The capabilities we can deploy

Raynet are volunteer communication specialists using best endeavours with a large amount of technical “know-how”.

Our capability is operating as a communications “Pipe”, this means inputting a message in one end and the message arrives at the other end in a timely period. The message provider does not have to concern themselves with how the message is conveyed, although that technical detail is made available should the message provider or “User” wish to be made aware of our processes.

All our systems run on 12V, so electrical failure is not a problem.
With access to cars and generators we can continue to operate as long as we have petrol or diesel.
In addition to which we have equipment tested on a regular basis, already on site at many County, District, and Borough Emergency Centres, who have backup power.

Voice

Voice communications remains a reliable and simple to deploy capability. In addition to direct point to point communications we can deploy manned relay stations in the time it takes to drive to that location. Where more sophisticated systems are required we can deploy remote relay systems, linking multiple systems together to provide wide area coverage where necessary. The group has a permanent remotely operated relay station based to the west of Winchester.

Amateur radio offers the choice of frequency bands allowing the most appropriate band to be be selected, although use of the 144MHz and 430MHz bands is by far and away the most common.

One secondary role is to provide additional radio and telephone operators to operate other users voice based radio equipment if required. The group also holds a selection of portable radios available to be used with user services or event organisers.

Satellite

The group finances a satellite system which provides an internet connection without existing infrastructure, useful where no existing mobile network coverage is available.

The satellite System is provided by Eutelsat.

Live Video feeds

The group has a developed a video feed system connecting 2 cameras to our website. The 2 cameras connect via WiFi or our satellite link and allow us to provide ad-hoc live video feeds for our users. This was first used during the M27 closure callout

The group are currently developing this initial capability into a set of easily deployable kits.

APRS

A common need is to be able to follow the location of a vehicle or perhaps the “tail” of an event, we can attach a ‘Tracker’ which automatically updates its location every 2 – 5 minutes. This sends location data over a dedicated amateur radio frequency being received at event control, this is displayed on a map of the event using the APRS system. This information can also be interlinked to the internet, the group has a permanent interlink station based in Southampton.

In addition to tracking, the same system supports two way messaging.

Information on the technical aspects can be found here

A map centred on Southampton can be seen on APRS FI

Slow Scan TV (SSTV)

The group has been experimenting with further data options especially those which can utilise amateur radio alongside smartphones, in particular solutions to send images as data.

Following this success the group is investigating further amateur radio data communications techniques. The South East Hants group have been working with Easypal and we are looking at this as a part of local intergroup capability.