Mesh Network for 70cm A Project in Canada

An ambitious project in Canada hopes to develop a mesh network to link repeaters and accommodate several digital modes. Hoping to combine the best features of such digital networks as HamWAN, AREDN and New Packet Radio, developers in Canada are starting development of a mesh network that will operate on the 70cm band.

“The first step is to get a simple chat and beaconing application running to experiment with the technology. From there we can layer on other features and frame types, and then consider moving into the repeater world.”

— Zero Retries, Martin Alcock, VE6VH

Writing in the newsletter, Zero Retries, Martin Alcock, VE6VH, said the project is being designed to link repeaters using RF and will include digital voice modes, data transfers, messaging and a data networking layer. The project is called IP400, short for Intelligent Protocol 400. It has the support of the Alberta Digital Radio Communications Society and is looking for contributors familiar with the C and C++ languages. Free open source code is being used for the development. IP400 is intended to operate on amateur frequencies between 420 and 450 MHz. Martin said that unlike conventional analogue links, a digital mesh platform will be capable of carrying compressed digital video as well as compressed audio and telemetry.

GB3HA Back on Air in Northumberland

The Northumberland 2m repeater, GB3HA, is operational again serving the north-east of England

To celebrate the switch on, a short check-in net will be held on Tuesday 30 August 2022 at 7.30pm.

Net control will be Roy, M0TKF, and all radio amateurs within the repeater coverage are welcome to call in for a quick hello.

GB3HA page on QRZ.com for frequencies and access information - https://www.qrz.com/db/GB3HA

Irish Language Net

Irish Kippure repeater (EI2KPR) is encouraging use of the Irish Language.

“Last Monday, a new Irish language weekly net was launched on the Kippure repeater (EI2KPR) at 8pm local time. It is hoped that this will encourage the use of the language among radio amateurs.

The net will be an informal, friendly and bilingual get-together on the air. It will cater for all levels of fluency. Don’t be shy, please join in and use the cupla focail that you have, or even listen in. It is hoped to expand this to 40m or 80m. Perhaps there are other EIs who would like to volunteer to start similar nets in their own areas?

You hear rugby referees instruct scrum halfs who delay playing the ball to “USE IT!”. If they don’t, they lose it, as the opposition is awarded a scrum. Similarly, with the Irish language, let us EIs play our part by using it too.”

— Tony, EI5EM