Northwest Michigan Packet Operators Guide
ARPSC District 7-west

by John Martin KF8KK  6/1/06

Introduction

Before I go into what the systems are, where they are, and how to connect to them, I will present on this page some background information on the underlying goals and plans behind what is being assembled.   See the What-Where page if you already know all this.

As in many regions, the packet infrastructure consists of a mix of different types of systems, each with unique command syntax and operating modes.   

For the most part, many of the commands of these different systems are similar.  Though to make the best use of the facilities it is advantageous to study the available features and commands of the various systems.

To this end, I have assembled some instructional guides to help familiarize us all with the vast resources available.

Our packet network includes a mix of Kantronics KA-nodes and KAMs, TheNet nodes, a Winlink Telpac node, and Jnos Hamgates.   Each of these systems brings to our network certain unique benefits, and each has their own idiosyncratic failings.

As of this writing, I have created user guides for both the TheNet nodes and Jnos Hamgates.  Please visit these user guides and more importantly-- get on the air and explore the nodes firsthand.

The 'DRG' consists of digitally minded hams from across the state whose stated goals are to recreate a viable digital network throughout Michigan to provide additional functionality for emergency communications and to foster the interest of hams in the digital modes, particularly packet radio.

In 2004, the ARPSC district 7 leadership drafted standards relating to various aspects of packet networking in the region, with the goal of fostering a somewhat uniform set of standards so that when users utilized the system they would not find a mix of confusing and different practices as their data traversed the state.

In late 2005, the DRG proposed the 'subnetting' of packet operations onto different frequencies in the various regions in order to thwart the growing problem of collisions due to the 'hidden transmitter' syndrome. More info on this is HERE, while a PowerPoint presentation on the 'why' is HERE (a web version is HERE).

In 'D7west' it was decided that a move to 145.07 (from the former frequency of 145.09) would be beneficial to the hams in our area, and the hams operating packet in the adjacent areas.

The move in D7west to 145.07 has begun in May of 2006 and is mostly complete as of this writing.

The KF8KK-3 / KKBBS Jnos Hamgate presently operates an ancillary port on 145.09 (in addition to connectivity from 145.07) in order to provide a gateway to the former channel for those not yet moved to the new frequency.

Packet Operating Guide - D7west

Introduction
What & Where