Sept  2001 Packet Racket by Larry Gorman VE3LGN

VE3"ET" call "M"!

For those who haven't checked in on our local packet bulletin board lately, VE3SED is patiently waiting for your message retrievals.

If you think that Packet has nothing to offer, maybe it is time to fire up your TNC to check it out.

Ted has pulled in an extensive selection of bulletins from all over the world. They make for interesting reading, with the opportunity to reply in many cases. Web sites are so impersonal.

The bulletin headings include rag chews, wanted and for sale columns, and a wide range of other topics. Message 81372 from OZ6OM has a current world wide DX calendar of fall events, and for some light humour from New Zealand try r_72667.

Perhaps you are interested in trying packet for the first time, but don't know how to get started. I have a computer/tnc loaner for a short term trial, and John VE3OVA has a new TNC for sale, complete with full instructions. Call me. Any old computer will keep up with the baud rate.

Packet is not difficult. Below is a brief starter manual to give you an idea, or to refresh the memory of those who are returning from a long summer hiatus.

Packet Operating Information
Network Connect
Call up VE3KSR (145.010) or VE3KWQ (145.090) simplex packet frequency and log in with your call sign.

M >return< Automatically gets VA3SED our local BBS.
Give all commands in lower case. Where a command requires a follow-up always leave a blank space. Eg. C_VE3DTV-12 (Hamilton)
If you have any messages waiting you will be notified automatically.

Reading Bulletins

• LC >rtn< (or LC_?) This gives an alpha list of topic fields and the number of messages in each. Example - pick the field "for sale".

• Consider making a print out of the topic list for easy reference

• L> _"File Name" >rtn< Provides a list of items c/w call up numbers.

• L (message £) Next, to see a specific message header.

• R (message £)) Brings up a specific message.

• V 313 (space) 325. The V (Verbose) Command. To read messages 313 and 325. This will include traffic "routing". Very interesting.

Reading Messages

• RM >return< To read your messages . (= Read Mine)

• KM >rtn < This kills your message (=Kill Mine)

Sending Messages

• S (space) ve3lgn To Send a message - to me, for example SB All To send a bulletin to ALL.

• To have your message transmitted press (Control) and Z.

Important Commands

• A >rtn< Abort To stop send

• B >rtn< to log off. bbs (Bye) Screen goes back to KSR or KWQ.

• M >rtn< Allows you to reconnect directly to VA3SED bbs

• Q >rtn> To log off all packet connections

• N To enter ( or later change) your name on the bulletin board

• H >rtn< For access to other BBS nodes Eg. C_VE3DTV-12>

• rtn< Other Information

• Ci_ >callsign< To call up registered Canadian call signs
  

73 Larry
ve3lgn@rac.ca 
or on Packet ve3lgn@ve3sed