Is it a requirement to have a Pactor II or better modem to join MARS?
The application says Pactor, but doesn't specify which Pactor. I could probably run Pactor I as it is available on older TNC's. Not sure if I could swing the $1500 for a SCS modem.
"Is your station capable of transmitting and receiving a approved waveform?
(Such waveforms include MIL-STD-188-110A Serial PSK, Wide Shift FSK (RTTY), Olivia, MT63 and Pactor) "
There is no "requirement" for any of that. As for having a TNC, a PK232 can do PACTOR1 just fine and it is accepted.
If you can not find a PK232, you can always use RMS Express and the software WINMOR modem. This operation only requires a computer and suitable sound card interface. The cheapest (best) is probably a USB SignaLink. With just a computer, signalink, and radio, you can be ready to send and receive MARS messages via WL2K or any of the listed sound card digital modes.
Yes, 110A, PSK, RTTY, Olivia, MT63 are all sound card digital modes.
PACTOR is the only hardware mode but I again say that you get the same job done using WINMOR for passing messages in the WL2K world.
73 de w8nsi/nnn0uzw jim