Packet Racket by Larry Gorman VE3LGN

Packet UnPackaged

It has been brought to my attention that I have overlooked an explanation as to how one does packet on amateur radio. Well, for starters, you need a two metre radio. A hand held is fine, and usually has the required mic./speaker jacks. A computer is needed for its word processing capabilities. An outdated 286 will do fine. The interface is a modem device called a the TNC (terminal node controller), with cables to connect it from the computer to the radio. A variety of these interfaces is available. You might even see suitable equipment for sale on the www.kwarc.org  online swap shop. Some interfaces use only hardware. Some use a combination that also includes computer driven software.

Our club has two packet repeaters, VE3KWQ and VE3KSR-0. Both operate on simplex, and are listed in the Kilowatter. So, you tune your radio to one of them. If you have not yet plugged in the TNC, you will hear the squawks of the incoming. If you are fully connected you will then follow the instructions or menu for our local bulletin board server (BBS) which is VA3SED operated by Ted VE3TJD.

What can you do in packet mode? A lot of things. You can chat locally or world wide with an associate or anyone else on packet. You can buy or sell equipment, locate needed manuals, or seek out information on any topic of interest. An alphabetic file is available for quick access. Messages, from around the world are listed here for you to read and to respond to, if you so choose.

Sounds a bit like web browsing with no commercials? Amateur packet radio is the original form of e-mail and web browsing. As with web surfing, you can spend endless hours calling up messages, and information items. Packet is always active. You can call in and participate at any time you choose.

The big feature of packet radio is that, for radio enthusiasts, it's an Amateur thing. You are in contact with hams and interests that are associated with amateur radio. And there are no connection or monthly usage fees. Packet is another one of the facets of amateur radio that is there for you to explore, in both its traditional and APRS forms.

Larry VE3LGN ve3lgn@rac.ca  
Ph. 884-6782 or on Packet