OPS-3 Workstation

OPS-3 is the dedicated digital and data operating position with voice capability as the secondary mode of operation.

Desktop Workstation:

The OPS-3 workstation is primarily for collecting and distributing digital data communications to and from field operators. More monitors and computers are needed to provide and display data and information to the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Center (ARECC) operators in a timely fashion.

The computer on the left is interfaced with four monitors, 9 serial ports and 6 USB ports interfaced to the radio equipment on the left side of the radio rack.

A second computer on the right is interfaced with four monitors, has 9 serial ports and 6 USB ports interfaced to the radio equipment on the right side of the radio rack.

These operator positions has four 20" liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors each for multi-tasking. The bottom screen to the far left in both clusters is a "main screen" used as an internet screen for general purpose use, such as opening software programs. For example, the N3FJP Emergency Manager 1.0 software opens in the bottom left screen. Once the N3FJP software is open, a left click and a drag can move it to another screen, or it can be left to remain on the main screen or half sized so two programs can be displayed on one monitor.

This makes logging and simultaneously using two or three other software programs easier while performing emergency communications as compared to shrinking/minimizing the window down and bringing it back up hunting for the information needed. The screens can be set up by the operator to provide the information they need according to the operation being supported.

Information gathered via an APRS message from the field can be copied and pasted to an EMAIL or AIRMAIL message being sent to the EOC or 911 center. Likewise National Weather Service messages can be copied and pasted to the APRS message system and sent to field units as well as shift change information, incident updates, and other vital information about the incident.

The desktop computers and radio power supplies are on a shelf below the desk. They are connected to the HF radios, VHF, UHF and 1.2 GHz radios, Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs) and built in modems and sound card devices. The computers interface with the radios to perform radio control, radio programming options, HF radio digital mode communications and packet radio data communications.

HF System:

The Yaesu FT-1000 200 watt 10-160 meter radio will be relocated to the desk position between OPS-3 and OPS-4 due to space restrictions and utilized for HF digital modes of operation such as PSK, WINLINK 2K, HF-ALE, FL-DIGI, etc. for long haul data/digital communications.

Using "copy and paste" messages can be received locally on VHF-UHF and sent out via HF and vice versa for inbound messages.

VHF/UHF Data System:

The Kenwood TM-D700A 144-440 MHz is on panel running the APRS digipeater. It is connected to the computer so that data from the radio can be used to feed UI-View and other mapping programs for tracking emergency operators in the field.

The ICOM IC-2100 144 MHz radios each are paired up with Kantronics KPC-3+ TNC's.

One is set up for the local AIRMAIL network on 145.010 MHz and the other is set up with the wide area AIRMAIL network on 145.770 MHz.

An Alinco DR-235 220 MHz radio will be installed in the next slots paired up with twin Kantronics KPC-9612 TNCs for Packet and APRS at 1200 or 9600 baud.

Other radios, bands and TNC's can be added to the radio rack to expand and enhance our digital/data message handling capabilities. Now even WINLINK is utilizing more soound card modes of operation to keep cost to the operators to a minimum.