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<TITLE>RE: [plug] Packet Radio</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Hi Rick,</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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 :)</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Regards,</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Greg Raftery</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>-----Original Message-----</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>From: Rick [<A HREF="mailto:rick@vianet.net.au">mailto:rick@vianet.net.au</A>]</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Sent: Monday, February 15, 1999 5:05 PM</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>To: plug@linux.org.au</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Subject: Re: [plug] Packet Radio</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Honorable student, listen carefully, this is your guru speaking. *G* </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Joking of course. </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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. </FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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. </FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>There is some 9600bd operation on the 432mhz band, but that's still not what you would call super quick. </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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. </FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="http://www.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/index.htm" TARGET="_blank">http://www.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/index.htm</A> </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>I hope this is it, my browser has spat the dummy, and won't do anything tonight??? </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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) </FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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. </FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>At 12:29 15/02/99 +0800, you wrote: </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>>>>> </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Gurus, </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Is anyone on the list actively involved in packet radio using amatuer frequencies? </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>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 :) </FONT></P>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Greg Raftery </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Strategic Computer Solutions </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Perth, Western Australia </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>email: gregr@scs.com.au </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Ph:(08) 9223 1234 </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Fax:(08) 9223 1230 </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><<<< </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Cheers </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Rick </FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>E=Mail - rick@vianet.net.au </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Home Page - <A HREF="http://www.vianet.net.au/~rick/index.htm" TARGET="_blank">http://www.vianet.net.au/~rick/index.htm</A> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Packet - VK6EP@VK6ANC.#PER.#WA.AUS.OC </FONT>
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