[plug] Packet Radio

[Greg Raftery]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the info. A bit further down the track I would like to get into
something like this. I don't know that I like the idea of having to learn
morse code to get a licence though! The link to Peter Parkers site is great.
Now I have something to waste my time reading at work :)

Regards,
Greg Raftery

 
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick [mailto:rick at vianet.net.au]
Sent: Monday, February 15, 1999 5:05 PM
To: plug at linux.org.au
Subject: Re: [plug] Packet Radio





Honorable student, listen carefully, this is your guru speaking. *G* 


Joking of course. 


Well, I have been on the amateur radio packet network for quite a long time.
Some years in fact, but can't recall how many. Since the early days. 


It's probably not the thing you are looking for, but it is an ad junk to the
hobby. The 'normal' transfer rate is at 1200bd, on the 144mhz band. But,
when you take into consideration that the two radios need to talk with each
other, and it's not possible to do that simultaneously, not on the same
frequency at least, the throughput can be about 30% of that, or less. 


There is some 9600bd operation on the 432mhz band, but that's still not what
you would call super quick. 


To be able to operate, you will need an 'amateur radio operators certificate
of proficiency'. This is issued by the 'australian communication authority',
after you have proved, by means of examination, that you qualify. Have a
look at the link below for more details. 


http://www.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/index.htm 


I hope this is it, my browser has spat the dummy, and won't do anything
tonight??? 


You can get some fairly cheap radio equipment, if you have the ability to
tune and reprogram it for the amateur bands, or you can buy commercial
equipment. My radio cost me about $500, 12 years ago. You will also need a
special modem called a 'terminal node controler' or TNC. These are very
often available used, for about $100 or so. A lot of amateurs are leaving
the packet network, for the Internet. (A damn site faster, and less hassles)



If you want to pursue this any further, send me a personal e-mail, and I'll
send you my phone number. I'm probably a lot quicker at talking, then I am
at typing. 



At 12:29 15/02/99 +0800, you wrote: 
>>>> 


Gurus, 


Is anyone on the list actively involved in packet radio using amatuer
frequencies? 


If so, I'd like a run down on what sort of expertise, equipment, and costs
are involved in such a setup, and what sort of data transfer rates are
feasible. And since i'm asking for all this info, some links to Australian
sites would be nice too :) 


Greg Raftery 


Strategic Computer Solutions 
Perth, Western Australia 


email: gregr at scs.com.au 
Ph:(08) 9223 1234 
Fax:(08) 9223 1230 




<<<< 







Cheers 
Rick 


E=Mail - rick at vianet.net.au 
Home Page - http://www.vianet.net.au/~rick/index.htm 
Packet - VK6EP at VK6ANC.#PER.#WA.AUS.OC 
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