News Release

From the desk of Doug Smith, KF6DX; Chair, ARRL Digital Voice Working Group

March 31, 2002

For immediate release:

The ARRL Digital Voice Working Group (DVWG) is pleased to announce a Digital Voice Forum, to be held at the Dayton Hamvention, Dayton, Ohio, 10:15 AM to noon on Sunday, May 19, 2002, in Room 1 following the ARRL Forum. Come hear discussions and live audio demonstrations of the hottest new mode in Amateur Radio: digital voice. The forum includes presentations from world-renowned authorities on digital-audio hardware, software and other technical details. Applications from rag-chewing to emergency communications to digital audio broadcasting will be covered.

Members of the DVWG and some distinguished guests will speak on various topics to get you up to speed on this exciting technology. Moderator Doug Smith, KF6DX, will provide some background information about digital voice and what it can do for you. He also has some comments on evaluating voice quality and on performance goals of actual systems. Coming from the UK, digital voice pioneers Charles Brain, G4GUO, and Andy Talbot, G4JNT, will discuss their previous work in this field, along with their ongoing efforts to produce even more-robust, high-speed systems. Gary Barbour, AC4DL, details his work on high-speed, software-based modems, such as are required for digital voice. His work may also result in advancement of regular, high-speed data transmission over Amateur Radio.

Special guest Harold Reasoner, K5SXK, relates his experience with digital voice in Amateur Radio and public-service communications. Through his relationship with the Motorola Amateur Radio Club (MARC), Harold has gained a lot of practical experience with APCO25-compatible radios. APCO25 is a national standard for digital voice systems. Public servants take note.

From France, Thales (formerly Thomson/CSF) graciously sends special guest Cédric Demeure to talk about digital audio, ham radio and broadcasting. Cédric is involved with Thales' entry into the digital audio-broadcasting arena. He is also part of a DVWG plan to conduct transatlantic tests of digital voice over Amateur Radio. His presentation should appeal to hams and short-wave listeners alike.

You are cordially invited to attend. Your questions are welcome after the presentations. Don't miss this opportunity to get the latest about digital voice from the experts! For more information, visit www.hamvention.org or send e-mail to kf6dx@arrl.org.