Donegal Packet Network (Part 5)

The Packet Network

Part 5

The next step in the BPQ32 setup is starting to add other nodes to the mix by way of adding a port to the BPQ.cfg file.

I added an AX/IP/UDP port definition.

This will then allow me to add other nodes via the internet, so users can connect to other countries and systems outside of Ireland.

I have not managed to MAP a node link to GB7CIP-5 to give me more nodes & bbs’s on the system.

I am also looking to map to VE1JOT’s system as well.

NETWORK 105 (HF Packet)

If like me, you find yourself in an area where there is low or no packet radio users there is always HF!

I have been using HF for packet for a couple of years now and have met & made some amazing friends that I often chat to.

Here is some more info on Network 105 (Net105) :-

Group Description (network105@groups.io)

Network 105 is a group of packet ham radio operators who enjoy chatting over the HF 20 meter band on 14.105 MHz LSB.
Most "conversations" are point-to-point, that is, one ham "talking" to another. However, at times, there can be groups
of operators communicating together on a converse channel, a place where multi-chats may take place!

Keeping packet alive on "NETWORK 105"
Packet is a sharing mode .. it shares info/data, ... and it shares the frequency.
In memory of Bernard Joseph "Burt" Amero, VE1AMA 1942  - 2010

This system being on HF things run at a slower pace, 300 Baud.

This is not a problem as it is mostly just chat. Keyboard to Keyboard conversations.

There are nodes & BBS systems on the frequency if people wish to send & receive Bulls & their mail etc

The best way to get onto HF packet is with a Signalink (Sound Card) as it is a bit more sensitive than using a TNC.

That said a TNC does not require a PC to be on all the time & can have mail / node functions.

Looking at Sound Card software, I have personally been using UZ7HO’s Sound Modem & His Terminal software.

These work great on modern Windows systems (Win 7,8 & 10) and is still being developed as I write this.

Also, the tones that the UZ7HO software produce are a little more robust on the HF bands compared to other software like AGW for example.

Never the less these tones are still compatible with TNC’s and other software like AGW.

  

Here's a list of HF Packet parameters we find most successful:

HB: 300
PACLEN: 60
MAXFRAME: 1
FRACK: 5
DWAIT: 0

If you have a more advanced TNC then also set these: -

PPERSIST: ON
SLOTTIME: 10
PERSIST: 63

If you are using sound card packet (e.g. AGWPE, MultiPSK, MixW) then
definitely check the parameters as most are at the default values for
1200 baud packet.

We use the following SSID convention:

-1: Personal Maildrops (PBBS)
-2: Cross-port digipeater (known as a "gateway" on Kantronics TNCs)
-7: Node e.g. NetRom, KA-Node, K-Net, AEA Gateway Node e.t.c.,