Contributed by Jeremy Tanzer – KI7BDP
Assuming a Windows-based system, CARES recommends the following software:
CHIRP: A nice bit of software that with the right cable will let you program your favorite radios with little hassle. CHIRP has become the CARES standard for programming most radios. https://chirp.danplanet.com/
Firefox: An internet browser which is effective, easy to work with, and without some of the complications of Chrome or Edge (formerly Internet Explorer) where your Google or Microsoft Account is often linked. https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Office Suite: An office is a suite of tools that will allow you to create, edit, print and view documents, spreadsheets, and presentations (PowerPoint). CARES recommends that you install Libre Office even if you have Microsoft Office since Microsoft is moving towards a web-driven model. https://www.libreoffice.org/
Winlink Express (RMS Express): A way to send email and files over the radio. A must in emergencies and a crucial part of the CARES software package. https://www.winlink.org/ Two bits of additional software are needed to run Winlink over RF:
SoundModem: This operates as a digital modem for packet radio transmissions. SoundModem is our go-to software for packet Winlink. http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm
VARA: A suite of software tools for weak signal digital communications work. VARA is fast, efficient and a great mode to send Winlink messages and data. In CARES we primarily use the following parts of the suite: VARA Chat, VARA HF, and VARA FM. https://rosmodem.wordpress.com/
YONIQ / MMSSTV: YONIQ is the update of the venerable MMSSTV software for sending and receiving Slow Scan Television (pictures) over the air. https://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv-yoniq.php
Applications for your phone:
Echolink: A software package and application that allows licensed amateurs to access certain repeaters over the internet. You can get more information and download it here: https://www.echolink.org
Repeater Book: A great resource to have at your fingertips; Repeaterbook uses your phone’s location-finding ability to give you a listing of repeaters in your area. The repeater list includes frequency, offset, tone and other information which may be of value. You can use it on the computer, or download it for your android or iPhone here: https://www.repeaterbook.com/index.php/en-us/
On your field laptop, we recommend you create an account of “cares” with a password of “cares” to allow interoperability in the field. Windows allows you to lock down accounts and limit access to only those things you want to allow access to.