Msg: 1876 *Conference*

03-09-92 09:38:38

From: HOWARD PLETCHER

To : JOE STEPHAN

Subj: PACKET RADIO

Saw your question to Steve Bart and will throw in my 2 cents worth. Packet
radio is essentially phone-line BBSing via radio waves.  The modem, called a
TNC--Terminal Node Controller contains the smarts that break your message into
packets of up to 255 characters in length--hence the name--and route them to
the designated station, waiting for an acknowledgement of receipt before moving
on to the next packet.  It also understands and identifies itself and other
TNC's by the amateur call sign.  Additionally, each TNC can be a repeater
station to relay packets on to a distant TNC--called digipeating.  Finally,
many TNC's have built in mail-box software so that you can leave just your TNC
and radio turned on, come home and plug in your M-100 and retrieve any messages
that were left for you. BBS's that serve as a distribution point for bulletins
that are distributed nationally by any ham--there are around 100-150 of these a
day at this time--and provide an automatic forwarding system from one BBS to
another are a major part of the packet radio system.  Most activity takes place
on the 2-meter band, with some localities also using the 220 and 440 Mhz bands.
Be glad to answer any specific questions you may have.