Packet radio

[N2MIR]

I have been off packet for over 10 yrs. I have a PK-88 that I just plugged in. I can see call signs on the screen in my area comming up. I am in Tioga County, PA just north of Wellsboro. I connected to a station KC2JLQ-1. Did my N command for nodes. Nothing. Then connected to wa2quel-1. Gave the N command again but this time a pile of numbers came up. I am so lost. I'm like a time traveler from the 1900's who's landed in the future with no directions. Help.

[G4ILO]

KC2JLQ-1 seems to be an APRS digipeater. I don't know about the other call, it looks invalid. Was this on 144.39 you heard it? If so it was definitely APRS.

APRS uses AX.25 packet so your TNC will decode it, but it uses an unconnected mode. If you don't know what APRS is I wrote an introduction to it here (http://www.g4ilo.com/aprs.html). If your TNC supports KISS mode you can get APRSISCE (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aprsisce/) and hook it up to it and see what is going on in your area.

I think packet radio as you knew it in the 1990s has pretty well died out.

[G0GQK]

Yep... go into your command module, sit in front of the control desk and press Time Warp 3. After you've done that, download some digital software of your choice, PSK preferably, its the easiest, maybe Airlink Express or Digipan and connect to all the digimode cybernauts on 20 30 or 40 metres. Happy New Year

G0GQK

[N5PVL]

I think packet radio as you knew it in the 1990s has pretty well died out.

In your neighborhood, perhaps!

:)

There are pockets of VHF/UHF activity here and there, some more active than others. - That's why you conflicting reports from different locations.

The global HF Packet net is hanging in there, though it has been almost completely undermined by internet forwarders. - But a solution for that problem has at long last been found, and a few long-delayed advances are also in the pipe.

In the end, the question remains as to whether the VHF nets drive the HF nets - or is it the other way around?

So, there is some reason for optimism... That, and a buck or two will get you a cup of coffee almost anywhere.