Subj : Re: Packet Radio
To   : tenser
From : SetiOp
Date : Fri Jan 22 2021 13:08:01

 te> First, packet.  So an initial observation is that the thrill of
 te> packet for _most_ users just isn't going to be there.  What does

Yeah, it is a bit complicated to set up the infrastructure and it is slow.
Those of us who are comfortable in text-only modes are going to be the
primary users of such a system.

 te> So the remaining uses end up being special-purpose, like traffic
 te> handling.  Hey, there's nothing wrong with that, but let's be

Yes, traffic handling and emergency communications are two possibilities.
Situational awareness (APRS) is another possibility. In my area
emergencies requiring amateur radio are pretty scarce so keeping interest in
maintaining infrastructure and maintaining overall interest is difficult. The
problem I see is that for traffic handling on packet we need some important
traffic to pass on a regular basis.

 te> AMPRNet is more interesting, but what do people want to run on it?

This is something I am learning as well. I need a better understanding of how
the 44 network ties in and what people are doing with it currently. I
requested my block, but I haven't heard anything back yet. 

 te> Which goes back to the point of bugs and such in the software we're
 te> all using on e.g. AX.25.  Arguably all of that should be rewritten
 te> in a modern, type- and memory-safe language, but then one wonders,

I agree. The last time I installed a BBS it only ran on Windows 95 and I
ended up with a virus on the machine somehow. We need something modern,
secure and that serves a modern purpose.

 te> What we really need, I think, to make data on amateur radio really
 te> interesting, is an embrace of the new.  Something like IPv6 over a

I agree totally. I was thinking if end users could connect via wifi on their
laptops and use a simple client they would be more apt to use packet even if
it was slow. Give them something they are familiar with to interface with and
leave the RF infrastructure to those who want to dive deeper into that area.
Maybe some kind of ham radio social media app of some kind. :)

Mesh networking is interesting to me as well.

Scott VE3CGN

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