Donegal Packet Network (Part 4)

The Packet Network

Part 4

Now that the basics have been setup and there is something for people to connect to, I think now is the time to start promoting the system and to get people involved.

Users are the heart and soul of a packet network, without them there is no network after all

I have found over the years that there are many Hams that don’t use the radio that much & Packet Radio is a great way for them to still be in touch with people & have a bit of fun at the same time.

Common misconceptions about Packet Radio…

Its Slow

HF Packet is 300 Baud and is designed as a “Chat” mode for typing to other users much like PSK.

VHF Packet is 1200 Baud but with a modern radio with a data port 9600 Baud is available.

UHF Packet is 9600 Baud and faster is common due to large amounts of bandwidth.

Its Old

Packet has been around since the late 70’s but it works very well, it’s a Ham network designed by Hams for Hams.

You need expensive equipment like a TNC

Most Hams already have what is needed to get onto Packet, A sound card interface like a Signalink.

Sound card packet works very well to 1200 Baud & does not cost a lot at all!

TNC’s are very cheap now but they are starting to increase in value as more Hams see the value in our own network over using the internet. You can pick up a TNC-2 on Ebay for about 40 Euros at the time of writing this.

I can’t hear any packet in my area or no local BBS

All the more reason to setup a packet station!! - You are part of the network by allowing people to use you as a node or digipeater.

The old software no long runs on modern computers (Windows 10)

There is a lot of new software for Packet Radio that people do not know about, Software like UZ7HO’s Packet Engine & Easyterm software for use with a sound card!

N.B – I will be doing a thread on Packet Software Soon…

I can just send mail via the internet

You can send Internet mail via your local node in most cases, but packet is “our” network and does not rely on the internet or any other services.

Current aims:

·         Educate Users

·         Packet Demo’s & Presentations

·         Support New Users

·         Setup More Nodes & Digi’s

·         Add Nodes & Users to a Google Map https://tinyurl.com/ybgmgr7o