Brian Glenn wrote:
> Hey guys I just got my ham liscence and was wondering which or you
> are using Packet Radio For linkup and if so is there anything not to
> expensive for the 70cm band (440 Mhz) that is considerably faster than
> 28,800 (like 57k or something) that I could set up two of for a point to
> point connection...
Years ago ('93 or so) I used a MFJ TNC with my Icom 2m base station and
a KPC TNC-3 with my RS 2m HT. The base was hooked to my SPARC 1+ (wow!)
in my dorm room, which had an ethernet drop. For the mobile side I used
my HP-48 with a VT-100 emulator.
However, 1200 baud with a very lossy link made it only slightly more
usefull than a technical demo. I could check my mail in class, subject
to the rather stringent restrictions of packet content. The KPC-3 would
frequently time out and require me to reconnect.
All in all, I don't recommend packet for wearable use for several reasons:
- Content limitations (Fuck the FCC!)
- High-power draw of radio equipment (One hour of runtime anyone?)
- Limited mobility (I couldn't leave campus without loosing the signal)
- Cost per station is very high
The last one is really what changed my mind. My Minstrel CDPD modem cost
me $300 (and it is cheaper now) plus $50/month for unlimited service anywhere
in the country. My base station+TNC+HT+TNC+antennas cost me way more than
that. So, while the license is very cheap, the equipment is far more
expensive. Maybe if you build it all from kits...
Anyone want to buy a slightly used MFJ TNC?
Good luck,
Tramm
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