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PA2AGA > PACDIG 03.03.99 03:06l 120 Lines 4547 Bytes #-9939 (0) @ EU
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Subj: PacketRadioDigest 99/45B
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From: pa2aga
To: pr_broadcast@pa2aga
Subject: PacketRadioDigest 99/45B
X-BBS-Msg-Type: B
How do I get the all singing and dancing Flexnet to drive this lot with an
old 386 using Baycom modems or sound-cards?
And where do I connect the dual 38k4 links when I get them running later
this year.
Don't try and tell everyone that Flexnet is the perfect solution to all
problems because it ain't.
I get really pissed off by all the comments about how wonderful the
new [Flexnet] [KA9Q high speed modem using a sound card]
[Baycom modem] [YAM] [parallel port modem] (delete where
applicable) is but try running 8 of them in a crap PC and see how
far you get...
Robin. G8ECJ
>.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 26 Feb 1999 07:40:41 -0600
From: "Charles Brabham" <n5pvl@texoma.net>
Subject: Why a TNC?
Rob Kling wrote in message <36D604C3.87BB212E@home.com>...
>Used PC's are so cheap and capable that you could turn them into a TNC
>with a BayCom modem.
Or a regular old 16-bit soundcard. I bought a new one a few months back for
15 bucks. (SoundBlaster clone) Used ones can often be had for free.
Used 386 systems, monitor and all, can be had in the Dallas area for 50-80
bucks. Add a soundcard and some free software, and you end up with a really
superior TNC.
1. Instead of a 128k mailbox, you can run a full-service BBS capable of
storing thousands of bulletins
and messages as well as a file server, online Callbook, WP server, etc etc
etc... There are dozens of special servers and add-on programs for packet
BBS software, and most of the BBS programs can easily be set up for personal
use as the "ultimate" packet term program. - Or you could run a full-service
BBS if one is needed in your area, of course.
2. Instead of old 70's style static parameter systems still being used in
TNC's today, you can utilize modern software featuring dynamic
self-adjusting link parameters which in themselves will allow you more range
and better throughput than a "TNC" could ever accomplish with the same radio
and antenna. More sophisticated software = better performance.
3. Instead of having to program (burn) an EPROM in order to update your
software, you simply load new software onto a HD from a floppy, ect. Instead
of being more or less stuck with the little programs that can be crammed
into an EPROM, you have the HD and memory of a computer to work with,
allowing use of much more functional and sophisticated software.
4. Since the Packet computer/TNC has it's own monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc,
there is no need to compromise your personal home computer's performance by
unnecessary multitasking, or to "tie it up" in order to have your packet
station online 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year.
TNC's have some capability independent of the computer, but very little
of it. - The piddly little 128k mailboxes are about it all they can "do".
With a dedicated computer/TNC you can monitor channel activity at a glance
at any time. The old-style TNC's of course cannot do that by themselves.
Overview: Look this over, and you'll see that the two biggest advantages of
a dedicated packet computer/TNC lie in it's flexibility as to what software
you are running, and of course the price.. Compare the little programs they
stick into TNC EPROMS with the hundreds of free Amateur Radio programs
available for the PC, and you'll start to get an idea of what I am talking
about.
Unless you need a stand-alone unit for a packet node or some other
specialized purpose, you'll find that you get a lot more "bang for the buck"
out of an old 386 with a soundcard or BayPak modem than you could ever hope
to get out of a TNC hooked up to your personal home computer. It does much
more, does it better, costs less, upgrades much, much easier and puts you
online 24/7 without tying up your home computer.
Note: Only regular TNC's have APRS capability. - Correct me if I'm wrong.
73 DE Charles Brabham,
N5PVL @ N5PVL.#NTX.TX.USA.NOAM
http://www.texoma.net/~n5pvl
>.
------------------------------
End of Packet-Radio Digest V99 #45
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