Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
On Tue, May 2, 2023 at 08:26 AM, W8IJC wrote:
I really don't know how to use the filters on the 891 apart from the notch filter.
I'll send you a personal email about this one, Andrew. VARA tends to wipe out 40m packet but 20m is pretty great during the day.? RTTY contests also wipe out our little packet frequency notch.? Some people have been using a frequency on 30m with good success. Joshua
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
I haven¡¯t been active lately, but I mostly run 20 watts on packet. It¡¯s worked pretty well.?
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
The frequency is active depending on the time of day (conditions) and I'm assuming most people work during the day and the retired hams are visiting their grandkids. LOL.? The frequency is more active during the weekend. Also, there was a flurry of activity for the Worldwide HF Packet Contest in February that you missed. Next on in the Fall. Date TBA
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Feel free to visit
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Enjoy!
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73 de Prof. Chris Lance
Moderator
Radio Station Manager
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation
¡°Making Packet Great Again!¡±
ARRL Life Member VOTA
On 05/02/2023 10:26 AM EDT W8IJC <andrewhamop@...> wrote:
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Hi Joshua,
Yeah, I from what I've seen it's 90% automated beacons and mailboxes, 5% weather stations, and maybe 5% actual users. Still, certainly a lot better than I thought packet on HF was.
As I (and many other people) are fond of saying, life's too short for QRP. Sure when you can work somebody at 5 watts that's pretty neat, but for a mode like packet it's basically just more complicated SSB in terms of signal resilience. I'll definitely look at setting my filters specifically for packet, although I really don't know how to use the filters on the 891 apart from the notch filter. It's very strange how Yaesu decided to set them up, but at least it's a better situation than the poor 857.
Yeah, I'm thinking for the most part sound modem is superior. Nevertheless I still want to try my 1278 at some point. If for no other reason than to satisfy my curiosity as to how well it worked back in the day.
73,
Andrew W8IJC
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
Hi Joshua,
Yeah, I from what I've seen it's 90% automated beacons and mailboxes, 5% weather stations, and maybe 5% actual users. Still, certainly a lot better than I thought packet on HF was.
As I (and many other people) are fond of saying, life's too short for QRP. Sure when you can work somebody at 5 watts that's pretty neat, but for a mode like packet it's basically just more complicated SSB in terms of signal resilience. I'll definitely look at setting my filters specifically for packet, although I really don't know how to use the filters on the 891 apart from the notch filter. It's very strange how Yaesu decided to set them up, but at least it's a better situation than the poor 857.
Yeah, I'm thinking for the most part sound modem is superior. Nevertheless I still want to try my 1278 at some point. If for no other reason than to satisfy my curiosity as to how well it worked back in the day.
73,
Andrew W8IJC
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 11:53 AM, W8IJC wrote:
Is there still much activity on HF packet? I noticed lots of automated beacons today on 105, but the few stations that could hear me were seemingly flaky and wouldn't reliably respond to me. I haven't seen anything besides beacons yet.
There is still quite a bit of activity but from what I've seen, it's mostly leaving mail, not really live chat stuff.? You're more likely to drop a letter in someone's mailbox than to run into them while they are at their mailbox, if you get the metaphor.?? I found that HF packet loves 100 watts... or more if you can do so reliably.? I tried a 5w station and it was just sad.? The antenna and power matters a lot since this isn't really a weak signal mode.? If you can hear but not be heard well, you're at least half way there!? Tickle the ALC on your 891, if you're using SSB rather than the DATA mode, turn off EQ and compressor.? I also run a filter centered on 1700hz about 400hz wide.?? And to your original question.... I had an MJF TNC2 that I ended up selling before trying on HF.? I also have a Nino TNC that does 300b AX.25 but I haven't tried it on HF.? I've stuck to sound modems as they have multiple decoders so frequency accuracy isn't as important and they do forward error correction (FEC). Have fun! Joshua
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
AX.25 over Bell 103 (or whatever it is) is very sensitive to phase distortion and the only reason we are hear is to torture ourselves with insanely flakey/slow links.? It is a kind of Buddhist practice of a metaphor for life ¡ª especially if you have adult children in your home.? On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 10:53 AM Christopher Maness via <christopher.maness= [email protected]> wrote:
Those old MFJ¡¯s are tanks.? I have been having fun with trying out different firmware in mine as they are TAPR TNC2 clones. Yeah, I figured as much. Though for me it's not really the effectiveness that matters, I just like getting old hardware on the air. The 1278 has been very reliable on 2 meters for APRS, so I wondered how it would stack up against the likes of Kantronics or the other '90s TNCs still in use.
I'll definitely look at the settings you suggested.
Thanks,
Chris Maness
-Sent from my iPhone
-- Thanks,
Chris Maness
-Sent from my iPhone
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
What interesting stuff can you do with aftermarket firmware?
I bought the latest firmware ROMs for my 2 TNCs from a gentleman on eBay, but I don't have any chips nor an EPROM programmer. I also have my 1274 that's in rough shape, but works great nonetheless with upgraded RAM too.
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
Those old MFJ¡¯s are tanks.? I have been having fun with trying out different firmware in mine as they are TAPR TNC2 clones.
Yeah, I figured as much. Though for me it's not really the effectiveness that matters, I just like getting old hardware on the air. The 1278 has been very reliable on 2 meters for APRS, so I wondered how it would stack up against the likes of Kantronics or the other '90s TNCs still in use.
I'll definitely look at the settings you suggested.
-- Thanks,
Chris Maness
-Sent from my iPhone
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
Yeah, I'm thinking once I get some time today I'll go through everything again and double check my soldering.
Is there still much activity on HF packet? I noticed lots of automated beacons today on 105, but the few stations that could hear me were seemingly flaky and wouldn't reliably respond to me. I haven't seen anything besides beacons yet.
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
Yeah, I figured as much. Though for me it's not really the effectiveness that matters, I just like getting old hardware on the air. The 1278 has been very reliable on 2 meters for APRS, so I wondered how it would stack up against the likes of Kantronics or the other '90s TNCs still in use.
I'll definitely look at the settings you suggested.
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
There are some advantages to HW TNC¡¯s if the signal is loud and strong.? For one, it is easier to get a serial port to work reliably in a virtual computer than sound.? Try using ferrite cores on all cables going in and out.? I the audio side of the circuit check electrolytic caps if the audio output is low.? I would also suspect a flakey connection in a connector via bad solder joint or oxidation in the jack.? I would check Thor broken things first before adding cores.? I have never needed them on TNC¡¯s, but frequently need ti on USB stuff since I am on a small lot and run 80m low and over my roof.? Never an issue with RS232 or audio connections.? They should be well isolated.
On Mon, May 1, 2023 at 10:13 AM KT4WO - Trip < kt4wo67@...> wrote: "using SoundModem + EasyTerm, which to be honest is probably a better solution and will be able to decode packets more reliably."
It is REALLY much better. I say that with 3 or 4 TNC's getting dusty on shelf inc. a 1278.
KT4WO
PS--- be sure to enable FX.25 on RX AND TX in UZ7HO. It also really helps.
-- Thanks,
Chris Maness
-Sent from my iPhone
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Re: Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
"using SoundModem + EasyTerm, which to be honest is probably a better solution and will be able to decode packets more reliably."
It is REALLY much better. I say that with 3 or 4 TNC's getting dusty on shelf inc. a 1278.
KT4WO
PS--- be sure to enable FX.25 on RX AND TX in UZ7HO. It also really helps.
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Getting my MFJ-1278 back on the air, any suggestions?
Hello all, Andrew W8IJC here...
Recently I discovered the packet activity on 14.105 and wanted to join in the fun, so I grabbed my spare 5 pin MIDI cable and was in the process of making an interface cable for my FT-891 to my MFJ-1278. Now I use the 1278 all the time on 2m in KISS mode in conjunction with my Raspberry Pi 4 as an APRS digi and iGate, so I figured it would be as simple as connecting my 891 to port #2 on the TNC and setting the mode to HP (HF packet).
Sadly it seems the 1278 wasn't planning to cooperate. After doing some testing I've discovered that not only is the 1278 highly?susceptible to some sort of RF / Audio feedback when my 891 is driven to over 5W, but also the 1278 barely puts out enough audio to drive my 891 at all...
I've resorted to using SoundModem + EasyTerm, which to be honest is probably a better solution and will be able to decode packets more reliably. But dang it if I don't wanna try anyway!
Any suggestions or helpful comments are appreciated! 73 de W8IJC
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Re: The First FlexNet32 Node in the USA is Up and Running
Hi Gary,
After reviewing your last post, it is evident that you were running PC/Flexnet in a DOSBox - or similar - on a Linux machine. EastNet Packet Network members have been running this type of configuration with LinFBB and/or with N1URO Node for quite some time as well.
Note: There is a difference between PC/FlexNet and FlexNet32, the later being the most recent revision and running solely on a PC machine - without any help from Linux :-)
Therefore, I stand by my statement as being the first in the United States to run a FlexNet32 Node.
73
Prof. Chris Lance
ww2bsa.org
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Re: The First FlexNet32 Node in the USA is Up and Running
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the correction. Please elaborate on the setup? Are you using VirtualBox or QEMU? Or?...
Once the virtual drive is setup in Linux, which operating system are you using? Any particular version of Flexnet?
Knowing the type of hardware would help: computer? Using PacComm or MFJ-1270x with 6PACK?
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I just had a ham ask about this the other day, so your details will be helpful to him Tnx.
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73 de Chris ww2bsa
On 04/09/2023 10:08 AM EDT Gary - K7EK via groups.io <gary.k7ek@...> wrote:
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I disagree. I and many others in the United States have operated FLEXNET32 for years, under linux. FLEXNET32 is not new to the USA or North America.
Best regards,
Gary, K7EK
Get
On Apr 9, 2023, at 05:42, Chris Lance WW2BSA < ww2bsa@...> wrote:
For the enjoyment of the amateur radio packet community, I am pleased to announce the return of the Schooley Mountain NJ FlexNet Node. The node is an upgrade from an earlier DOS version to Windows. It is the first ever FlexNet32 Node to be put into service in the United States.
The user port is WW2BSA-1 on 145.010 and can be accessed via the CMLBK node as well as others in the area. Backbone ports WW2BSA-2 on 223.680 and WW2BSA-3 on 223.480. There is room for expansion. 6 and 10 meter ports are in the works. An additional 220 and/or UHF port is doable as well. New single, dual, tri-band and yagi beam antennas as well as new coax have been installed. Links and Routing tables still need to be updated. I'd like to experiment to see if the features the FlexNet offers can be advantageous to Network105. An HF port is in the works.
I have connected to the node externally multiple times on the bench and now in the field. Connections are working nicely. A report of the project is near completion and will be distributed this month. ?
Packet radio about to get a bit more interesting!
Prof. Chris Lance
www.ww2bsa.org
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Re: The First FlexNet32 Node in the USA is Up and Running
Hi Chris M.,
I don't have experience with that type of setup but I do have documentation in that. Maybe someone in the group can get you info.
Chris Lance ww2bsa
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I was just going to start playing with FlexNet. However, I am running
everything in DOSBox-X, because they had all the cool toys in the late
90's. I am running WinFBB. Now THAT! is a BBS :D So was wanting to
add a FlexNet switch. I am wondering what soundcard modem supports
DAMA/6PACK.
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-Chris KQ6UP
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On Sun, Apr 9, 2023 at 7:08?AM Gary - K7EK via groups.io
>
I disagree. I and many others in the United States have operated FLEXNET32 for years, under linux. FLEXNET32 is not new to the USA or North America.
Best regards,
Gary, K7EK
>
Get BlueMail for Android
On Apr 9, 2023, at 05:42, Chris Lance WW2BSA < ww2bsa@...> wrote:
>
>> For the enjoyment of the amateur radio packet community, I am pleased to announce the return of the Schooley Mountain NJ FlexNet Node. The node is an upgrade from an earlier DOS version to Windows. It is the first ever FlexNet32 Node to be put into service in the United States.
>>
>> The user port is WW2BSA-1 on 145.010 and can be accessed via the CMLBK node as well as others in the area. Backbone ports WW2BSA-2 on 223.680 and WW2BSA-3 on 223.480. There is room for expansion. 6 and 10 meter ports are in the works. An additional 220 and/or UHF port is doable as well. New single, dual, tri-band and yagi beam antennas as well as new coax have been installed. Links and Routing tables still need to be updated. I'd like to experiment to see if the features the FlexNet offers can be advantageous to Network105. An HF port is in the works.
>>
>>
>> I have connected to the node externally multiple times on the bench and now in the field. Connections are working nicely. A report of the project is near completion and will be distributed this month.
>>
>>
>> Packet radio about to get a bit more interesting!
>>
>> Prof. Chris Lance
>> www.ww2bsa.org
>
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--
Thanks,
Chris Maness
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Re: The First FlexNet32 Node in the USA is Up and Running
I was just going to start playing with FlexNet. However, I am running everything in DOSBox-X, because they had all the cool toys in the late 90's. I am running WinFBB. Now THAT! is a BBS :D So was wanting to add a FlexNet switch. I am wondering what soundcard modem supports DAMA/6PACK. -Chris KQ6UP On Sun, Apr 9, 2023 at 7:08?AM Gary - K7EK via groups.io <gary.k7ek@...> wrote:
I disagree. I and many others in the United States have operated FLEXNET32 for years, under linux. FLEXNET32 is not new to the USA or North America.
Best regards,
Gary, K7EK
Get BlueMail for Android
On Apr 9, 2023, at 05:42, Chris Lance WW2BSA <ww2bsa@...> wrote:
For the enjoyment of the amateur radio packet community, I am pleased to announce the return of the Schooley Mountain NJ FlexNet Node. The node is an upgrade from an earlier DOS version to Windows. It is the first ever FlexNet32 Node to be put into service in the United States.
The user port is WW2BSA-1 on 145.010 and can be accessed via the CMLBK node as well as others in the area. Backbone ports WW2BSA-2 on 223.680 and WW2BSA-3 on 223.480. There is room for expansion. 6 and 10 meter ports are in the works. An additional 220 and/or UHF port is doable as well. New single, dual, tri-band and yagi beam antennas as well as new coax have been installed. Links and Routing tables still need to be updated. I'd like to experiment to see if the features the FlexNet offers can be advantageous to Network105. An HF port is in the works.
I have connected to the node externally multiple times on the bench and now in the field. Connections are working nicely. A report of the project is near completion and will be distributed this month.
Packet radio about to get a bit more interesting!
Prof. Chris Lance
www.ww2bsa.org
-- Thanks, Chris Maness
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Re: The First FlexNet32 Node in the USA is Up and Running
I disagree. I and many others in the United States have operated FLEXNET32 for years, under linux. FLEXNET32 is not new to the USA or North America.
Best regards,
Gary, K7EK
Get
On Apr 9, 2023, at 05:42, Chris Lance WW2BSA < ww2bsa@...> wrote:
For the enjoyment of the amateur radio packet community, I am pleased to announce the return of the Schooley Mountain NJ FlexNet Node. The node is an upgrade from an earlier DOS version to Windows. It is the first ever FlexNet32 Node to be put into service in the United States.
The user port is WW2BSA-1 on 145.010 and can be accessed via the CMLBK node as well as others in the area. Backbone ports WW2BSA-2 on 223.680 and WW2BSA-3 on 223.480. There is room for expansion. 6 and 10 meter ports are in the works. An additional 220 and/or UHF port is doable as well. New single, dual, tri-band and yagi beam antennas as well as new coax have been installed. Links and Routing tables still need to be updated. I'd like to experiment to see if the features the FlexNet offers can be advantageous to Network105. An HF port is in the works.
I have connected to the node externally multiple times on the bench and now in the field. Connections are working nicely. A report of the project is near completion and will be distributed this month. ?
Packet radio about to get a bit more interesting!
Prof. Chris Lance
www.ww2bsa.org
|
The First FlexNet32 Node in the USA is Up and Running
For the enjoyment of the amateur radio packet community, I am pleased to announce the return of the Schooley Mountain NJ FlexNet Node. The node is an upgrade from an earlier DOS version to Windows. It is the first ever FlexNet32 Node to be put into service in the United States.
The user port is WW2BSA-1 on 145.010 and can be accessed via the CMLBK node as well as others in the area. Backbone ports WW2BSA-2 on 223.680 and WW2BSA-3 on 223.480. There is room for expansion. 6 and 10 meter ports are in the works. An additional 220 and/or UHF port is doable as well. New single, dual, tri-band and yagi beam antennas as well as new coax have been installed. Links and Routing tables still need to be updated. I'd like to experiment to see if the features the FlexNet offers can be advantageous to Network105. An HF port is in the works.
I have connected to the node externally multiple times on the bench and now in the field. Connections are working nicely. A report of the project is near completion and will be distributed this month. ?
Packet radio about to get a bit more interesting!
Prof. Chris Lance
www.ww2bsa.org
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Announcement: Network105 HF Packet Contest Winner
The Hackettstown Center for the Arts ARS, sponsor of the first ever Network105 HF Packet Contest, is proud to announce that Robert Sismanyan, VE2HAR, captured 1st Place! The turn out was better than expected and we look forward to the next contest on February 2-4, 2024. ~
73 de Prof. Chris Lance, WW2BSA, Artistic Director.
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Joshua KJ7LVZ
Chris Lance WW2BSA
W8IJC