[FADCA] Tampa Hamfest

[Burt Wizeman]

-----Original Message-----
From: fadca-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:fadca-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of bud Thompson
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 6:12 AM
To: fadca at mailman.qth.net
Cc: Gary Sessums
Subject: [FADCA] Tampa Hamfest

The Tampa Hamfest is next weekend Dec 3-4  -you can check it out here:

http://www.fgcarc.org/bin/site/wrappers/default.asp?NC=6774X

<snip>

With this note I'm requesting those who are interested in attending / 
participating in an informal FADCA FORUM at the Ham Fest to respond to this 
message so the whole group will know how much interest there is.  Perhaps as

the responses grows, others will decide to attend the hamfest.

If so, I will be avaialble to chair/moderate an informal FADCA forum.

73,

bud N0IA
386 574 4124
386 956 0386 Sprint Cell 

-----
Hello all,

I would attend a demonstration as I could well use a full demo / tutorial on
Winlink.  From my point of view, the setup of a Winlink station sounds too
time consuming and support laden and that is a feeling shared with others.
We may be wrong.  The information that is communicated on the reflector
makes for confusion when trying to grasp what is involved with using the
FADCA Network.  I am not even sure of what function it has aside from
Winlink.  I say this not to raise the ire of those on this reflector, but to
make you aware that there are many of us without the extensive knowledge
that many of you are blessed with.  A demonstration towards a more adaptable
and utilitarian approach would offer a great opportunity for growth in the
use of the network.  "Winlink in Emergency Management" or Packet And
Emergencies" and then tutorials, examples and discussions on how to use the
system within that context.  There are many hams that have heard of FADCA
and packet but consider packet good for only APRS.  
We use repeaters everyday but many of us do not know the details of setting
up a repeater and do not need to for its effective use.  FADCA needs to take
that approach to the network.  There are administrators and there are users.
I speak from a user's standpoint.  Educate us with information and
demonstrations on what I can do functionally.  I don't have the interest in
my hobby to set up a switch.
I agree that the information on the Tampa Bay Hamfest has been slim.  I also
sense a regional responsibility by the leaders on this reflector.  That if
it is not in their area, they wish not to provide a demonstration.  That is
easily understood as many folks do not have the time or $upport.  If the
FADCA net holds any promises, you need an evangelist that is not concerned
about regions or politics and has been blessed with the money to bring the
knowledge of the available practical uses of the network to the users.
Moving from a "how you can build the network" to a "what you can do with the
network" approach with demonstrations will go a long way in increasing
awareness, usage and growth.
Do that here at the Tampa Ham Fest and I will personally print and handout
flyers at the fest, and bring you a crowd.  How do I use this Winlink??
Hopefully all you would need would be a radio, a computer, a TNC and an
antenna.  Anything more and something is amiss as that is what most USERS
would have.  N4SER-8 ?? is here in SRQ and I believe it is up and running to
get to Frees site.

God Bless,
Burt Wizeman
KI4FH