Hi Brian,
Sadly, the pentagon now prohibits Morse Code (the Original Digital mode)
on Mil frequencies (where we operate on) since the early 90's.
As proven during 9-11 and subsequent/former incidents, HF is
considerably
more reliable than much of the gizmos, including Cellular, Satellite and
Such
devices (Including two-way Pagers, PDA's and so on) that require very
precise
Antenna Location models and power output levels that cannot be guaranteed
in
an emergency. As a Tertiary backup, (IE Triple Redundancy) we might not
be
used as often, or seem as necessary as once we were, until the regular
and back-up
communications systems fail. HAM and MARS were pretty much the only thing
working right after the fall of the towers. Most Cellular and 800-MHz
radio systems
for Public Safety radio still can encroach on each other during an
emergency or
other 'overload' situation, causing both to become less than useful.
Most agencies have dropped their FCC Licenses and equipment for
150 and 450 MHz radio systems, and therefore have no direct replacements
available for when the 800 MHz stuff goes dead.
Add an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) and our old 'Tube' radios
could suddenly
be the only thing left to get messages in or out of the area.
Since there would be a big learning curve to get ALL the various
agencies to
use the same 10/11/12 codes, plain language remains the best alternative.
ALE
does help, and does have a soundcard based availability as well. This
helps only
to find and keep ready the best frequencies, and does little else than to
"PRE-ID"
the incoming datastreams and location of originator.
Being of Cherokee/Osage descent, and knowing how poorly even our
own
generation knows all the fine points of the language (Because of greater
acceptance
of Native Americans, we have blended more into the rest of America,
eroding the
availability of 'pure speakers' of the tongues) I do not believe there
would be near
enough to cover all of America's own assets let alone it's overseas bases
and
gateway stations - (they are Similar in operation/function to Internet
Hubs). Back in
the 40's and up till the late 70's, we pretty much just stayed with our
own folks and friends
and rarely mingled... so the language was easier to keep pure then... vs.
now.
Do Appreciate the input though, it does help to go over the
simplest or
easiest sounding alternatives just to make sure we didn't overlook or
miss some
possibility. However, one possibility that might pass muster would be to
use the
newer 'automated' Morse programs that can literally be set to operate at
200 WPM.
(Few 'live' operators would be able to operate that fast for intercept)
And it would
not 'sound' like morse to the Brass at the pentagon. Maybe could even
name it
something like 'Handigi' or such to further disguise it. Many of the more
recent rank
advancees at the pentagon never even herad of Morse code...... hmmm might
just
work after all.. Will run it up the pole and see who stands at attention
or salutes...
TNX es 73 de John Jewkes..
On Sat, 6 Sep 2003 19:47:49 -0400 "Brian Varine" <WitchDr@private>
writes:
> Your dilemma is that you are restricted from using any type of
> encryption.
> Going to a new protocol is probably going to require more hardware
> and
> software which equals more money. My suggestion is to go back to
> Morse
> Code..after all...no one uses Morse Code anymore right? Plus HF is
> dead,
> past over, a relic of the past! *chuckle*. HF ALE might make things
> a bit
> more difficult as well. But then....ALE requires new equipment. The
> best
> bang for the buck would be developing brevity codes similar to what
> the
> police use (ie. 10/12 codes).
>
> I did see a PBS program on how the US Govt.(Library of Congress?)
> was
> working with Indian tribes to preserve their languages. Eventually
> they want
> to have all the languages available via computer so in the future,
> people
> can look back and the language won't be lost forever. Find one of
> those
> programs and use a tribal language...it worked in WWII;)
>
> Brian
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John E Jewkes-AAA0OR-AAA0ID" <aar0mi@private>
> To: <crime@private>
> Sent: Friday, September 05, 2003 11:02 PM
> Subject: CRIME query on radio text message security
>
>
> > In the MARS program, we have never needed previously a
> > 'protected' mode for sending our raw text messages via radio
> > Teletype (RTTY) operations, as the majority of the traffic was
> > morale and welfare traffic for Armed Services Personnel and
> > their families back home. As such, almost ALL of our radio to
> > computer interface work is done using modified amateur radio
> > digital traffic programs.
> > Now that MARS does much more support and reporting
> > of incidents to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, FEMA, and so on....
> > Does anyone know of a method of more securely sending these
> > reports with 'encryption'. (MARS is still under a 1953 Mil
> Regulation
> > that prohibits our encryption of messages, stating that only 'CIA
> > or INTEL' personnel can initiate an encrypted message, and that
> even this
> >
> > must include 'plain language' headers for delivery addressing).
> > We simply need something that is not readily available as
> > shareware
> > or freeware, and limited in commercial usage. A couple of twists
> for you
> > on
> > this next question: One: All but a handful of our members are
> volunteers,
> > and
> > most are retirees, so big $$ are out of question, as MARS
> receives
> > minimal
> > funding at best, mainly designated for operation of the various
> > radio/data
> > gateways around the world, HQ staff and recruiting of volunteers.
> > TWO: program would have to be simple to install and operate as
> again,
> > many of the volunteers are retirees and not many know the more
> > sophisticated
> > programs/OS commands, etc....
> > With that in MIND, does anyone know of such a program
> currently
> > in design
> > or testing, or know of someone with the expertise to do so? Best
> of all
> > worlds would
> > be soundcard based, with a simple interface between soundcard and
> radio
> > for transmit
> > and receive, and again be a non-readily available protocol, that
> is easy
> > to install,
> > setup and operate, and can interface with the MARS Messaging
> System
> > easily..
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Signed,
> > John E. Jewkes, SMD US Army MARS Oregon/Idaho
> > OR/ID State Director (Portland METRO Area Resident)
> > Confidential Phone Number (Confirm Only) 503-977-0527
> > National HQ (24/7) Identify Line: 1-800-633-1128 ext 1
> >
> > ________________________________________________________________
> > The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
> > Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
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> >
>
>
>
Signed,
John E. Jewkes, SMD US Army MARS Oregon/Idaho
OR/ID State Director (Portland METRO Area Resident)
Confidential Phone Number (Confirm Only) 503-977-0527
National HQ (24/7) Identify Line: 1-800-633-1128 ext 1
________________________________________________________________
The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!
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