[FADCA] We need help. (You knew it would come to that!)

[bud thompson]

Deltona
Wednesday Sept 17 1230E

It's me again...

How can you help move this "project" along?  Don't just sit there - do
something!

First, there are two related portions to the project that are moving along
in parallel  - you can help with one or the other, or both. Both need your
expertise.

A. Continuing to re-furbish/upgrade the Florida Layered Packet Network
B. Getting involved in Digital Messaging in support of EMCOMMs.

A1:  We need to get FADCA (re) incorporated as a not-for-profit organization
in the State of Florida.  This has been held up by ex treasurer Robert W.
Owens, AA4RU (Dade City) for more than three years now.  Robert will not
send me (the current FADCA treasurer) the old files or the more than $800 in
FADCA funds so I can re-apply with the state.  If there is anyone out there
who can apply pressure to Robert, it will be appreciated.  For over a year
now he has promised to send the stuff "next week".  I finally stopped
calling.  A registered letter two years ago did no good.  Robber's phone
number is (352) 567 3378.

    There is a lot going on in Ham Radio Emergency Communications
Preparation, some of which includes new sources of funding, donation of
equipment, etc.  It may not be necessary for FADCA to also have IRS 501 3(c)
status since there are other such groups that can funnel funds and used gear
for our projects, providing FADCA is registered as a not-for-profit group.

A2:  If you are the manager of a ROSE or FPAC LAN/switch that does not have
the details filled in on the Layered Network Map on the FADCA web site,
please send Free the information so he can update the map.  To check this
out, go to the map and check the left pane and be sure your switch is
listed, and check the details if so. If not, please contact Free W1NPR.  If
you don't have time, please get someone to help you.  When I show the map to
prospective users the most frequently asked question is: Why do some of the
green circles not have any information?  (The inference is we have more
coverage on the map than we have on the ground.)

A3: If your area does not have a 2m LAN - and there are some holes, we all
know that  - What can be done to get your area "connected" to the rest of
the network.  Here are some easy, then more involved ways:

    A3.1:  Put up a Telpac node - this will give anyone on packet who can
reach the node access to internet e-mail (WL2K)  A Telpac node requires a
computer with AGW Packet Engine and Telpac software (all freeware), a TNC, a
2M packet radio, and antenna.  An internet connection (full time or dial up)
is also required in the computer.  If you have the TNC, radio, and antenna
already working, it won't take an hour to make it a Telpac port.  THIS WILL
GET YOUR HAM RADIO COMMUNITY CONNECTED TO THE REST OF THE HAM RADIO
COMMUNITIES IN FLORIDA as well as the world via e-mail.

You can also use the same TNC, Radio, feed line, and antenna for Paclink, or
any other packet program which has been programmed with hooks for AGW PE, at
the same time!

    A3.2: Now establish a 2M LAN - this can be an FPAC switch, or if
necessary until you can establish an FPAC switch, use the existing SEDAN
node in your area.  Put the Telpac on the same frequency as your LAN or
SEDAN node so everyone in your LAN will have access to it and each other.
REMEMBER- The SEDAN network functions do not get you to the Florida Layered
Packet Network - you are just using the local SEDAN node on 145.77 for your
LAN.  DO NOT use the SEDAN network to send ham-to-e-mail messaging as SEDAN
does not permit BBS-to-BBS forwarding.

A4:  If your area has a defunct network switch - get hold of the manager(s)
and offer to help.  The quickest way to increase network coverage and
connectivity is to get the old ROSE/FPAC switches back on the air and
connected with their neighbors.

B. Getting involved in Digital Messaging in support of EMCOMMs

B1:  Learn how to use Airmail and then Paclink when it is announced ( Nov?).
FADCA folks are already packet savvy, and many of the newcomers to Digital
Messaging for EMCOMMs will not have had any digital experience.  These folks
will need a lot of help getting packet stations working and then configuring
AGW PE, Paclink and Outlook Express e-mail accounts to get set up.

B2:  Once the Power Point programs are available on the FADCA web site, make
yourself familiar with them.  Start promoting Digital Messaging for EMCOMMs
with your local ARES/RACES and served agencies.  Offer to give a club
meeting presentation (or to get someone who can).  Feel free to use any of
the EMCOMMs tools on the FADCA page.  I will update those as we learn more,
so check for new versions frequently.

If you want to help and can't find anything above to do, just let me know.

73,
bud N0IA
386 574 4124