# AMATEUR RADIO

# Amateur Packet Radio and the BBS System

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### Communication is by no means limited to voice only, voice is just one of the many 'modes' or methods of contact. A 'packet data BBS' (Bulletin Board System) system is in operation, which links very many amateurs around the globe together, for the exchange of both private, and public messages, as well as small files. At times both MIR and the later ISS space shuttles have joined in with direct data exchanges. Packet uses a computer, radio and a modem. The modem is roughly similar to the modem you use to connect to the Inter-net. The difference being that instead of using a phone line, it uses the radio, to link to other computer systems. Tuning into and listening to the packet system on the radio it sounds like short bursts of tones, which is exactly what it is. A longer burst of data from one end of the link, followed by a short reply of acknowledgments from the other, until the transmission is completed. An operational packet system allows you to link into the world wide amateur packet network, via a local access point. In addition BBS's, allow you to both send and receive bulletins (to all amateurs), and personal messages to individuals anywhere in the world. The bulletins can cover almost any subject you can think of, not just messages about the hobby alone. Debating a variety of subjects is one of the favorites, but the packet system also carries a great deal of information on a very wide range of subjects. It also can be a very good source of help and advice, for any technical problems you may be having. Sending a message, it would first be transmitted to your local BBS, which would then pass the message on to the next BBS or node (store and forward), and so on down the line, until it eventually reaches its destination, wherever that might be in the world. It is not too unusual for a single message to pass through thirty such systems, before eventually reaching its destination. Longer distance links can be via HF, amateur satellites, and in some cases by use of the Inter-net. It sounds as if the system would be very unlikely to work, but work it certainly does. Working alongside the packet system, and working on similar principles, is what is known as the DX Cluster system. This advises those interested in seeking long distance contact (DX), of stations heard on the bands, and where (frequency) they can be found, within minutes of them being heard. These are called 'spottings'. Some take this a stage further, and make use of the packet reported spottings to automatically tune their transceiver to the correct frequency. There are several packet programs available to use the packet network. A widely used and popular Packet program is Winpack, which is a very user friendly program written by UK author Roger G4IDE. It is constantly being up-dated. There are also a number of add on programs which expands its potential.

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