KI6GR, John, demonstrates "Packet in the Field" --- KF6OAH, Viki and WD6AIA, Bob utilize one of 3 stations
REPORT from TCARC Packet Communications Coordinator- John- KI6GR
Two portable packet field stations were set up at the annual camp outing and training and refresher time given to most of those attending.
The two stations were each battery operated Brother EP-44 typewriters equiped with serial ports acting as "dumb" terminals. Each station was connected to a Kantronics TNC connected to Yaesu FT2400 transceivers and using J Pole antennas mounted on aluminum poles. Each station was able to connect to George Galusha WD6FHX in Weaverville via the WRS dual port digipeater located at Tom Miller's house on Oregon Mountain.
Communiations from WRS to WD6FHX was courtesy of Johnny Weil WA6BXN's station as George could not work WRS directly due to antenna location.
All communication was NEARLY PERFECT one try copy. Alas, George's computer took a major hard drive dive mid way through the afternoon. Two days and a new hard drive later, George and I were able to resurrect his computer without a major loss of his (and the club's) data.
Training was continued between the two field stations for the remainder of the afternoon....until chow was served....whereupon all attending lost interest in radio and turned to on the goodies.
A good time was had by all and I believe that the confidence level in the equipment and the members' ability to utilize it, given some additional training, increased significantly.
Packet radio offers some truly valuable advantages in the emergency response scenario, and we all need to become competent in its use. No other mode offers error-free communication on a semi-secure network with such simple equipment. Our ability to "leapfrog" from digipeater to digipeater or station to station or any mix thereof presents a unique solution to communicating from even the most difficult locations such as from sites located in deep canyons.
Every amateur who responds to an emergency should devote the effort to become passably proficient in this mode. To that end, I will be bringing a working station to our meetings so that everyone can avail themselves of time on the units.
R/S John G.Budman KI6GR
The TCARC Packet Workshop in the field -- -- Secondary Ham Station Location at Campground
This popular campground overnight fee is $8.00 --- It was a sunny day above the wooded camground
Report from TCARC President, Viki Riley- KF6OAH
At the October 13th meeting of TCARC we had a fine turnout for the afternoon packet session and for the potluck following. KI6GR John had 2 packet stations set up about 100 feet apart, one on the tail-gate of his station wagon and the other on a picnic table, so he could demonstrate simplex operation, and also going through nodes or digipeaters.
Following several hours of playing with the packet systems, the bar-b-que fires were lit and folks started cooking their meats. We were all delighted to see KC6EJH Horatio and Rose who brought delicious meat balls, all hot in a chafing dish. With several bean dishes, breads, salads, and other goodies, including deserts to emjoy, we drove away as evening arrived with full tummies. Now we ALL need to get our packet stations up and running. Just think, email without the viruses!
Friends and Family visit during the Workshop -- Evelyn, N6TKX, Horatio, KC6EJH and his wife Rose visiting
FUTURE PHOTO ---- FUTURE PHOTO
Some Information about the social festivities,etc.
Special "THANK YOU"!! to longtime member and former TCARC president- John Budman, KI6GR, for all his work on the TCARC portable Packet Radio Field Sets and his excellent packet workshop.
This event has galvanized many members that attended to establish packet radio systems at their home stations, and develop their own "Portable Packet Field Units".-Webmaster
Thanks to Tom Miller, W6BVC, for locating the WRS the dual port digipeater at his house, and making this very webspace you are reading possible through the TCOE.
This event, and other activities related to emergency communications preparedness, operating proficiency, and other activities are part of Viki Riley, KF6OAH's leadership as she continues to shepard several important projects to see that TCARC will be able to survive as an organization into the future. -Webmaster
Last Updated: November 23, 2004