CSS Releases EmComm Ops:
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EmComm Ops Radio Software Now Available
Creative Services Software Releases New Addition to
Its Radio Operations Center Software Suite for Packet Radio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Muscle Shoals, AL, September 30, 2008 —Creative Services Software, Inc. (CSS) today announced the availability of EmComm Ops™, a new software solution for packet radio operations. Designed primarily for emergency radio communications, EmComm Ops helps amateur (Ham), commercial and MARS radio operators connect to, access, integrate and operate packet radio stations with a Windows PC or laptop from a fixed station or in the field. EmComm Ops is the first addition to CSS’ recently-rebranded Radio Operations Center™ (ROC) product line.
The just-released version of EmComm Ops supports Kantronics and Timewave/AEA TNCs. A version for MFJ TNCs is now in beta testing and is available for pre-order or trial download. The pending release of EmComm Ops for MFJ hardware is in response to the recent re-introduction of TNC solutions by MFJ Enterprises.
At an introductory price of $29.95, EmComm Ops offers radio operators an efficient and affordable entry into advanced software-enhanced packet and radio control. For operators who require support beyond packet radio, CSS’ ROC Digital Desktop™ ($99.95) offers a step up that supports the classic HF digital modes, as well as support for soundcard-based radio modes including PSK-31 and MT-63.
EmComm Ops allows users to control radios, TNCs, rotors, and to access logging applications, call books and more — all from within a single Microsoft Windows application. Unlike MS-DOS or Windows 3.1-based radio software, EmComm Ops is a 32-bit Windows application designed from the ground up for Windows 2000, XP and Vista, offering users true multitasking, seamless integration of other radio or PC productivity tools, and the ability to take full advantage of the speed and processing power of the latest Windows-based computers. Operators can control radio transmissions while simultaneously running logging programs, call book programs or any Windows application (including Microsoft Office).
“True multitasking means that EmComm operators can send and receive packet communications while simultaneously relaying messages to families and rescue personnel in e-mail,” said Rick Ruhl, W4PC, CSS president and chief architect of the company’s software suite. “And in emergency situations where communications infrastructure has been compromised or conditions limit reliable radio operation, messages can be noted in a text or Microsoft Word file, then imported into EmComm Ops to be re-transmitted at a later time when conditions improve. Operators can also export messages to a file to document communications. Of course, simple Windows cut-and-paste is also supported.”
EmComm Ops supports emergency operations by accelerating, streamlining and automating packet radio. Features include:
• One-click access to any data stream, packet mode, radio, TNC and rotor for quicker response in an emergency.
• Support for multiple packet radio data streams, connection types and transmit/receive/listen modes. Up to 25 packet conversations and links can be managed when used with a Kantronics TNC, and up to nine with Timewave/AEA TNCs.
• Built-in and customizable macros that automate common commands.
• Support for dual TNCs, allowing radio amateurs to work in multiple packet modes simultaneously.
• Multiple monitor windows, including separate windows for network traffic.
• Robust support for packet mailboxes, including point-and-click settings for multiple TNC start-up/shut-down commands. Operators can manage Packet bulletin board systems from the TNC, even when the software and computer are shut down.
• Robust file transfer capabilities in ASCII (text) or binary (data) formats, with an unlimited buffer for ASCII file transfers.
• A built-in mini logging program built on a Microsoft Access database, plus interoperability with Log Window and DX4Win software.
• Multiple call-book integration.
• Compatibility with over 70 radios from leading manufacturers including ICOM, Kenwood, Tentec, Yeasu and Alinco.
• Includes an advanced TNC Wizard that accelerates connecting and configuring a TNC for radio operation.
“EmComm Ops was designed in response to requests from emergency communications volunteers who need advanced tools that help then set up and operate emergency radio services quickly, reliably and affordably,” Ruhl said. “It also gives radio operators who only work in packet mode a streamlined solution specific to their requirements.”
A free, 30-day trial of EmComm Ops is available now on the CSS Website at www.cssincorp.com. The purchase of EmComm Ops includes one year of e-mail or phone technical support, access to the CSS user forum and free maintenance updates.
About the Radio Operations Center
The Radio Operations Center software suite from CSS is the only amateur and commercial radio software solution that combines the integration, automation and multitasking capabilities of Microsoft® Windows with the flexibility and control to operate on multiple TNC, soundcard and radio hardware in all the digital modes. The software formerly known as PKTerm™ (for Timewave/AEA TNCs) and PacTerm™ (for Kantronics TNCs) are now called ROC Digital Desktop™. Other Radio Operations Center products include EmComm Ops, Marine Radio Ops and Weather Ops. All CSS products are available for purchase online at www.cssincorp.com, at many ham radio retailers and through several amateur radio equipment catalogs.
About CSS
CSS is a privately held software and technology consulting company specializing in software connectivity for commercial and amateur radio operators; office automation and network management solutions for business; and custom software development for specialized Web and wireless applications.
###
Creative Services Software, the CSS logo, Radio Operations Center, ROC, ROC Digital Desktop, EmComm Ops and PKTerm are trademarks of Creative Services Software, Inc. PacTerm is a trademark of Kantronics used with the permission of the trademark owner. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders. All rights reserved.
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CSS Releases EmComm Ops:
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by WN9HJW on October 1, 2008
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Packet? I thought all EmComm was moving to Winlink. At least that's the impression I have gotten from the ARRL in recent years.
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Not AX.25, not WinLink, but...
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by K4RAF on October 1, 2008
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Instead of 25 tear old AFSK AX.25 packet, EMCOMM should be based on 802.11 OFDM platform...
Until it does, EMCOMM & amateur radio will continue to drift apart. Look around people, 50lbs of equipment is not "portable" by today's standards.
Talk about denying reality... This is ridiculous to tout as an "advancement"!
Raf
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RE: Not AX.25, not WinLink, but...
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by KV9U on October 1, 2008
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In order for a new mode or product to succeed, it must have new attributes not currently available, i.e., be exceptionally easy to use, work under conditions that other modes and systems can not currently perform and most important, it would have to be freely available or at very low cost for any hardware requirements above those we use in our day to day ham activities.
We have seen several different software systems that were developed for emergency communications. Some were very costly and went nowhere and even some that were freely available for non commercial use still did not see that much traction.
While packet radio is still used for some emergency communications purposes and is the main protocol used for the VHF side of Winlink 2000, most of the networks and heavy use of packet have faded long ago and will never be resurrected. There just is no critical mass for this to happen. Packet is not that good of a mode for the weak signals we realistically encounter with minimal equipment and antennas during actual emergency conditions. Any new developing technologies and systems must improve upon that.
One of the more promising new systems is the NBEMS (Narrow Bandwidth Emergency Messaging System). It is currently the only cross platform system available (Mac OSX, Windows XP and Vista, FreeBSD, and Linux) for basic digital use for the commonly used text data protocols and includes an ARQ program that turns basic modes into error free modes by manually adapting to conditions. This can be accomplished with only a notebook computer and simple low cost interface to HF and VHF/UHF radios. The system is particularly powerful when used with SSB radios, but can be used with VHF/UHF FM for practice purposes and shorter distance use.
The Winlink 2000 system has begun a renewed effort to develop a sound card protocol that they hope will compete with Pactor 2 and 3. If that should become freely available, it could also move the bar forward for those who are interested in sending low cost e-mail. If the protocol itself should eventually become available for general use, then that would likely be a very significant change for sound card modes that can automatically adapt up or down in speed for changing conditions.
One of the commonly voiced platitudes is that we need many different tools in our toolbox for emergency communications. In truth, we do not. It is difficult enough to learn one system and have it functioning during emergency conditions.
Ideally, you would have a system and its associated equipment that is used on a regular basis and its use becomes second nature. Ask those who have been involved with recent and past emergencies and how often the emergency plans could not be implemented because the equipment did not work, operators did not know how to use the equipment properly, a certain key element was not available, etc.
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CSS Releases EmComm Ops:
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by AB9RF on October 1, 2008
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This appears to be a product intended to be shoved down the throats of people by the EOCs they volunteer for. The EOC will probably pay for it, but really it seems redundant with so many of the other solutions out there, many of which are free.
In short, boondoggle.
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RE: Useful Tool
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by W4HLN on October 6, 2008
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Until you change calls....then your forced to buy an upgrade....just like his KAM multimode software.
Never again!
MT63 ...PSK31 and NBEMS
http://www.w1hkj.com/NBEMS/
are FREE!.....Requires no registered software!
Try NBEMS!
Ernie / W4HLN
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RE: Useful Tool
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by W4PC on October 6, 2008
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But you purchased the upgrade in 2006. There is no problem changing your call. I'll send you the upgraded key in email. Since you purchased the 3.x version in 2006, the call change is free.
And the software you mention is fine software, but doesn't support Pactor ARQ like the Digital Desktop does.
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RE: Useful Tool
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by W4PC on October 6, 2008
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Ernie now has his new call in his email for Digital Desktop.
In-version callsign changes are free, as are MARS and family calls (that live in the same house).
This has been our policy for 11 years and no need to change it.
Rick - W4PC
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RE: Useful Tool
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by KV9U on October 6, 2008
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It is my opinion, based on some experiences, that systems or products with embedded calls are too risky to use for emergency purposes. We need to keep moving forward toward open standards and open software for amateur radio use and avoid proprietary systems. Especially now that we finally have such tools available to us in the past year or so.
I remember spending something around $100 (several times more in todays dollars) for BMK Multy software. It had an embedded call which I did not realize until I received the product. The author eventually went out of business and the software was useless for resale or even use to anyone else ... or even to myself when I upgraded to Extra.
I can assure you that will never happen to me again!
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RE: Useful Tool
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by W4PC on October 6, 2008
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Ive already set up provisions if I go SK or go out of business (doubt I'll do that, since this is my 20th year of business and 18,000 hams would be really mad at me LOL).
If I go SK, the source code goes to Timewave. They have full access to all the source for all products, as we have a quite a good business relationship.
And Im not just the author, we have a company. Sydney N4GDO can make sure of a smooth transistion if the worst happened.
If Timewave isn't around, then my other good partner MFJ gets the source.
Everyone is covered no matter what the issue.
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