Subj : Looking into HAMing...
To   : Angus McLeod
From : Deuce
Date : Thu Aug 18 2005 11:44 pm

  Re: Looking into HAMing...
  By: Angus McLeod to Deuce on Thu Aug 18 2005 21:05:00

 >  > 1) Do I really need 9600baud for the TNC?  As I understand it, it's only
 >  > useable on 2m and since I'm relatively speaking in the boonies (south-eas
 >  > saskatchewan) I'm not sure if there's enough digipeters around for anyone
 >  > actually use it there... was thinking of using 20 or 30m for that so I do
 >  > expect more than 1200baud... am I off base on anything in there (Haven't 
 >  > into packet too much, just know I'd want to play with it)
 > 
 > I have a TNC that will do 9600 baud and used to access the PACSATs with
 > it.  It is a legitimate option, even if you have simple omni- antennas.
 > You won't get much 9600 baud traffic on HF, so if youreally only want to
 > use HF you won't need 9600 baud capability.
 > 
 >  > 2) Do I want a dedicated tranceiver for the TNC?  I expect to have even l
 >  > calls via packet than I get via telnet (ie: statistically zero) so is it 
 >  > even thinking about?
 > 
 > Understand this:  *NOBODY* will call you on packet.  Packet has
 > degenerated into a network of unatended nodes sending message traffic back
 > and forth.  You can post messages/bulletins, and read those posted by
 > others, but there is very little keyboard-to-keyboard traffic on packet.
 > Particularly on HF.  Of course, if you and a few friends decide to become
 > active on packet, you can create your own sked for that work.  But if you
 > want to set up a packet message node (BBS) then you will want a separate
 > rig for it, because once it's set up you won't wnat to take it offline for
 > 30 minutes while you switch to the repeater for a ragchew.  But if you do
 > *not* intend to operate a packet node, then you can manage with one rig
 > for everything.

That's what I figured... not even sure if 9600 would even be theoretically
possibly on HF.  But since 4800 and lower TNCs can be had for around $10 and
9600 is around $50, was curious if it was something I should spring for just in
case.  Sounds like a no.

I was pondering setting up a node for Synchronet... with a low bandwidth menu
set etc.  But as I said, since I expect no callers, it seems like a bit of a
waste perhaps maybe.

Thing is that since I'll probobly do most/all of my shopping at one time (I
need to got at least 120 miles to the nearest swap meet) I just want a vauge
idea of what I'm looking for.

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