Packet is one of the many modes that we, the members of ARES, use to transmit and
receive critical information in a secure manner for the agencies we support in times of
emergency.
Although the technology has been around for several years now, packet has now gained
favor with those agencies that rely on us (ARES) to deliver their messages in a timely and
secure manner.
Because packet is a digital mode of transmission there are three vital components
needed. Besides the radio they are the :
- A Terminal Node Controller (TNC)
- A Computer
- A Printer
There are a variety of Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs) on the market
today. Some allow only for VHF PACKET, others, like the Timewave PSK-232/DSP, are
multi-node controllers and allow you to send and receive not only PACKET, but a host of
other digital communications using your terminal software.
The computer does not have to be the newest, fastest machine on the
market, but it does need to be able to run the software package that you will use with
your TNC program. Most of the computers in use at packet stations are older model 486 DX
66 machines with a minimum amount of memory (16 Meg) and a hard drive large enough to hold
the software package, operating system and stored messages.
The printer can be any printer capable of printing ASCII text.
Old dot-matrix printers work well for PACKET operations.
The operating system should be DOS 3.3 or higher. You can use Windows 3.x, 9.x or any
other operating system that will run your terminal software.
There various software packages for any PC on the market today to use with the TNC of
your choice. Some of these are TNC-specific software, but many are generic and can be used
with almost any PC. It will be up to the individual operator to find and become familiar
with the software package that they prefer and become proficient with it.
Most of today's radios have no problem with sending or receiving PACKET. But check your
operators manual for the proper connections.
