[FADCA] WL2K New release of TELPAC a bridge from Packet to WL2K Telnet servers

[Rick Muething]

Fellow packet hams,

As one contribution to a mission to help rejuvenate packet I have just
released the Beta version of a new Winlink 2000 program called TELPAC.

This is designed to replace the WL2K SMS which we have been experimenting
with for the past year. It does everything the SMS now does plus full BBS
interfacing to FBB compatible BBSs. This allows more powerful user client
programs like AirMail to access the full functions of WL2K (mixed radio and
email addresses, bulletins, file attachments, position reports, etc) where
SMS was strictly keyboard only. The keyboard commands are all still
supported by TELPAC.

The object is to expand packet activity by allowing very simple low cost
TELPAC nodes (minimal windows computer, TNC and packet radio) to tie
directly into WL2K Telnet Servers. This is somewhat like the very popular
IRLP or EchoLink now in use with VHF/UHF voice.

You can read about it and look at the install documentation at:
http://www.winlink.org/TelPac.htm

TO download the software go to this URL.  It is about 1.8 meg total with
documentation.
http://www.winlink.org/files/TelPAC/TelPAC.EXE

Setup is very easy...about 15 minutes even if you do read the instructions!
Since it was derived from SMSNode it is pretty well tested and mature for a
Beta release but of course there will still be problems and enhancements. I
have this working well now with my KPC3/DR1200 on 145.09 reachable by the
Melbourne switch.  I would appreciate your comments on it and if any of you
want to give it a try I will offer my help or answer questions.

73,

Rick Muething KN6KB
Winlink Development Team