November 27, 2010Ottawa D-STAR Symposium

D-RATSD-RATS “A communication tool for D- “A communication tool for D-STAR”STAR”

Alan Steele (VA3STL)

What is D-RATS?What is D-RATS?

An open source python application

– by Dan Smith KK7DS Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, Mac) Uses ‘slow data’ Provides

– Instant and beaconed messages

– Text messages, data and files can be passed

– Internet linking

– Mapping

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Tabbedoptions

Connectionroute

Mainchat panel

Station panel

Pop-uppanels

Set-up (RF)Set-up (RF)

Serialcable

No TNC!Voice still usable

145.67MHz for Ottawa

Optional

Must be D-STAR capable!

ChatChat I-M style

chat Scheduled

transmissions (QSTs)– WX,

– GPS

– RSS feeds Quick

messages

Message and File Message and File TransmissionTransmission

Various messages types, for example– Memo, Radiogram, E-mail

– User defined Files can be transferred

– Images (can be scaled) Directed or Broadcast

– An addressed message can be relayed one hop Familiar ‘inbox’, ‘outbox’, ‘sent’ etc

structure

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E-mail routingE-mail routing

A station can be an e-mail portal

RF only station could send e-mail

E-mail portal can forward

E-mails can be sent to RF

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MappingMapping

Uses online maps Stations and locations can be reported on a

map Can...

– request locations (working?)

– broadcast a locationincluding a QST

– have overlays

– zoom Maps downloadable

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Set-up (Internet)Set-up (Internet)

Ratflector

Internet[Address,port,(password)]

D-STAR radio notneeded by user

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Other FeaturesOther Features

File tab allows easy access to files Events tab shows what has occurred Works through repeater Potential for emergency communications

– MappingD-PRS to APRS network

– MessagingE-mailImagesRatflector

Networks (‘pinging’ can be done) 16

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CommentsComments Make sure all necessary python libraries are

installed Sometimes see deprecation trouble

– Run from terminal Software open and modifiable ‘Permanent’ ratflector and e-mail server Emergency communication potential Overlay map for the area Network configuration Increase simplex use 18

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SummarySummary

Multi-platform free software Allows easy data transfer with only radio

and computer Mapping Internet connectivity Emcomm potential Station networking Excellent use of simplex

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