November 27, 2010 Ottawa D-STAR Symposium D-RATS A communication tool for D-STAR Alan Steele (VA3STL) 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 33 Tabbed options Connection route Main chat panel Station panel Pop-up panels Set-up (RF) Serial cable No TNC! Voice still usable MHz for Ottawa Optional Must be D-STAR capable! Chat I-M style chat Scheduled transmissions (QSTs) WX, GPS RSS feeds Quick messages Message and File Transmission Various messages types, for example Memo, Radiogram, 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 77 8routing A station can be anportal RF only station could send portal can forwards can be sent to RF 8 9Mapping Uses online maps Stations and locations can be reported on a map Can... request locations (working?) broadcast a location including a QST have overlays zoom Maps downloadable 9 10 11 12 13 Set-up (Internet) Ratflector Internet [Address, port, (password)] D-STAR radio not needed by user 15 16 Other Features File tab allows easy access to files Events tab shows what has occurred Works through repeater Potential for emergency communications Mapping D-PRS to APRS network Messaging Images Ratflector Networks (pinging can be done) 16 17 18Comments Make sure all necessary python libraries are installed Sometimes see deprecation trouble Run from terminal Software open and modifiable Permanent ratflector andserver Emergency communication potential Overlay map for the area Network configuration Increase simplex use 18 19Summary Multi-platform free software Allows easy data transfer with only radio and computer Mapping Internet connectivity Emcomm potential Station networking Excellent use of simplex 19