Morton@mit-eddie.UUCP (02/03/86)
From: "Morton Jim"@LLL-MFE.ARPA
In response to the request for info on what is needed to operate packet,
Three things are needed. First a terminal of some type, second a
node controller and finally a radio. The terminal can be anything from
a model 33 teletype to a computer running terminal emulation software.
The node controller is the heart of packet radio. It's function is to
convert the digital ASCII data from your terminal into audio tones that
can be transmitted and to decode the audio tones that you recieve into
digital data for your terminal. The TNC also adds routing information
and error checking data to your message. These additions are what makes
a TNC different from a computer modem or RTTY TU. The information that
is added conforms to a set of "rules" or standards that is called a
protocall.
There are lots of different types of node controllers. Some you can
buy ready to plug in and operate and some you build from kit. There
are even programs for some computers that will turn them into a node
controller ( with the addition of a little hardware ) while allowing
the computer to act as the terminal for the system.
As for the radio, most packet activity is on 2 meters. just about
any 2 meter radio will work. The popular frequencies include 145.01
145.03 145.05 145.07 and 145.09 although there are different
frequencies in use in some areas. There is also packet on HF and
it is usually AFSK SSB. this means that you just plug your tnc into
your SSB radio and you can operate hf packet. ( this requires
tuning of the modem in the TNC in most cases ).
If you want to learn more about packet, you can probably ask around
on the voice repeaters in your area and find someone who can help you.
If not, jump in with both feet and you might be the " first on the
block ". If you hear bursts of audio tones on the 2 meter frequencies
listed above, you are probably within range of other packet stations.
By monitoring those frequencies with your packet equipment, you would
be able to see the callsigns of other packet enthusiasts in your area.
Jim Morton WA6FWW via W6BXN
"Morton Jim" @ LLL-MFE (arpa)