Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

PACTOR

PACTOR is a family of proprietary digital communication protocols and radio modes developed for efficient and reliable data exchange over high-frequency () radio channels, primarily in but also in and remote applications. Originating in the , PACTOR-I was created by engineers Hans-Peter Helfert and Ulrich Strate as an advancement over earlier modes like and (Amateur Teleprinting Over Radio), combining their strengths to address issues such as poor performance in noisy or fading channels. The protocol employs an (ARQ) system for error correction, adaptive rates (typically 100 or 200 for PACTOR-I), and Huffman to optimize throughput, enabling text and at effective speeds of approximately 50-200 words per minute depending on channel conditions. Subsequent evolutions expanded its capabilities: PACTOR-II, introduced in 1992 by Special Communications Systems (SCS), incorporated dual phase-shift keying (PSK) carriers for improved speeds up to 700 bits per second (bps). PACTOR-III, launched later, utilized multi-carrier PSK and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) elements to achieve up to 3,200 bps across a 2.4 kHz bandwidth. The latest iteration, PACTOR-4 from 2011, features 10 adaptive speed levels using advanced modulation like quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and spread-spectrum techniques, reaching peak rates of 5,512 bps while maintaining robustness in challenging HF environments. In practice, PACTOR facilitates long-distance (up to 20,000 km) half-duplex communications via fixed 1.25-second cycles, with (FSK) modulation at a 200 Hz shift and 500–600 Hz bandwidth for early versions. It requires specialized modems, such as those from , and is integral to networks like SailMail for maritime email and weather reporting, as well as bulletin boards and bridging for in isolated areas. In the United States, PACTOR-4 became legal for use on bands following an FCC rule change effective January 8, 2024. Its emphasis on memory-ARQ error handling and link-quality adaptation makes it particularly suited for variable conditions on bands.

Overview

Definition and Purpose

PACTOR, an acronym for Packet Teleprinting Over Radio, is a synchronous, half-duplex and radio technique developed for reliable high-frequency () data transmission in noisy and interference-prone environments. It integrates elements of for efficient data packaging with the error-handling robustness of (Amateur Teleprinting Over Radio), enabling robust communication over shortwave links. The primary purpose of PACTOR is to facilitate high-speed, error-free exchange of such as text messages, emails, and files in challenging radio conditions, particularly for operators, maritime communications, and emergency response scenarios. By employing (ARQ) mechanisms alongside , it ensures without requiring perfect signal conditions, adapting dynamically to varying link quality for optimal performance. Compared to earlier modes like (RTTY) or basic , PACTOR offers superior throughput in low environments due to its adaptive speed adjustments and compression techniques, such as , which enhance efficiency. Operationally, it uses time-division duplexing, alternating between transmit and receive phases in short cycles, which produces a distinctive chirping or cricket-like audio signature when demodulated via single-sideband receivers. Later iterations, such as PACTOR-IV, build on this foundation to achieve even higher speeds while maintaining .

Key Versions

PACTOR-I, introduced in , serves as the foundational mode of the protocol and is an open protocol, utilizing basic (FSK) modulation with adaptive symbol rates of 100 or 200 and a 200 Hz tone shift, occupying approximately 500 Hz of . It enables broad and , achieving a net throughput of up to 150 bit/s through Huffman compression and (ARQ) mechanisms, making it suitable for reliable but relatively slow data transfer in noisy environments. Building on this base, PACTOR-II, introduced in 1992, enhanced performance by adopting differential binary (DBPSK) and differential quadrature (DQPSK) at a of 100 symbols per second, with tones spaced 200 Hz apart within a 500 Hz . This version developed by Special Communications Systems (), boosting gross throughput to around 700 bit/s while incorporating (FEC) and adaptive rate adjustment for better efficiency over varying channel conditions, with backward compatibility to PACTOR-I. PACTOR-III, launched in 2002, advanced to a multi-carrier (PSK) scheme supporting up to 18 tones spaced at 120 Hz intervals, operating at 100 symbols per second and spanning a 2.4 kHz . It features six speed levels with modulation progressing from DBPSK to higher-order PSK (including up to 8-PSK in faster modes) and punctured convolutional coding, enabling gross throughputs up to 2600 bit/s and significantly improved weak-signal performance through adaptive carrier selection and enhanced error correction, with to prior versions. The latest iteration, PACTOR-IV introduced in 2011, employs (OFDM) with up to 14 subcarriers, achieving a high of 1800 symbols per second across a 2-2.4 kHz , and supports modulations including DBPSK, DQPSK, higher-order PSK, and QAM for adaptability. This mode delivers net throughputs up to 5200 bit/s (with gross rates reaching 9000 bit/s) via online compression and sophisticated channel equalization, dynamically adjusting to noise and fading for robust high-speed operation, while preserving . Each successive version of PACTOR has progressively addressed limitations in , to and , and overall data speed, while preserving to allow seamless fallback to earlier modes during link establishment. These evolutions reflect ongoing optimizations for radio constraints, incorporating advanced without requiring entirely new hardware in many cases.

History

Origins and Development

PACTOR was developed by German operators Ulrich Strate (DF4KV) and Hans-Peter Helfert (DL6MAA) in collaboration with Special Communications Systems () GmbH, based in , . The project began in as an effort to create a superior digital communication protocol for high-frequency () radio use in . The primary motivations for PACTOR's creation stemmed from the shortcomings of predecessor modes like , which suffered from high error rates in noisy environments, and , which proved inefficient for reliable data transfer over variable channels. Developers aimed to establish a robust, affordable alternative to traditional amateur radio teletype (RTTY) systems by incorporating advanced error correction via memory (ARQ), data compression, and adaptive speed adjustments to better handle channel impairments. The protocol's foundational technical description appeared in the November 1990 issue of the amateur radio magazine cq-DL, following initial prototype testing in the late . SCS publicly released PACTOR in 1991, introducing the PTC-1 as the first commercial to implement it. This launch spurred rapid adoption among European enthusiasts, who embraced the mode for its improved throughput and reliability in keyboard-to-keyboard contacts and early digital messaging networks.

Evolution Through Versions

Following the initial release of PACTOR in , SCS introduced PACTOR-II in 1995 to address growing demand for higher data throughput in communications, leveraging advancements in (DSP) technology to implement (QAM) schemes. This upgrade achieved approximately 2-3 times the throughput of the original mode under typical conditions, with maximum rates reaching 800 bps uncompressed and over 1200 bps with compression, while maintaining and a narrow under 500 Hz. The development was driven by the need for more efficient over noisy channels, prompting SCS to invest in proprietary DSP-based modems like the PTC-II series. In response to increasing bandwidth constraints and interference challenges, particularly in maritime applications, SCS rolled out PACTOR-III on May 1, 2002, incorporating (PSK) modulation for improved and robustness against noise. This version expanded to 2.4 kHz to support higher speeds up to 2,722 bps net throughput across six levels, with extensive testing in networks validating its performance in environments through enhanced error correction and multi-carrier techniques. PACTOR-III's design specifically targeted regulatory limits on emissions, adhering to ITU designators while providing up to 3.5 times the speed of PACTOR-II in good conditions. To counter emerging open-source alternatives like WinMOR, introduced in 2008 as a cost-effective soundcard-based option for email networks, SCS advanced to PACTOR-IV in April 2011, emphasizing (OFDM) for greater resilience in multi-path fading and interference scenarios. The mode offered 10 speed levels with throughput up to 5,512 bps—roughly twice that of PACTOR-III—delivered via the new PTC-IV , while complying with bandwidth regulations through adaptive equalization and auto-notch filtering. In December 2023, the FCC removed limits on amateur HF bands, making PACTOR-4 transmissions legal in the effective January 8, 2024, broadening its accessibility. Key milestones in PACTOR's evolution include SCS's filings establishing status for modes from PACTOR-II onward, ensuring controlled in their . By the early 2000s, PACTOR modes were integrated into global networks such as 2000, enabling reliable email and data transfer for amateur and professional users worldwide. Each iteration addressed core challenges like signal fading via memory ARQ and interleaving, through robust coding, and ITU limits by optimizing spectral occupancy. As of 2025, no major updates beyond PACTOR-IV have been released, reflecting a mature protocol suite focused on reliability over further speed gains.

Technical Specifications

Modulation and Protocol Basics

PACTOR employs a synchronous (ARQ) designed for half-duplex operation over noisy , utilizing fixed timing cycles that include packet bursts, control signals, and idle periods to manage and . In its foundational PACTOR-I , the operates on 1.25-second cycles comprising a 0.96-second burst, a 0.12-second carrier sense interval for assessment, and a 0.17-second idle time, with error detection provided by a 16-bit (). Later versions maintain this core structure but adapt packet lengths and encoding for higher efficiency, incorporating convolutional coding and variable burst durations up to 3.75 seconds in data-optimized modes. The modulation scheme in PACTOR-I relies on (FSK) with a 200 Hz tone shift, enabling at rates of 100 or 200 while fitting within narrow constraints of approximately 400-500 Hz (ITU emission designators 340HJ2D or 440HJ2D). Subsequent evolutions introduce (PSK) variants, such as differential binary PSK (DBPSK), quadrature PSK (DQPSK), 8-PSK, and 16-PSK in PACTOR-II (450HJ2D ). PACTOR-III employs DBPSK (speed levels 1-3) and DQPSK (levels 4-6) on up to 18 subcarriers spaced at 120 Hz within a 2.2 kHz (2K20J2D). PACTOR-IV uses single-carrier PSK/QAM modulation across 10 speed levels within 2.4 kHz (2K20J2D for level 1, 2K40J2D for levels 2-10), with level 1 employing 2-tone DBPSK for enhanced robustness in multipath environments, progressing to higher-order modulations including 32-QAM. Connection establishment, or linking, begins in an unproto mode where the calling station transmits for up to 15 seconds using (FEC) without acknowledgments to solicit responses, transitioning to a duplexed ARQ upon successful handshaking via control signals that negotiate speed and encoding based on quality. This process ensures , starting with PACTOR-I FSK for initial before escalating to higher modes if supported by both stations. In broadcast scenarios, FEC mode allows one-way transmission without the full ARQ linkage. Audio signals in PACTOR generate tones within the 800-2800 Hz range, optimized for standard HF SSB transceivers, producing characteristic sounds resembling chirps or crickets due to rapid shifts and toggling in PSK and multi-carrier implementations. Bandwidth requirements start at approximately 400-500 Hz for PACTOR-I and -II, expanding to 2.2 kHz for PACTOR-III and 2.4 kHz for PACTOR-IV.

Performance and Error Correction

PACTOR achieves varying throughput rates depending on the version and channel conditions, with net data rates ranging from as low as 20 bit/s in weak signal scenarios using PACTOR-I to 5500 bit/s uncompressed or 10,500 bit/s compressed under optimal conditions with PACTOR-IV. The employs adaptive scaling, dynamically adjusting , rates, and speed levels based on signal quality to optimize performance across signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) from -20 dB to +25 dB in a 2400 Hz . Error correction in PACTOR relies on a combination of Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and Forward Error Correction (FEC) mechanisms. The ARQ system uses selective repeat with memory ARQ capabilities, allowing retransmission of only erroneous frames while buffering subsequent data, supplemented by go-back-N for certain failure scenarios to ensure reliable delivery. FEC employs convolutional coding at a rate of 1/2, decoded via Viterbi algorithm with soft decision, to correct errors without retransmission. Interleaving is applied across frames to mitigate burst errors from fading or interference, spreading errors over time for more effective correction. In good channel conditions, PACTOR maintains high link utilization of 85-95%, benefiting from efficient and that reduces effective character length to 4.5-5 bits. The protocol degrades gracefully under (QRM) or (QRN), with adaptive down-speeding after 2-30 error packets, outperforming traditional by factors of 5-10 times in throughput on noisy HF channels. The effective throughput in PACTOR can be modeled as: \text{Effective throughput} = \left( \frac{\text{packet size}}{\text{total cycle time}} \right) \times (1 - \text{PER}) where PER is the packet error rate, packet size is the user data payload in bits, and total cycle time includes transmission, propagation, and acknowledgment delays. This formula derives from ARQ principles, where successful transmission probability (1 - PER) scales the nominal rate after overhead; for instance, at 10 SNR with PER ≈ 0.05 (typical for PACTOR-III mid-level), a 256-byte packet (2048 bits) over a 1-second cycle yields ≈ 1950 bit/s, demonstrating robustness as PER rises with declining SNR. Laboratory testing highlights PACTOR-IV's resilience, maintaining approximately 2000 bit/s at -5 dB SNR in simulated channels, compared to just 100 bit/s for basic FSK modes like RTTY under similar conditions.

Applications

Amateur Radio Usage

In the community, PACTOR serves as a key for reliable data communications, particularly for sending and receiving email through the network, which connects users worldwide via radio frequencies without relying on the . This capability is essential for hobbyists engaging in long-distance () operations and , where it facilitates efficient message exchange in challenging conditions. Additionally, PACTOR supports systems (BBS) and integration with the National Traffic System (NTS) for relaying formal messages, enabling structured traffic handling among operators. As of January 2023, reported over 38,000 active users worldwide in the prior 400 days, with many utilizing PACTOR modems for connections, often paired with software like for offline composition and transmission. PACTOR's robustness makes it particularly advantageous for portable and emergency operations, including those conducted by the (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), where it enables keyboard-to-keyboard chatting via modes and secure file transfers in disaster scenarios. For example, in the July 2025 FEMA multi-regional exercise simulating a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, facilitated 1,119 field situation reports. However, the protocol's reliance on proprietary hardware modems, such as those from , imposes high costs—often exceeding $1,000—which restricts broader adoption among casual hobbyists. The (FCC) fully legalized PACTOR-4 for amateur use in the United States as of January 8, 2024, expanding access to its highest speeds. FCC band plans further guide its use by designating specific segments for digital modes, including 3.580 MHz USB on the for PACTOR and similar protocols. Trends as of the early 2020s show a gradual decline in PACTOR's popularity among amateurs due to the rise of cost-free sound-card alternatives like VARA, which offer comparable performance without specialized hardware; nonetheless, PACTOR continues to be preferred for HF email traffic in Winlink unattended and emergency stations due to its proven reliability in poor conditions.

Maritime and Other Professional Uses

PACTOR serves a critical role in communications through networks like SailMail, which enable vessels to exchange email, receive weather faxes and GRIB files, and report positions without relying on systems, particularly during extended ocean passages such as Pacific crossings. This capability supports essential operations for commercial and recreational craft in remote areas, where high-frequency radio provides a reliable alternative for data transfer in the absence of connectivity. In professional contexts, PACTOR is adopted by military and government entities for secure data links, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SHARES program, which mandates PACTOR-3 and PACTOR-4 for high-frequency emergency communications. It also integrates into alternatives for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) at coastal stations, facilitating non-distress data exchanges like weather warnings and navigational notices via dedicated marine PACTOR stations. SCS PTC-II and PTC-III modems are commonly installed in marine environments to support these functions, with PACTOR-IV enabling efficient high-volume file transfers, such as weather data, even in challenging conditions. PACTOR operates within approved international HF bands, including 4 MHz, 6 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, and 16 MHz, offering robust performance in bandwidth-constrained settings where its adaptive protocols maximize throughput over noisy channels. Its error correction mechanisms further enhance reliability for safety-critical transmissions in turbulent marine environments. Evolving from an enhancement to systems in the late and , PACTOR has transitioned to supporting modern and services in isolated regions. However, its implementation by SCS has drawn criticism for creating and elevating costs, limiting broader adoption without compatible hardware.

Implementation and Access

Hardware and Software Requirements

Operating PACTOR requires specialized , primarily from , the developer of the protocol. The core component is a dedicated from the SCS PTC series, such as the P4dragon DR-7400 (though availability may be limited as the DR-740X series is being phased out with new models pending in late 2025), which costs approximately $1,600 to $1,800 USD and supports PACTOR modes up to PACTOR-4. These modems interface with an equipped for single-sideband () operation, typically in the 3 to 30 MHz range, to handle the audio-frequency-shift keying (AFSK) modulation used in PACTOR. For software-based terminal node controllers (TNCs), a interface connects the transceiver's audio in/out ports to a computer, enabling PACTOR-I operation without proprietary hardware. Software for PACTOR includes client applications like or Express (part of Express), which manage and file transfers over radio links. Modem control is handled via the PTCC parameter in , set to (e.g., PTCC=1) to ensure seamless integration with these programs. Open-source options are limited; there is no widely available soundmodem software that fully implements PACTOR-I, and proprietary PACTOR-II and higher modes cannot be processed without licensed due to their algorithms. Basic setup involves calibrating audio levels to prevent , with typically adjusted for low to moderate automatic level control (ALC) deflection—aiming for peaks around -10 to -20 dB on the transceiver's meter to maintain . Modern modems like the DR-7400 use a USB interface for direct computer connection, simplifying cabling and eliminating the need for separate ports. Power consumption for these units is low, averaging about 3 during operation, making them suitable for battery-powered or mobile installations. Users should check the website for the latest hardware availability and updates as of late 2025. The proprietary nature of PACTOR-II and later versions restricts implementation to SCS hardware, creating a cost barrier compared to open protocols like WINMOR or ARDOP, which work with inexpensive interfaces such as the Tigertronics Signalink (around $140 USD) for PACTOR-I only. For basic interfacing in non-proprietary modes, alternatives like the Signalink provide audio isolation and PTT control via the transceiver's and jacks. Maintenance entails periodic firmware updates from to ensure compatibility with evolving software and protocols; as of 2025, updates are available via the manufacturer's website and support USB 2.0 drivers for reliable connectivity, with no native acceleration required for PACTOR operations.

Network Integration and Compatibility

PACTOR integrates seamlessly with the global radio email network, where specialized gateway stations known as Radio Message Servers () equipped with PACTOR modems serve as bridges between radio users and the . These stations connect to centralized Common Message Servers (), which handle message storage, synchronization, and routing using the proprietary to ensure efficient delivery across the system. This setup enables operators and maritime users to send and receive emails, including attachments up to 120 KB, over or VHF radio links when access is unavailable. As of 2025, the network supports over 1,000 active stations worldwide, with a significant portion configured for PACTOR modes to provide robust radio-email coverage; additionally, the system incorporates fallback, allowing direct -based connections to for message handling when radio paths are impractical. In terms of , PACTOR protocols are designed for backward , enabling higher-version modems such as PACTOR-4 to automatically negotiate and fall back to earlier modes like PACTOR-I during link establishment if signal conditions or remote equipment demand it. This ensures broad usability across legacy and modern hardware within the ecosystem. PACTOR also supports hybrid operations with networks, facilitating mixed-mode packet forwarding in VHF/UHF setups, though its proprietary encoding for modes beyond PACTOR-I—developed exclusively by SCS—prevents third-party modems from fully participating in advanced transmissions, limiting to licensed devices. At the protocol level, PACTOR encapsulates TCP/IP traffic over radio for reliable transport, leveraging ARQ error correction to maintain data integrity in noisy environments while the protocol manages dynamic message routing between users, gateways, and endpoints. PACTOR-4 introduces adaptive modulation with 10 speed levels, significantly boosting throughput—up to four times that of PACTOR-I in typical conditions—through enhanced compression and interference resistance, making it ideal for hybrid VHF/ deployments that combine narrowband packet efficiency with capabilities. Despite these strengths, PACTOR faces certain limitations in network integration: it lacks native support, relying instead on IPv4 for all and communications, which may constrain future scalability in evolving infrastructures. Access to services via PACTOR requires prior user registration with the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, including a one-time fee per callsign to enable full messaging privileges. While open-source tools such as provide decoding capabilities for monitoring PACTOR-I//III signals without transmission support, the proprietary nature of the protocol restricts licensed transmission to hardware, preventing widespread open implementations.

References

  1. [1]
    PACTOR - ARRL
    PACTOR can be viewed as a combination of two earlier digital modes, packet radio and AMateur Teleprinting Over Radio (AMTOR). PACTOR provides improved ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  2. [2]
    PACTOR: Ham Radio Digimode - Electronics Notes
    PACTOR is a form of digimode transmission used by radio amateurs that combines the best features from Packet Radio and AMTOR to improve the transmission of data ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  3. [3]
    [PDF] PACTOR Packet Teleprinting Over Radio - Wavecom
    Pactor is a radio transmission mode used by ama- teur radio operators, marine radio stations and ra- dio stations in isolated areas (e.g., high seas and.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
    [PDF] Manual for Professional Firmware (Version 3.2)
    Thus PACTOR-III is the ideal means of fast and reliable data communication over (the sometimes difficult medium) HF radio. The new protocol is fully backwards ...
  6. [6]
    SailMail Primer
    Nov 17, 2015 · Pactor-II sounds like periodic chirping. Pactor-III sounds like periodic "rasping." As always, listen and make sure that a SailMail ...
  7. [7]
    PACTOR I - Signal Identification Wiki
    Jul 19, 2025 · PACTOR-I is a digital data protocol combining elements of PACKET and AMTOR ARQ. PACTOR-I is used by many groups, including Sailmail for mariners ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  8. [8]
    Pactor Protocol Description - ecjones.org
    PACTOR (PT), specially designed for operation in noisy and fluctuating channels, is an improved half-duplex synchronous ARQ system combining the reliability of ...
  9. [9]
    PACTOR III
    ### PACTOR-III Specifications
  10. [10]
    None
    Summary of each segment:
  11. [11]
    PACTOR-4
    10500/5500 bps net (PMC/uncompressed) · At least twice as fast as PACTOR-3 the same power and bandwidth! · Backwards compatible with PACTOR-1/-2/-3 · 2400 Hz ...
  12. [12]
    PACTOR IV - Signal Identification Wiki
    Feb 25, 2024 · PACTOR IV is the newest iteration of the PACTOR series, advancing from PACTOR I-III. It is 1.5x-3x faster than PACTOR III, and has 10 speed levels.
  13. [13]
    [PDF] PK-232 MBX Operating Manual - Repeater Builder®
    Pactor is a relatively new Amateur data communications mode. It was developed in Germany by Hans-Peter Helfert, DL6MAA and Ulrich Strate,. DF4KV. Pactor ...
  14. [14]
    paKet is one of the world's most popular programs for amateur radio ...
    In 1987 two German amateurs, Hans-Peter Helfert (DL6MAA) and Ulrich Strate (KF4KV) began work on a new Protocol which they called PACTOR. Although this new ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] PTCplus the PACTOR-Controller - P4dragon
    [1] PACTOR-Funkfernschreiben mit Memory-ARQ und Datenkompression. DL6MAA, Hans-Peter Helfert and DF4KV, Ulrich Strate cq-DL, November 1990. [2] PTC der ...
  16. [16]
    Pactor Primer
    Pactor is an Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) based system that incorporates longer blocks than the earlier Amtor system, robust error checking and automatic ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  17. [17]
    [PDF] WINMOR Phase 2: Demonstration to Deployment - Winlink
    Abstract: In September 2008 I introduced WINMOR (WINlink Message Over Radio) at the ARRL/TAPR DCC in Chicago [1]. Success with that preliminary test version of ...
  18. [18]
    Home
    ### Summary of PACTOR
  19. [19]
    None
    ### Summary of PACTOR-II Protocol Details
  20. [20]
    None
    ### Summary of PACTOR-3 Protocol (https://www.p4dragon.com/download/PACTOR-3%20Protocol.pdf)
  21. [21]
    None
    ### Summary of PACTOR-4 Protocol (https://www.p4dragon.com/download/PACTOR-4%20Protocol.pdf)
  22. [22]
  23. [23]
    PACTOR-4
    PACTOR-4 (P4), is THE HF-Data protocol of the 4th generation, using the most modern methods of adaptive channel equalization, channel coding and source ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    [PDF] PTC-IIpro - P4dragon
    PTC-IIpro is a new dimension in data transmission technology. Connect power supply plug to the PTC-IIpro only when the power supply is switched off.
  25. [25]
    [PDF] HFDLP Throughput (final) - New Mexico State University
    The HFDLP [2, 7] is a selective repeat ARQ protocol with the ability to ... PACTOR 2. GTOR. PACTOR. CLOVER. AMTOR. Figure 2: Throughput Comparison of HF ...
  26. [26]
    [PDF] A comparison of Winlink® digital mode performance based on ...
    Jul 5, 2020 · For HF users, over the entire range of conditions, the SCS PACTOR modems have outstanding performance. VARA provides quite excellent performance ...
  27. [27]
    [PDF] DCC2000-Pactor-II-throughput-KB1JY-KB1PZ-W1EO.pdf - tapr.net
    For further details on how. Pactor-II works, see the documentation supplied with the modems and at the voluminous. SCS website (URL: http://www.scs-ptc.com).Missing: 1995 | Show results with:1995
  28. [28]
    Winlink Global Radio Email |
    Licensed Winlink operators/stations use both amateur radio and government radio frequencies worldwide. ... Pactor 4 Becomes Legal January 8. January 7, 2024 ...Winlink Express · My Account · Live System Information · Compare Client Programs
  29. [29]
    [PDF] NTS Digital - Getting Started - Eastern Massachusetts ARRL
    The bulletin board is part of a digital radio system used to pass traffic. It is known as the National Traffic System - Digital or. NTSD for short. Working with ...
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Winlink 2000
    Mar 11, 2023 · Q125. How many Winlink 2000 users are there? Active Users During the Prior. A125. Date. 400 Days. 30 days. January 20, 2023. 38,152.
  31. [31]
    Need help with Winlink : r/amateurradio - Reddit
    May 15, 2021 · For Airmail you must buy a Pactor modem. Winlink Express supports the Pactor hardware modem and software modems ARDOP and VARA. ARDOP and VARA ...Pactor without a hardware modem : r/amateurradioHow are Pactor and Vara and other similarly automatically ...More results from www.reddit.com
  32. [32]
    PACTOR NEWS
    PACTOR is an online source for HF communications, but is not widely used by most hams, mainly for mailbox operation, and direct QSOs are rare.Missing: specifications | Show results with:specifications
  33. [33]
    [PDF] Sound Card Digital Modes K3EUI Barry
    Typical HF frequencies. 80 meters: 3.580 MHz. 40 meters: 7.070 MHz. 20 meters: 14.070 MHz. 15 meters: 21.070 MHz. 10 meters: 28.120 MHz. Page 17. What does the ...
  34. [34]
    What is an alternative to Winlink for Pactor modems? - Facebook
    Jan 13, 2019 · If SCS wishes to design, manufacture, create firmware and accompanying software and then market it to amateurs, they can. They can also patent ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  35. [35]
    New Study Compares Winlink Digital Modes Performance
    Jul 5, 2020 · Hardware SCS modems running PACTOR 2, 3 and 4 were evaluated as were sound card modes WINMOR, ARDOP and VARA across a variety of channel models ...
  36. [36]
    SailMail | Universal email for cruisers: all modes, all oceans.
    The SailMail Association maintains its own world-wide network of SSB-Pactor private coast stations in the Maritime Mobile Radio Service. The use of this network ...Membership · Downloads · SailMail via Web · Pactor/SSB installationMissing: Safety | Show results with:Safety
  37. [37]
    Weather via Sailmail, overview.
    Jan 4, 2016 · You can use the SailMail system itself to receive text or grib weather forecasts at no charge. The easiest way (free) is to use SailDocs.com ...
  38. [38]
    Position Reporting – Acquiring and Sharing Data - SailMail
    Feb 13, 2018 · There are many position reporting options available via SailMail. One that we particularly like is SailBlogs, for more info click here.
  39. [39]
    Staying Connected at Sea | Cruising World
    May 26, 2017 · With a Pactor modem and a high-frequency single-sideband radio, connecting to the Internet for email and weather is a breeze.
  40. [40]
    SHARES FAQs | CISA
    HF radio operating procedures are the same as used by the military, aviation, and maritime communities. ... Only Pactor-3 and Pactor-4 May be used on SHARES.
  41. [41]
    About: PACTOR - DBpedia
    PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, military or government users such as the US Department of Homeland ...
  42. [42]
    HF Maritime Communications - The RadioReference Wiki
    Dec 2, 2020 · GMDSS / DSC ... marine PACTOR station and its operations; SITOR-A used to be used by numerous stations but this mode is gradually dying out.
  43. [43]
    WORLDWIDE HF Radio-Telex Broadcasts HF Maritime Stations ...
    HF PACTOR WX, WEATHER BROADCAST. Class : Maritime Broadcast (Scheduled). Mode : FSK (PACTOR). Content : Marine weather forecasts, warnings & NOTSHIP (notices ...
  44. [44]
    Pactor-II/III Radio Modem sales, FCC License filing, Marine SSB ...
    SCS Pactor Radio Modem & Icom Marine SSB Radio sales & support for Sailmail & Winlink e-mail networks. Marine and areonautical FCC radio license filing ...Missing: IV | Show results with:IV
  45. [45]
    MF & HF Channel Information | Navigation Center - navcen
    HF Simplex single sideband radiotelephone frequencies are provided for worldwide common use by ships of all categories, for communications with coast stations ...
  46. [46]
    Pactor Alternative ? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
    Jul 31, 2009 · There are alternatives if you are a HAM and possibly not. Airmail, the most popular program to interface with the HF radio/modem and computer ...Pactor 4 Alternative? - Cruisers & Sailing ForumsIs an SSB/pactor modem worth it? - Page 4 - Cruisers & Sailing ...More results from www.cruisersforum.comMissing: GMDSS | Show results with:GMDSS
  47. [47]
    Affordable Radio Packet Data Modem | RadioReference.com Forums
    Oct 19, 2014 · PACTOR II and PACTOR III belongs to SCS, a German company. As I'm sure you know, there's a difference between AX.25 packet and the sound ...
  48. [48]
    Sysop Software | Winlink Global Radio Email
    The Winlink system is run entirely by volunteers. Those called Gateway Station Sysops, who support and run over a thousand stations around the world, are ...
  49. [49]
    [PDF] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Winlink 2000
    Aug 30, 2019 · It enables the station to accept Connects from other stations using the pactor, WINMOR, and "Robust Packet HF" protocols. Each Sys Op has the ...
  50. [50]
    [PDF] Winlink Thursday August 19, 2021 File Attachments Email questions to
    Aug 19, 2021 · The Winlink system has established a maximum message size of 120 KB. We generally want to be well under that limit. You should be aware that ...
  51. [51]
    Winlink Glossary | Winlink Global Radio Email
    The Common Message Servers (CMS) are the common coordinating engines at the heart of the Winlink 2000 "star" Network configuration. They coordinate the traffic ...
  52. [52]
    Open B2F -- Winlink Message Structure and B2 Forwarding Protocol
    This is a specification for the transfer of messages between Winlink Radio Mail Server (RMS) gateway stations and Winlink compatible user terminal programs (WL ...
  53. [53]
  54. [54]
    About Pactor Modems - DockSide Radio
    Pactor-4 technology is the absolute fastest a Pactor modem can go on the HF bands and still stay within the internationally mandated bandwidth.
  55. [55]
    Winlink Express Registration - Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc.
    The registration fee is $24 per callsign, up to 17 callsigns. Multiple callsigns may be registered by individuals or agencies in one transaction. If you require ...
  56. [56]
    PMON - PACTOR Monitoring Utility : r/amateurradio - Reddit
    Oct 16, 2019 · There's already a PACTOR demodulation tool out there, called Sorcerer. It doesn't support PACTOR4 yet, and nor does PMON, which at the root of ...Pactor without a hardware modem : r/amateurradio - RedditHow does the community feel about Vara? : r/amateurradio - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com