Cruising with ham radio -
HF e-mail basics, Part III

By Jim Johnston

In the first of these articles I discussed both the radio and the terminal node controller (TNC). Now itÕs time to cover software. Software is without a doubt the most variable part in the entire business of obtaining e-mail via high frequency (HF) radio. Except for a few software programs that run in DOS, my main focus will be to cover the Windows version of e-mail programs.

Due to the sheer magnitude and complexity of this subject, I will divide software into two groups: Software for use by non-amateurs and software for licensed amateurs (hams). Let me begin with the non-amateur type of software.

All e-mail software has two principal functions. First it must originate a connection to your TNC, and once linked, it must then send the proper parameters to the TNC for the particular mode you wish to use. The mode you will use depends entirely on the coast station with which you have made arrangements to handle your e-mail. Coast stations such as WLO and WHU handle only Telex (SITOR B). Station WKS will handle PACTOR I, PACTOR II, and TELEX.

The mode selected will further depend on the TNC you have installed. For example, if you have an SCS PTC IIe, you can actually work any of the three modes. If you have a KAM '98, KAM+ or PK 232, you can work either PACTOR I or TELEX. If you have the older KAM All Mode, you will be restricted to TELEX. In any event, the software program will load the proper parameters (PARMS) to cause the TNC to operate in whichever mode you select. This is called the initialization stage.

The second function of the software program allows you to create and address your message. After you complete your message, you can turn your radio on and search for a free frequency of your provider. Listen for a few minutes to be sure no one else is connected or in the process of sending a connect request. If the frequency is clear, then go ahead and key the connect request. After you are connected, you can determine if the coast station is holding mail for you, and if not, the software will automatically post your message to the coast station.

For non-amateurs who will be using PTC I or PTC II, there are two excellent Windows-based programs that will serve your needs. The AirMail program furnished by SailMail is a good program for the neophyte e-mail user. The basic AirMail program was developed by amateurs for amateur use. However, SailMail has provided a special setup file that adapts the basic AirMail program to provide the proper handshake between your station and the SailMail coast stations. You can obtain the latest copy that has been adapted to work with their coast stations at www.sailmail.com. Click on the software download to obtain a copy of AirMail that links with their coast stations. The basic instructions are very well written and apply equally to non-amateur and ham use of the software.

A second Windows 3.1, 95, 98, and NT-based program that has been specifically written for commercial coast station use is SeaMail 3.0. This is a truly fine program that comes to us from New Zealand. Station VZX has been providing service to yachts in the South Pacific for the past three years using this software. Station WKS in Jupiter, FL, is set up to utilize this program.

One of the outstanding features I like is the ability of this software to include your GPS reading with your call sign. The GPS position report serves two functions. First, your position data is included in your e-mail to family or friends. Second, and perhaps more important, it provides the coast station with a bearing to your boat so that any beam antennas can be rotated to provide maximum sensitivity in your direction.

If you do not have a dual serial port for your laptop, you can utilize an A-B data switch to connect first to your GPS and then follow shortly by switching to your TNC. If you do not have a serial connection between your GPS receiver and your laptop, the software provides you with the capability of manually keying your position into the message

Software for hams
There are five excellent programs for use by amateurs that utilize the Windows operating system. They are AirMail, XPWare, PACTERM 98, and Host-Mode. PKGold is also a fine software program that runs under Windows 3.1 operating system. I have used it a few times, but it tends to be more involved compared to the simplicity of the other four.

There are any number of DOS-based programs available, but, again, I will limit this discussion to Windows-based operation.

I have used all five of these programs, and each one has specific advantages over the others. If you are a neophyte digital ham operator and want to send e-mail, your best bet will be AirMail. There is a new version available called AirMail 2000. Be aware that this new version will not link

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to PK232 TNCs. The authors are attempting to limit connections to their gateways to use primarily PTC II. The reason is simple. PACTOR II is much faster than PACTOR I, and this means that cruisers will spend less connect time with the coast station, and that relieves the coast station, radios to service more amateurs at any given time.

As I pointed out in my previous article, it is not absolutely necessary to scrap your older PK 232 and MFJ TNCs. These TNCs will still serve the cruising community with connects to PACTOR I and Packet 1200 Baud 10-meter gateways for a long time to come.

Additionally, the authors of AirMail 2000 have incorporated the SeaMail function to provide your lat/lon position in the message.

For amateurs who like to utilize other modes and enjoy "tuning around the digital bands," I would recommend XPWare. Although this is not a shareware program, the author allows you 100 instances of use to become familiar with its capabilities. This is my favorite Windows-based program.

XPWare has the capability of running two separate TNCs of different makes simultaneously. In my case, it drives my Hal Clover TNC and the KAM '98 TNC to their separate transceivers. XPWare provides the unique capability to change modes, change TNCs and change parameters with simple mouse clicks. As I tune across the amateur bands and hear a digital signal, I switch modes and eavesdrop and quite often "drop in" for roundtable discussions.

XPWare, as well as PACTERM 98, Host-Mode, and PKGold, do not link easily with WinLink gateways. You must use some setup strategy to circumvent the keyboard commands. In any case, you should use the AirMail software when sending e-mail, which does provide fast linking.

As many of you know, there is a large group of people both non-hams and amateurs, that enjoy short wave listening. They have their own newsletters and keep track of all short wave voice stations. There are a few aficionados like myself who are "DSWLs" - digital short wave listeners.

The very best software program I have found that provides decoding of over 30 digital modes is called RadioRaft. This is a DOS-based program and can be obtained from www.TheOffice.net/RadioRaft. It is not shareware although there is a shareware version that provides decoding of almost 15 modes. RadioRaft is one of the few programs I have found that provides a baud meter, frequency meter, shift meter and several other signal attributes. It will automatically autosync all six modes of ARQ Semi-Duplex and Full-Duplex.

In addition to the normal array of modes that your TNC can decode, it can also decode GMDSS-DSC, FEC A&B, as well as SITOR A&B. This software provides the opportunity to listen to news wire services, aircraft weather, plus messages from ships at sea, which contain many humorous stories.

There have been many national articles about Pin Oak, Globe Wireless, WLO, and SailMail. I want to pass on to you readers several new stations that have started in the last year or two and have not been reported on previously.

Shipcom, which is located in Foley, AL, can be reached at http://world.std.com/~msgctr. They have been in operation for at least three years.

Station WHU959 operates Radio-Telex. They provide exceptionally good instructions for use with the KAM Plus or KAM '98, using the Windows-based PACTERM 98, which they sell along with interface cables to ICOM models 700, 710, 706 and M706 Mark 2. They can also be reached at (334) 952-0299.

MarineNet, located in Jupiter, FL, has a Web site at www.marine.net. Station WKS provides complete packages for SSB e-mail operation and also installation services. You can also contact them at (561) 747-5686 for further information.

Station WKS provides PACTOR I and PACTOR II e-mail service. They are presently using a slightly modified version of SeaMail. The basic SeaMail software program is available at www.xaxero.com. Be sure and download the user's guide. This gives explicit instructions and walks you through the commands for SCS IIe, KAM+ and KAM '98, as well as the PK 232. This will be a major help when connecting to Station WKS.

CruiseEmail, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, also has a Web site at www.CruiseEmail.com. Station WGM is in the process of constructing five radio sites to cover the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Station WGM provides PACTOR I and PACTOR II e-mail service. They are also using a new version of SeaMail.

As I indicated previously, this technology and service is moving in leaps and bounds. On the FCC Web site I can see two more applications have been filed for public coast stations. When these are approved and the stations are set up, I will bring you that information. The positive fallout for all cruisers is that all this competition will not only keep the price low, it also provides more coast stations that will not be so busy.

73s Jim, WB4QGK