sanders@menlo70.UUCP (Rex Sanders) (11/12/83)
From November "Sierra Singles - Loma Prieta Chapter" classified ads:
``Now you can keep in touch while backpacking in our most Popular
National Park. The Department of the Interior has installed
"YOSEMITE-NET", a private satellite communications network inside
the park. By purchasing an inexpensive portable satellite
transponder you can send voice and data to the outside world while
on your wilderness experience. Bank from your campsite, solve the
worlds problems from Ostrander Hut. YOSEMITE-NET will link with
the Sierra Wide MUIR-NET by early 1984. To purchase a transponder
send $32,768 to Nordic Data Products, P.O. Box 467, CA 95010-0467.''
Strange thing is, except for the price, this "ad" isn't that
far fetched. I know that portable satellite recievers are in the
works for position determination when the military's NAVSTAR system
is fully operational. Any comments on the feasibility of a battery
or solar powered two-way satellite data/voice terminal light enough
to take backpacking? ("I'll just hang the dish in this tree with
the food.")
-- Rex