The Arkansas Packet Network Page

Some Thoughts On Packet

Some people say to me, "Why packet?", or, "I thought packet was dead?" Well, packet grew very fast before the internet came along. The infrastructure didn't grow with the user base and the networks and BBSes couldn't handle the load. User's got frustrated, and when the internet came along, they left packet. Well, there are a lot of folks around who still appreciate packet for it's basic capabilities and a lot of new hams who never got to try it. Add to that the fact that most disaster support agencies such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, SHARES and MARS are all going digital on both a local and national level, and I see that packet should have a future in ham radio.

A government official once said to me, "What do I need ham radio for? I have a dozen satellite cellular telephones if I need communication." After we discussed the capabilities of a statewide, "wireless" digital network and the experienced volunteer operators to man it, he said, "Now THAT we could use." And repeatedly at demonstrations and tours, I have seen keen interest from disaster agency officials, asking who is doing this in 'their' area...

What we are doing different this time is twofold. Administratively, we have tried to gather a core of packet folks to advise and construct the system. But we have recruited help from both individuals and clubs in the areas served to help with cost, equipment and manpower. This gives the network a wider support base and gives the various groups a vested interest in the network's success. Technically, we are incorporating multiple frequencies to prevent the interference that inherently slowed down the old system in Arkansas. And the placing of the BBSes at the nodesites helps facilitate speed of message handling; the new software that has been developed since the old network existed lets us accomplish this.

I have been very pleased at the support this project has gotten from the ARES/RACES leadership; even those that do not use packet are promoting it, and can see it's worth. The response I have gotten from area clubs has been fantastic; most are more than willing to get on board and help, all they ask for is some help with the technical end of it, which I and the other packet "guru's" do our best to provide. I appreciate the efforts of the ever expanding base of ARES/RACES members that want to help us build a viable network to serve both the ham community and the general public.

 

The Plan

The purpose of the Arkansas Packet Network is twofold. To establish a working emergency digital network to serve local and state amateur radio groups in their efforts to provide communications to government and relief agencies in times of disaster. And to have a viable packet network for the use of the average amateur radio digital enthusiast. One purpose supports the other; an unused network is a non-working network and a hobby with a benevolent goal is a worthwhile and fulfilling hobby. Here are the steps towards these goals:

1. Place 6m nodes in strategic locations across the state with 2m companions. They will be spread out enough so that any area can hit a "network" site with an average base packet station or intermediary 2m node if necessary. There should be few enough 6m nodes so as to not clutter up the frequency too much.

2. "Establish a few good BBSs, strategically placed around the state. One for every region." -- This was the original plan, but with the falloff in BBS traffic, lack of sysops and aging computer equipment, the common sense thing to do seems to be to have one central BBS for the state. An additional BBS for the Bootheel and Memphis areas will probably also be maintained.

3. Establish mailboxes at each participating county that can intiate traffic to the BBS. The BBS can be configured so that private mail for these mailboxes is automatically forwarded to them when received at the BBS.

4. Try to find a few key stations willing to accept messages over packet from a disaster area that has lost phone/internet and forward them to Internet e-mail with possibly a 'return' service during an emergency. -- A gateway specifically to communicate with the state ADEM has been established and other automated gateways are being looked into.

5. Set up training for county level operators to utilize such a system.

 

Reference Materials

Sysops (Node Operators):

The Node Op's Guide - (in pdf format) - A guide for setting and adjusting parameters of network nodes.

Node Op's Quick Reference - (in pdf format) - The most needed information for programming a node.

I suggest that Sysops print out the Nodeop's Guide (11 pages) and put it into a 3 clasp folder with pockets (about 25 cents or less). Then print out the Quick Reference (3 pages) and keep it handy in the front pocket. In the back pocket, keep copies of your parameters; both EPROM default and current, along with routes and text messages. Also a good place to keep any documentation on modifying TNCs for the EPROMs and other hardware information.

Users and Emergency Communicators:

Abbreviated BBS Command List - (in pdf format) - For those who are used to the MSYS style BBS, the new FBB is a lot to get used to. Here is a list of the most often used commands with brief explanations. A more comprehensive list can be obtained at the F6FBB website.

Using packet for ARES/RACES- - A one page handout explaining the when, how and why of using packet during the annual Simulated Emergency Test or during a real emergency.

Sending packet messages to ADEM - - A handout explaining the use of the Winlink RMS gateway at ADEM during the annual Simulated Emergency Test.


 

CLICK HERE to go to the Arkansas ARRL site.