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.

Great Falls Library Adds Ham Radio Instruction Books

For those interested in talking to the International Space Station, connecting with people across the globe, or preparing for emergencies, ham radio is an exciting and valuable hobby. Thanks to a recent grant, the Great Falls Public Library now offers a full set of instructional books to help aspiring radio operators get started.

A New Resource for the Community

“Once you become a member of the Great Falls Public Library with your card, you have unlimited access to the resources,” said Sarah Cawley from the library. “You can check out as many as you want.”

The collection includes three books: the Technician, General, and Amateur Extra study guides, which correspond to the three licensing levels offered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“We help administer those tests to people that are interested to help them get going on this journey,” explained John Ross, Vice President of the Great Falls Masonic Radio Club.

For now, the books will be available in the new book section before moving to the nonfiction collection upstairs.

Why Ham Radio?

People take up ham radio for various reasons, from emergency preparedness to global communication.

“Disaster preparedness is a very big aspect of this radio service,” Ross said. “But talking to the International Space Station, relaying messages through satellites, talking to people around the world by different modes—Morse code, digital programs, or by voice—are all possible.”

Expanding Access Across Montana

The books were funded through a grant that helped multiple libraries across the state obtain copies.

“We applied for a grant, and several libraries in the state showed interest,” Ross said. “Great Falls will have a set on the shelf and another for the bookmobile. Cascade Library, Malmstrom Air Force Base, and Fairfield are also receiving copies.”

Future Educational Opportunities

If there is enough community interest, the Great Falls Public Library is open to hosting educational events to help people understand the benefits of ham radio.

“If people want a program about how to go through this information or what ham radio means and how it can be helpful to the community, then yes, we will definitely do that,” Cawley said. “Being able to publicly access this now just opens up the opportunities for our community.”

Ross encourages people to give ham radio a try.

“It’s a really fun hobby,” he said. “It’s just a very fun hobby.”