Hello, I posted here a while back but have not made much progress.
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.
I have the hardware, the tnc, the computer, I am just uncertain of how to go about using the software. Im having a real hard time finding any local help on the subject. Ive tried no less than 3 of the local clubs, none seem to have any members that even know much about packet or tcp/ip over radio.
Ive asked around on a couple of the local repeaters as well, asked some questions at the end of the weekly nets, only to find that there does not to be anyone around with much knowledge on the subject.
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.
What is the callsign and where are you located? That info would help in pointing you in the right direction. 44Net coordinators are responsible by areas. For example, I cover NY State.
On 9/15/2017 5:23 AM, devin davison wrote:
Hello, I posted here a while back but have not made much progress.
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.
I have the hardware, the tnc, the computer, I am just uncertain of how to go about using the software. Im having a real hard time finding any local help on the subject. Ive tried no less than 3 of the local clubs, none seem to have any members that even know much about packet or tcp/ip over radio.
Ive asked around on a couple of the local repeaters as well, asked some questions at the end of the weekly nets, only to find that there does not to be anyone around with much knowledge on the subject.
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.
-----Original Message-----
Hello, I posted here a while back but have not made much progress.
Hi Devin,
The wiki contains lots of instructions: http://wiki.ampr.org/wiki/Main_Page The portal is where you can request an address allocation: https://portal.ampr.org/
Many folks use AMPRnet to connect a BBS to other BBSs worldwide, using AXIP (AX.25 over IP) links.
You don't need much hardware. Some create a separate gateway on a small, separate linux machine. This can be advantageous if you have more than one physical server behind the gateway. Some create the gateway on the same linux machine that runs their BBS. It just depends on what you want to do.
BTW, most hams sign their emails using their call sign.
Michael N6MEF
KM4BOE. Located in Florida.
I am aware that internet tunnels can be used, my interest is to see if there are any other stations within range i can link up with by radio. I don't want to rely on an ISP. With the latest hurricane and the utility's being knocked out all over, i wanted to see if there were others nearby i could network to to keep in communication. I am familiar with the BBS built into my tnc, i was looking to host a more capable BBS off my computer accessible by radio.
On Fri, Sep 15, 2017 at 9:20 AM, Michael Fox - N6MEF n6mef@mefox.org wrote:
-----Original Message-----
Hello, I posted here a while back but have not made much progress.
Hi Devin,
The wiki contains lots of instructions: http://wiki.ampr.org/wiki/Main_Page The portal is where you can request an address allocation: https://portal.ampr.org/
Many folks use AMPRnet to connect a BBS to other BBSs worldwide, using AXIP (AX.25 over IP) links.
You don't need much hardware. Some create a separate gateway on a small, separate linux machine. This can be advantageous if you have more than one physical server behind the gateway. Some create the gateway on the same linux machine that runs their BBS. It just depends on what you want to do.
BTW, most hams sign their emails using their call sign.
Michael N6MEF
44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
OK. That's a more specific question.
We have 7 JNOS BBSs in Silicon Valley, all linked by radio, plus all linked by AMPRnet. We like JNOS for several reasons. But a big one is that it is inherently IP and SMTP based. So that makes it easy to hook up to Internet email and that, in turn, makes it much more relevant to many more people (IMHO). We have a user group of over 230, with about 50 people, on average, active each week.
Others here will probably also have good things to say about FBB or BPQ or something else. I can't speak to the ability of those other BBSs to network over IP. You might want to seek out and join the user email lists of each and ask BBS-specific questions there before making a decision.
You may also be influenced by what folks near you have running. If you create an account on the portal, you can log in and look at Networks > 44.0.0.0/9 (UNITED STATES) to see who the coordinator is for your area. Click on 44.98.0.0/16 (Florida) to see the local allocations. Then make contact with the local AMPRnet address coordinator and/or the individual allocation holders and you're off and running.
Michael
-----Original Message----- From: 44Net [mailto:44net-bounces+n6mef=mefox.org@hamradio.ucsd.edu] On Behalf Of devin davison Sent: Friday, September 15, 2017 6:52 AM To: AMPRNet working group 44net@hamradio.ucsd.edu Subject: Re: [44net] Beginner - looking to get started / advice
KM4BOE. Located in Florida.
I am aware that internet tunnels can be used, my interest is to see if there are any other stations within range i can link up with by radio. I don't want to rely on an ISP. With the latest hurricane and the utility's being knocked out all over, i wanted to see if there were others nearby i could network to to keep in communication. I am familiar with the BBS built into my tnc, i was looking to host a more capable BBS off my computer accessible by radio.
On Fri, Sep 15, 2017 at 9:20 AM, Michael Fox - N6MEF n6mef@mefox.org wrote:
-----Original Message-----
Hello, I posted here a while back but have not made much progress.
Hi Devin,
The wiki contains lots of instructions: http://wiki.ampr.org/wiki/Main_Page The portal is where you can request an address allocation: https://portal.ampr.org/
Many folks use AMPRnet to connect a BBS to other BBSs worldwide, using
AXIP
(AX.25 over IP) links.
You don't need much hardware. Some create a separate gateway on a
small,
separate linux machine. This can be advantageous if you have more than
one
physical server behind the gateway. Some create the gateway on the same linux machine that runs their BBS. It just depends on what you want to
do.
BTW, most hams sign their emails using their call sign.
Michael N6MEF
44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
Hey Devin, where in Florida? I usually have the same issue and I'm in the Palm Beach area.
On 9/15/17 9:51 AM, devin davison wrote:
KM4BOE. Located in Florida.
I'm in Tampa Bay. You may be interested in HamWAN Tampa Bay which is expanding as we have time and looking for talented people to join us.
I have a couple locations i can pick to set up at in Vero Beach Florida and Fort Pierce. I really appreciate the advice, definitely a step in the right direction. I will look into the HamWan, thanks. Its good to know there is something within the state already running. If anyone else nearby has more advice or similar interest send me mail and perhaps we can work together to get things connected.
On Fri, Sep 15, 2017 at 11:33 AM, Bryan Fields Bryan@bryanfields.net wrote:
On 9/15/17 9:51 AM, devin davison wrote:
KM4BOE. Located in Florida.
I'm in Tampa Bay. You may be interested in HamWAN Tampa Bay which is expanding as we have time and looking for talented people to join us.
-- Bryan Fields
727-409-1194 - Voice http://bryanfields.net _________________________________________ 44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
when I lived in Boca Raton had a PBBS and digipeater on 145.03. ALso tried to run jnos (?) back then but couldnt get much interest (80s-90s). I"m up in Eastern PA now and have reached out to multple folks to see whats happening here and never get a reply.
I'm sure the net/rom network is still in place (I'm ASSUMING) here on VHF and UHF ???
73 leon wa4zlw
On 9/15/2017 11:55 AM, devin davison wrote:
I have a couple locations i can pick to set up at in Vero Beach Florida and Fort Pierce. I really appreciate the advice, definitely a step in the right direction. I will look into the HamWan, thanks. Its good to know there is something within the state already running. If anyone else nearby has more advice or similar interest send me mail and perhaps we can work together to get things connected.
On Fri, Sep 15, 2017 at 11:33 AM, Bryan Fields Bryan@bryanfields.net wrote:
On 9/15/17 9:51 AM, devin davison wrote:
KM4BOE. Located in Florida.
I'm in Tampa Bay. You may be interested in HamWAN Tampa Bay which is expanding as we have time and looking for talented people to join us.
-- Bryan Fields
727-409-1194 - Voice http://bryanfields.net _________________________________________ 44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
--- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com
On 9/15/17 12:00 PM, Leon Zetekoff wrote:
when I lived in Boca Raton had a PBBS and digipeater on 145.03. ALso tried to run jnos (?) back then but couldnt get much interest (80s-90s). I"m up in Eastern PA now and have reached out to multple folks to see whats happening here and never get a reply.
I'm sure the net/rom network is still in place (I'm ASSUMING) here on VHF and UHF ???
It's mostly dead AFAIK. There was FADCA, but they are defunct. http://www.fcrosby.com/fadca/
The Florida Repeater Council (FRC) was working with them about 10-15 years ago, but the FRC demanded to be the arbitrator of all things packet radio. This caused a split. Recently the FRC board was censured and removed by the members for cause, and things are moving along at the FRC.
I've been elected as an interim director of the FRC and our board is tasked with outreach and reforming coordination in the state of Florida. If you or anyone you know is doing packet radio, I'd love to get them involved for band planing.
73's
I am very much a beginner but would be happy to collaborate with others to get things running in an orderly manner.
I have a couple friends, while not quite as interested in radio and computer gear as I am, have expressed some interest in running stations as well, and might be able to set up some more stations around town.
--Devin D.
On Fri, Sep 15, 2017 at 12:31 PM, Bryan Fields Bryan@bryanfields.net wrote:
On 9/15/17 12:00 PM, Leon Zetekoff wrote:
when I lived in Boca Raton had a PBBS and digipeater on 145.03. ALso tried to run jnos (?) back then but couldnt get much interest (80s-90s). I"m up in Eastern PA now and have reached out to multple folks to see whats happening here and never get a reply.
I'm sure the net/rom network is still in place (I'm ASSUMING) here on VHF and UHF ???
It's mostly dead AFAIK. There was FADCA, but they are defunct. http://www.fcrosby.com/fadca/
The Florida Repeater Council (FRC) was working with them about 10-15 years ago, but the FRC demanded to be the arbitrator of all things packet radio. This caused a split. Recently the FRC board was censured and removed by the members for cause, and things are moving along at the FRC.
I've been elected as an interim director of the FRC and our board is tasked with outreach and reforming coordination in the state of Florida. If you or anyone you know is doing packet radio, I'd love to get them involved for band planing.
73's
Bryan Fields
727-409-1194 - Voice http://bryanfields.net _________________________________________ 44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
On 9/15/17 9:31 AM, Bryan Fields wrote:
I've been elected as an interim director of the FRC and our board is tasked with outreach and reforming coordination in the state of Florida. If you or anyone you know is doing packet radio, I'd love to get them involved for band planing.
My old ares/races group in Lee County (http://www.aresraces-leecountyfl.org/) is active using a lot of WinLink2K on 2M for EOC/Shelter communications. The head of the group (at least as it was when I left FL in March) was Steve Smith, W9GPI (w9gpi@me.com).
Hey bryan....that url for fadca hasnt been updated since 2014 and the whats next URL is a 404 :-)
Well that doesnt surprise me. The FRC has always been that way IMHO. I put up a repeater in COral Springs (145.11/443.850) which is still going strong since 1991 under new trustees.
If the FRC board was censured and removed how can things be moving along? :-)
Keep in touch I'd like to be kept abreast of things and can pass things to my old repeater group as well
73 leon
On 9/15/2017 12:31 PM, Bryan Fields wrote:
On 9/15/17 12:00 PM, Leon Zetekoff wrote:
when I lived in Boca Raton had a PBBS and digipeater on 145.03. ALso tried to run jnos (?) back then but couldnt get much interest (80s-90s). I"m up in Eastern PA now and have reached out to multple folks to see whats happening here and never get a reply.
I'm sure the net/rom network is still in place (I'm ASSUMING) here on VHF and UHF ???
It's mostly dead AFAIK. There was FADCA, but they are defunct. http://www.fcrosby.com/fadca/
The Florida Repeater Council (FRC) was working with them about 10-15 years ago, but the FRC demanded to be the arbitrator of all things packet radio. This caused a split. Recently the FRC board was censured and removed by the members for cause, and things are moving along at the FRC.
I've been elected as an interim director of the FRC and our board is tasked with outreach and reforming coordination in the state of Florida. If you or anyone you know is doing packet radio, I'd love to get them involved for band planing.
73's
--- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com
Bryan, Eastnet is in Florida as well. All but one site in Orlando survived Irma from what I can see. We're doing multiple protocol routing including 802.11, works quite slick.
Not all sites are routing ip over rf yet but a couple of them are. If you need to sync up with me let me know as I'm the president of EastNet. --- Pardon my brevity, I'm on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Sent via the axMail-FAX suite.
On September 15, 2017 1:34:34 PM Bryan Fields Bryan@bryanfields.net wrote:
On 9/15/17 12:00 PM, Leon Zetekoff wrote:
when I lived in Boca Raton had a PBBS and digipeater on 145.03. ALso tried to run jnos (?) back then but couldnt get much interest (80s-90s). I"m up in Eastern PA now and have reached out to multple folks to see whats happening here and never get a reply.
I'm sure the net/rom network is still in place (I'm ASSUMING) here on VHF and UHF ???
It's mostly dead AFAIK. There was FADCA, but they are defunct. http://www.fcrosby.com/fadca/
The Florida Repeater Council (FRC) was working with them about 10-15 years ago, but the FRC demanded to be the arbitrator of all things packet radio. This caused a split. Recently the FRC board was censured and removed by the members for cause, and things are moving along at the FRC.
I've been elected as an interim director of the FRC and our board is tasked with outreach and reforming coordination in the state of Florida. If you or anyone you know is doing packet radio, I'd love to get them involved for band planing.
73's
Bryan Fields
727-409-1194 - Voice http://bryanfields.net _________________________________________ 44Net mailing list 44Net@hamradio.ucsd.edu http://hamradio.ucsd.edu/mailman/listinfo/44net
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
-
Bill Horne -
Brian -
Bryan Fields -
Charles J. Hargrove -
devin davison -
James Sharp -
Leon Zetekoff -
Michael Fox - N6MEF -
Miguel Rodriguez