Subj : Re: packet radio
To   : Irish_Monk
From : Zero Reader
Date : Thu Aug 11 2022 09:52 am

On 11 Aug 2022, Irish_Monk said the following...
 
 Ir> Hopefully this is the correct message base for this, I just watched a
 Ir> video on youtube from Tech Prepper, He uses a "radio" basically to
 Ir> connect to BBS's , repeaters, etc.. He appears to have a Raspberry PI 4
 Ir> connected to the radio. I believe you have to have a HAM Radio license
 Ir> for this. Something Ive never looked into before. Where would I start
 Ir> this process. He did mention that doing this packet radio you could have

Yes, you need to obtain at least a Technician class amateur radio license 
first. You could probably study one afternoon and pass the exam the next day, 
as it's pretty straightforward. A lot of the packet activity occurs on VHF/UHF 
frequencies, which are covered by the bands granted with a Tech license.

Visit arrl.org to locate testing near you. There are study guides online and 
sample tests you can take to help you study.

Once you get the license, it's going to take some additional study to get 
packet working. You can either get a real TNC (terminal node controller) or use 
a "soundcard" method. Hopefully you can find some packet boards near you to 
connect to, then enjoy 300 baud like it's the 80s again. :-)

A more interesting thing to do IMHO, is using the digipeater on the ISS. I've 
pinged it with APRS packets with my Yaesu 8800 and a mobile magmount antenna 
before, using a Signalink soundcard. The digipeater then re-transmitted my APRS 
info and it was picked up by ground stations several states away. Pretty cool 
seeing my callsign being transmitted via NA1SS!

-ZR (KK4DSD)

.... Hard work never killed anyone but why take a risk?

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 * Origin: alcoholidaybbs.com / Est. 1995 / Columbia, SC (21:4/177)

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