Transcript Packet and ARES in Connecticut

Introduction to Packet in
Connecticut
Chuck Rexroad AB1CR
Betsey Doane K1EIC
Overall Agenda
Session 1 – Introduction to Packet
Session 2 – Introduction to Packet Networks
Session 3 – Using the Flexnet network and
FBB Bulletin Boards
Session 4 – Proper Setup and Operation of
Your Packet Station
Session 4: Proper Setup and
Operation of Your Packet
Station
Block Diagram of a User Packet Station
1200 bps packet
To packet system “user” frequency
How Packet
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TNC Owner’s Manual
Cable from Rig to TNC
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Follow these startup steps:
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Build or Buy?
MFJ and others make cables for most rigs and TNCs
Working Radio
Working Antenna
Working Computer
Computer talks to TNC okay
Listen to APRS (144.39)
Try to connect to local Node/BBS
What about Sound Card packet?
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It works, but used TNCs are cheap and easier to use.
When to use Packet?
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As often as possible for NTS and
familiarization.
Communication Emergencies.
When is packet NTS and when is it ARES?
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Does it matter?
ARES is mostly local and tactical when immediate
communications are needed.
NTS is long-haul.
ARES can generate formal message traffic if
necessary.
NTS packet operators may be asked come into
the field to support ARES if necessary.
What about the Mailbox built into my
TNC?
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We recommend you use the FBB Bulletin
Boards. These will take a message for you
anytime from anywhere, regardless of
whether your home station is up on packet at
the time.
What About Other Digital Modes?
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There are numerous other digital modes that have their
place in emergency communications:
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APRS – Good for locating vehicles/people in disaster areas.
Good for short messages where 100% accuracy is not needed.
WinLink “Classic” – in use today by NTS. Good for long haul.
WinLink 2000 – in early stages
PSK31 – Great for HF communications where 100% accuracy
is not needed.
AMTOR/PACTOR – Used primarily in WinLink classic. Could
be used between two HF stations (such as Connecticut OEM
and FEMA perhaps)
802.11b – in early stages
What Should I do Now?
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Get on Packet!
Use the CT Packet Quick Start Guide.
Send messages to other packet operators.
Get familiar with current Packet systems!
Send formal traffic to your DEC.
Stay on Packet!
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Log on frequently. Look for bulletins, packet messages to
you, reply to messages sent to you, etc.
Enjoy packet!
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It is still the pre-eminent mode of digital communications for
local emergency communications and will likely remain a
major portion of emergency communications for the
foreseeable future.
Soundcard Interfaces
The advantages of rig blaster over a TNC:
 Much cheaper
 Can do many more modes (including EchoLink and
the like)
 Can do modes no one has thought of yet
 Very easy to work with. (I think it is easier than a
TNC.)
 MixW2 is a great program for about $50 that does
packet, PSK (both styles) and too many other
modes for me to remember. That one program is all
I use with my rigblaster. Get the levels right once
and just go to it.
References / Web Sites for More
Information
Web Sites
 APRS - http://www.tapr.org/tapr/html/gpsf.html
 ARES – http://www.arrl.org
 CT ARES – http://www.ctares.org
 Packet Radio – http://www.tapr.org
 RigBlaster – http://www.westmountainradio.com (PowerPole
power connectors, too.)
 WinLink – http://www.winlink.org
Books
 ARRL: APRS – Tracks, Maps, and Mobiles by Stan Horzepa,
WA1LOU
 ARRL: HF Digital Handbook by Steve Ford, WB8IMY
 ARRL: Your Packet Companion by Steve Ford, WB8IMY
Web Sites for More Information on
Packet Cables
Web Sites with Information to Build Cables
 http://www.packetradio.com/wiring.htm
 http://www.packetradio.com/MICimages.html
Web Sites with Information to Buy Cables
 http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?
catid=23
Questions and Responses