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n9lya
09-03-2005, 03:50 AM
Hi Guys..

First I want to say.. our Prayers or with those in the south that lost their lives and loved ones and with the survivors of those who lost their lives in hopes they can somehow put together something of what they had and work towards fulfillment of their dreams. Which was severely interrupted by the Hurricane that swept through that region.
I can only say... Not having TV since the 20th of August (lightening Strike and SLOOOW insurance company) has spared me much of the media hyp of the catastrophe... I still stop quite often throughout the day and just want to cry for those who are suffering and continue to suffer this great hardship... Makes one realise just how little we actually have to complain about..

Saw this on our Packet Net.. See **** BELOW>>> Sure was easy to get over HF PACKET.. Not sure where they get their ideas.. But let me tell you a story.. most of you are familiar.
on 8-20-05 our home was hit with lightening, actually it was a direct hit on my 10 meter antennas.. We were all knocked on our butts and we very set back by the experience.. I found after making sure all of us were ok... That Amongst a lot of other damaged devices.. That Most of my HF BBS which I host here at my home (W9OTR and N9LYA ) were virtually blown away... However, due to the low costs involved by the ability to use low end PCs and just about any HF rig and the fact that TNC's are a dime a dozen.. I was able to get 3 out of 5 HF ports back in operation the same day, in fact within an hour the first one was back on line the second within 3 hours. . The Third before night fall, and 4th took a bit longer and VHF was up and down over the next few days.. Today 9-2-05 the station is 100% again.. however I consolidated W9OTR and N9LYA into one BBS. for now. It has 4 HF 2 VHF and 1 UHF ports all originally built on the low end of the cost equation. And all replaced out of spare parts that I had on hand and had accumulated on the used markets mostly via eBay.. Except for one radio my Icom2100H which I bought new on EBay at an extreme discount. I personally fund all radio activity here at home for the HARDS group.. and we work together to help one another out.. I had many offers of equipment form those in our grup that I am convinced that even with 100% loss I could have been back on line as fast as equipemnt could have been delivered. I was not the first in our group to take a lightening hit.. WB3DTG took a big hit a week or two before me and had his staion partially back on air within days/ I am now forwarding with him on two ports again.. Not sure of his status today, as far as anything new.. But he is coming in here real well on HF. And is actively masking repairs. I reaallyu doubt too many would have the funds to replace P4 boxes and SCS Pactor III Modems prior to an insurance payout. Thus why I only use low end equipment that works great with Packet and allows me to share messages and traffic with those who run Packet/Pactor systems like wb3dtg.
Do not get me wrong... I have and plan to continue to experiement with the faters modes.. But my system will always be based on HF Packet ....Read on.

I challenge anyone to take a modern high speed data system and expand it into a multiported HF BBS (message handling system) which must be run on high end PC's with Highend HF gear. As well as a lot of the proprietary modes that require high priced Controllers ... To build and sustain a system for years. And then suffer a third of the damage I suffered and rebuild it without taking out a mortgage on your home... I spent all of $200 to get back to 100% And was at 80% same day within hours of strike.. even though the wife and I had both been hit by the EMP of the lightening.. This would have rendered most system off air for the wait for Insurance and new parts to be ordered and delivered.. Not so with Packet.. it is viable and can be had by most hams on a budget... To Ban HF Packet one might as well BAN CW.. It won't happen.. It can't happen.. Or the Systems in place will be too fragile at best..
I am not saying the New modes are not good most are... PSK31 Q15X25 Pactor I Are all good..
These augment our national and worldwide network infrastructure...But they cannot and will never replace Packet without cutting out a majority of Hams who operate their stations for personal as well as Volunteer reasons for emcomms and the general communications of hams on their OWN worldwide network.. As they will be under budget to setup and maintain a system that can be both robust and efficient as well as easily replaced within hours...

I believe the IARU Region I DV05-C4-14 author is not knowledgeable in this area and has no clue what packet can and does do .... I invite him to please consider talking with us and letting us explain and by example show him that Packet Radio is the Root means of the worldwide HF Digital Network. And without it the Ham Community will be seriously cutting back on its resources...

Let us explain and show why his statements about propagation and QRM are false and those opinions of the misinformed. Packet radio has been and always ignored by the ARRL as well and all their marbles were put in to the TOR modes.. For the ARRL to only end up with not... And yet the Packet Network has suffered but yet sustained itself by those hams who dedicate themselves to building and maintaining the Worldwide Network.

Example.. Our system today and prior to and during the Hurricane that Hit the Gulf Coast were directly linked to a number of Packet Stations at Emergency Locations.. Example is New Orleans W5OEP Station in the New Orleans Emergency Radio Club Stationed at their Emergency Shelter.. With Beams and other types of antennas on the roof of several tall buildings, and Battery Backups.. The stations have run throughout the emergency linked to our Packet Network via several bands and frequencies. This is due to the inherent low costs of such systems.. take the typical Winlink PMBO.. Avg $5000. For radios proprietary controllers, software Internet connections etc... we can do the same with packet for considerably less.. Lets see.. no internet needed, HAMS use Radios. A ts 520 can be had for $100 on eBay xtled for $20 and an homemade inverted V can be made for less tem $40 a KAM TNC Used at EBay for $75 and a PC IBM XT class or better FREE MSYS Software and you have an HF Packet Station... It can had additional equipment for multiport Multi BBS system and national hubs.. Or you can just have a casual user station... I do not see the logic in cutting ones head off in spite of their face.. If you do not like Packet you do not have to use it..If you strictly want to use a Faster Newer mode and have the funds to do so .. Fine.. Add a Packet port and work with us not against us... There are times here when with my many HF ports messages are being sent in and out at a high rate of speed... Over several bands as the bands are open and closed at differing times of day... I offered this same scenario to the Winlink2K Group... Work with us not against us... Only to be ridiculed.. I see it as their lack of knowledge of the digital arts ... And just a wanton act of conspiracy to kill any direct competition... Money flying between someones hands. They know packet is a great competitor and with the advent of the faster modes ran by those who have the funds to augment their packet systems or those who have no desire to run packet but will link with those that do.. We can make the HAM RADIO Digital Network a great thing.. Far superior to any single mode or modes.. Think of Packet Networking as a low and high cost system... Fully compatable within and of itself.. It can be fully isolated from teh WIREline.. Wheich is where everyone seems to be headed.. Let me ask a question.. Any phones or wired modes working in New Orleans LA..

Now I see why the CW ops are saying the removal of CW as a requirement will mean the death of CW.. It is all too easy to kill something... Man is a great destroyer.. What we need here is cooperation, Creativeness and a new level of invention... The problems with packet in the 80's and 90's were that everyone wanted speed and more speed.. they wanted the Internet type things... But did not want to spend the money on equipment to go faster VIA RADIO... Why would they want to spend that Money now.. When they have all THEY want on the internet... That is all fine and good for them.. If they want to chat live with uncle Bill or aunt gracie via VOiP thats ok.. If they want to talk to an other HAM on VOiP thats their business, As long as it does not replace Ham RADIO... What I propose is we finally do what I envisioned in the 90's.... Enhance packet radio with faster modes... For those with the financial means make it happen. For those on a budget work with what you can.. Compatability is the KEY. Compatability does not mean it must be SLOW... Those who make the faster modes work can work on way to cut costs... Experiment with faster packet, on HF. Continue working on soundcards BBS Software,.. Experiment with BBS Software that will allow Pactor Packet a form of Q15X25 being worked with now by my good friend N5PVL on 18 MHz.. I will let him add what this does for HF Throughput... We are breaking new ground with faster modes.. But they are all compatible with Packet AX25 on HF... Unlike the expensive WINLINK2000 which is not.

As far as the comments about better immunity against propagation problems and co-channel QRM... That is simply not that big a problem.. Multi HF Ports help Proagation. Yes QRM is but by far mostly Pactor Robots tend to not listen first and destroys a packet link out right.... Packet uses carrier sensing. to know when a channel is in use.. Pactor only senses Pactor..

See www.USPacket.Org the only truly almost live updated Packet information Website. Look around and enjoy.

I urge all HAMS and others in our group to please add to my statements, all facts that will show or substantiate our claims or their claims.. I believe you will see.. The truth..

Let us get off our butts and quit trying to KILL HAM RADIO and work together for a change to make it the Greatest thing since sliced Bread.

Our prayers are witth our fellow HAMS and brothers and sisters who are in the Hurricane Ravaged areas.. And that they get their lives back to some form of reason as soon as possible.

73 Jerry Kutche N9LYA
Trustee HARDS Hoosier Amateur Radio Digital Society W9OTR "We make Ham radio Easy" Dedicated to the preservation and enhansement of the Worldwide Digital Network.
ARRL Net Manger Indiana Section
Net Manager ARRL Skipnets NET 40E and NET147E
MSYS BBS Sysop of W9OTR/W9BBS/K9BBS/N9LYA Full Service Packet Radio BBS and Midwest US Packet Forwarding HUB.
Director USPacket.Net
Member SPAR www.spar-ham.org
Member TAPR
Member ISCET
Memeber ARRL
Member ARES
www.w9otr.org
www.n9lya.com
www.USPacket.Org




************************************************** **********
International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Europe, Middle East, Africa and Northern Asia Founded 1950 General Conference, Davos, 11 to 16 September 2005 SUBJECT Abandonment of Packet Radio on HF (AX25 standard with 300 Baud, 200 Hz shift) Society DARC Country: Germany Committee: C4 Paper number: 14 Contact: Ulrich Mueller, DK4VW e-mail: dk4vw@darc.de Introduction This paper recommends to discontinue the operation of packet radio mailboxes and gateways on HF and explains why. Background Although packet radio mode made it possible in the eighties to run new things like mailboxes, gateways etc., packet radio never was an adequate mode for the existing conditions on HF bands. Problems with packet radio mode were learned by practice and proofed by closer theoretical studies. Later other modes have been developed (first AMTOR, then PACTOR, PSK31, MT63, just to mention some) which could handle e.g. messages exchange with better immunity against propagation problems, co-channel QRM etc. all of them show a better data throughput. Keypoints Replacing packet radio by better modes would result in more reliable links between stations involved, improving the use of the designated spectrum. Resolution The IARU region 1 band plan should not specify any special segments for packet radio anymore. IARU member societies should encourage their members to abandon packet radio (AX25 standard with 300 Baud, 200 Hz shift) operation on HF. DV05_C4_14 DARC Packet radio on HF 1 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

kc5pie
09-07-2005, 01:57 AM
Great post! I have been out of digital communications for quite a while and this re-sparks my interest!
I also was hit with an electrial surge that took out a Yaesu 2-m all mode and a KAM all mode TNC.. It's been a few years.. A few buddies and I had been experimenting with computer generated "ultra high speed CW" over a 9200 baud 2-m SSB connect using various HF modes. Never got to finish that project after the TNC and rig were destroyed.. Pity.. It might have worked.. {sigh}

wb6bnq
09-07-2005, 02:07 AM
AC7RG,

I am sorry but I am going to respectfully disagree as to the how good the article is written. #I found the article to be confusing, rambling and still left me wondering just what Jerry was complaining about. #Aside from the lightening strike, just where is the problem ? #With all that computer power you would think people's ability to express themselves more clearly would increase.

Such a long article makes it hard to follow. #The main points should have been made in the first paragraph. #It seems that all the stuff associated with the lightening strike has nothing to do with the perceived problem. #I got so bored with that part that I was completely disinterested with the rest.

I guess Jerry is worried about "packet" getting lost in the forray. #If that is so then he should not support the ARRL's very one sided proposal.

True enough, while I do much with computers and microprocessors, I do not see them as Amateur radio. #With all the poor English grammer and spelling in the computer world, you would think people would like to try talking for a change. #BUT then you might actually have to learn to communicate.

Again, sorry, but true love is tough !

73....Bill....WB6BNQ

w4chq
09-07-2005, 05:49 AM
I am trying to get it. Now Just what am I to do with my
tiny two controller packed away in the attic? 73, God Bless!
Eric , W4CHQ
Celebrating 26 Years of Brass Pounding !

ae1x
09-07-2005, 09:44 AM
I think the point about the lightning involves a rapid response to an emergency and how PACKET represents for the author a more efficient, economical, and reliable method for handling messages, other than that the message is confused.

Concerning the IARU banning of PACKET, I'm not sure I believe they are proposing to ban it. They are proposing to eliminate the specific references to it in the spectrum allocation tables. It will be just another digital mode forced to share the digital spectrum.

It appears the trend in amateur radio is away from providing for specific band segments dedicated to specific communications techniques to promote spectrum efficiency and provide space for newer modes.

PACKET still has its place just as CW does. I think the response to Katrina indicates that light weight, efficient, and effective communications will always be required and points out the need to maintain our most basic of skills even in the face of the advances in modern communications.

At the end of the day, we are communicators, experiments, and hobbyists. We must work with all interested parties to preserve our ability to communicate. This involves all modes and skills. Placing our eggs in one basket will not cut it. We need to work together to develop mutual respect for all aspects of this hobby.

Ken

W9IND
09-07-2005, 12:54 PM
Jerry, for future reference -- one of my best radio buddies, Mike Koss, W9SU, manufactures some of the most efficient lightning protection available (through his home-based business, Industrial Communications Engineers). He's also well versed in the ways of lightning strikes and how to avoid the brunt of them, and once helped Art Bell solve a troublesome lightning problem.

This isn't meant to be a commercial ... I just hate to see anybody lose valuable equipment when there's a possibility of avoiding the damage altogether. Mike's number is 317-545-5412; try him between 1500 and 2300 UTC on weekdays.

73 and GL,
Brian, W9IND (ex-WO9I, KA9OIH, WN9ICB)

n9lya
09-07-2005, 01:23 PM
Quote[/b] (W9IND @ Sep. 07 2005,00:54)]Jerry, for future reference -- one of my best radio buddies, Mike Koss, W9SU, manufactures some of the most efficient lightning protection available (through his home-based business, Industrial Communications Engineers). He's also well versed in the ways of lightning strikes and how to avoid the brunt of them, and once helped Art Bell solve a troublesome lightning problem.

This isn't meant to be a commercial ... I just hate to see anybody lose valuable equipment when there's a possibility of avoiding the damage altogether. Mike's number is 317-545-5412; try him between 1500 and 2300 UTC on weekdays.

73 and GL,
Brian, W9IND (ex-WO9I, KA9OIH, WN9ICB)
Thanks fopr info.. I live just south of him about 90 miles.. I have used their bandpass filters.. Did not know they do lightening protection.. I will call him this morning around 11 am.. Local time 1600 utc..

I needed that info.. As I surelyhave some improvments that need to be done to my system..

Best 73 Jerry

W2CO
09-07-2005, 02:16 PM
The main problem with higher speeds on HF is the bandwidth increases with speed, so with a 300baud packet signal using a 3Khz bandwidth hf rig in ssb mode if you increase that baud rate to lets say 1200baud then the bandwidth of the hf rig would have to be 12Khz minimum. Now with the new band plan idea of "use minimum bandwidth per mode" that does not play well at all. If they actually pass these rule proposals it would mean SSB, RTTY, Packet, SSTV will all coexist in the same band areas as they are of similar bandwidths, but CW, and PSK31 would still qualify for the Least Bandwidth modes and would be set aside in a different part of the band (probably the lower part like today). So as for your idea about increasing the overall speed of todays HF packet, I don't think that will go very far. Besides you can operate 9600 baud on UHF. The HF bands are going to become very crowded with the new NPRM that removes the CW testing requirements and there will be many on SSB running high power stepping on each other not unlike CB but all will be running at least a 3Khz bandwidth each, so space is going to be scarce at best. I wonder why they even are messing with the bandplan, it has served us well for years, don't fix it if it aint broke.

K4JF
09-07-2005, 02:27 PM
Quote[/b] (ae1x @ Sep. 07 2005,02:44)]At the end of the day, we are communicators, experiments, and hobbyists. We must work with all interested parties to preserve our ability to communicate. This involves all modes and skills. Placing our eggs in one basket will not cut it. We need to work together to develop mutual respect for all aspects of this hobby.

Ken
Absolutely correct, Ken. Wish more people realized that.

73 de Jim K4JF

n4tzn
09-07-2005, 05:01 PM
Ahmen, I agree with Ken in the previous post.
73,
Ken

W3MIV
09-07-2005, 06:32 PM
Were I a betting man, I would put my marker on an attempt to supplant AX25 packet with PacTOR while dropping auto-op freqency reservations. Would be interesting to see who all is back of this DK4VW guy. To coin a phrase: " 'Was riecht von der Fische in Deutschland!"

May not like it, but it makes sense if you want to really move lots of data over HF.

Sort of kicks N5PVL's assertions about Europe being packet nivana in the butt. Well, what goes around, comes around.

n2obm
09-08-2005, 01:14 AM
Good food for thought. HF packet, like RTTY and code, still has it's place in this radio service.
Maybe Herr Knowsitall has stock in SCS. Oh, that's right...SCS is a private company that won't sell it's IT. I would love to play with Pactor II+III...just can't justify the $$$.
I'll just have to settle for a Kantronics. Gotta love those guys in Kansas.
73,
Trent

kb3mng
09-08-2005, 02:23 AM
Quote[/b] ]
Would be interesting to see who all is back of this DK4VW guy. To coin a phrase: "Was riecht von der Fische in Deutschland!"


I didn't really follow the original post, except to see that lightning is bad for electronics and there is some unspecified proposal before the IARU. What smells fishy in Germany?

ne5ee
09-08-2005, 02:44 PM
Quote[/b] (W2CO @ Sep. 07 2005,07:16)]The main problem with higher speeds on HF is the bandwidth increases with speed, ........so with a 300baud packet signal using a 3Khz bandwidth hf rig in ssb mode if you increase that baud rate to lets say 1200baud then the bandwidth of the hf rig would have to be 12Khz minimum.
The first assertion is true, the second is false. The theoretical bandwidth needed to support x baud is around 3x hertz. But as 3KHz of ham spectrum will seldom support 3KHz of lossless audio, we have a contamination problem. But with good propogation conditions, something like 6x should be routinely obtainable.

W4BOT
09-08-2005, 04:56 PM
Well said! Lets think of being in a shelter passing names. In addition to the Jones and Smiths, we have families of Mihiliviches and Sujukis in the mix.

In addition to being extremely slow transmitting via voice (just imagine the potential of error with each successive relay), enter Packet. While the flow of molasses in January is definitely faster - the CRC check inherent in Packet provides the only error free amateur transmission that I am aware of (conditional of course to a check of the data prior to sending).

Packet is older than many current licensees and might well be improved. Until then - if anyone can advise of a more secure mode of emergency radio transmissions - please advise

73 - Bill - W4BOT

wb6bcn
09-08-2005, 05:24 PM
Many hams don't have a bottomless pocket. #I don't care how you slice it, if you don't own a computer, you can't get on packet on with a limited budget.

You can get on CW with almost any modist budget. #

Not only the dollars and cents aspect, #many people that have mastered CW are unable to get thier ham fist to efficiently navigate a keyboard.

All the newer modes may be fine, #but most are unavailable those lacking a computer or knowledge to navigate one.

wa2rcb
09-08-2005, 07:38 PM
Packet Radio? #What's that? #I used to have a TNC up and running until about 1993 when I got tired of 1200 Baud on VHF, and the GHASTLY SLOW 300 Baud stuff on HF. Waiting for messages on VHF took forever, on HF the pony express was faster. I finally unplugged the junk and sold it to someone at a hamfest a few months later http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

"That Packet Racket" was obsolete before it hit the store shelves folks. The greatest advancement I've seen come out of ham radio in the past few years has been Echolink.

kf4fhs
09-09-2005, 12:06 AM
Hey Jerry / N9LYA

Packet is still a viable communication mode, at a very reasonable cost. I haven't used it since the late 90's when it seemed that there were less and less stations using it. But if there is enough activity now, I'd fire up the old TNC again.

If you are looking for cooperation from the Winlink2000 folks, you may as well talk to the wall... They are not interested in anything except supporting the SCS proprietary controllers, and keeping their own little network to themselves. Especially since the ARRL is giving them free rein, and the FCC turns a blind eye to their rule breaking.

Good Luck with the Packet network Jerry,

73, Bernie / KF4FHS
.
.

ai0u
09-10-2005, 03:42 AM
May well have been running at 80% the same day but had the lightening taken out the electric I would have liked to seen all that up and running on battery power!

n9lya
09-10-2005, 10:17 AM
Quote[/b] (n0uss @ Sep. 09 2005,15:42)]May well have been running at 80% the same day but had the lightening taken out the electric I would have liked to seen all that up and running on battery power!
May have, but did not.. had it done so I have an APC 2200XLNET Battery backup with 10 extra batteries attached for upto around 12HR run time for all PCs and Radios in radio room as well as a gasoline generator should I need to fire it up in a longer term power outage...

The station was still running on one PC two hF rigs and one VHF... immedicately after strike.

73 jerry
n9lya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

n9lya
09-10-2005, 10:24 AM
Quote[/b] (wb6bcn @ Sep. 08 2005,05:24)]Many hams don't have a bottomless pocket. #I don't care how you slice it, if you don't own a computer, you can't get on packet on with a limited budget.

You can get on CW with almost any modist budget. #

Not only the dollars and cents aspect, #many people that have mastered CW are unable to get thier ham fist to efficiently navigate a keyboard.

All the newer modes may be fine, #but most are unavailable those lacking a computer or knowledge to navigate one.
I agree.. I certainly do not have a bottomless pocket of cash..
That is why my station is made up of mostly used gear I either got that was in good shape or I repaired myself.
Onme does not have to spend a lot to get on packet... old working 486 computers are cheap enough.. I can get them all day for just the ride home... Sometimes spend maybe $25 for a old pentium.

as fart as TNCs I saw 5 MFJs go for under $25 dollars each on ebay.

A ts520 can be had for between 1 and 2 Hundred.. A homemade inverted V for less then $25

Not as cheap as CW.. I like CW by the way... as well...
But certaiunly easily atainable level of ham equipment for any ham.. Lets see..

CW requires a RIG.. PAcket requires a rig...
CW Requires antenna... so does packet..

Only thing remaining is a $25 PC and a $25 tnc.. some home made cables..
As far as computer knowledge.. that may be a job... But one I would not mind assisting anyone intersted with packet or digital modes with.. If they can get to email I can help them ..

Have a nice day dude..

73 jerry n9lya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

K2WH
09-10-2005, 09:44 PM
Quote[/b] (n9lya @ Sep. 09 2005,23:24)]Quote[/b] (wb6bcn @ Sep. 08 2005,05:24)]Many hams don't have a bottomless pocket. #I don't care how you slice it, if you don't own a computer, you can't get on packet on with a limited budget.

You can get on CW with almost any modist budget. #

Not only the dollars and cents aspect, #many people that have mastered CW are unable to get thier ham fist to efficiently navigate a keyboard.

All the newer modes may be fine, #but most are unavailable those lacking a computer or knowledge to navigate one.
I agree.. I certainly do not have a bottomless pocket of cash..
That is why my station is made up of mostly used gear I either got that was in good shape or I repaired myself.
Onme does not have to spend a lot to get on packet... old working 486 computers are cheap enough.. I can get them all day for just the ride home... Sometimes spend maybe $25 for a old pentium.

as fart as TNCs I saw 5 MFJs go for under $25 dollars each on ebay.

A ts520 can be had for between 1 and 2 Hundred.. A homemade inverted V for less then $25

Not as cheap as CW.. I like CW by the way... as well...
But certaiunly easily atainable level of ham equipment for any ham.. Lets see..

CW requires a RIG.. PAcket requires a rig...
CW Requires antenna... so does packet..

Only thing remaining is a $25 PC and a $25 tnc.. some home made cables..
As far as computer knowledge.. #that may be a job... But one I would not mind assisting anyone intersted with packet or digital modes with.. #If they can get to email I can help them ..

Have a nice day dude..

73 jerry n9lya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
The man is correct. Packet is old technology and does not require current technology to get on. Shopping around you may be able to even get on packet for nothing. Don't forget VHF and UHF packet. I use and old (Very Old) TNC known as the PK-80. It is over 30 years old and works fine with a Radio Shack TRS-80 running a a blazing 2 mhz clock speed, 128k memory, B&W monitor and a simple terminal program.

Antenna, a coat hanger ground plane. Coax, well, you got me there. OK, a few bucks for coax (maybe).

K2WH

kg5vk
09-11-2005, 07:08 PM
QPSK

but what I used to rcv emergency traffic on while in N.O. recently was SSB, lower side band to be exact on 40 meters

why because more ops have it and it did not require me to drag a lap top along.

weight when deploying to the field and being flown in is a BIG issue !
(weight and balance is an issue on any airframe)

K4JF
09-12-2005, 02:49 PM
I've tried packet.. several years ago. Thought it would be "cool". #The most boring aspect of ham radio to me. #Never any message for me and no way to generate any activity. #Maybe it would be good for emergency traffic, but there needs to be a way to practice such. #You shouldn't be "working out the bugs" during an event, but with nothing happening the other times, that's all there is. #

PSK31 is far superior, IMO, because it is real time.

Now, packet is good for DX spotting and that's about it, so that's all the TNC here gets used for.

W3MIV
09-12-2005, 06:12 PM
Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 12 2005,10:49)]PSK31 is far superior, IMO, because it is real time.

Now, packet is good for DX spotting and that's about it...
Right on both counts.

It probably won't be too much longer when packet TNCs are a rare and eagerly hawked antiquity at the local gatherings of unwashed packeteers pushing and jostling at the outdoor gypsie tables of the few remaining hamfests.

Even Martin Jue threw in the towel.

kb9aln
09-13-2005, 02:23 AM
Hi, everybody.

Had to join this discussion as a guy who really likes packet and a guy who knows it's good side and its down side.

People are quite right when they point out that there is not too much to do on packet these days. The level of activity is pretty low, but the mode does have its uses.

The reason why it lost popularity is that its current implementation, the AX.25 protocol set, is a poor performer with limited capability. Encapsulating TCP/IP in AX.25 is not very good at moving large amounts of data without retry after retry.

The people who adapted the X.25 protocol for amateur radio never expected it would be around for as long as it has been around and viewed it as an experiment rather than a permanent system.

It never got pushed any further because we (amateurs) never pushed it. Inertia took hold, and at the time we had a relatively few number of hams that had any kind of experience with digital communications methods. So, it stagnated while other modes grew.

We had golden opportunity after golden opportunity to push it forward and have a great radio transport protocol that would be robust and give us a great deal of the services that the internet brings us (along with some that are unique to amateur radio).

At the same time, we didn't care enough to attract the type of people who had digital experience and were interested in radio at the same time. We ignored the "geeks" and concentrated on attracting the people who were more intersted in rag-chewing than innovating. When we try to "sell" Amateur Radio, we always talk about the technical innovation that the avocation has brought to the electronics industry. We shot ourselves in the foot by never really offering a digital-class license without code that would surely have brought a lot more digitally-oriented people to the hobby.

As a result, a good many of our communication modes progressed slowly, if at all. While we were sleeping, 802.11 came along and "stole" a lot of the people who could have contributed and brought our hobby into the future. Packet radio was a primary victim of this.

And as Jerry rightfully pointed out, the ARRL did little other than embrace the "fad" aspect of Pakcet Radio. As soon as the fad faded, W1AW was nowhere to be found on packet (at least as far as I could see).

If you look at this proposal to eliminate a set-aside of band segments for less popular modes in a cold, practical way, it does make some sense. However, there is a down-side. When you don't set aside certain band segments for certain activities, the operators of these modes will wind up frustrated and unable to use their chosen modes.

I might add that packet radio can do what WinLink 2000 can do. We've had the capability to forward real-live E-Mail via packet for quite some time. Of course, anyone who dared mix the internet with packet radio was roundly flamed and driven right out of the mode if he dared try such a sacreligious thing.

The other problem is that the radio transport of packets was poor due to the protocol and the fact that we do not have decent modems.

As a result, the Win Link folks re-invented the wheel with a better modem. They got the support of the ARRL and now are making waves that regular packet folks like me never were able to make.

What is the point of all of this? There are actually a few. One is that technology never stands still. Another is we can't be complacent and really _have_ to push our hobby forward. Oh, and we should not embrace the first thing that comes along and build an infrastructure around it when we know there are defects inherent in that thing (Think AX.25, Net/Rom and Rose).

Maybe one more. Learn from our mistakes rather than just argue that bad technology is good.

This may sound a little harsh, but remember that this comes from a guy who has been in packet radio for well over 10 years and still is in it. This isn't meant to be hateful, just trying to make some valid points and put some perspective into this.

Thanks for reading my vent.

Andy.

K4JF
09-13-2005, 04:35 PM
Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Sep. 12 2005,11:12)]at the local gatherings of unwashed packeteers pushing and jostling at the outdoor gypsie tables of the few remaining hamfests.
Now that was an unwarranted slam at people who are interested in packet. There is no reason to suppose that "unwashed", "pushing and jostling" or "gypsy" would apply.

I merely stated that I was not interested. There is nothing wrong with the other people who are interested.

W3MIV
09-14-2005, 03:00 PM
Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 13 2005,12:35)]Now that was an unwarranted slam at people who are interested in packet. #There is no reason to suppose that "unwashed", "pushing and jostling" or "gypsy" would apply.
Lighten up. If your objection was to the "unwarranted" nature of the comment from the point of view that it seemed directed at everyone using packet, bear in mind the comment was made in jest. Mostly.

If your objection was to the descriptives, it would seem you have never been to a hamfest.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

N5UV
09-14-2005, 04:01 PM
I'm with K4JF on this one...I never liked the "hand-shake" digital modes, PSK31, MFSK, and RTTY are much more suited to the less-than-ideal band conditions on HF. In fact, we really should be talking about pushing PSK63 and other newer modes as worthy replacements for Packet when handling traffic, not perpetuating an older, bandwidth-hungry mode.

As for the problem of lugging equipment around...wouldn't it be great if you could have ALL of the digital modes installed on your rig already? With all of these new software-defined rigs on the market, surely some HF manufacturer can add that capability to their product, with connectors for your keyboard and mouse. I only have used gear, so maybe this has already been done, I dunno...

K4JF
09-17-2005, 04:23 PM
Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Sep. 14 2005,08:00)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 13 2005,12:35)]Now that was an unwarranted slam at people who are interested in packet. #There is no reason to suppose that "unwashed", "pushing and jostling" or "gypsy" would apply.
Lighten up. If your objection was to the "unwarranted" nature of the comment from the point of view that it seemed directed at everyone using packet, bear in mind the comment was made in jest. Mostly.

If your objection was to the descriptives, it would seem you have never been to a hamfest.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Not correct. In 31 years of ham radio, I average 3-5 hamfests a year. That counts well over a hundred fests. Your description may be accurate at some particular 'fest, but in no way can apply to all, or even a significant minority.

kc9eot
09-19-2005, 08:41 PM
Packet or no packet is not the biggest problem although the bandwidth may become one. The biggest problem with packet that I have seen is when a packet station just starts transmitting over the top of a busy band segment. Packet has its place, and occassionally, in any mode, you will have a situation where someone transmits over the top of someone else because they dont hear them but, many packet stations are not controlled properly and do not even try to check to see if the freq. they want to use, is busy. Bandwidth must be limited in fairness to other operators and better control should be in place as well. As far as those of you who want to change the subject by picing apart grammer, while it is true that grammer, mine included, is not as good as it could be, dont change the point, this is Amateur Radio, not professional journalizim, get over it!

nf0a
09-21-2005, 10:36 PM
Quote[/b] (wb6bnq @ Sep. 06 2005,19:07)]AC7RG,

I am sorry but I am going to respectfully disagree as to the how good the article is written. #I found the article to be confusing, rambling and still left me wondering just what Jerry was complaining about. #Aside from the lightening strike, just where is the problem ? #With all that computer power you would think people's ability to express themselves more clearly would increase.

Such a long article makes it hard to follow. #The main points should have been made in the first paragraph. #It seems that all the stuff associated with the lightening strike has nothing to do with the perceived problem. #I got so bored with that part that I was completely disinterested with the rest.

I guess Jerry is worried about "packet" getting lost in the forray. #If that is so then he should not support the ARRL's very one sided proposal.

True enough, while I do much with computers and microprocessors, I do not see them as Amateur radio. #With all the poor English grammer and spelling in the computer world, you would think people would like to try talking for a change. #BUT then you might actually have to learn to communicate.

Again, sorry, but true love is tough !

73....Bill....WB6BNQ
Not every one is or needs to be, an English major... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

ae1x
09-22-2005, 02:59 PM
Biggest threat to our packet networks in the US is a bill being study in Congress that would require all packet communications systems to register for regulatory purposes. You should research this issue.

Ken

K4JF
09-25-2005, 04:12 PM
Quote[/b] (ae1x @ Sep. 22 2005,07:59)]Biggest threat to our packet networks in the US is a bill being study in Congress that would require all packet communications systems to register for regulatory purposes. You should research this issue.

Ken
Sounds, to me, like the urban legend that periodically resurfaces about the Post Office charging $0.05 per email.

ab0wr
09-28-2005, 02:29 AM
Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 25 2005,09:12)]Quote[/b] (ae1x @ Sep. 22 2005,07:59)]Biggest threat to our packet networks in the US is a bill being study in Congress that would require all packet communications systems to register for regulatory purposes. You should research this issue.

Ken
Sounds, to me, like the urban legend that periodically resurfaces about the Post Office charging $0.05 per email.
The Feds began last year, 2004, in working toward requiring systems carrying Voip (e.g. IRLP, echolink, etc) to provide wire-tap capability. While not large enough to catch the Feds eye, how long will that anonymity continue? Congress, the FBI, and the FCC are all looking at ways to extend this capability.

If you think amateur radio packet networks will forever escape scrutiny, you should pay more attention. This will get driven to a higher and higher level as more and more people look to use amateur radio to supplant and replace traditional last-mile links - ala Winlink 2000.

That is exactly the argument the FBI used to extend wire-tap requirements to cable companies (who used to be exempted as ISP's, not common carriers). When the cable companies started offering telephone service and high-speed internet access, they began to supplant telephone company last-mile links - and the COLEA act of 1994 specifically allows bringing under its jurisdiction any provider supplanting traditional wireline last-mile links.

The battle is being fought now under the radar for most people. Hopefully people like WL2K won't suck the rest of us into something we won't like.

tim ab0wr

N5PVL
09-30-2005, 01:25 PM
W3MIV says:
Quote[/b] ]
Sort of kicks N5PVL's assertions about Europe being packet nivana in the butt. Well, what goes around, comes around.


How's that? #I often speak about the European VHF/UHF/SHF network... In what way does that relate to a German guy pushing SCS's products for HF?

n9lya
10-03-2005, 06:27 PM
Quote[/b] (kc9eot @ Sep. 19 2005,08:41)]Packet or no packet is not the biggest problem although the bandwidth may become one. The biggest problem with packet that I have seen is when a packet station just starts transmitting over the top of a busy band segment. Packet has its place, and occassionally, in any mode, you will have a situation where someone transmits over the top of someone else because they dont hear them but, many packet stations are not controlled properly and do not even try to check to see if the freq. they want to use, is busy. Bandwidth must be limited in fairness to other operators and better control should be in place as well. As far as those of you who want to change the subject by picing apart grammer, while it is true that grammer, mine included, is not as good as it could be, dont change the point, this is Amateur Radio, not professional journalizim, get over it!
Sounds like you are confusing Packet and Pactor I II III

I realy wish people would present evedence with such claims..

Gee.. packet listens and does not key on top of any exisisting RF signal.. pactor listens only for other pactor stations so will key up on any NON-Pactor* signal..

Also Packet does not frequency scan as PACTOR Pactor is the culprit here... Not Packet.. Meaning Pactor will jump from one freq to another without regard to whom may be using it at that time.. And in fact most times wastes valuable bandwidth being on one freq when all other Pactor stations may be on one of teh other scan freqs..

Packet does not operate this way.. Unless the operator actually changes frequency live at the station..

Also Packet is confined to the automatic subbands...

Pactor and WL2K people want the ARRL bandwidth propposal to go thru, so they can operate their WIDE BAND Stations all over the RF Spectrum with no limits at all.



I do thank you for your comments.

73 jerry n9lya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

K4JF
10-04-2005, 01:35 AM
Quote[/b] (ab0wr @ Sep. 27 2005,19:29)]The Feds began last year, 2004, in working toward requiring systems carrying Voip (e.g. IRLP, echolink, etc) to provide wire-tap capability.

If you think amateur radio packet networks will forever escape scrutiny, you should pay more attention.
They don't need wiretap capability. They can listen to all of it any time. Remember, this is radio - freely received by anyone, no registration required.

The Feds can listen any time they want, and so can anybody else. Absolutely no reason for any kind of additional authority.

k4cjx
10-08-2005, 05:08 AM
Quote[/b] (n9lya @ Oct. 03 2005,11:27)]Quote[/b] (kc9eot @ Sep. 19 2005,08:41)]Packet or no packet is not the biggest problem although the bandwidth may become one. The biggest problem with packet that I have seen is when a packet station just starts transmitting over the top of a busy band segment. Packet has its place, and occassionally, in any mode, you will have a situation where someone transmits over the top of someone else because they dont hear them but, many packet stations are not controlled properly and do not even try to check to see if the freq. they want to use, is busy. Bandwidth must be limited in fairness to other operators and better control should be in place as well. As far as those of you who want to change the subject by picing apart grammer, while it is true that grammer, mine included, is not as good as it could be, dont change the point, this is Amateur Radio, not professional journalizim, get over it!
Sounds like you are confusing Packet and Pactor I II III

I realy wish people would present evedence with such claims..

Gee.. packet listens and does not key on top of any exisisting RF signal.. pactor listens only for other pactor stations so will key up on any NON-Pactor* signal..

Also Packet does not frequency scan as PACTOR Pactor is the culprit here... Not Packet.. Meaning Pactor will jump from one freq to another without regard to whom may be using it at that time.. And in fact most times wastes valuable bandwidth being on one freq when all other Pactor stations may be on one of teh other scan freqs..

Packet does not operate this way.. Unless the operator actually changes frequency live at the station..

Also Packet is confined to the automatic subbands...

Pactor and WL2K people want the ARRL bandwidth propposal to go thru, so they can operate their WIDE BAND Stations all over the RF Spectrum with no limits at all.



I do thank you for your comments.

73 jerry n9lya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Jerry,


CW is allowed everywhere in our spectrum. Does it go anywhere? NOPE. It stays in places that work for CW. Likewise, remote controlled stations or any other protocol type will also not operate where they will be clobbered by SSB or any other mode. The current US 24 Winlink stations, or whatever number results from their popularity at the time, will find their place as will any other protocol or operation.

There is no reason to continue with formally regulated sub-bands, but but that does not mean that there is not to be segments of operation for specific protocols or services.

The FCC has made this very clear. Take a look at the discussion in NPRM RM-107-40.



Steve, k4cjx