How to Start a Packet Radio Station
- 1). Purchase the basic equipment for your central terminal or your user interface. Start searching for a reliable computer to serve this purpose. All you need is a dumb terminal, which is a monitor, a keyboard and an ethernet port. Memory and processing speed are inconsequential as the terminal node controller (TNC) will do the processing. Skim through online classifieds or visit your local electronics store to find the items.
- 2). Purchase a terminal node controller. Search for a TNC with a built-in modem. The TNC will convert the data from your computer and the packet radio signal and will automatically run an error check on all communications. Search for higher than 1200 bits per second to get the farthest broadcast distance. Buy an external modem that uses audio frequency-shift keying if you can't find a TNC with a built-in modem.
- 3). Shop your electronic store or online electronic stores for a narrow band FM radio or a 1200 bps (bits per second) AFSK (Audio Frequency Shifting Key). For higher speeds and longer broadcast signal strength order a modified radio from a specialty electronics distributor.
- 4). Wire the TNC between the computer and the radio. Read the instructions to set up and install your particular TNC model. Connect your computer to the TNC. If you couldn't find a TNC with a built-in modem, connect your modem to the TNC as well.
- 5). Purchase or download a communications program developed for packet radio. Install the software on your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- 6). Tune your radio to an odd-numbered frequency between 144.91 and 145.79 MHz. Watch your screen until you start to notice packets from others that are being broadcast.
- 7). Familiarize yourself with the most common communication methods used by packet radio users, such as the American National Standard Code for Information Exchange. Learn the Q-Codes. Q-Codes have been used by amateur radio broadcasters since the British created the communication concept in the first world war.
- 8). Enter the command mode by hitting ESC or CONTROL-C, depending on your unit. Enter the QSO of the station you want to communicate with. QSO is the Q-code for radio station identification code or call letters.
- 9). Join a Packet Network to expand your reach beyond 20 or 30 miles. According to the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Corp (TARP) “Packet Networks allow amateurs to widen the area of communications past their line of sight, by having a series of packet stations linked by radio, that can be used to get their packet messages to where ever the network goes.”
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Submit your first bulletin board message. Introduce yourself to fellow broadcasters. Pick up newsletters or call community centers and organizers to find news and events to broadcast.
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