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.