1. November 27, 2010 Ottawa D-STAR Symposium D-RATS “A communication tool for D-STAR” Alan Steele (VA3STL)

2. What is D-RATS? An open source python application – by Dan Smith KK7DS Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, Mac) Uses ‘slow data’ Provides – Instant and beaconed messages – Text messages, data and files can be passed – Internet linking – Mapping

3. 33 Tabbed options Connection route Main chat panel Station panel Pop-up panels

4. Set-up (RF) Serial cable No TNC! Voice still usable 145.67MHz for Ottawa Optional Must be D-STAR capable!

5. Chat I-M style chat Scheduled transmissions (QSTs) – WX, – GPS – RSS feeds Quick messages

6. Message and File Transmission Various messages types, for example – Memo, Radiogram, E-mail – User defined Files can be transferred – Images (can be scaled) Directed or Broadcast – An addressed message can be relayed one hop Familiar ‘inbox’, ‘outbox’, ‘sent’ etc structure

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8. 8 E-mail routing A station can be an e-mail portal RF only station could send e-mail E-mail portal can forward E-mails can be sent to RF 8

9. 9Mapping Uses online maps Stations and locations can be reported on a map Can... – request locations (working?) – broadcast a location  including a QST – have overlays – zoom Maps downloadable 9

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14. Set-up (Internet) Ratflector Internet [Address, port, (password)] D-STAR radio not needed by user

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16. 16 Other Features File tab allows easy access to files Events tab shows what has occurred Works through repeater Potential for emergency communications – Mapping  D-PRS to APRS network – Messaging  E-mail  Images  Ratflector Networks (‘pinging’ can be done) 16

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18. 18Comments Make sure all necessary python libraries are installed Sometimes see deprecation trouble – Run from terminal Software open and modifiable ‘Permanent’ ratflector and e-mail server Emergency communication potential Overlay map for the area Network configuration Increase simplex use 18

19. 19Summary Multi-platform free software Allows easy data transfer with only radio and computer Mapping Internet connectivity Emcomm potential Station networking Excellent use of simplex 19