ARRL EComms Messaging System...WinLink?

[Scott Thile (K4SET)]

Hello again all,

Couple of things..

Curt writes:
>Methinks you have slightly the wrong idea.  Open-source 
>doesn't mean Linux/Unix.

Right, I understand Open Source, but thanks for pointing this out. My point
being we have options for Windows and very limited options elsewhere. Open
source alternatives would potentially help those on all platforms, but the
dedicated Windows options are already excellent and being aggressively
developed.

I wrote this:
>> Thanks to all working on this. I'm enjoying playing with Linux, and 
>> hope it might actually prove useful at some point, but I 
>>have my doubts...

Bill (WA7NWP) wrote this:
>So the telpack_node software we have running on multiple Linux 
>stations around the Puget Sound area -- while these systems 
>provide many additional services -- isn't useful?

Oh, gosh, sorry, I only meant MY playing with Linux might be useful to me
and those I can help at some point. Certainly the existing applications and
systems are useful to those using them. Finding I have lots to learn before
this will be anywhere near as transparent a platform for me as Windows is.
My doubts? From what I've seen, most of the end users I'm working with
through RadioMinistries or with EMComm will not be able to deal with a Linux
based system. Certainly those that want to stay away from Windows will be
more motivated to overcome the obstacles and I'm glad they may have options
at some point.

>Winlink is an incredible system.  No doubt about that.   But 
>it's certainly not the only nor the best -- for everything.  
>We have to recognize and use everything that's out there.

Totally agree with this Bill. Winlink is just another tool among many. It
does what it does very well, and so far there is nothing else I'm aware of
that can integrate VHF/UHF/HF amateur radio and the internet in a seamless
redundant network. It has also proven itself to 6000+ regular users that
depend on it daily. Currently handling over 150,000 messages per month over
RF, many of them with critical WX graphic related attachments.

Jeff says:
>In my eyes, the ARRL should have insisted on a open source 
>server platform, as well as open protocols that be publicly 
>documented. That way, no one is holding a gun to your head 
>with regards to the network backbone itself. If someone packs 
>up their marbles and goes home, you can quickly pick up the 
>ball. And the client market, where the real money is, still 
>can be closed source, if one so desires. The idea is not to 
>hand a monopoly to any one company (what their defacto 
>endorsement is).

Until an open source alternative is available I can't see how we can expect
the ARRL to insist on it. The ARRL needed something that works well, works
now, and will likely continue to work in the vast majority of EMComm
scenarios. And this needs to be a sustained programming effort that can
respond to emerging needs. Winlink has proven it can provide all this in
spades. No open source alternative has done this. Those that want open
source options for the ARRL and others to consider need to get to work so
there can be options.

Lots of folks seem to be expecting a spec from the ARRL. In terms of
network, I think we can take their endorsement of Winlink as a spec of
sorts. Come up with an open source alternative that is better than Winlink
and I bet you get their attention. Right now the mode to consider a bench
mark or spec for this application is Pactor II (narrow mode) and III (wide
mode). An open source digital ARQ mode that beats PII and III will get even
more attention. Winlink is not married to Pactor. It's just the best option.
The WDT and all of us that use it would love alternatives. In other words,
here is your spec:

Network: Beet Winlink with an open source alternative.
Mode: Beat Pactor II and III with a non-proprietary mode.

Competition is great. Go get em!

Until alternatives are there they obviously can't be chosen. I'm certainly
excited we already have an excellent solution in Pactor and Winlink. These
tools have saved lives, as well as improved them. It's brought many families
and friends closer together. Oh, and it's still lots of fun to play with
this....

It's good to see other options being discussed here. Would be great if we
see a viable sustained effort at some open source solutions.

73 and 75, Scott, K4SET, RadioMinistries