[Great-River-DX] packet and DX Cluster info

[Danny Pease]

At out meeting last Sunday, K0CA asked about connecting to the local DX
node, W9AWE via packet and also discussed telnet connections. There are a
multitude of programs that allow both but it appears we are all not using
the same node on telnet. Also, most of the logging software that supports
telnet connections will also allow you to set your own filters for only what
you are looking for and not have to sort through hundreds of un-needed
spots. If you want to use a standalone program for either packet or telnet,
I highly recommend the free package by VE7CC, AR-User.

It was suggested all those that use telnet via internet to use W9ZRX, if for
no other reason than we can all "see" each other on the node when we are
logged on. That makes it easy for us to pass messages to each other.

Cliff also suggested that I post how to connect to the local DX node via
packet. The local node, W9AWE, is located the QTH of NA9Q and operates on
144.910. Since Mike's antenna system is capable of hearing everyone in the
area that might want to log in, it is best to use the ILQDX digipeater. To
connect via packet, simply connect to ILQDX first and after you get a
response back that you are connected to ILQDX, connect to W9AWE. The
commands are simply, c ILQDX (wait for response) and the c W9AWE. You will
shortly get the welcome message from the packet cluster node and are ready
to watch for DX spots.

Those that connect via packet can only "see" other stations connected to
W9AWE at that time, they will not be able to see those connected to W9ZRX
via telnet. The same goes the other way, those connected to W9ZRX can see
each other but they cannot see who is connected to W9AWE. IF you are
connected to W9AWE and you send a spot, it will be sent to all those
connected to W9AWE but that is all. If you are connected to W9ZRX and spot a
DX station, it will be seen by those connected to W9AWE. Also, any messages
sent to all on W9ZRX will be seen by those connected to W9AWE, but the
reverse is not true. The connection form W9ZRX to W9AWE is one way, W9AWE
receives spots form W9ZRX but cannot send any spots back to W9ZRX.

Eventually we hope to replace the current cluster software at W9AWE with
software that will let us telnet into W9AWE as well as connect via packet,
but it will take some time to set up the hardware and learn the new
software. If any of you are experienced Linux users, you may be able to help
with that.

NG9R

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