15 Sep
2017
15 Sep
'17
1:19 p.m.
On 9/15/2017 5:23 AM, devin davison wrote:
I am a new Ham operator interested in packet and
digital modes. I have
a small home setup with a terminal node controller attached to a vt100
terminal, I have been using it to reach the only other 2 packet
stations i was able to find in my area.
I have an interest in tcp/ip and wanted to try and connect to the 44
network if possible. I have had trouble finding information and
getting started.
I have a big interest in using some big older ibm gear. I have found
many programs that should get the job done, of interest is ka9q net
nos.
[snip]
I want to get started with this, i look to have all
the hardware
needed to get it working but need advice on how to proceed. Any help
is much appreciated.
I bet that most other amprnet hams will nod their heads when I say "Been
there, done that, should have bought the T-Shirt."
FWIW, my advice:
1. Decide on what you're trying to accomplish before you start. Of
course, you want to be active using TCP/IP over Amateur Radio, but there
are other things to consider, to wit -
A. Are you trying to resuscitate IBM AT or PS/2 computers? If that's
what makes the hobby fun for you, that's fine, but if not, remember that
newer, more capable equipment can be had for the asking at most
recycling centers, and that the disk drives and peripherals from older
PC's can often be used to greater advantage with higher-speed motherboards.
B. Are you creating a problem that only you will be able to solve?
Sorry to be so blunt, but I know from hard experience that older
equipment will suck up your time and energy faster than it consumes the
joules coming from your electric meter, and being the the only ham
around who remembers what an RS-232C pinout looks like or how to option
a 3C-509 Combo card isn't necessarily the best way to prepare yourself
to get on the air, or to help others to do it.
2. Consider your choice of software -
A. KA9Q NOS will work well on older hardware, but so will the various
"tiny" versions of Linux, such as XUbuntu.
B. No matter what you choose to use, you'll learn a lot about that
particular software. Learning Linux management and internals will
(apologies to Phil Karn) put you in a much better job market than
learning NOS.
3. Find out as much as you can about what other hams in your area are
doing. Even if the clubs you visited aren't using TCP/IP, they might
have expertise in things like microwave, or emergency communications, or
APRS that you can use to help you get better results from your TCP/IP
setup.
After you have a plan for how you will go forward, please feel free to
ask more questions, here or off-list.
HTH. YMMV.
73,
Bill, W4EWH