Sailmail Pactor-3 information (19 July 2006)


First, what is Pactor-3 (P3)? It is a faster mode for SCS PTC-II-family modems, not a new modem. Most new modems come set up for Pactor-3 and any virtually all of the PTC-II-family modems can be upgraded if needed (the exception is a very few of the earliest 1995-vintage PTC-II's). The cost is $150-250 depending on what is needed (see below). Sailmail supports P3 mode for all stations, all frequencies.

Who should upgrade? No one needs to, but if you do a lot of email, or want to be able to do more, then it is certainly worthwhile. The speed advantage is 2-4x with good signals, but even with very weak signals P3 appears to "reef down" quite well and do a better job.

Does this mean that folks who don't upgrade will find it harder to access a station? We don't think so, in fact it may turn out to be the opposite. All stations will continue to handle Pactor-1 and -2 traffic as before, and the "power users" will hopefully upgrade to P3 and move more traffic in less time. If you are ever concerned about how much time you use, then do yourself and your fellow members a favor and upgrade!

What about Pactor-1 modems? They will continue to be supported as before, there are no plans to discontinue support for Pactor-1 mode. Sailmail resources are allocated by connect-time, so obviously folks with more traffic are better off upgrading to a faster mode.

Do we recommend it? Yes, the only qualification being cost.

There is one technical issue: In the past (prior to June 30 2004) older modems with no ESN could be upgraded with a "callsign-license", which is keyed to the callsign(s) which are used with the modem. SCS no longer makes that option available and modems without a ESN must be returned to the factory or a dealer for upgrade to add an ESN chip (approx US $100). PTC-II's and pre-2002 PTC-IIe's generally do not have an ESN. To check, look for the serial-number tag on the bottom, if it has a bar-code then the modem has a ESN. A more definitive check is to open Airmail's Dumb-Terminal window (Tools menu) and enter the command "SYS SERN" (without quotes). If the modem has a serial number then the number will be displayed, otherwise "error". Modems which were previously upgraded to P-3 using a callsign-license will continue to work and be supported (e.g. if your callsign changes then you can get a new code).

Should you do it yourself or wait and have it done? First, if your modem does not have a ESN then it needs to be sent in for updating, either to a dealer or direct to SCS, Farallon in the states or Marc Robinson in Aus. If your modem has a ESN and you are not frightened by computers and radios, then doing your own upgrade is simple, see below for details. If you are less confident, then wait until a friend with more experience is available to help and/or answer any questions. If you would like help doing the upgrade or would like it done for you, then any of the dealers listed on the Sailmail website should be able to help you, some may charge a small additional fee and others will not.

A detailed procedure for upgrading Airmail and your modem firmware to support P3 is available by sending a (blank) email to P3upgrade@saildocs.com (or on the web at www.saildocs.com/P3upgrade).

Questions or problems regarding P3 licenses should be sent to your dealer or to Martin at SCS, email: dl1zam@scs-ptc.com. Questions about Airmail should be sent to airmail@siriuscyber.net, and questions about the Sailmail system should be sent to sysop@sailmail.com. We're happy to help resolve any problems, but P3 license-code problems need to be directed to the supplier of the license-code.

Good luck and good sailing,
Jim & Sue Corenman
Stan and Sally Honey
Shea Weston
sysop@sailmail.com