[ARRL-OK] Packet radio

Mon, 19 May 2003 16:30:56 +0000

One more side note on this matter, I still use the call/ID
(K2GKK-5) of the BBS that I used to run as the tag on
my travel trailer, just for old times' sake.

73  ---  Mac, K2GKK/5

----Original Message Follows----
From: "Terry R. Hackworth" <[email protected]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [ARRL-OK] Packet radio
Date: Mon, 19 May 2003 11:24:33 -0500

Hi Kim and other interested packet opps,

Mac said it rather well, and you and I discussed this topic one time in the
past.  Another issue resulting in a demise of the network was the purchase
of most of the tower sites in Oklahoma by out of state operators.  They
inturn raised the tower lease fees to astonishing levels, ask non-payers to
leave, etc.  The company I worked for maintaining paging transmitters has
left 3 or 4 sites due to these increases, with more to follow.

I have visited with some of the packet boys in Eastern Oklahoma and they say
it is dead over there also.  Recently the very large network in several
states, "TEXNET", ceased operation and disolved it's membership.  I have
donated over a 1,000 feet of 7/8" heliax to the effort and except for a 340
foot run I don't know where it is at anymore.  That goes for a few radios
and tnc's also, but heck they would just be stacked up with the rest of my
junk now.

My take is why battle retries, poor networks, and all the equipment
necessary to carry on keyboard to keyboard QSO's.  The need for BBS's and
the like have been swept up in the internet craze.  Same goes for the DX
Cluster's.  I still would like to put a cluster on the air, but I still
cannot get any boradband internet service in my area without indulging one
killobuck for satellite broadband, that I'm not willing to do.

So with Mac, Norm, and myself, and possibly a few others, most of the old
time packet proponents have move on to something else, moved out of the
area, or in some cases have unfortunately became SK's.  I do not forsee
packets return in this area of the country with one possible exception.
Should the government begin to charge fees for email, or something like
that, then I think packet might pop back up again.  Otherwise, it's 20 or so
year run will be over.

Just my thoughts.  Take care...

_______________________________________________
___________________Information __________________________
ARRL Oklahoma Section Manager - John Thomason, WB5SYT [email protected]
Oklahoma Section Web page http://members.cox.net/arrl-ok
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