Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- getting-connected [2024/11/02 21:40] – kc2ihx
+++ getting-connected [2024/12/07 15:14] (current) – [Getting Connected] kc2ihx
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Getting On The Air ======
+====== Getting Connected ======
+This page serves as a high level introduction to packet radio, with other pages discussing [[tutorial-packet-on-pi|initial configuration required]], [[tutorial-direwolf-qttermtcp|setting up Direwolf and QtTermTCP as a client]] and then [[tutorial-linbpq|setting up a BBS with LinBPQ (or WinBPQ)]].
+===== What do I need to get connected over the air? =====
-===== What do do I have to get connected over the air? =====
 We've primarily been focused on HF, but local packet networks are still on the air, and can be done with a VHF FM transceiver and a sound card interface, following the same process outlined here.
-The next few pages discuss setting up Direwolf and QtTermTCP as a client and then setting up a BBS with LinBPQ (or WinBPQ).
 To get connected on HF:
   - a HF transceiver
-  - USB audio to transceiver interface
+  - USB audio to transceiver interface such as:
-     - built into current HF models (such as the IC-7300 or Yaesu FTDX10
+     - These are built into many recent HF transceiver models (examples: the Icom IC-7300, Yaesu FTDX10, and others), but if you have a radio without one, they are commonly available as accessories such as the:
-     - digirig
+        - digirig
-     - Yaesu SCU-17
+        - Yaesu SCU-17
-     -  Signalink
+        - Signalink
-     - Rigblaster Plug-and-Play
+        - Rigblaster Plug-and-Play
   - Computer
   - Software Modem (Hardware modems or TNCs work as well, but we recommend software)
@@ Line 29: / Line 27: @@
   - IL2P (next gen AX.25 + FEC, not backwards compatible)
-==== Where is the action? ====
+===== Where can I find FARPN stations? =====
 We're primarily active on "Network 105" - (14.105 LSB, //yes, LSB//) and Net40, (7.104 LSB) local VHF channels.  FARPN may move to another channel in the future if we become active enough.
-==== Okay, but where else can I operate packet? ====
+===== How do I start decoding traffic? =====
+The best way is to tune to the Net105 frequency and start up your AFSK modem of choice.  We like Direwolf, as it includes the FX.25 and IL2P modes, and cover configuring it on another page.  On your radio, make sure to use the most appropriate mode available (if possible, DATA, DIGI, etc., if those are not an option, FM or SSB) and set the appropriate sideband. If your radio has an offset setting for the digital mode, make sure to set it to 0Hz. To start, we recommend setting your AGC to fast and the radio wide open.
+===== How do I start sending traffic? =====
+For TX volume, we want to set the levels just under the point that ALC would be triggered and in general, you don’t want to amplify a signal more than is necessary as it introduces unnecessary noise. Then, test your transmissions into a dummy load, or lower power off channel first.  You'll want to make sure that the ALC is not, or barely engaged, by adjusting the volume on your computer or external sound card.
+Next, you’ll need to connect a terminal emulator like QtTermTCP or EasyTerm to your TNC via the telnet port the software exposes.  Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to tell your TNC to connect to a station you’ve decoded messages from as well as call CQ if you’d like in ‘Listen’ mode.
+If you have a little time, we highly recommend first reading [[https://www.choisser.com/packet/|this packet radio primer by Larry Kenney, WB9LOZ]]. While not new, nothing has really changed other than the TNC’s being implemented in software
+Depending on the type of station you’re connecting to, you may have access to a BBS, multiuser chat, file transfer, and potentially internet connected services. Commands will vary depending on the TNC software/hardware of the station you are connected to. Sending ‘?’, ‘h’, ‘/h’, or ‘help’ will usually get you the list of commands available. Often the SSID or lack therof will tell you a little about the station. In the most basic of TNC to TNC connections, you’re left with just a direct serial or telnet connection to the sysop.
+Common HF Packet SSIDs:
+    -0/R (or no SSID) = Direct sysop K2K chat
+    -1/B = BBS
+    -4/C = Chat
+    -7/N = Node
+    -15,-14,-13 = OP is connecting through other station(s). The SSID decrements by one for each hop. The base SSID of 0 loops back to 15 on the first connection out.
+There are others but these are the most common you’ll see on Net105 as it was designed to be a place for live K2K chats.
+===== Okay, but where else can I operate packet? =====
 Otherwise, these are the preferred or priority Automatic Controlled Data Station (ACDS) segments per the IARU R2 Band Plan