|
Most of my attempts to using 300 baud AX.25 on 20m and 40m bands have been unsuccessful. That's just a personal observation. I know this stuff works just fine for a lot of other people. I'm probably just unfortunate in where I live (Utah) in relation to the main centers of packet activity in the US. But I'd like to know why people are still using AX.25 when there are more robust protocols like Vara and Robust Packet around. Is this because lots of packeteers are still using old hardware TNCs? Nostalgia? I managed to connect right away to a node in Utah using Vara (NS7K is on 7.0934 USB and runs BPQ32 to support a few different ports for Vara and PACTOR on HF and VHF AX.25). AX.25 on the other hand has been a dead loss for me. I'm not trying to be a smartass here. It just seems to me that the network would survive longer if more people were able to participate, which would be facilitated by using more robust modes.
|
For me it’s because:
a) it’s closed source, b) it isn’t free, and c) it doesn’t natively run on Linux
James C. Richardson, GSEC | HAM: WV8JCR
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 4:28 PM David, K7DMJ < davdj0nsn@...> wrote: Most of my attempts to using 300 baud AX.25 on 20m and 40m bands have been unsuccessful. That's just a personal observation. I know this stuff works just fine for a lot of other people. I'm probably just unfortunate in where I live (Utah) in relation to the main centers of packet activity in the US. But I'd like to know why people are still using AX.25 when there are more robust protocols like Vara and Robust Packet around. Is this because lots of packeteers are still using old hardware TNCs? Nostalgia? I managed to connect right away to a node in Utah using Vara (NS7K is on 7.0934 USB and runs BPQ32 to support a few different ports for Vara and PACTOR on HF and VHF AX.25). AX.25 on the other hand has been a dead loss for me. I'm not trying to be a smartass here. It just seems to me that the network would survive longer if more people were able to participate, which would be facilitated by using more robust modes.
|
VARA rocks.? We switched from 300bd ax.25 over to VARA HF for a 24/7 180-mile BPQ backbone link, and never looked back.? The difference is amazing.? Even when propagation was good, there were just too many retries with 300bd ax.25, not to mention it's a lot slower moving data, compared to VARA HF which at times exceeds even 1200bd speed.? One advantage though of ax.25 is that it allows multiple simultaneous connections, unlike VARA which allows only one.? Doesn't matter in my case, since VARA is strictly for a backbone link between two nodes.
|
Hi David,
?
Here is another map of AX.25 activity I maintain out of love for packet. This one is for North America:
With over 110,000 views in the last couple of years, I'd say there is a viable interest and resurgence in AX.25 packet.
You bring up some great questions. Packet has three great advantages over other digital modes: transparency,?error correction, and?automatic control. It is one of the first digital modes,?very easy to set up, variants of hardware and software are readily accessible, and makes a great "gateway mode" for beginners into other digital modes - and yes - it is nostalgic!
It's amazing how many VARA, IL2P and FX.25 advocates constantly feel they have to tell me that their modes are faster and better than AX.25. These "Jehovah Witnesses of Digital Modes" are absolutely correct! No argument from me. I applaud their inventors and innovations. These modes were not available to amateurs when AX.25 packet first came out. And now they are. Not the point though. Telling a packeteer to switch to VARA (which isn't even packet) because it's faster is like telling a CW operator to switch to voice because you can say more! LOL. My friend collects QSL cards for his wall. Should I tell him to collect eQSLs instead because it's cheaper? I think you see where I'm going with this...
As far as longevity, Network105 has been around since the 1980's and as long as there are TNCs, SoundCards and hams to operate them, I'm confident it will continue, just like slow-poke CW, RTTY, JS8Call, etc....
?
Building and maintaining networks are fun. I ran a very successful packet contest in February. I will be doing that again with a few things other packet events up my sleeve.
?
Stay tuned and have fun on packet and/or any digital mode that pleases you!
?
Radio Station Manager
Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation
"Keeping Packet Great!"
ARRL Life Member VOTA
?
?
?
On 09/06/2023 4:28 PM EDT David, K7DMJ <davdj0nsn@...> wrote:
?
?
Most of my attempts to using 300 baud AX.25 on 20m and 40m bands have been unsuccessful. That's just a personal observation. I know this stuff works just fine for a lot of other people. I'm probably just unfortunate in where I live (Utah) in relation to the main centers of packet activity in the US. But I'd like to know why people are still using AX.25 when there are more robust protocols like Vara and Robust Packet around. Is this because lots of packeteers are still using old hardware TNCs? Nostalgia? I managed to connect right away to a node in Utah using Vara (NS7K is on 7.0934 USB and runs BPQ32 to support a few different ports for Vara and PACTOR on HF and VHF AX.25). AX.25 on the other hand has been a dead loss for me. I'm not trying to be a smartass here. It just seems to me that the network would survive longer if more people were able to participate, which would be facilitated by using more robust modes.
|
Have you got VARA networked in at both ends? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 6, 2023, at 4:58 PM, Jeff KP3FT via groups.io <kp3ft@...> wrote:
?VARA rocks.? We switched from 300bd ax.25 over to VARA HF for a 24/7 180-mile BPQ backbone link, and never looked back.? The difference is amazing.? Even when propagation was good, there were just too many retries with 300bd ax.25, not to mention it's a lot slower moving data, compared to VARA HF which at times exceeds even 1200bd speed.? One advantage though of ax.25 is that it allows multiple simultaneous connections, unlike VARA which allows only one.? Doesn't matter in my case, since VARA is strictly for a backbone link between two nodes.
|
Jeff nailed it for me…? packet supports multiple simultaneous connections.? My node uses AX.25 for user ports on both HF and VHF.? I use VARA HF for forwarding on both HF and 6M for just the reason you outlined… it is much faster.? If VARA supported simultaneous connections with the ease of AX.25, I might consider implementing that… but until then, it’s AX.25 for me.? There is also a nostalgia element for me as a “packeteer” and sysop from the 90’s, I really happen to like it. ? 73, ? Matt, WE1H ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of David, K7DMJ Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 4:29 PM To: [email protected]Subject: [network105] why do people persist with AX.25 when more robust modes now exist? ? Most of my attempts to using 300 baud AX.25 on 20m and 40m bands have been unsuccessful. That's just a personal observation. I know this stuff works just fine for a lot of other people. I'm probably just unfortunate in where I live (Utah) in relation to the main centers of packet activity in the US. But I'd like to know why people are still using AX.25 when there are more robust protocols like Vara and Robust Packet around. Is this because lots of packeteers are still using old hardware TNCs? Nostalgia? I managed to connect right away to a node in Utah using Vara (NS7K is on 7.0934 USB and runs BPQ32 to support a few different ports for Vara and PACTOR on HF and VHF AX.25). AX.25 on the other hand has been a dead loss for me. I'm not trying to be a smartass here. It just seems to me that the network would survive longer if more people were able to participate, which would be facilitated by using more robust modes.
|
David,
Couldn’t you say the same of CW or RTTY or PSK31, or a dozen others modes.
I agree, there are more robust modes now and better suited for the quick QSOs many enjoy now, but what other mode lets you connect and leave a msg to a friend that can be read at their leisure? Then responded too when they choose? I think the sound card modes are great, cheap, robust, etc. but the thing about packet is the network, that is available 24/7/365. I too have no one within VHF range to talk too on packet, that is one reason I’m building a node/bbs and looking for other apps that will help build local interest and expand the local network again. HF packet can be slow and at times frustrating when band conditions make connections hard, but isn’t that one of the things that also makes HF fun? Don’t give up so easily, persistence is a virtue and does seem to help with packet. Talk to other local hams about packet, see if you can find others to put up a station again.
73
Jim KI0BK
|
Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
|
Mostly what? "James C. Richardson, GSEC | HAM: WV8JCR"? said.
(and many other replys)
I run ALOT of digi modes and have for 30+ years.
I love Olivia, Contesa and ALE400.
Right now I am a "alpha" tester for FREEDATA.??
https://github.com/DJ2LS/FreeDATA
A new software that
uses CODEC2 to send fast data. It is FOSS and runs on Mac/Win/Linux.
Maybe one day it will get near the speed of VARA and can be used
in links like backbones but will not replace AX.25
Trip - KT4WO
|
Very true Jeff. VARA is great for backbones.
Thankfully, there aren't any on Network105.
Prof. Chris Lance www.ww2bsa.org www.EastNetPacket.com www.Network105.org Radio Station Manager Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation ARRL Life Member
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message -------- From: "Jeff KP3FT via groups.io" <kp3ft@...> Date: 9/6/23 4:58 PM (GMT-05:00) Subject: Re: [network105] why do people persist with AX.25 when more robust modes now exist?
VARA rocks.? We switched from 300bd ax.25 over to VARA HF for a 24/7 180-mile BPQ backbone link, and never looked back.? The difference is amazing.? Even when propagation was good, there were just too many retries with 300bd ax.25, not to mention it's a lot slower moving data, compared to VARA HF which at times exceeds even 1200bd speed.? One advantage though of ax.25 is that it allows multiple simultaneous connections, unlike VARA which allows only one.? Doesn't matter in my case, since VARA is strictly for a backbone link between two nodes.
|
Sweet! ?Thanks Jeff. ?Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ? Tadd --- Sent from Planet X
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Sep 6, 2023, at 5:49 PM, Jeff KP3FT via groups.io <kp3ft@...> wrote:
?Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
|
Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore... Garry P. Cramins (505) 340-9093
Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ? Tadd --- Sent from Planet X ?Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
|
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool!
How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it.
?
VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL!
?
Chris Lance
ww2bsa
On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote:
?
?
Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore...
Garry P. Cramins
(505) 340-9093
Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ?
Tadd --- Sent from Planet X
Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
?
?
|
The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
73 N3LBP?
Get
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool!
How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it.
?
VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL!
?
Chris Lance
ww2bsa
On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote:
?
?
Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore...
Garry P. Cramins
(505) 340-9093
Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ?
Tadd --- Sent from Planet X
Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link
is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.?
The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the
particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year,
no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
?
?
|
I have no choice but to give up on AX.25 since I cannot decode ANY packets in my location on most days, based on several attempts. I’m not decoding any beacons. They should be coming out of most stations about every 10 minutes or so, right? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Amateur radio operator CHUCK Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 5:49 PM To: [email protected]; Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> Subject: Re: [network105] why do people persist with AX.25 when more robust modes now exist? ? The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool! How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it. VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL! On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote: Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore... ? Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ? Tadd --- Sent from Planet X Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
? ?
|
Hmmm....Do you have a high noise level?
Refresh our memories: what is your setup? Hardware? Software? Antenna?
What is the dial frequency you're setting your radio to?
?
I know you said you're in Utah and not much out there, but have you made any connections on UHF/VHF with or without your existing equipment?
?
Yes, David. The beacons are plentiful. You can see all the beacons on Facebook Group Network105 where James and others post alot. Click
?
Chris
ww2bsa
?
On 09/06/2023 8:35 PM EDT David, K7DMJ <davdj0nsn@...> wrote:
?
?
I have no choice but to give up on AX.25 since I cannot decode ANY packets in my location on most days, based on several attempts. I’m not decoding any beacons. They should be coming out of most stations about every 10 minutes or so, right?
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Amateur radio operator CHUCK
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 5:49 PM
To: [email protected]; Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...>
Subject: Re: [network105] why do people persist with AX.25 when more robust modes now exist?
?
The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool!
How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it.
VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL!
On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote:
Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore...
?
Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ?
Tadd --- Sent from Planet X
Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
?
?
|
Ax. 25 is thriving I am going to see and do the best I can to help make it grow agsin.?
73 N3LBP?
Get
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hmmm....Do you have a high noise level?
Refresh our memories: what is your setup? Hardware? Software? Antenna?
What is the dial frequency you're setting your radio to?
?
I know you said you're in Utah and not much out there, but have you made
any connections on UHF/VHF with or without your existing equipment?
?
Yes, David. The beacons are plentiful. You can see all the beacons on Facebook Group Network105 where James and others post alot. Click
?
Chris
ww2bsa
?
On 09/06/2023 8:35 PM EDT David, K7DMJ <davdj0nsn@...> wrote:
?
?
I have no choice but to give up on AX.25 since I cannot decode ANY packets in my location on most days, based on several attempts. I’m not decoding any beacons. They should be coming out of most stations about every 10 minutes or so,
right?
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Amateur radio operator CHUCK
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 5:49 PM
To: [email protected]; Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...>
Subject: Re: [network105] why do people persist with AX.25 when more robust modes now exist?
?
The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool!
How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it.
VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL!
On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote:
Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore...
?
Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ?
Tadd --- Sent from Planet X
Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link
is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.?
The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the
particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year,
no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
?
?
|
I suspect this is more of an antenna problem, or possibly with your TNC (software?). I was up and running in short order with an end fed and a Kam XL...
What is your setup?
Garry (AE5HL)
I have no choice but to give up on AX.25 since I cannot decode ANY packets in my location on most days, based on several attempts. I’m not decoding any beacons. They should be coming out of most stations about every 10 minutes or so, right? ? ? ? The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool! How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it. VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL! On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote: Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore... ? Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ? Tadd --- Sent from Planet X Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
? ?
|
Hi David,
In case this helps, these are the things that commonly trip me up and frustrate me: - Wrong sound card and/or mic device selected - Wrong baud rate, I forgot to switch between 300 and 1200 when changing from HF to VHF or vice versa - Wrong sideband on HF, where packet is LSB, regardless of band - Filter on the radio is wrong, noise filtering is enabled or dynamic notch filter left on (I use it often to tune out the tune-ups on SSB voice) - Rear output on the radio isn't enabled for digital mode or I hit LSB and not LSB-D for digital work. Sometimes when I flash channels to the radio that config gets poached on the FT-991a. - Bandwidth not set correctly? - I bumped the dial or RIT knob, forgot to lock the dial - I was experimenting with another TNC or radio and forgot to change the COM port or IP back - Right station, wrong frequency? - Center frequency got changed on the SoundModem software?
I've done it all, in my few years with a radio. I'm a professional newb, an amateur. LOL
I hope you find this helpful, Brad Brown, KC1JMH
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023, 9:01 PM Garry Cramins (AE5HL) < gpcramins@...> wrote: I suspect this is more of an antenna problem, or possibly with your TNC (software?). I was up and running in short order with an end fed and a Kam XL...
What is your setup?
Garry (AE5HL)
I have no choice but to give up on AX.25 since I cannot decode ANY packets in my location on most days, based on several attempts. I’m not decoding any beacons. They should be coming out of most stations about every 10 minutes or so, right? ? ? ? The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool! How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it. VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL! On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote: Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore... ? Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ? Tadd --- Sent from Planet X Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.? The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year, no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
? ?
|
Well put Chris retro computer collector here and yes I love packet even have the full set up for an Acorn BBC master to do it and rtty on a Sinclair zx spectrum 48k but my packet goto is a windows 3:1 running on a Vegan 486/SX25 using winpac.
Bbs is something that is a direction vara needs to develop into with a hope of removing those who think they are DXers on FT8 ....lol?
De John M0JFE??
"Ride the waves and make new friends
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Ax. 25 is thriving I am going to see and do the best I can to help make it grow agsin.?
73 N3LBP?
Get
Hmmm....Do you have a high noise level?
Refresh our memories: what is your setup? Hardware? Software? Antenna?
What is the dial frequency you're setting your radio to?
?
I know you said you're in Utah and not much out there, but have you made
any connections on UHF/VHF with or without your existing equipment?
?
Yes, David. The beacons are plentiful. You can see all the beacons on Facebook Group Network105 where James and others post alot. Click
?
Chris
ww2bsa
?
On 09/06/2023 8:35 PM EDT David, K7DMJ <davdj0nsn@...> wrote:
?
?
I have no choice but to give up on AX.25 since I cannot decode ANY packets in my location on most days, based on several attempts. I’m not decoding any beacons. They should be coming out of most stations about every 10 minutes or so,
right?
?
?
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Amateur radio operator CHUCK
Sent: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 5:49 PM
To: [email protected]; Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...>
Subject: Re: [network105] why do people persist with AX.25 when more robust modes now exist?
?
The new modes up and coming but ax.25 is thriving very ans growing slowly.? ? I would it give up on it is a great mode.? I am working on many plans for my bbs.?
LOL!!! A CW BBS would be cool!
How about this Garry: After 10 years of hunting, I acquired a copy of C64 RTTY MSO. I have the C64 computer, drive, monitor, AEA CP-1 and CP-100, cables and radios. Just have to test it.
VHF/HF RTTY BBS at 100 WPM (75 baud). But maybe I'll slow it down to 60 WPM (45.45 baud) just to piss off the VARA fanatics! LOL!
On 09/06/2023 7:33 PM EDT Garry Cramins (AE5HL) <gpcramins@...> wrote:
Because we are lazy, and we have equipment that works... And we've all seen what happens with "novelty".... I'd run a BBS on morse code if I could get away with it, just because and I don't care anymore...
?
Sweet!? Thanks Jeff.? Let’s see what Billy does with this info. ?
Tadd --- Sent from Planet X
Hi Tadd,
Yeah, the VARA port is one of my BPQ node's radio ports, with BPQ networked to an (X)Net node (Flexnet-compatible) on a Linux netbook.? (X)Net is linked via VHF to the local Eastnet (they use Flexnet) packet network here in upstate NY.? The VARA backbone link
is to N3MEL's FRNPA packet network in eastern PA who is also linked to the DEPN packet network in Delaware via I think UHF, or maybe they switched to a VARA backbone link, I can't remember.? No internet links involved, all RF which is what we're pushing for.?
The VARA link moves BBS mail between the NY and PA/DE networks 24/7.? For that purpose, it works very well, far beyond 300bd ax.25.? A disadvantage of VARA is that it's a Windows program.? It will run in Linux using WINE, which I had up and running, but the
particular Linux laptop I used for that must have awful shielding because I couldn't get ALC down to zero on HF no matter what audio settings I tried.? So for now, it's running on an old Win7 laptop, which amazingly has been running issue-free for over a year,
no reboots necessary.? VARA will run on Rapsberry's as well, but I've never tried it.? Glenn N3MEL has also added a couple more networks on the east coast using his VARA link, including night-time to Wisconsin.
?
?
|
David, K7DMJ
WV8JCR - James Richardson
Jeff KP3FT
Chris Lance WW2BSA
Tadd - KA2DEW
Bradley, KC1JMH