>
> On 03-Apr-98 David Pesticcio wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I'm new around here, so please be kind. ;-)
> >
> > okay, basically a few questions.
> >
> > 1. If I had HAM gear could I use it to link into a newtwork,
> > or would it have to be point-to-point?
> >
>
> Both. It depends entirely on how the pre-existing network is set up.
> There is a band in which point-to-point links are the *only* legal
> mechanisms ( the 219Mhz band ). Most Amateur networking is a true "cloud"
> approach - it isn't really feasible to set up strict point-to-point links
> because machines are always being turned on and off, you never know when
> someone new will start up a new node, etc.
>
> > 2. What kind of gear would be needed, apart from taking the HAM exams?
> >
>
> At least a transciever, of course. If you want speeds from 1200bps to
> 9600bps, then you can get by with a TNC. ( Terminal Node Controller, which
> is essentially a very intelligent modem ) If you want higher speeds,
> you'll need to get an RF modem and appropriate controller card. Of course,
> you also have to purchase support equipment like antennas, cables, power
> supply, etc.
>
> > 3. What kind of reliable distance is achievable without external
> > aerials?
> >
>
> Again - it depends. You may be relatively close to another machine,
> from which you can hop out into the network at large. I can go all over
> the Northeast from my location, which is relatively poor. ( I'm at the
> bottom of a valley ) On the other hand, indoor antennas are *HIGHLY*
> discouraged in networking, because the other stations on the frequency need
> to be able to hear you when you transmit, to maximize efficiency.
> Otherwise, your station and someone elses station may try and transmit at
> the same time, and would interfere with each other.
>
> > 4. What s/w is required to achive any of the above.
> >
>
> You can get by with a dumb terminal. Many people, of course, use snazzy
> gee-whiz graphic terminal software. :-)
>
> > 5. Is there a FAQ for the questiones I just possed? :-)
> >
>
> Go to www.tapr.org. They have some *excellent* introductions to Packet
> Radio, and Amateur networking technologies.
>
> - Rich
>
You should also know that it would be quite worthless to get a high speed
digital communication device set up (over 9600) if you have no one to
connect with! It is also difficult to utilize ax25 mail if you cannot
contact any ax25-bbs's.
Many people use 1200 baud packet. Most any avid computer-hammer has one.
It is very rare to see packet radio in use among amateurs above 9600
expecially outside city limits. You should contact some amateur radio
clubs (preferably digitally oriented ones) in your area (within 20 miles
of you). If you give me your general location, I can give you a starting
point.
>
> --
> Rich Mulvey
> My return address is my last name,
> followed by my first initial, @mulveyr.roc.servtech.com
> http://mulveyr.roc.servtech.com
> Amateur Radio: aa2ys@wb2wxq.#wny.ny.usa
>
/--------------------------------------------\
| Kirk Wolff khqyvc.xenlefm@rele.tunk.net
|
| "Well, that was a piece of cake, eh K-9?"
|
| "Piece of cake, Master? Radial slice of baked confection ...
| coefficient of relevance to Key of Time: zero."
\ -- Dr. Who