NA4DA – Andy Allen

Author: Source Author

  • 9L8MD – Sierra Leone

    [MOVIE] – by Fulvio, HB9DHG. The official movie of the 9L8MD & 9L9L DXpedition to Banana Island (IOTA AF-037) Sierra Leone. Experience the most exciting moments, the antenna setups, the pile-ups, and the daily life of the crew during this incredible activation from West Africa. A huge thank you to all the radio amateurs worldwide […]This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • Ham Radio EmComm Insights: A Look at the Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System

    Ham Radio EmComm Insights: A Look at the Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System

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    Last time we looked at using WinLink as an infrastructure-free method of sending and receiving email. It’s a great tool that is proven and reliable. However, sometimes you need more than email, like live messaging and live sending and receiving of forms.

    Enter the Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System (NBEMS).

    NBEMS is an open-source software package that allows licensed amateurs to send data via RF. You’ll need a computer running Windows, Mac or Linux, and an analog transceiver. No additional software is required beyond the NBEMS suite. You will have to install the manufacturer’s COM port drivers for your transceiver prior to connecting the transceiver to the computer.

    Additionally, if your transceiver has a built-in soundcard, there is no other hardware needed. If you have an older transceiver without a built-in soundcard, then you will need an external soundcard inline between your computer and your transceiver.

    The DigiRig Digital Mode and Radio Control Interface is a great unit that can even provide PTT and rig control in addition to the soundcard feature.

    NBEMS is a free download that can be located with a simple internet search. For the most functionality, be sure to download the entire suite. This will ensure that you not only have the actual messaging software but all templates and rig control configurations. Setting up the software is just like any other interfacing software. Audio points to the soundcard and rig control points to the newly installed COM port. You choose the correct rig control command set.

    Once everything is installed and set up, you are ready to start receiving, sending, and passing traffic. Typically, with this software, there is an established frequency, mode, and speed which is published ahead of time. The agency or net control will typically open the net as appropriate, and you will simply “check in” using your keyboard just like you would on a voice net.

    The nice thing about this software is that not only can you send and receive messages, but you can fill out forms that are stored within the software library. There are many forms including NIMS, GIS, ARRL and many others that may be used in an emergency or disaster situation. They are formatted to be transmitted and received within the framework of NBEMS.

    Again, these messages and forms are being sent free of any infrastructure. Additionally, you can encode and decode RTTY and CW using this suite. On a rare occasion, I have participated in disaster relief CW nets using NBEMS.

    It truly is a powerful tool, and I encourage anyone who is involved in EmComm to become fluent with it. By using NBEMS and WinLink, your served agency should never be left in the dark when communicating with Higher Headquarters.

    Until next time, 73 de AC8OW.

    The post Ham Radio EmComm Insights: A Look at the Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System appeared first on OnAllBands.

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  • JD1BQP – Ogasawara

    Koutarou, JP1IHD will again be active from Chichijima, Ogasawara Islands as JD1BQP during July 2-11, 2026. QRV mainly on 6m this time, but also other bands using a Hexbeam. QSL via H/c (direct). Updates on X @JD1BQP. Grid: QL17cbThis post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • PJ4CB – Bonaire

    Chris, WA7RAR will be visiting Bonaire from May 27th through June 8th, 2026. He plans daily operations as PJ4CB from his accommodation on the island as well as portable activity at various (POTA) locations on the island. Modes will be SSB and CW across 20-10m. Possibly some 10 Meter FM simplex if conditions allow. Equipment […]This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • VP5G – Turks & Caicos

    Nobby, G0JVG will be active from Turks & Caicos (North Caicos Island, NA-002) during July 17-30, 2026. QRV on HF bands + 6m; SSB, CW, FT8/FT4. Participation in the IOTA contest as VP5G (SO/HP SSB 24 hour category). Awaiting confirmation of his other call to be used outside of contest. QSL via M0OXO.This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • VP9/K7AR, VP9/N7NU, VP9/WJ7R – Bermuda

    [INFO] by Lee, N7NU. This DXpedition includes: Al K7AR, Ron WJ7R and Lee N7NU. We will arrive in Bermuda on September 23, 2026 and depart on September 29, 2026. We will participate in the CQWW RTTY contest on September 26-27. Before and after the contest we will have 1, 2 or 3 operators active on […]This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • XX9TXN – Macau

    Alberto VR2XAN (IV3TAN) informs DX-World that he will be active from Macau as XX9TXN during June 2-9, 2026. Activity is planned on SSB, CW and FT8; on all bands from 160m to 6m, with a special focus on North America. SSB operation on 80m (and maybe 160) will also be attempted. QSL via IV3SKB and […]This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • TO3E – Martinique

    Darrell, AB2E will be active as TO3E on Martinique (IOTA NA-107) from May 26 to June 2, 2026. Entry in the CQWPX CW contest, SO/HP. Before & after the contest he will concentrate on WARC & Low bands. Mostly CW, some FT8 & RTTY. QSL via LoTW or direct for paper QSL to home call.This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • V4/WW6W – St Kitts

    Markus, WW6W has announced he will be returning to St Kitts (QTH: V47JA) during May 24 to June 1, 2026. QRV as V4/WW6W on HF bands. Participation in the CQ WW WPX CW contest. QSL via H/c, LoTW.This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More

  • A52EA – Bhutan

    DX NEWS by Antonio, DL4EA. This is the DXpedition callsign for Bhutan. Dates are May 26 – 29, 2026. Focus is on satellite operations but I will try to be active on digital modes HF and maybe others. This is a one man effort, but I will try my best.  The intention is to go […]This post appeared first on:​DX-World Want to know more about it? Read More