Welcome to sncluster.net
This webpage contains information concerning the SN Cluster of stations. Five different world wide networks are available from these sites. Currently there are twelve transceivers in operation, and under certain conditions all eleven transmitters can be in operation simultaneously. Considering each site is separated by five to fifteen miles, some users have the benefit of accessing all receivers. Each site has it's own unique characteristics, and it is not uncommon for users to switch from one site to the other while traveling or experiencing propagation anomalies. Most of the radios operate simplex, although there are four full duplex repeaters in service. During special events all sites will multicast transmit and receive audio streams.
Voice and digital networks can be engaged form either or both sites. These networks consist of; Automatic Position Reporting Systems, Echo Link and CQ 100. The APRS network transmits digital audio, all the other networks use analogue. This entire network is constantly being worked on, expect some disruptions as the system expands. Please be aware the picture section is graphic intensive, dial up users may have difficultly with that page. Listen for voice announcements for information concerning operation of the networks.
All radios with the exception of the Aprs repeaters, all sites utilize ctcss encoding and decoding. When this system was first built, ctcss (PL) and cor(s) were not used because of the added expense of purchasing radios with those special features. It soon became apparent that any noise received locally would be retransmitted world wide. Noise and false triggering decreases the usefulness of the channel to the point where foreign stations could be denied access to the network while waiting for my local noise to cease. Decoding combined with cor(s) ensures that only legitimate signals are allowed access to the network. Hams have often mistakenly said that a toned system was a closed system, that is not true. This cluster was the first to operate PL decoding in the area, despite objections from the amateur community. Considering the increasing amount of usage of all aspects of the radio spectrum, any system that has a means of determining a legitimate signal from noise will be the most reliable. All voice transceivers encode and decode the same ctcss tone, stations can engage decoding on their receivers to ensure noise will not open their squelch. Each site has it's own unique voice announcements with instructions for operation, including the correct ctcss (PL) access. Most of the equipment is also capable of DCS encoding and decoding but that type of signaling is even less popular in this area then ctcss, hence adopting that decoding feature has been delayed.
Origin of Call Signs:
The first call sign used in this Cluster was SNE and interestingly, it was not the one preferred. That call was first used in Echo Bay, but later, permission was granted to operate a station on the premises of a company that has the same initials as this call sign. It was decided to use the SNE call there, as it would be easier for users to remember. So, SNE operates from the SNE building in Sault Ste. Marie. Now, a call was needed for the original Echo Bay site. Looking at the call signs available, it was obvious that SNT sounded similar to SNE, and that similarity should help people realize both calls were related. Later, when the opportunity to expand to a third site arose, SNB was chosen for the same reason. Realizing this cluster of equipment and associated sites required a name, and considering all call signs contained the letters "SN" , the moniker SN Group was born. Afterwards it was decided to look for a domain name that would reflect what this group was about. Upon searching the Internet, the words "SN group" seemed to be everywhere, but "SN Cluster", was not. So, the term "SN Cluster dot net" was decided upon as it would best reflect the collection of stations connected through networks. As the network expanded another call joined the cluster, it is SNS.
Equipment:
This Cluster currently utilizes twelve transceivers, including six repeaters, ten computers, three internet service providers, all of which are high speed, two private servers, six interfaces, three controllers, and two weather stations. Considering the transmitters consume a lot of current, two Astron RM-50 supplies are in service. Computer hardware range from a simple Linux box all the way up to five XP Pro machines, core duo and 3GHZ processors, as well as dual monitors. As of this date, the Vista operating system is not being used although the latest computers have all the necessary resources to support it. Two new computers are purchased every year to keep up to date with the increased resource demands. All computers are remotely controlled, with UPS backup, and all radios are battery powered. The main computers have dual hard drives with the second drive being a standby in the event of a primary drive failure. Recently, experimentation involving the Linux operating system is being carried out, and that may lead to some opportunities that windows can not offer. With the addition of a laptop to the computer family, remote control from a portable location is now possible. Four additional computers joined the cluster in 2007 alone, this is the first year that spending on computers out paced spending on radios.
This cluster operates and maintains more equipment and is active on more bands then any other amateur group in the area. Most of the money being spent on this system is going towards developing the communications infrastructure which consists of networks, computers and radios. When this cluster first started the majority of money was spent on radio equipment, that is no longer the case, supporting the transceivers with a reliable outside connection is now the highest priority, as being able to communicate locally is no longer enough. This cluster was also the first to implement a weather warning system using a S.A.M.E decoder which will automatically alert users of severe weather in this area. Motorola and Tait radio equipment are used extensively.
System History:
This project started in 2002 with an Aprs digital repeater located in Echo Bay, afterwards the cluster became involved in other projects and networks. The SN Cluster was the first Canadian station to permanently establish an eQSO Gateway and the first Canadian to become an active System Administrator for the main eQSO network. The first weather station was activated December 2004. This group was the first to establish Aprs digital repeaters and provide weather data to amateurs and non amateurs. Three separate systems disseminate weather data to amateurs and non amateurs locally and world wide.
Each voice system has the ability to transmit announcements that are locally generated, this is particularly useful when conveying information about new repeaters, club meetings and weather warnings. Network announcements and identification can be heard from the network systems as well as from distant repeaters, some messages may not be relevant to our area, listen for local announcements only.
Amateur radio is known for developing and advancing technology, so it should be no surprise that amateurs have implemented the internet as another tool to buttress radio communications. This cluster uses a combination of radio frequencies and the internet to supply communications. Since the internet has become so important in world wide communications it would not be prudent to rely on that medium as a single source of communications. It is not the internet that may become unreliable in an emergency, it is the local service providers that may have difficulties with their connection. Maintaining reliable connections to the outside world during emergencies is critical, therefore three internet connections from three different service providers are available as well as a diesel powered generator. This cluster is the only amateur radio group to have a satellite internet service provider that can provide internet connectivity regardless of local service provider failures.
These world wide networks are much like the high frequency bands. Call CQ and you could get an answer from the next community through the adjacent link, or from the other side of the world. World wide communications on the vhf and uhf bands, regardless of sunspot activity, and all it takes is someone to make the contact. Some amateurs claim that using the Internet to link repeater sites " is not real radio", the people making that statement also claim that there is no traffic on their radios, so they don't turn them on anymore. If it was not for the computer / Internet technology explosion that has dominated amateur radio in the last ten years, and the enthusiasm of amateurs to use it, we would probably not have any of the frequencies we now enjoy; as the above mentioned stubbornness not to use new technology would certainly kill the hobby as we now know it.
The purpose of the SN Cluster is to promote usage of the amateur frequencies. Amateurs have often been heard saying; "There is no activity on that band so why should I turn on the radio, or purchase one for another band?" The SN Cluster is bringing activity to many bands and frequencies over a large geographical area, so pick up the mike and say hello to the world.
sncluster © 2009