Join conversations on our Discourse server
Training materials, SOPs, and resources
Communication systems and software we deploy
Local area repeaters
Weather spotter program
Regional mesh network map
All-StarLink, HOIP, Asterisk info
Communications systems and software used by Alexandria ARES for emergency operations and routine activities
Alexandria ARES uses a diverse toolkit of communication systems, many of which can operate independently of the internet. This redundancy ensures reliable communications during emergencies when traditional infrastructure may fail.
BPQ32 is a packet radio node and bulletin board system (BBS) that runs on Windows. Our implementation allows ARES communicators to exchange messages, bulletins, and situational reports over radio when internet connectivity is unavailable.
Key Features:
ARES Integration: Our BPQ32 nodes synchronize with Discourse (our web forum) when connectivity is available. Communicators can download forum content to their local BBS, read and reply offline via radio, then sync back to the primary node which updates Discourse when internet is restored. This creates a resilient communication pipeline that survives network outages.
Discourse is our primary web-based discussion platform for planning, coordination, and knowledge sharing. Unlike traditional forums, Discourse is modern, mobile-friendly, and designed for active communities.
Key Features:
ARES Integration: Discourse serves as our central knowledge base and planning platform. The bidirectional sync with BPQ32 means discussions can continue over radio during internet outages, then automatically merge back when connectivity returns. This provides continuity of operations across different communications media.
Alexandria ARES operates multiple email solutions to ensure message delivery regardless of network conditions:
Self-Hosted Email Servers:
Internet Email:
Radio Email Integration:
This multi-path approach ensures messages can be routed via radio if internet fails, or via internet if radio conditions are poor.
VarAC is a modern HF/VHF chat application that provides near real-time keyboard-to-keyboard communication over radio.
Key Features:
VarAC has largely replaced older packet chat systems for conversational communications, offering a user experience similar to internet chat while operating entirely over radio frequencies.
Winlink is the legacy standard for email over radio, providing global email connectivity when internet is unavailable.
How It Works:
Winlink supports position reports, forms, and attachments, making it valuable for formal message traffic and ICS integration during extended operations.
Meshtastic enables low-power, long-range mesh networking using LoRa radios on ISM bands. Messages automatically relay through nearby nodes, extending range far beyond single radio capabilities.
We operate an MQTT server that bridges Meshtastic traffic to other systems, allowing integration with internet-based coordination tools while maintaining the mesh network’s independence.
For network coverage and node locations, see our Meshtastic page.
APRS provides real-time tactical communications including position reporting, messaging, weather data, and telemetry over amateur radio frequencies.
ARES Applications:
Planned Integrations: We are developing Matrix protocol bridges for APRS, enabling modern chat clients to send and receive APRS messages. This will allow smartphone-based communication with field units using only radio infrastructure.
ATAK is an Android mapping and situational awareness application originally developed for military use, now available to public safety and emergency services.
Key Features:
ARES Implementation: We operate TAK Server (TAKY) for coordinating ATAK clients. TAKY is a lightweight, open-source TAK server that can run on modest hardware or even in the field on laptop computers. This enables:
ATAK provides incident commanders with real-time awareness of resource locations, operational boundaries, and tactical information—critical for coordinating multiple field teams.
JS8Call is a derivative of the popular FT8 weak signal mode, adapted for keyboard-to-keyboard conversation and message relay.
Capabilities:
JS8Call excels in scenarios where traditional voice or faster digital modes fail due to weak signals, QRM, or limited power availability. Its robust error correction and automatic relay features make it particularly valuable for long-distance emergency communications when propagation is marginal.
AllStarLink connects radio repeaters and simplex nodes worldwide via Voice over IP, enabling communications far beyond RF range.
ARES Applications:
For more information on AllStarLink integration, see our VoIP Systems page.
Asterisk is open-source PBX (Private Branch Exchange) software providing full-featured telephone system capabilities.
ARES Implementation:
Asterisk serves as the “telephone switch” binding together our radio-based VoIP systems and traditional telephony.
DVSwitch is multimode digital voice software that bridges different amateur radio digital voice protocols.
Capabilities:
DVSwitch enables our operators using different digital voice equipment to communicate seamlessly. An operator on a DMR radio can talk with someone using D-STAR or AllStarLink, breaking down technical barriers between incompatible voice systems.
Many of our systems can operate over AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) mesh networks:
AREDN provides high-speed data networking over amateur radio frequencies, creating resilient IP networks independent of commercial internet infrastructure.
Interested in learning these systems? Here’s a suggested progression:
Training Opportunities:
We conduct regular training sessions on these systems. Check our Events Calendar for upcoming classes and exercises, or contact us at ares@listserv.alexares.org to arrange specialized training.
Emergency communications requires redundancy and flexibility. Different scenarios require different solutions:
Having multiple tools ensures we can adapt to any situation and maintain communications when it matters most.