This is a terrific app! We use HTs on a constant daily basis. Installed and tested: worked perfectly on the first attempt. Easily configured a base station repeater system , too! Worked PERFECTLY. Very simple & easy. My team was able to start using it with a very minimum training. WIN!! I look forward to the full Ribbit when it's ready. I'm an expert software developer with related experience. No promises but I may check out the code base.
Very nice idea for messages. I use APRS for most of what you are doing but not the cell phone connection. Everyone has a cell phone and I like this leverageing the cell phone for messageing. I suggest pushing this for more than emergancy to get the use expanded.
After playing around, I'd suggest this UI change. Get rid of the date on the main screen. When I click on the message, use a full screen to show the full timestamp, and have an open button to edit the message if I want. This way you're less likely to delete something. Maybe, color code part of the message header for Tx/Rx/Pn. As I'm legally blind, so from a farI just see a full screen of white squiggles on a black background. You also might want to add the option for font sizes, and maybe colors. Maybe in a future version you could have a drop down box to choose a certain user's conversation, or verbose mode to see all messages. Interesting project!
This is amazing. Initial testing shows that it’s super easy to use and shares dense data packets quickly . I will be sharing a rattlegram message through our repeater on this weeks net for further testing
Looking forward to an iOS app. Also, try to keep it useful for daily use, not just EMCOM. When all else fails users shouldn't have to "remember" how to use an app!
I see Soundcards like Digirig connected using cell to HT or Transceiver using this device. We have been promoting SSTV locally on 145.600 with local Hams who are new or just getting. I've shared this will some local Emergency Radio Operators as well as Salvation Army Emergency Diaster Directors here in BC
Is there software for computers that will decode this type of communications, or is via cell phone only? If there is a program for the computer could you please tell me what it is? Thank you. JOHN - KC2FBH
Hello to the whole team. First of all, I would like to thank you for your commitment to this project, as it will benefit us all. I've been testing the app, and so far it looks great, however, now I started remote testing, and a notification came up that says "preamble failure"... can you tell me what could be the problem? Thanks in advance for your help. 👍👍
I love this idea for simple digital text communication via HT to HT. I look forward to seeing how this project will progress. I don't have developmental skills but would like to help test this once it is available. 73 de K5MGK Mark
I just downloaded this app on my android tablet. Using just some FRS handy talkies, I tested the Rattlegram app between my phone and the tablet from my shop building to my house and the message was perfect. It even will convey emojis! Wow, what a great little bundle of code. Mark K5MGK
Testing in Bergen Norway, works fine. Here is raining all time and radio uv9r and samsung s10e are both waterproff and that works perfekt. One test via repiter no direct line of sight also workt perfeckt. Wonder if it would work on yaesu fusion digital simplex or repiter? I will test that soon. Thanks for good app, LA7PSA
In practicing , we have not found a means for re-transmitting a message. For example, if the other side (operator) thought he was ready, after we transmitted the message, it was not received. How would the (same/current) message be retransmitted?
@@AlphaFan90 Excellent. Now, how do I determine the app update? My App>About still shows Rattlegram 1.1. I uninstalled and then reinstalled. Still no long-press. Please advise.
at 12:29 you say that replaying the video with the app active on my smart phone I should be able to read the message you sent ... however all I get is it changes from "Listening" to "Preamble failure" at the bottom of the app screen!!
Does this have Skywarn application? Absolutely. I'm a Skywarn member, and my local group (KK4GQ) directly supports the NWS Forecast Office in Peachtree City, GA - the office that was handling all of the watches & warnings for the recent tornado swarm in Georgia. Reports are taken mainly via UHF/VHF voice, but this application could provide a 'back-channel' mode of getting info to the net control operators. It also would improve the quality of the information, and improve incident tracking, since all the traffic is archived digitally. We've got good over-the-air chat apps for HF (JS8CALL & VaraChat), but something simple for UHF/VHF has been lacking. This could be the answer. If the phone owner has location enabled, is there a way to have the application also send a lat/long as part of the message header? Any testing of this over linked repeaters? Following.
in respect to Android devices there seems a large variation caused im assuming by just Mic and speaker levels. One seems to decode to the other great but when reversed not great. In my case the Android tablet to Samsung Galaxy great the other way round poor.
I know this is meant for a cell phone, and the server will work on the Raspberry Pi , but will you have the cell version that will run under linux for a raspberry pi as being able to use a keyboard with a portable Pi would be nice.
I think this would also be good for computers. Message could be typed up and when ready, send. Very fast communications and doesn't tie up the frequencies. Also I understand it is now for Android cell phones. I would think there is more iPhones being used than Android. I would really be interested if could be used on computers where we could send to other agencies.
@@RichardNosworthy Thanks, I'll give that a try. Im the EC for Stoddard Co. and I really think this would be good for sending messages to SEMA, FEMA, EMA, other EC's and Weather service.
In fact, you have a way to do quite the same with FLDigi. FLDigi offers OFDM modes (OFDM 500F, 750F, 1250F, 2000F and 2000) that can be used on FM and/or SSB via the microphone input and 3500, 6000 and 7000 via the 9k6 input for the transceivers that provide it (like the FT-817/818, for example). And since FLDigi can be used as a modem (at least under Linux, I have no idea under Windows, I abandonned it 18 years ago), you can use any data-related app (like packet-radio apps) using OFDM via FLDigi.
Working in the field during an emergency, my hands are not always free to use the cell phone keyboard; I'm holding the cell in one hand and the H/T in the other. Can you include a feature to capture voice and convert it to text (speech-to-text) into the Ribbit message?
Just a thought, there are apps that do that speech-to-text conversion already, then do the cut/paste into Ribbit/Rattlegram. I agree having it directly in the one app would be nice but there is that possible workaround. Doesn't eliminate all of the screen interaction but would make message entering easier.
100 messages are kept in the app. Deleting is not an option because we considered the case where an emergency message would be deleted by user error being very detrimental. That's why all messages are kept
It appears that the app is only available to Android phone users at this time since it is on the Google Play Store. This leaves the iPhone users out. This gives us an app very similar to the use of Packet, D-Star/D-Rats, Winlink and FLdigi, with the exception that it makes the capability available to the technician-level ham who does not have access to the specialty equipment needed for the other methods. I can see it also has a place for use on GMRS since short text and position messages are now permitted on those radios. I don't think the repeater application would be allowed as the message traffic over GMRS is limited to very short bursts and only one every few minutes. Having a repeater broadcasting a large number of transmissions would be prohibited by the FCC rules.
IPhone is a very minority platform. Not even 20% market share. Also very few people are bound by FCC rules, just the Hams in one country in North America.
How do you keep others that are not licensed as hams from using this? How do you keep them from adding extra junk and interference to the messages? Anyone with this app and a baofeng can then enter info and junk interference into the system.
Why would you want to restrict others from using it? Surely as long as non hams stick to their own bands then there is no issue. Nothing stopping them from using this on PMR or GMRS etc.
@@prepcommsuk If they are not hams in the USA they are not allowed on ham bands. Its fine on frs but if there is no way to stop anyone with a baofeng from transmitting text over ham frequencies and how are you going to hold people accountable for sending curse words or qrm into the channel where they are trying to conduct emergency communications. Atleast with voice you can identify problem interference but with this software it offers problem causers anonymity.
How do prevent someone from glueing down the TX button on a Chinese radio plugged into a 25 watt amp and playing a tape recorder of licenced hams crying?
@@va7dgp VARA necesita hacer handshaking y el ancho de banda es muy grande. Si el portable tiene un VOX que pueda se ajustado a 0.0 segundos, tal vez funcione, pero para la mayoria, es fijo.
Trying to receive the message from the video but all I get is a "Preamble failure" decoder status. I have done messages back and forth between my phone and an android tablet, however, which is pretty cool. As a old school IT guy (programmed IBM mainframes before becoming a business solutions architect and designer), I can appreciate the work going into this. I know this is early development, there are lots of UI/UX improvements I'm sure you have planned. I will be following this to see how things develop... a very intriguing approach! de BJ, KM4RB
What is the remedy for Recorder Status. Microphone access denied. Check permissions?. I enabled the mic for this app and disabled mic on Google app. I could not find Google Assistant nor Ok Google on my app list. I'm using an Android Galaxy Tab A. Also, how do you clear the status messages to know if this error condition persists?
This is a terrific app! We use HTs on a constant daily basis. Installed and tested: worked perfectly on the first attempt. Easily configured a base station repeater system , too! Worked PERFECTLY. Very simple & easy. My team was able to start using it with a very minimum training. WIN!!
I look forward to the full Ribbit when it's ready.
I'm an expert software developer with related experience. No promises but I may check out the code base.
Very nice idea for messages. I use APRS for most of what you are doing but not the cell phone connection. Everyone has a cell phone and I like this leverageing the cell phone for messageing. I suggest pushing this for more than emergancy to get the use expanded.
Much success to you. Will wait for the iOS version
After playing around, I'd suggest this UI change. Get rid of the date on the main screen. When I click on the message, use a full screen to show the full timestamp, and have an open button to edit the message if I want. This way you're less likely to delete something.
Maybe, color code part of the message header for Tx/Rx/Pn. As I'm legally blind, so from a farI just see a full screen of white squiggles on a black background.
You also might want to add the option for font sizes, and maybe colors.
Maybe in a future version you could have a drop down box to choose a certain user's conversation, or verbose mode to see all messages.
Interesting project!
This is amazing. Initial testing shows that it’s super easy to use and shares dense data packets quickly .
I will be sharing a rattlegram message through our repeater on this weeks net for further testing
the “store & forward” capability in the app sounds pretty cool! 😮 This sounds really interesting, just Simplex, even on FRS.
Looking forward to an iOS app. Also, try to keep it useful for daily use, not just EMCOM. When all else fails users shouldn't have to "remember" how to use an app!
I see Soundcards like Digirig connected using cell to HT or Transceiver using this device. We have been promoting SSTV locally on 145.600 with local Hams who are new or just getting. I've shared this will some local Emergency Radio Operators as well as Salvation Army Emergency Diaster Directors here in BC
looks excellent
Is there software for computers that will decode this type of communications, or is via cell phone only? If there is a program for the computer could you please tell me what it is? Thank you. JOHN - KC2FBH
Hello to the whole team. First of all, I would like to thank you for your commitment to this project, as it will benefit us all. I've been testing the app, and so far it looks great, however, now I started remote testing, and a notification came up that says "preamble failure"... can you tell me what could be the problem? Thanks in advance for your help. 👍👍
I love this idea for simple digital text communication via HT to HT. I look forward to seeing how this project will progress. I don't have developmental skills but would like to help test this once it is available. 73 de K5MGK Mark
I just downloaded this app on my android tablet. Using just some FRS handy talkies, I tested the Rattlegram app between my phone and the tablet from my shop building to my house and the message was perfect. It even will convey emojis! Wow, what a great little bundle of code. Mark K5MGK
Testing in Bergen Norway, works fine. Here is raining all time and radio uv9r and samsung s10e are both waterproff and that works perfekt.
One test via repiter no direct line of sight also workt perfeckt.
Wonder if it would work on yaesu fusion digital simplex or repiter? I will test that soon.
Thanks for good app, LA7PSA
In practicing , we have not found a means for re-transmitting a message. For example, if the other side (operator) thought he was ready, after we transmitted the message, it was not received. How would the (same/current) message be retransmitted?
The app has been updated to allow retransmission of a message: Just long-press on the message you want to re-send. 73.
@@AlphaFan90 Excellent. Now, how do I determine the app update? My App>About still shows Rattlegram 1.1. I uninstalled and then reinstalled. Still no long-press. Please advise.
This worked on FRS simplex but I cannot make it work on VHS repeater. Why?
at 12:29 you say that replaying the video with the app active on my smart phone I should be able to read the message you sent ... however all I get is it changes from "Listening" to "Preamble failure" at the bottom of the app screen!!
Does this have Skywarn application? Absolutely. I'm a Skywarn member, and my local group (KK4GQ) directly supports the NWS Forecast Office in Peachtree City, GA - the office that was handling all of the watches & warnings for the recent tornado swarm in Georgia. Reports are taken mainly via UHF/VHF voice, but this application could provide a 'back-channel' mode of getting info to the net control operators. It also would improve the quality of the information, and improve incident tracking, since all the traffic is archived digitally. We've got good over-the-air chat apps for HF (JS8CALL & VaraChat), but something simple for UHF/VHF has been lacking. This could be the answer. If the phone owner has location enabled, is there a way to have the application also send a lat/long as part of the message header? Any testing of this over linked repeaters? Following.
Yes Message geolocation will be encoded in the message header or payload
What an awesome project!!! Thanks to the devs for all of their work 👍👍
Following...
I wonder so far whats the largest distance a rattlegram message has been decoded simplex over air - sorry if its bit off topic
in respect to Android devices there seems a large variation caused im assuming by just Mic and speaker levels. One seems to decode to the other great but when reversed not great. In my case the Android tablet to Samsung Galaxy great the other way round poor.
I know this is meant for a cell phone, and the server will work on the Raspberry Pi , but will you have the cell version that will run under linux for a raspberry pi as being able to use a keyboard with a portable Pi would be nice.
We are considering a desktop version for EmComm command centers
Actually I see a lot of potential for this mode to become the CW of the 21st century. Might even make HAM-Radio much more appealing to younger people.
Can I get you to do this presentation for my local radio club?
We a first responder team need help with learning the radio system
Am I the only one that feels like
we got Rick Rolled?
I think this would also be good for computers. Message could be typed up and when ready, send. Very fast communications and doesn't tie up the frequencies. Also I understand it is now for Android cell phones. I would think there is more iPhones being used than Android. I would really be interested if could be used on computers where we could send to other agencies.
I've used it on a Chromebook, so that's an option.
@@RichardNosworthy Thanks, I'll give that a try. Im the EC for Stoddard Co. and I really think this would be good for sending messages to SEMA, FEMA, EMA, other EC's and Weather service.
In fact, you have a way to do quite the same with FLDigi. FLDigi offers OFDM modes (OFDM 500F, 750F, 1250F, 2000F and 2000) that can be used on FM and/or SSB via the microphone input and 3500, 6000 and 7000 via the 9k6 input for the transceivers that provide it (like the FT-817/818, for example).
And since FLDigi can be used as a modem (at least under Linux, I have no idea under Windows, I abandonned it 18 years ago), you can use any data-related app (like packet-radio apps) using OFDM via FLDigi.
@@f1sls Yes we use other programs. Fldigi is one used most.
Apple is about 26% of cell phones, but I agree that applications should try to market to both.
Hmm could you put it in a pvc tube?
Working in the field during an emergency, my hands are not always free to use the cell phone keyboard; I'm holding the cell in one hand and the H/T in the other. Can you include a feature to capture voice and convert it to text (speech-to-text) into the Ribbit message?
Just a thought, there are apps that do that speech-to-text conversion already, then do the cut/paste into Ribbit/Rattlegram. I agree having it directly in the one app would be nice but there is that possible workaround. Doesn't eliminate all of the screen interaction but would make message entering easier.
It doesn't save the call sign
Given market share this will have limited penetration until it’s available under IoS
iOS version is in the works.
I need the server software for my repeater
Looks like a good base for a meshnet system as an alternative to a repeater when one isn't available. Can this work on HF on SSB or AM?
Yes.
I keep getting a preamble failure on this test message. Any advice?
Are you still having trouble?
@@rvamike I am with your message only. I received another youtuber's message with no problem. I'm not sure what the issue is.
Also, how do we clear (delete) old messages?
100 messages are kept in the app. Deleting is not an option because we considered the case where an emergency message would be deleted by user error being very detrimental. That's why all messages are kept
Will this work if you have a cable connected to the phone like with aprs?
Yes of course, if you have one of these audio cables. Try it. Should work
@AlphaFan90 thanks ..I figured it would if I opened my vox but wanted to ask to be sure..thanks again
It appears that the app is only available to Android phone users at this time since it is on the Google Play Store. This leaves the iPhone users out. This gives us an app very similar to the use of Packet, D-Star/D-Rats, Winlink and FLdigi, with the exception that it makes the capability available to the technician-level ham who does not have access to the specialty equipment needed for the other methods. I can see it also has a place for use on GMRS since short text and position messages are now permitted on those radios. I don't think the repeater application would be allowed as the message traffic over GMRS is limited to very short bursts and only one every few minutes. Having a repeater broadcasting a large number of transmissions would be prohibited by the FCC rules.
IPhone is a very minority platform. Not even 20% market share. Also very few people are bound by FCC rules, just the Hams in one country in North America.
Will this software be open sourced?
It is already open source
your app is amazing but you should contact youtubers about this....people with more influence.
We are only in pre-alpha. We will have many opportunities to reach a broader audience when we release Ribbit alpha, beta, and 1.0...
Pierre W4CKX
Is there a way to copy the received text messages in the program and then past the txt in another application using just your cell phone?
What is the maximum character length for a message?
How do you keep others that are not licensed as hams from using this? How do you keep them from adding extra junk and interference to the messages? Anyone with this app and a baofeng can then enter info and junk interference into the system.
Why would you want to restrict others from using it? Surely as long as non hams stick to their own bands then there is no issue. Nothing stopping them from using this on PMR or GMRS etc.
@@prepcommsuk If they are not hams in the USA they are not allowed on ham bands. Its fine on frs but if there is no way to stop anyone with a baofeng from transmitting text over ham frequencies and how are you going to hold people accountable for sending curse words or qrm into the channel where they are trying to conduct emergency communications. Atleast with voice you can identify problem interference but with this software it offers problem causers anonymity.
How do prevent someone from glueing down the TX button on a Chinese radio plugged into a 25 watt amp and playing a tape recorder of licenced hams crying?
Why not just use RTTY ?
slow
@@gabrielsierra6890 varac?
@@va7dgp VARA necesita hacer handshaking y el ancho de banda es muy grande. Si el portable tiene un VOX que pueda se ajustado a 0.0 segundos, tal vez funcione, pero para la mayoria, es fijo.
Trying to receive the message from the video but all I get is a "Preamble failure" decoder status. I have done messages back and forth between my phone and an android tablet, however, which is pretty cool. As a old school IT guy (programmed IBM mainframes before becoming a business solutions architect and designer), I can appreciate the work going into this. I know this is early development, there are lots of UI/UX improvements I'm sure you have planned. I will be following this to see how things develop... a very intriguing approach! de BJ, KM4RB
What is the remedy for Recorder Status. Microphone access denied. Check permissions?. I enabled the mic for this app and disabled mic on Google app. I could not find Google Assistant nor Ok Google on my app list. I'm using an Android Galaxy Tab A.
Also, how do you clear the status messages to know if this error condition persists?
de KK7AZD
I have the same experience with a TCL Android 10.0 phone - "Microphone access denied" when permission was allowed for app.