Statement of Purpose: Establish and reinforce standard practices for use of modes, specifically their
locations on the waterfall, during AmRRON digital mode radio communications in training and real-
world operations.
NOTE: The following applies when the operator is tuned to the frequencies as noted in the red text
boxes beneath Figure 1.
1. FLDIGI modes @ 1000 on Waterfall, for modes such as Contestia 4/250, MFSK-32 and
MFSK-64, etc., including while sending via:
a) FLMSG. FLMSG is used for sending completed built-in or custom
forms, such as reports.
b) FLAMP. FLAMP is the FEC (Forward Error Correcting) application we
use for sending files such as .k2s or .txt files free of errors.
2. FSQcall defaults at 1500 on the waterfall. Used for beaconing (sounding) for determining signal path
quality and determining which stations are on the air. Is also used for transfer of small files and images,
as well as chatting using short messages, and sending message alerts to individual radio operators.
3. JS8call @ approx. 2000 on the waterfall. This can be done by going into File->Settings->Behavior tab,
and selecting the box which reads “Allow heartbeat transmissions outside of heartbeat sub-channel
(500Hz- 1000Hz)”.
This is an excellent mode for poor band conditions or low power (QRP) operations, and allows for group
messages or directed messages between two operators. Operators should select a place between 1800
and 2200 on the WF. One does not need to be at the precise point as another operator to detect them and
print their call signs or receive their traffic.
NOTE: This white paper is not intended to be a comprehensive instructional guide for using each digital
mode or software program. It is a guide for operators who already have a working knowledge of each
of the programs and modes.
(SEE PDF FOR FULL SIZED IMAGE)
CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE PDF VERSION OF THIS WHITE PAPER
I am thinking that the FLDIGI should remain at 1200 on the waterfall for local 2M comms. MT621kL is too wide to move to the 1000 position.
As a NCS for your local 2m nets, you could certainly make that call to run nets at 1200 on the WF. The waterfall placement as outlined in the white paper was developed with HF bands in mind. One would not typically use FSQcall or JS8call on VHF/UHF modes, so bleed-over would not be an issue as much as it would be on the HF bands.
I noticed the move to 1000 on the HF nets a few months ago. It seems to have worked out well. I just need to get myself up to speed on the JS8Call.
If you need help with JS8, let me know. I have been a part of it since day one.
Roger that. Thank you!