Kenwood TM-V708A instruction manual Packet Operation

PACKET OPERATION

A packet is a unit of data transmitted as a whole from one computer to another, on a network. Packets can be transmitted on radio waves as well as on communication lines. Besides a transceiver and a computer, all you need is a terminal node controller (TNC). A TNC converts packets to audio tones and vice versa, as one of its tasks.

A variety of packet applications developed by hams include packet bulletin board systems (PBBSs). PBBSs are created and maintained by volunteers called System Operators (SysOp). You may access one of your local PBBSs to send e-mail, download files, or obtain various useful information. Thousands of PBBSs, which have formed a worldwide network, relay e-mail to its intended destination around the world.

PBBS

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When you access a local PBBS for the first time, you often need to register as a new user. After you are successfully registered, it will then be available as your home PBBS. E-mail addressed to you will be held under a directory, called a mailbox, on your home PBBS.

To send e-mail, you must designate the address of a recipient, using their call sign and the call sign of their home PBBS; ex. KD6NUH@KJ6HC. In this example, e-mail is addressed to KD6NUH whose home PBBS is KJ6HC. If your home PBBS cannot find KJ6HC in its address file to forward your mail, you must designate the address in more detail. You may enter “KD6NUH@KJ6HC.#ABC.CA”, or “KD6NUH@KJ6HC.#ABC.CA.USA”, or up to “KD6NUH@KJ6HC.#ABC.CA.USA.NA”, as necessary. The complete address of a recipient living in the U.S., for example, should include an appropriate region code (preceded by a #), state, country, and continent abbreviations as above.

For further information, consult reference books which should be available at any store that handles Amateur Radio equipment. Web pages relating to Packet will also be helpful. On Internet search engines, use “Packet Radio” as a key word to find those web pages.

Note: If there is an amateur radio club in your area, consider becoming a member. You can learn more in an hour from experienced hobbyists, than in a month of independent research. Ask on the local repeaters, or contact your national amateur radio organization for information on local amateur radio clubs.

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