ALERTradio NEBRASKA Status & Schedule
- Update
Update to RF Gateways Information under EMCOM
- WXC
ALERTradio ERC | WXC — Weather Center is operational at weather.alertradio.net
- Operational Status
Operational still need your support to make it happen.
Ever thought of creating a Emergency Response Communications Cooperative? Purchasing services in bulk can greatly reduce cost. Plus the expenses are shared amongst the entire cooperative rather than just a few. Let’s discuss this on the forum.
- ALERTradio NEBRASKA {Refreshed}
*NEBRASKA* Reflector
KANSAS * NEBRASKA Reflectors Net:
Wednesday Nights at 20:00 Central Time (01:00 UTC Summer 02:00 UTC Winter; Thursday Morning)Friday Open Forum Net – Any Topic, Any Question, Any Answer:
Friday Nights at 20:00 Central Time (01:00 UTC Summer 02:00 UTC Winter; Saturday Morning) - Why is Asterisk good for Nebraska?
As you know we talk a lot about Asterisk on the RF Nets. We really want to encourage the use of Asterisk for the many advantages that it presents.
Asterisk started out as a Internet PBX software package with work being done with Asterisk PBX that allowed it to be used as a repeater controller and linking system by RF Gateways. As time went along new expanding ideas came about that continued to show Asterisk’s flexibility.
Today Asterisk PBX and RF Gateway enabled systems allow for connectivity between private and public networks. During the RF Nets you will hear us mention the PSTN number that allows a person to dial a telephone number to participate in the Net. If a person has a Asterisk PBX or other SIP IP Phone Service they can dial into the conference from their Internet Phone Service (or PBX)
What happens when the Internet is down? In the event that the Internet is down there are ways that Asterisk can continue to operate. Some methods for continued operations include:
- RF Gateways
- HF Remote Base Station
- VHF / UHF Cross Band Links
- HSMM Links
- PSTN / PBX / RF Gateways
- Establish Phone Connectivity from the Nearest Operational Point
- Satellite Internet Access
- Even when working with basic SIP Connection it can provide local access with extension as needed. (Local SIP / RF Gateway with satellite used to relay to outside resources)
Asterisk PBX and RF Gateways can be configured in such a way that commercial RF Links (Part 90) can reside on its own side of the system while Amateur Radio (Part 97) also operates on its own separate side of the system. But in the event of an emergency all resources can come together as one. Asterisk has no inherit restrictions as to what function it can operate in. With EchoLink and IRLP there are restrictions that prevent them from being used in other applications. EchoLink is restricted to licensed Amateur Radio Operator use only and IRLP requires licensing fees for Commercial applications.
Asterisk is open source software for both PBX and RF Gateway applications, this allows you to develop additional applications that fit your specific needs. As advancements in digital communications continue to expand Asterisk can be used as a RF Gateway and Bridge that allows for connectivity between the many diverse systems and networks that are present.
Yes, Asterisk can be interfaced with DSTAR as well as the commercial systems (such as NXDN, MOTOTRBO, P25, et al).
Asterisk is indeed a Communications Tool Chest with many capabilities that’s good for Nebraska. For more information about Asterisk RF Gateways in Nebraska contact Doug – KC0EQA or ALERTradio ERC via InfoQuest
- RF Gateways
- theBlog
- 2012
It has been a while since we last posted anything here on theBlog so here we go. There is definitely a lot of new technology that is waiting to be implemented into daily operational use as well as ready for emergency response needs. Here are some of technology advancements that ALERTradio ERC should be working with this year:
- High Speed Multi Media (HSMM) - there are some cards showing up that will work in the 70cm (420 – 440MHz portion) band. Get some of these cards into operation and the will be ideal for long-haul last mile applications.
- Emergency Power Systems (EPS) – definitely need to work on this and develop some low-cost lightweight power units that can be easily and quickly deployed.
- Portable Asterisk Communication Servers (PACS) – a completely portable Asterisk PBX / RF Gateway that has its own power system as well as wired and wireless network connectivity. Would be ideal to have SATCOM capabilities in the PACS, cost of SATCOM is prohibitive though. Unless someone knows of a lowcost VoIP capable solution via SAT. Any ideas?
- Text to Voice (IMSMS2V) – Continue to work on applications that will allow for smooth transition from text messaging to voice and voice to text messaging. Also find ways for IMSMS2V to work over the Intranet in the event that the Internet goes dark.
- Communications Restoration Services (CoReS) – Development of a commercial service that can provide communication restoration support after emergency incidents as well as other technical services to enhance readinss at all times.
Also need to create some new training opportunities that will encourage participation and most of all readiness for any hazard. There’s a lot that can be done, yet the main challenge always comes down to funding it appears. May a solution to this challenge be discovered and the above listed technology advancements and services be implemented.
ALWAYS BE READY.
- theBlog is back …
theBlog is back, it also has SMS notification available for those that want to be informed of changes as they happen. Additional features will be added shortly.
- Just A Dream …
Just A Dream almost, bright new ideas keep showing up all around yet no one seems to know how to get things implemented. People appear as if they are interested until they find out that there is a price tag involved. Yet some how they meet their own personal needs, but what about the people developing the new networks and systems and finding ways to improve upon the past and present?
Then there are those that ask the question when will you have the system online? And the answer remains it all depends on when funding is available. Yes, it seems that the majority of the development and implementation questions always end up having a financial solution to them. At some point there will be more people involved that can lighten the load for everyone. Until then we will have to do the best that we can and work on coming up with some creative new funding ideas too.
There may be some showing up shortly, hopefully the support that is needed will be present so we can once again work on building networks and systems that are indeed state of the art in technology.
There is a lot being planned, so be sure to check out the links and the pages, as well as the RSS Feed. The technology adventure continues …
- ARMAD 2012
Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day
ARMAD 2012 will be held on 26 May 2012
(the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend).The purpose for having Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day is to give a shout out in support of those serving on the Front Line as First Responders and Military Personal. As well as those that have served and families that have given their all in support of Freedom around the World.
Come on and
Ham It Up For The Troops !
- ALERTradio ERC needs your support
ALERTradio ERC needs your support. Please consider making a donation, so we can continue to provide technology resources and services. Your help is greatly appreciated.
- 2012
