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PACKET:
The first thing we must understand is that Packet Radio is not the same as the Internet. Packet Radio is another way of communicating by radio. Packet Radio is text and files that are transmitted and received by radio.
Packet Radio requires a learning curve to become familiar with how to operate the software, transmit and receive through the Packet System. The learning curve is not as formidable as learning CW, but it will take a commitment.
How would you send a letter if you had no stamps and no electric and had to do it right now? Well, you could use your Packet Radio. Sending and receiving text messages over amateur radio would be an option. You would need a radio and a TNC (terminal node controller). Many newer radios have a TNC built in and therefore you would only need the proper software. To access the TNC, whether it is a separate unit or built in your radio, you will also need a cable to connect your computer to the TNC and the radio. If the TNC is built into the radio you just need one cable from the radio to the computer.
Most Packet Radio is done on 2-meter on simplex. Due to the use of simplex and 2-meter transmission, the distance you can send and receive Packet messages is limited. But only limitation is only as far as the next Packet Radio station. You can link connections through any other Packet Station to the next and can link as many stations as necessary to deliver your messages to the receiving Packet Station. Every Packet Station has a mailbox to store the messages. You can connect, send your message to the mail box and leave. The receiving station can read the message at any time. Some stations provide a mailbox for all to use and this is called BBS.
Files can also be sent and received. Most of the files stored at a Packet Station for transferring are Packet related text files or simple basic Packet programs.
There are also Packet Stations that provide Packet Radio connections to the Internet for sending Packet Radio messages (Packet Mail) to the anyone's regular e-mail, but only text messages. Also some stations provide a service to the Packet System called Packet Clusters. This service provides information about amateur radio DX all over the world. This is another subject for future discussion.
The majority of Packet Radio in the northern Michigan area is done on 145.090, 145.010 and APRS is done on 144.390.
There is also HF packet; some of which is done on 10-meters
Jerry, AB8VV
More Information:
KC8SBS
INTRODUCTION TO PACKET RADIO
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