dna@dsd.UUCP (02/28/84)
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 1984 6:14 PM PST Msg: HGIE-1721-7543
From: PKARN
To: rzwirko
CC: pacsat
Subj: Packet radio
Wow! I knew packet radio was popular down there, but I wasn't aware just
how many there really were. Here's a status report on activities in NJ:
Rip and I have been on 145.01 more or less continuously for the past 2
weeks. The only problems that have surfaced are a RTTY bulletin board
and ragchew frequency on 145.02, and occasional simplex FM operation on
145.00. Neither are particularly troublesome, but to be candid, both the
RTTY folks and we are eyeing each other cautiously. They are
considering a move up 15 khz, which will help matters. I am working on
getting them interested in packet, but they certainly are reluctant. I
can't understand how somebody who advocates going right out and spending
$300+ on a flashy RTTY TU can balk at buying a TAPR board. I think
some education is in order here, and am in the process of preparing a
packet radio roadshow I can combine with my existing AMSAT pitch. I
have already gotten requests from several north NJ and NYC radio clubs
to give talks on both topics, so I think this is a fertile but very
undeveloped area. It would also help if we could establish 145.01 as a
"recommended" 2 meter packet radio frequency, perhaps with the help of
W4RI and ARRL. The local repeater council has decided to stay out of
the business of "regulating" simplex operations, so they are of no help.
I have purchased a old TR-22C transceiver and 30 watt amplifier.
As soon as I get crystals, I can dedicate it to packet along with one
of my TNC boards (although I haven't had to preempt the TR-9000 very
often lately.) I also have a disused CP/M system which I may be able to
set up as an RBBS, once I do the necessary work to add flow control.
I live on the side of a hill, near the top, in Warren Township, NJ
(40.658N, 74.444W, ~625'). While my elevation is good and my coverage
of NYC is excellent, the top of my tower is barely level with the top of
the hill to the west. However, my landlord also owns a partially
completed house on the very top of the hill which is home to a 220
repeater and 2m contest site; I haven't asked him yet, but I can
probably get permission to move the repeater up there. That would also
put a little distance between it and my 2m satellite antenna...
>From my home QTH (using the satellite array) the path to WA2LQQ is
absolutely solid, although he is currently plagued by occasional local
QRM which wipes out the band. He is typically full scale over about
40-50 miles. Steve Robinson asked me to listen for a 2m repeater east of
Philadelphia which he is considering as a site for his digipeater; I can
hear it, but it isn't terribly strong. However, moving to the top of the
hill will probably help. I suspect that WB4APR's station will have no
trouble getting into that site (Mt. Holly, NJ). Once we do that, we'll
have it made!
Phil