CHEPPONIS@CMU-CS-C.ARPA (08/29/85)
From: Mike Chepponis <Michael.Chepponis@CMU-CS-C.ARPA> There are many things we packeteers should be doing, such as helping new users, setting up networks, installing and maintaining BB systems, etc. But there are two areas that I think work should be done, and I'm soliciting comments on why one should be done vs the other. They are: 1) Develop a small, cheap, yet flexible TNC which does AX.25. I believe a z80 system with just 5 other chips could do it; so far, total parts/board/power costs are about $30. 2) Develop high-speed modems and implement TCP/IP. "High-speed" here means 56 kb/sec, because that is the maximum rate allowed on 220 and 440 bands; really high-speed stuff will have to be on 1240 MHz. On (1), I think that having really cheap, flexible TNCs means that many more people will get on packet, we'll have that many more BBS stations, more gateways, etc. Price is important! I envision a top speed of 9600 baud for the TNC. On (2), If somebody doesn't demo a TCP/IP system soon, it's possible the VC folks will, and that may become the de-facto standard (Yeech!). Also, I believe that slow speeds and levels 3/4 don't mix, so high-speed modems are necessary. Comments appreciated, 73, -Mike, K3MC p.s. C U at MARPC meeting September 7. -------
F33PAP%DHHDESY3.BITNET@WISCVM.ARPA (08/30/85)
From: F33PAP%DHHDESY3.BITNET@WISCVM.ARPA > ... should be done vs the other. They are: > > 1) Develop a small, cheap, yet flexible TNC which does AX.25. > I believe a z80 system with just 5 other chips could do it; so > far, total parts/board/power costs are about $30. Here in Hamburg we try to design a TNC which may fit into this. It is based on a Z80 using a 8530SCC as serial interface (it does all you need for HDLC protocol) and 7911 world modem chip (to be able to switch to 300 Bd for HF). Total estimated cost is about DM 200 (abt 67$). The board is a 10 by 16 cm "EURO"-board with a 31 or 64 pin connector (not decided yet). As part of this project we would like to have some software info. If anybody has got the source code for the TAPR TNC this would really help us with the "protocol hacking". Karl-Heinz DK8HI BITNET: F33PAP at DHHDESY3 ARPA: F33PAP%DHHDESY3.BITNET@WISCVM.ARPA