[FARC] Packet NTS Traffic/Packet

[Rolan O. Clark]

thanks for the bee !

Take care,

Rolan
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kirk Talbott 
  To: FARC 
  Sent: December 12, 2008 10:52
  Subject: [FARC] Packet NTS Traffic/Packet


  I am reading the "ARRL Operating Manual" chapter 7 page 9, and there is a little section entitled, "Tips on Handling Message Traffic by Packet Radio."   The section displays a graphic of a listing from a "local NTS-supported Packet bulletin board.  Supposedly when you get to one of these Packet NTS-traffic bulletin boards you can list and/or send NTS traffic.  

  My questions are:  Does anyone know where one of these NTS-supported Packet bulletin boards are and how to access one of them?  Are there any local to Baltimore or Washington D.C.?  Does anyone know how to set one up?  Did Frederick ever have one?  

  Now I know this is an old book, copyright 1991, so maybe NTS Packet bulletin boards are no longer used.  When one considers all the emcomm ARES practice that goes on with nets, SET, etc., why is it no one has considered practicing using old 1200 baud Packet?  Or perhaps they have and it was rejected.  Why?

  It seems to me to be an ideal backup emergency communication system.  Packet doesn't require the Internet, just about anyone using Packet in Frederick County can reach the FDK Packet repeater (145.75), Packets don't get lost in collisions as they do in APRS leaving you wondering if your message got received by anyone, Packet is easy to set up, and Packet doesn't require all users to use the same software as many multi-mode digital soundcard programs or any terminal emulator software will work.  With a battery powered (even an HT) VHF radio, TNC, and laptop computer emergency power requirements are met.  Why not consider Packet radio for backup emergency communications within the county and why not practice it?   Packet is E-mail without an Internet provider.  

  There is an experimental Packet net which meets on 145.75 on node FDK.  Connect to node FDK on Saturday nights at 9:00 p.m. and enter the "TALK" command.  The net is structured and you'll receive instructions when the net starts.  There is an informal ragchew afterwards for those who want to stick around.  Note that this net is experimental and some of us are trying to see if the concept can actually work.   It definitely won't work without participants.  Note there is nothing hard and fast, including the net night.  We are open to suggestions on operational procedures and other subjects.  

  Now here is a bee in your bonnet.  Have at it!

  73
  KB3ONM
  Kirk


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