Ham Basics 102:  NBEMS and Winlink Basics

The Los Angeles Emergency Communications Team ("LAECT") is a group of dedicated individuals committed to training and education in all aspects of emergency preparedness, management and response, with an emphasis on emergency communications.LAECT partners with cities, community groups and other preparedness organizations to coordinate and provide practical preparedness and communications training throughout Southern California.Its members have received specialized training related to emergency preparedness, including Community Emergency Response Team ("CERT"), and the federal Incident Command System ("ICS") and National Incident Management System ("NIMS"), both used to manage response to disasters and emergency situation by all levels of government.  They also actively participate in numerous preparedness exercises each year, including the Great California Shake Out, the California Statewide Medical and Health Exercise and various local and regional exercises.FCC station license KA6ECT

Los Angeles Emergency Communications Team

Prerequisites: 
– Know how to set and program simplex and repeater frequencies in your own radio
– Know how to adjust power levels in your radio
– Know whether your radio has a data port and how your radio handles data (see your manual for details)
– Download and install Fldigi, Flmsg and Flwrap
– Download, install and activate Winlink by sending a message with Winlink through Telnet (your home internet connection).
This workshop will include hands–on exercises.  While not required, having a computer, appropriate radio and related equipment will provide the best learning experience.  We recommend using a Windows PC and a Signalink external soundcard for the hands–on exercises.  If you bring a Signalink, please configure the internal jumpers properly and have the required cables for your radio
 
Topics to be covered:
1.  Fldigi/NBEMS
     • Learn how to set up Fldigi for emergency communications
     • Learn how to compose and send messages in Flmsg
     • Learn how to adjust audio levels for best results
     • Learn about using AndFlmsg and acoustic coupling for Android devices
 2.  Winlink
     • Learn how to setup Winlink for VHF/UHF packet using a Signalink and UZ7HO Soundmodem
     • Learn how to setup Winlink for VHF/UHF packet using a hardware TNC, such as the TNC–X
     • Learn how to compose and send messages on Winlink
     • Learn how to access a Winlink packet gateway and send P2P messages
     • Learn the basics of using Winlink over HF
 3.  Best practices
     • Learn the current recommended best practices for sending and receiving digital traffic