Amatuer Radio.
Some info and links
I have a UK full licence to operate an amateur radio station, my callsign is G0CER. Previously
my old class 'B' VHF only callsign was G6VSG. Since 1994 I have mainly used 'packet' radio. It is a network of computers
similar to internal networks but packet radio is inter-connected via radio. The network is global, mail & files
can be sent from almost anywhere to almost anywhere.
If you have a licence and a radio already, packet radio is not too difficult to setup. The essential part is
something to go between the radio and the computer. This is called a TNC (Terminal Node Controller) which are
quite expensive but simple cheap modems can be 'home brewed'. There is also many sources of software which
cover most OS's. You can use almost any terminal program with a TNC. There are some useful links to sites at the bottom
of this page which have more information and software.
Packet Radio introduction
Packet radio users have email addresses which are similar to Internet addresses - but they are not inter-exchangeable
e.g. you cannot normally send an email via the packet system unless you are actually licenced. My address on packet
is g0cer@gb7pmb.#28.gbr.eu This system uses an amateur version of the X.25 standard, called AX25. There is a
more efficient system, which has developed alongside it using the TCP/IP system. I am part of a small network that
currently doesn't have a connection onto the national trunk system, bit soon we hope to. The TCP/IP network uses a
different adressing layout, mine is g0cer@g0cer.gb7ipt.ampr.org. There is also the choice of using allotted
IP number. I am in region 90 (E-Shropshire) of country 131 (UK) which is 44.131.90.10 My number is 10 (I use
11 for my Windows intermachine connection. The first figure 44 defines the Internet amateur domain number. No other
system uses this and it is not inter-connecteable. However there are some stations which allow Amateur Internet
stations to register and send mail through an exchange point.
The types of messages sent around the system is similar to the Usenet, some versions of software allow specific areas
to be setup to your own particular interest area. Personal messages and general bulletins can be sent. Plenty of
discussion and arguments take place, often on an inter-continental basis!
One deveopmental area is the push to increase the speeds of the network. While, it is free to use (no phone line time)
the increased interest clogs up the system. Speeds in the main area around 1200bd. Remember you old modem, well 9k6Bd and
up are possible but more technical knowledge is required to modify radios to use this. There is plenty of help files to say
the least of helpfull replies from packet requests for information on this. The principle exchange point for connecting
onto the amateur packet network is a BBS. This is usually run by a club, because of operating costs. They may ask you to join
them if you use it permenantly. When you find your linking point, you register at it and the BBS sends an update of this
information globally on something called 'White pages' which tells almost an other operator (via their BBS) your address.
So they can send mail to you.
I hope this clarifies packet radio a bit, if you go onto or are already on the network at the moment, send me a message please.
Good luck from me, Dave g0cer.