SCS – the brand behind PACTOR
Since 1990, SCS Spezielle Communications Systeme GmbH & Co. KG has been designing and manufacturing shortwave modems for professional data radio. With the invention of the PACTOR protocol and its consistent evolution up to PACTOR-4, SCS has established a worldwide standard for robust HF data communication.
This website is the official source of information on the SCS PACTOR technology and the current P4dragon modems. Sales, service and distribution of the products are handled by WiMo Antennen und Elektronik GmbH, who has taken over the SCS product portfolio.
At a glance
- Manufacturer: SCS GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau, Germany
- Technology: PACTOR-1 / -2 / -3 / -4
- Current devices: P4dragon DR-7800 / DR-7400
- Sales & service: WiMo GmbH
- Use cases: Maritime, government, critical infrastructure, amateur radio
What is PACTOR?
PACTOR (Packet Teleprinting Over Radio) is a digital transmission method for the HF shortwave bands. It combines methods of adaptive channel equalization, channel coding and source compression into a highly robust ARQ protocol (Automatic Repeat reQuest). The procedure adapts automatically to varying propagation conditions and provides reliable data transfer even under poor conditions – without internet, without satellite, without ongoing fees.
PACTOR-4 is the current generation (4th gen) and operates in a standard bandwidth of just 2,400 Hz, i.e. on any common SSB transceiver. Compared to PACTOR-3, typical data throughput is roughly doubled, while interference immunity reaches down to SNRs of −20 dB.
Product overview
SCS PX-Dragon DR-9400
The current flagship of the SCS modem family and the direct successor to the proven P4dragon series. The PX-Dragon DR-9400 brings together more than three decades of PACTOR engineering experience in a modern, professional platform – designed for continuous use in commercial shipping, government agencies, critical infrastructure and demanding amateur radio applications.
- Current PACTOR implementation (PACTOR-1 through PACTOR-4)
- Software compatible with PTC-II / P4dragon applications (Airmail, RMS Express, Sailmail…)
- Optional 2G ALE (MIL-STD-188-141) and AES-256 encryption
- Available from WiMo – central distribution and service
P4dragon DR-7800
The flagship of the P4dragon series. The DR-7800 is the uncompromising successor to the legendary PTC-II and is designed for professional deployment: high-resolution OLED display, waterfall and spectral views, powerful quad-core DSP (6,400 MIPS), USB interface, optional Bluetooth and Ethernet.
- Software compatible with PTC-II (Airmail, RMS Express, Alpha…)
- Pin-compatible radio ports – easy upgrade from PTC-II
- Only ~3 W power consumption
- Optional: 2G ALE (MIL-STD-188-141), AES-256 encryption
P4dragon DR-7400
The compact entry into the P4dragon class. The DR-7400 has been optimized for the high-speed mode PACTOR-4 and is software compatible with the PTC-II series and the DR-7800. Eight dual-color LEDs indicate all important operating states and signal tuning.
- Quad-core DSP, full PACTOR feature set
- Compact form factor (125 × 43 × 138 mm, 450 g)
- USB, optional Bluetooth
- Free firmware updates via the user interface
Support & Downloads
Download center
The download area provides the current firmware, datasheets, manuals, drivers and tools (P4config, SCSmail, PMON…) for all current and legacy SCS modems – including the PTC-II and PTC-III series.
Technical support
For technical questions, update issues or repair requests please use our contact form. Repairs are carried out by SCS in Maintal, Germany – please refer to the SCS Limited Warranty Statement.
About SCS
History & mission
SCS GmbH & Co. KG was founded in the early 1990s in Hanau, Germany, and has since shaped the evolution of digital shortwave data communication. With the PTC, PTC-II, PTC-III and P4dragon series, SCS has built a continuous lineup of professional HF modems used worldwide in maritime, government, research and amateur radio.
Our mission: Reliable Communication from any Point on Earth. A data link must work even when classical infrastructure is not available – at sea, in remote regions, or in crisis situations.
SCS and WiMo
To secure the PACTOR technology long-term, the SCS product portfolio has been taken over by WiMo Antennen und Elektronik GmbH based in Herxheim, Germany. WiMo is responsible for sales, stock and logistics of the P4dragon modems and ensures long-term availability for both professional and amateur radio markets.
The SCS brand remains as the technology and manufacturer brand of the PACTOR component. For applications in critical infrastructure, government agencies and disaster relief, the dedicated solution brand KRITIS-KOM is also available.
Contact
Sales & partnerships
For procurement, larger volumes, government / agency requests and partnership inquiries please contact:
WiMo Antennen und Elektronik GmbH
Am Gäxwald 14 · 76863 Herxheim · Germany
Phone: +49 7276 9668-351
Email: ecommerce@wimo.com
Technical support & repair
For questions about firmware, setup or repairs contact SCS directly:
SCS GmbH & Co. KG
Roentgenstr. 36 · 63454 Hanau · Germany
Email: info@scs-ptc.com
→ Contact form