KY sk
Before RSID: <<2015-05-06T03:21Z MFSK-32 @ 1500>>
Ok thankd Doug.
My ARC meeting is next Tuesday at 7:30 so I will not be here.
Take care and Thanks Again.
de kr5rr sk
nKR5RR Good JB I’ll look for you next Sunday on 3.574 FRN CW net… cu
GE NIck and thanks for coming… 73< K7KY k
