How to use UISS & Direwolf for APRS of BOTAN

I wrote a article "How to use UISS & Direwolf for APRS of SAKURA".

https://ji1izr.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2024/09/post-5d56b9.html

We can use the APRS of BOTAN instead of SAKURA now.

I also succeeded to use the APRS of BOTAN with UISS & Direwolf.
The way to use these items is almost the same as I wrote above in the case of SAKURA.
I explain here the difference.

Settings:
4 UISS
 (14) When you use BOTAN APRS, modify "Via: ARISS" as "Via: JS1YPT", the callsign of BOTAN.
         Then click again "F5/Text data" button, you can see "Via JS1YPT" instead of "Via ARISS".

- Additional information -
5 The packets replyed by BOTAN
 BOTAN replys not only the response,
 but the log that BOTAN received and additional packet.

 example:
  I transmit a message ":=3521.10N\13919.37ESHello Via BOTAN" to CQ via JS1YPT
     when I click the 'Position' button on UISS.

  BOTAN responses 50ms after my TRX works as a receiver:
    JI1IZR>CQ,JS1YPT*:=3521.10N\13919.37ESHello Via BOTAN

  Then BOTAN trasmits 1.5seconds after the response:
    JS1YPT>APTT4,WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1:>JI1IZR>CQ,JS1YPT:=3521.10N\13919.37ESHello Via BOTAN
　 JS1YPT>APTT4,WIDE1-1,WIDE2-1:!

  The above packets are transmitted again after 1 second.

  Again the same packets are transmitted after 1 second.

  It means that the same message is transmitted 3 times after the response.

  You can see the messages on Direwolf like this:

How to use UISS & Direwolf for APRS of SAKURA

I succeeded to use the APRS of SAKURA, the cubesat by Chiba Institute of Technology.

https://sites.google.com/p.chibakoudai.jp/gardens-03/home-english?authuser=0

I explain here how I use the APRS of SAKURA.

My system:

1 TRX
  Yaesu FT-847M Output 50W

2 Antenna
  10 ele Yagi-Uda, vertical polarization

3 PC
  Note PC with Ubuntu OS

4 Softwares
  Tracking: Gpredict+hamlib(rigctld)
  Packet: Direwolf+UISS(with Wine)+Tunaterm(for saving KISS file logs)

Settings:

1 TRX
  SPLIT mode
  TX frequency: 145.825MHz fixed
  RX frequency: controlled by Gpredict+hamlib(rigctld)

  Note:
    I think the symplex mode is good for this purpose.
    In this case, you need not to controll either the TX or the RX frequency, but both to fix on 145.825MHz.

2 Antenna
  I manually control the elevation and the direction of my antenna according to the Gpredict.

3 Direwolf
  Install it in a convenient directory of PC and pepare Direwolf.conf file in my user's directory.
  To start Direwolf, open new terminal and type "direwolf".
  Note: In case of Windows PC, install in any convenient folder and make shortcut.
           The Direwolf.conf file is to be put in the same folder in that Direwolf is installed.

  Prepare the "Direwolf.conf" file like as:

    ADEVICE 0
    ARATE 48000
    CHANNEL 0
    MYCALL JI1IZR
    MODEM 1200
    PTT /dev/ttyUSB0 RTS
    AGWPORT 8000
    KISSPORT 8001
    IGTXLIMIT 6 10

  Note:
    You must change "JI1IZR" as your callsign.
    You must fit the serial port number, "ttyUSB0", to your PC.
    When you use Direwolf on Windows, you must modify "PTT /dev/ttyUSB0 RTS" as "PTT COM3 RTS".
    In this case, you must also fit the serial port number, "COM3", to your PC.

4 UISS
  (1) Start Direwolf before you start UISS.

  (2) When you start UISS for the first time after you installed, you must set your callsign and click "OK".


  (3) UISS says "Cannot connect to a 'software modem'", then click "cancel".


  (4) Restart UISS.

  (5) UISS says "Cannot connect to a 'software modem'" again, but UISS asks you "Do you want to run UISS anyway?"
        In this time, click "Yes".


  (6) Click "Setup", "UISS".


  (7) Select "Main" tab and check your callsign here.


  (8) Select "APRS" tab and click "Setup your APRS Coordinates &Icon".


  (9) Set your Latitude and Longitude, then save settings. You can also put your Grid Square and click "Convert".


        Click the check-mark button as save your settings. UISS asks "Is this correct?", then click "Yes".

        Note: If you do not set your position here, you cannnot use "F6 Position" button.

  (10) Select "LAN" tab and put a check mark on "Enable LAN Mode", then click the check -mark button as save settings.

        UISS says "Please restart UISS to activate the LAN MODE", then click "OK".


  (11) Click check-mark button as save all settings.

  (12) Restart UISS.

         Note: In case Direwolf does not work before restart UISS, restart Direwolf before starting UISS.

  (13) Click "F5/Text data" button, you can see your message on the "monitor" window.


  (14) When you use SAKURA APRS, modify "Via: ARISS" as "Via: JS1YNI", the callsign of SAKURA.
         Then click again "F5/Text data" button, you can see "Via JS1YNI" instead of "Via ARISS".


  (15) UISS shows both the TX and RX AX.25 packet data on the "monitor". Even if your TX data does not be digipeated via satellite, you can see your TX data on the "monitor".

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 13. Frequency settings for digipeater or DNxD

The uplink or downlink frequency of GRBAlpha is 435.025MHz. There WAS 145MHz for uplink , but it is not work because of some trouble.

As I wrote in "GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 05. My antenna, transceiver, and tracking system", I memorize 5 sets of frequencies with 5kHz step for transmitting and receiving just like when we use ground repeaters. The frequency pairs are like as :(uplink/downlink) 437.015/437.035, 437.020/437.030, 437.025/437.025, 437.030/437.020, 437.035/437.015. According to checking the frequency and direction with Gpredict, I change the memory channel starting from the pair of "437.015/437.035(uplink/downlink)", and I control my rotetor manually. 

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 12. To use DNxD

DNxD is the "Delayed Needronix Digipeater".

A normal digipeater responds immediately after you transmit your message to a repeater like as I mentioned in this blog just before. (See "GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 11. To use digipeater".)

DNxD is different from that. "Delayed" in the name means you can set the delay time that your message will be transmitted after you send it.

It is very easy to use DNxD system. You only add "@xxx " ("@", 3 digits, and a space; "xxx" are 3 digits how many minutes you want to transmit your message after you upload it.) in the beginning part of your message.

When you want to send your message after 90 minutes, prepare your message like as "JI1IZR>CQ:@090 Hello from Japan, my GL is PM95pi". 

GRBAlpha replies "OM9GRB-8>JI1IZR:Your message will be retransmitted in 090 minutes, thank you for using Delayed Needronix Digipeater (DNxD)!" when GRBAlpha catches your message.

After 90 minites, GRBAlpha will transmit a message like as "JI1IZR>CQ,OM9GRB-8:@090 Hello from Japan, my GL is PM95pi". This message will be transmitted 3 times with 1 minute interval.

I recommend you that you include your Grid Square Locator in your DNxD message as a receiver of your message can caluculate how long delay he/she needs to set in his/her DNxD message in the response message for yours.

Please notice that the DNxD keeps only 1 message. If someone has already uploaded a message in DNxD, you will get a response from GRBAlpha like as "OM9GRB-8>CQ:Delayed Needronix Digipeater (DNxD) is busy for next 001min(s). Try later." 
when you transmit your DNxD message.

Even when DNxD is busy, you can use normal digipeater on GRBAlpha.

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 11. To use digipeater

When we use a digipeater, we usually set a via station. So you may think you have to set "via OM9GRB" when you use GRBAlpha digipeater. But you need not to set "via" in the case of GRBAlpha.

You only have to transmit your message like as "JI1IZR>CQ:Hello from JAPAN, my GL is PM95pi" in AX.25 format on 437.025MHz (+-doppler) while GRBAlpha is in your visible site. When GRBlpha catches your signal, it responses like as "JI1IZR>CQ,OM9GRB-7:Hello from JAPAN, my GL is PM95pi" at once after you transmission. The response is only one time.

When you want to set a destination station, for example "JA1AAA", prepare your message like as "JI1IZR>JA1AAA:Hello DE JI1IZR". In this case, GRBAlpha responses like as "JI1IZR>JA1AAA,OM9GRB-7:Hello DE JI1IZR".

Please do not try to transmit several times in a short period. Listen for a while after you transmit your message. Someone may catch your message and try to respond to you. If you cannnot get any response from GRBAlpha, I recommend you to check your settings as I mentioned in this blog before.

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 10. About sampling rate

When you use a software modem like Direwolf or Soundmodem, you may have difficulty to decode signals. As I mentioned in the Section "06. RF & AF input level", you need the signal level as more than S2. Even when you get this level, you do not have enough result. In this case, try to check your settings about sampling rate.

In case of Windows system, you have to check the system sampling rate at first. Open the control panel of sound on your PC, then check  the detail property of microphone, line-input, line-out, and speaker. You will find the sampling rate there like "16bits, 48000Hz".

The sampling rate should be "48000Hz" at least in case of 9600bps. My Ham friends, JA0CAW and JA5BLZ, pointed me it out.

Additonally, I recommend you to set the sampling rate of Direwolf or Soundmodem as more than 48000Hz.

In case of Soundmodem, set the "TX SampleRate" and the "RX SampleRate" as "48000", or more, in the "Settings" window of "Sound Card" that I mentioned in the Section "07. Settings of soundmodem".

In case of Direwolf, add "ARATE 48000" in the "direwolf.conf" file like as:

#############################################################
#                                                                                                                      #
#                               FIRST AUDIO DEVICE PROPERTIES                          #
#                                        (Channel 0 + 1 if in stereo)                                   #
#                                                                                                                     #
#############################################################
ARATE 48000

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 09. About terminal software

Now you may catch and decode the signal from GRBAlpha. If you cannot, please check your connection, levels, etc., that I have already mentioned. After you succeed to decode, your next step is transmitting your message.

Because Direwolf or Soundmodem themselves do not have the function to send messages, you have to prepare a terminal software for transmitting.  UISS, Tunaterm, Teraterm or other terminal softwares, that have the function to connect to Direwolf or Soundmodem through No.8000, 8001 port, are enough for this purpose. I also built a simple JAVA applicaiton that has the function only to send messages. You can get this from here. This file includes a manual. Please check it before you use it. This application needs "Open-jdk8" or "Open-jdk11", so you have to install one of them in your PC.

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 08. Settings of Direwolf

"Direwolf" works on Linux or Windows. You can get information from here: https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf
You can download windows version from here: https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf/releases
In case of Ubuntu, you can install it from "Ubuntu Software".
Direwolf is designed especially for APRS, but we can use it as a software TNC.

The settings of Direwolf are very simple. You only modify "direwolf.conf" file.

First, I explain in case of Linux.

After you install "Direwolf", you may have a file named as "direwolf.conf" at your home directory of your Linux PC.
If you cannnot find it, you can download an original file from here.
After you download the "direwolf.conf" file, save it in your home directory. Then open it with a text-editor.

To use 9600bps, you must find:
MODEM 1200
#MODEM 9600
The "#" means comment-out. The above setting means you use 1200bps and disable 9600bps.
If you want to use 9600bps for GRBAlpha, change them to:
#MODEM 1200
MODEM 9600

To enable to use your PTT, you have to modify:
PTT /dev/ttyUSB0 RTS
so as to suit your equipment settings.
For example, change "ttyUSB0" to "ttyUSB1", or "RTS" to "RTS -DTR", etc.
Before you use PTT setting above, you should set the permission for normal user on /dev/ttyUSB0. You must run a command in the terminal window like as:
sudo chmod o+wr /dev/ttyUSB0

Next, I explain in case of Windows.

After you install "Direwolf", you will find "direwolf.conf" file in your folder you installed "Direwolf". Then open it with notepad or other text-editor.

To use 9600bps, the setting is the same as Linux case above-mentioned.

To enble to use your PTT, you have to modify:
#PTT COM1 RTS
Delete "#" and modify to suit your equipment settings.
For example, change "COM1" to "COM2", or "RTS" to "RTS -DTR", etc.

About detail of settings, please read "User-Guide.pdf" file from here: https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf/blob/master/doc/User-Guide.pdf

After modified your settings, you have to restart "Direwolf".

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 07. Settings of soundmodem

I use "Direwolf" because my PC for HAM activity is working on Linux now. But as many people use Windows, I explain the setting of "Soundmodem" for GRBAlpha first.

"Soundmodem" is develped by UZ7HO. I used my Windows10 tablet PC with "Soundmodem" as a TNC for 1200bps uplink or downlink. You must use "High-Speed Soundmodem" for 9600bps of GRBAlpha. You can get the information and download from here: http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm

I explain here only about the additional settings other than default settings.

For select "G3RUH", choose "Modems" in the "Settings" menu.

You will see "Modems settings" window. Select "FSK G3RUH 9600bd" at "Mode" of "Modem type ch: A" and "Modem type ch: B", and click "Ok".

Then you have to restart High-Speed Soundmodem. You will see "FSK G3RUH 9600bd" on the top.

Additionally, you have to enable "KISS Server Port" for using my application, "GRBAlphaMessenger". I will explain this application later.

For enable it, choose "Devices" in the "Settings" menu.

You will see "Settings" window. Check in the check box on the right of "KISS Server Port 8100". And choose your COM port for PTT, because you can transmit packet data with some tranceivers, like FT-847, only when you activate to PTT port of rear "PKT" connector. In this case, of course, you have to use some PTT adapter for your PC, and connect the adapter to PTT port of your tranceiver.

Then restart High Speed Soundmodem.

GRBAlpha - How to use digipeater or DNxD - 06. RF & AF input level

GRBAlpha satellites has very high transmitting power as 1w according to :

https://www.om3ksi.sk/en/2021/03/18/information-for-radio-amateur-enthusiasts/

When I catch the signal from GRBAlpha, the S meter of my FT-847 with the internal pre-amp enble, indicates up to level 7. You have to get more than level 2 or 3 to decode this GFSK signal, I think. This is in the opposite side of the recent digital communication like FT8, etc. So you may need multi-elements antennas with adequate gain.

On the other side, the input level from the tranceiver to PC should be lower rather than 1200bps. For example, I show you my setting of my PC below.

Please look at the upper right side on this screenshot. You can see a microphone icon and the level. When I listen to 1200bps signals, I set the level a little more than this. Too high input level causes distortion of the signal and misdecoding. I found an uploaded video on Youtube that someone received GRBAlpha signal with RTL-SDR. So many signal sounds were heard but only a little decoded. The sounds from the video was too loud and had much distortion. I think one of the reason for little decoding may be the AF input level.