MARS Operators?

[KE0GXN]

Any MARS operators on here who can give their experience and opinions on the program?

The program seems interesting to me being prior military. I did attend a MARS forum at a hamfest awhile back and I have done some MARS research on the internet, however I would like to get some personal input from anyone who is or has done it.

Good or bad.

Thanks!

 

[N2AL]

Any MARS operators on here who can give their experience and opinions on the program?



The program seems interesting to me being prior military. I did attend a MARS forum at a hamfest awhile back and I have done some MARS research on the internet, however I would like to get some personal input from anyone who is or has done it.



Good or bad.



Thanks!

Not to discourage you, but I once signed up for MARS in Tennessee, completed the application, and never received word back. I heard from another MARS member of another branch, that the branch I applied for was not highly active.

I have heard MARS nets before and they seem to be a pretty solid organization.




Andrew | N2AL
www.n4awl.com

 

[KE0GXN]

Not to discourage you, but I once signed up for MARS in Tennessee, completed the application, and never received word back. I heard from another MARS member of another branch, that the branch I applied for was not highly active.

I have heard MARS nets before and they seem to be a pretty solid organization.




Andrew | N2AL
N2AL | Amateur Extra Class Operator – November Two Alpha Lima

Any input is good input in my book, so thanks for the feedback! For what its worth it seemed like the guys putting on the forum here in MO were responsive, they were good about sending the promised e-mail with info to everyone who provided a e-mail address at the forum.

I am not set-up for digital modes yet, so I have held off from personally requesting feedback from them. I also honestly do not know if I can dedicate the time required to stay active in the program at this stage of my life with my job/family responsibilities, which is another reason I am seeking opinions here....

 

[N9PVW]

Army Mars

I'm T.D.Y. from Army Mars. Been a member for 10 years, but had to take a break. We practice every night for one hour. I was wounded in Vietnam and Mars connected me to my family. Because of that I had always wanted to pay back Mars for what they did for me.

I will tell you this, yes there is a lot of time involved, but I guarantee you that you will be a better radio operator.

At times it can be boring, and other time very fun. You stated that your ex-military so you understand when I say training, training, training. And you should know why. "Actions without thinking"

Blessing on whatever you decide

N9PVW

 

[N2AL]

Any input is good input in my book, so thanks for the feedback! For what its worth it seemed like the guys putting on the forum here in MO were responsive, they were good about sending the promised e-mail with info to everyone who provided a e-mail address at the forum.

I am not set-up for digital modes yet, so I have held off from personally requesting feedback from them. I also honestly do not know if I can dedicate the time required to stay active in the program at this stage of my life with my job/family responsibilities, which is another reason I am seeking opinions here....

It sounds like MARS is doing pretty well for themselves in Missouri. I understand the time restrictions, I have a similar problem too. Between work and a personal life sometimes amateur radio does not receive as much time as it could. I would at least talk to them and get their input on what they think about the time needed to devote to the program. I think that some part-time members are better than no members, in my opinion.

I set myself up for digital operations via a sound cable, then upgraded later to the SignaLink USB. If you have any questions on the digital setup let me know. I use both Windows and Mac OS X, so I am decently well versed.

 

[sloop]

I was in Army MARS for several years and got out because of the digital requirement. I simply did not have interest in digital communications, the money for the setup, or the time to learn and still have a family and job. Meeting the time requirements is easy, 1 check in per week and you have met the time requirement. Its the other things that take time, practice exercises, keeping track of all the memos sent out, and reports. I think that Navy-Marine MARS has disbanded, that leaves Air Force and Army. Army MARS is the larger of the two and naturally you will find more members. Good organization, would get back into it now that I am retired if it were not for the digital aspect.

 

[KE0GXN]

I was in Army MARS for several years and got out because of the digital requirement. I simply did not have interest in digital communications, the money for the setup, or the time to learn and still have a family and job. Meeting the time requirements is easy, 1 check in per week and you have met the time requirement. Its the other things that take time, practice exercises, keeping track of all the memos sent out, and reports. I think that Navy-Marine MARS has disbanded, that leaves Air Force and Army. Army MARS is the larger of the two and naturally you will find more members. Good organization, would get back into it now that I am retired if it were not for the digital aspect.

Yeah, I am not all that interested in the digital aspect either at this stage, but I would be wiling to try it in order to participate in the program. A lot of my fellow club members are into the digital stuff , so I could probably learn from them.

I have no idea of the costs involved with having the digital equipment though....?

Job and family take up a lot of my time as I imagine it does with most folks that are not retired or still raising a family. However, the forum presenters did harp on the fact they needed new and young blood in the program, so I figured they would take that into account in their recruiting....but who knows, that's why I am asking here.

I have been down the military road before and know what it's like to be told what you want to hear...lol!

Thanks for the honest feedback!

 

[K4EET]

Yes, Navy MARS is QRT. Army MARS places heavy emphasis on digital modes and encryption. Army MARS frequencies are not that far out of the Ham Bands. Air Force MARS is a little less strict on digital operations although you still must have the capabilities. Air Force MARS frequencies tend to be far removed from the Ham Band. There is a lot of interaction between the two groups whereby Army folks check in to Air Force nets and vice versa.

Here is the Air Force website for your state:

Home

I was in Army MARS for about 6 months and did not like the rigidness of everything. Previously I had been in Air Force MARS for 11 years and held many state and region positions. After leaving Army MARS, I rejoined Air Force MARS.

Do some Googling and you'll find a large number of Army and Air Force web sites. Both services are going strong and are here to stay. One day I expect there will be just one MARS service where all branches are combined. After all, we are sharing everything now and an Air Force station would have the same capabilities as an Army MARS station.

After you do some Googling, let me know if you have any questions.

73, Dave K4EET

 

[AK9R]

I have no idea of the costs involved with having the digital equipment though....?

I don't know what digital modes MARS is using, but a SignaLink USB can be had for around $120. Software for sound card digital modes, such as fldigi, is often free.

Many of the newer HF radios on the market include a USB sound card interface so no external adapter is necessary.

 

[KE0GXN]

Yes, Navy MARS is QRT. Army MARS places heavy emphasis on digital modes and encryption. Army MARS frequencies are not that far out of the Ham Bands. Air Force MARS is a little less strict on digital operations although you still must have the capabilities. Air Force MARS frequencies tend to be far removed from the Ham Band. There is a lot of interaction between the two groups whereby Army folks check in to Air Force nets and vice versa.

Here is the Air Force website for your state:

Home

I was in Army MARS for about 6 months and did not like the rigidness of everything. Previously I had been in Air Force MARS for 11 years and held many state and region positions. After leaving Army MARS, I rejoined Air Force MARS.

Do some Googling and you'll find a large number of Army and Air Force web sites. Both services are going strong and are here to stay. One day I expect there will be just one MARS service where all branches are combined. After all, we are sharing everything now and an Air Force station would have the same capabilities as an Army MARS station.

After you do some Googling, let me know if you have any questions.

73, Dave K4EET

Yeah, that local site is one of the many I have looked at so far.

My State for whatever reasons seems to assimilate with the AF MARS, which is fine with me being I am prior AF.

Thanks for your insight. At this point I am just trying to nail down the morale within the program and the operaters, the time needed to dedicate yourself to the program and what all I would need to know about having and using the digitial modes required.

 

[KE0GXN]

I don't know what digital modes MARS is using, but a SignaLink USB can be had for around $120. Software for sound card digital modes, such as fldigi, is often free.

Many of the newer HF radios on the market include a USB sound card interface so no external adapter is necessary.

Sounds like it is affordable.

Still using a loaned HF rig at my station, so I would not be seeking membership until I bought my own rig. Just trying to get a feel for the program/costs at this stage, while I am saving my pennies for my own rig.

Thanks for the input!

 

[N2AL]

I don't know what digital modes MARS is using, but a SignaLink USB can be had for around $120. Software for sound card digital modes, such as fldigi, is often free.



Many of the newer HF radios on the market include a USB sound card interface so no external adapter is necessary.

Sounds like it is affordable.

Still using a loaned HF rig at my station, so I would not be seeking membership until I bought my own rig. Just trying to get a feel for the program/costs at this stage, while I am saving my pennies for my own rig.

Thanks for the input!

That is what I did -bought the SignaLink USB for around $120. It was a lot cheaper than dropping nearly $1,000+ on a Pactor modem. The SignaLink USB works fantastic, and with WinLink, I utilize the Winmor mode on RMS Express. Of course FLDIGI works great with a SignaLink USB as well.



Andrew | N2AL
www.n4awl.com

 

[K4EET]

<snip> At this point I am just trying to nail down the morale within the program and the operaters, the time needed to dedicate yourself to the program and what all I would need to know about having and using the digitial modes required.

1. MORALE: It will be what you make of it. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of USAF MARS. We have get-togethers for lunch on Fridays once a month so you get to know the members that want to be active. Of course, there is always the disgruntled few that should not have joined to begin with since they were not willing to make the most of it. It is all in what you make it. As a USAF veteran, you'll fit right in.

2. TIME: Only 12 hours of HF participation is required per quarter. I usually run about 30 to 45 hours per month of HF time and about 10 to 20 hours of admin time. As a former State MARS Director, Region VHF Manager and Region Administrative Assistant; I just happen to really like the program and holding positions of responsibility. And for me and the USAF, I was rejected at enlistment due to a severe hearing loss. I even wrote to the Surgeon General of the USAF appealing the decision but lost. I was going to be an engineer at Wright Patt as a Second Lieutenant out of the San Antonio OTS. But even at that, I have committed a LOT of hours over the past 12 years and enjoyed every minute of it.

3. DIGITAL MODES: Like others have said, for less than $150 you can be on the air with digital. If you get a Software Defined Radio (SDR) like a FLEX-6500, the digital capabilities is already all built-in. Even to get all-band-transmit for the way-out-of-bnd-frequencies that USAF uses, it is just a simple software upgrade. So when buying an HF radio, ask about inherent digital capabilities. More and more of today's rigs are software defined and are connected to peripherals on the LAN. As for the digital mode software, it's all free. FLDigi is one that provides some of the capabilities and the others are downloaded from the USAF Communications website. And the Region Training Manager is always available to help you get set up with the digital modes of operations. And by the way, just about all over-the-air-transmissions are encrypted. You are entrusted with a lot of information and keys.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

73, Dave K4EET

 

[KE0GXN]

1. MORALE: It will be what you make of it. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of USAF MARS. We have get-togethers for lunch on Fridays once a month so you get to know the members that want to be active. Of course, there is always the disgruntled few that should not have joined to begin with since they were not willing to make the most of it. It is all in what you make it. As a USAF veteran, you'll fit right in.

2. TIME: Only 12 hours of HF participation is required per quarter. I usually run about 30 to 45 hours per month of HF time and about 10 to 20 hours of admin time. As a former State MARS Director, Region VHF Manager and Region Administrative Assistant; I just happen to really like the program and holding positions of responsibility. And for me and the USAF, I was rejected at enlistment due to a severe hearing loss. I even wrote to the Surgeon General of the USAF appealing the decision but lost. I was going to be an engineer at Wright Patt as a Second Lieutenant out of the San Antonio OTS. But even at that, I have committed a LOT of hours over the past 12 years and enjoyed every minute of it.

3. DIGITAL MODES: Like others have said, for less than $150 you can be on the air with digital. If you get a Software Defined Radio (SDR) like a FLEX-6500, the digital capabilities is already all built-in. Even to get all-band-transmit for the way-out-of-bnd-frequencies that USAF uses, it is just a simple software upgrade. So when buying an HF radio, ask about inherent digital capabilities. More and more of today's rigs are software defined and are connected to peripherals on the LAN. As for the digital mode software, it's all free. FLDigi is one that provides some of the capabilities and the others are downloaded from the USAF Communications website. And the Region Training Manager is always available to help you get set up with the digital modes of operations. And by the way, just about all over-the-air-transmissions are encrypted. You are entrusted with a lot of information and keys.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

73, Dave K4EET

Exactly what I was looking for David! Thanks for taking the time to post that.

73

 

[KE0GXN]

If one did not have a SDR type rig what all you need to be purchased to operate all the required digitial modes MARS uses? I'll throw the Yaesu FT-450D out there as an example radio. The AF MARS site states the following:

"Operational digital capability using either TNC or soundcard. Currently USAF MARS uses PACTOR I and the several computer sound card modes, MFSK16, Olivia and MT 63 are most common. M110A will be required in the future."

Thanks!

 

[K4EET]

If one did not have a SDR type rig what all you need to be purchased to operate all the required digitial modes MARS uses? I'll throw the Yaesu FT-450D out there as an example radio. The AF MARS site states the following:

"Operational digital capability using either TNC or soundcard. Currently USAF MARS uses PACTOR I and the several computer sound card modes, MFSK16, Olivia and MT 63 are most common. M110A will be required in the future."

Thanks!

The SignaLink modem is all that you would need to purchase. The rest is free software like FLDigi. And M110A is here now. It is a Military standard but again it is a free download that runs with your FT-450D using the SignaLink.

73, Dave K4EET

 

[AK9R]

MFSK16, Olivia, and MT63 can be done with a sound card interface and fldigi.

Not sure about PACTOR I--I think there are sound card programs that can decode it. Pretty sure that PACTOR II and PACTOR III require a specialized ($$) TNC.

A quick Google of M110A indicates that while it is used in MARS, it's not allowed on the amateur radio bands. I don't know what it might take to use that mode.

 

[KE0GXN]

The SignaLink modem is all that you would need to purchase. The rest is free software like FLDigi. And M110A is here now. It is a Military standard but again it is a free download that runs with your FT-450D using the SignaLink.

73, Dave K4EET

MFSK16, Olivia, and MT63 can be done with a sound card interface and fldigi.

Not sure about PACTOR I--I think there are sound card programs that can decode it. Pretty sure that PACTOR II and PACTOR III require a specialized ($$) TNC.

A quick Google of M110A indicates that while it is used in MARS, it's not allowed on the amateur radio bands. I don't know what it might take to use that mode.

Thanks for the answers guys! Yeah, the Signalink looks pretty affordable, so no worries there. Just have to get with some club members and get a gist of what these digital modes are all about....for all I know may even have some former MARS members in the club. If there are any active guys, they have kept it "classified "...lol. Anyhow, thanks for all the help and 73!

 

[LouNawlins]

MARS &amp; ARC

Exactly what I was looking for David! Thanks for taking the time to post that.

73

As both a Veteran and Volunteer with the American Red Cross who now has a program call (SAF) Services to the Armed Forces, MARS in some places are part of it. And they may, depending upon your area have equipment you can use and or help acquire. As a Non-Profit they qualify for surplus Military Equipment.

I myself an just looking into this area as a new way of assisting as my disability is getting to where it is limiting my other functions such as instruction First Aid/CPR and Disaster Assistance Team Call Outs.

If anyone else has experience please let us know. I will try to post updates as I investigate more myself.

And for what its worth, some areas and programs just occasionally miss an opportunity to enlist good people. It took the Red Cross over a year to get back to me due to turnover issues. Keep Trying, Don't Give Up as the People You will serve are worth it!