Data net

[cgray777]

Does the cannery have data capability?  packet/aprs or something along those lines?  Has the topic come up before?  What do people think about setting up an APRS like net for the Denver area?

Topic

[wb7sgl]

This would be a fantastic capability!I don't know if they have worked on a data link as of yet. Hopefully someone else can shed more light.

[PReagan]

Any body in Central California Fresno to Bakersfield interested in Packet. TCARC is going to be setting up packet repeater soon. Visalia already has one for us to use locally.  It is a great system for emergency traffic. Also a great article in QST this month about an interface software for Packet.  73  ki6kgtPaul

[KI6DKC]

I've never really understood what packet is.  Can you guys give me a good explanation other than the general one from the study manuals.  I don't know anyone that does packet so I've never seen it.  Does it have any advantages?

[cgray777]

The reason I would like to see a Denver Area ERS packet network (I’m leaning towards using APRS) would be to provide a quick way to share emergency information to a wide area in an automated way.  Most wards in the area are limited as far as having rigs that can successfully reach the Denver storehouse. Many messages would need to be relayed to the store house. Accurately relaying voice messages is a big challenge. APRS digipeaters could pass on the information without inserting errors.  What is entered in at the reporting station will be delivered to the storehouse.  Also you have a record of what was sent if clarification is needed later on.There are many good internet sites to go to that will teach you about packet.  There are several options however so understanding it could take some time.At a high level packet radio is taking the radio RF channel and sending data over it using modems.  Kind of like the dial up internet system.  It is how the modulated data is used on the receiving end that gets complicated.  Some systems use this to send and receive email (Non-internet email). APRS is set up to send GPS positioning information along with other information like weather and other messages.  APRS digipeaters will pass the information it receives on to others in the area thus providing a network of linked sites expanding the coverage area beyond what your own station can reach. APRS also has gateways to the internet so if you send an APRS packet on a channel that is hooked up to the Inetrnet it will make it to a web site tha displays where you are.  Nice to know info in an emergency.

[W3EZY]

There is an APRS network you can hook up to in the Denver area via the Colorado Repeater Association (CRA)http://www.w0cra.org/. Not sure if the store house has APRS ability to use it but the network ability is there. I am awaiting the funds before I joind the APRS capable ranks  🙂

[Author]

Replies