W7DK PACKET SYSTEM

The W7DK packet system is up and running. Please spread the word! To borrow the 1970's 220 phrase, "Use it or lose it!"

Our packet system runs 1200 baud AX.25 packet on 144.91 MHz. As the result of a recent upgrade to a SuSE Linux based package, our club now enjoys many new and wonderful packet capabilities. All are encouraged to give this a try. Feel free to ask questions of your System Operator. He will be glad to help in any way possible. Please be aware that it is very easy to get on packet these days by utilizing your computer sound card and a handful of common components to isolate the computer from the radio. That being the case, there is nothing stopping you from giving packet a try. It is cheap and easy. What are you waiting for?----

LATE NOTE:

There are two network nodes supporting our system. They run in tandem and provide many unique capabilities. There is the linux-based Netrom-Style node that provides basic functions:

Connect to TAC or W7DK-5 and you will see a logon screen similar to this:

TAC:W7DK-5} using URONode v0.6.3

Radio Club of Tacoma - W7DK / W7OS

Short Command List:

BBS = Full Service FBB BBS

Callbook = Online USA Callbook

Convers = Worldwide Converse Server

D = Flexnet Destinations

DXC = DX Cluster Node

Telpac = Exchange email via Winlink 2000 Telpac Node

XNET = TAC / W7DK-8 (X)net Node

Type ? for the full command list. Help<command name> for help with an individual command.

Escape is: CTRL-T

Last login: Sat May 27 01:03:27

From: 127.0.0.1

TAC:W7DK-5} Welcome.

Then there is the more advanced linux-based node called (X)net. It too provides its own set of unique and useful features:

Connect to RCT or W7DK-8 and you will see a logon screen like this:

Welcome to RCT / W7DK-8 - (X)NET in Tacoma, WA, USA - CN87SF

To reach 'LOCAL' RF nodes, type C W7DK-5...

For 'LOCAL' Converse Node, type CONVERS

D = Flexnet Destinations

H = Help

L = Links

N = Netrom Node List

Q = Quit

(X)NET/LINUX V1.38=>

GENERAL INFORMATION

As you can see, upon connection, you will be presented with a short help screen that gives you somewhere to start. There are more commands and they can be displayed by typing: ? or HELP on a line by itself. DON'T FORGET: ALL COMMANDS MUST BE FOLLOWED BY 'ENTER' OR 'CARRIAGE RETURN / LINE FEED'.

To reach the W7DK packet BBS, you can connect directly to DKBBS or W7DK on 144.91 mhz. Similarly, you can be connected to node TAC / W7DK-5 and type BBS. Either way will work. Some of the more interesting features of our packet system are TELPAC, (DXC)luster, CALLBOOK, and CONVERS: The Linux-based TELPAC node allows you to send and receive email from your packet station. When connected to W7DK-5 or W7DK-8, simply type TELPAC and you will be connected to an email server. You may now originate or read email. If you are not connected to either of the nodes, connect directly to W7DK-4 to reach the TELPAC node.

For the DX'er or contester types, a wealth of information is available on your local DX Cluster Spotting Node, which is K7EK-1 in Spanaway. It is only a few keystrokes away. First connect to TAC or W7DK-5. Then type DXC. You will be prompted for a LOGIN. Enter your bona fide amateur radio callsign and you are off and running. You should begin to see DX spots or announcements flowing almost immediately. Feel free to stay connected 24/7 so you won't miss out on that next  rare station or band opening. The command structure for the DX Spider Software merits its own separate article so won't be covered too deeply here. By the way, K7EK-1 DX Cluster Node can be reached on the internet via telnet using an appropriate client program. Contact your system operator for specifics.

A online CALLBOOK that is updated daily by the FCC is available to look up USA callsigns. Connect first to TAC or W7DK-5. Then type CALLBOOK. You will see something like this:

TAC:W7DK-5} Connected to 144.167.99.66

Welcome to the UALR Callsign Database.

Type HELP or help for HELP.

BYE, bye, QUIT or quit when finished.

You may need to enable local echo on your end.

Sample usage: CALL WA5LRU or call wa5lru

LOOKUP>

Upon receipt of the LOOKUP> prompt, simply type in the callsign you desire to look up and hit enter. If it is valid, you will see the most current information on your screen. To leave the CALLBOOK, type EXIT, or disconnect.

We have at our disposal a WORLDWIDE chat or CONVERS server, which is great for nets or round tables. Similarly, there is a local version of CONVERS which will be explained later. For Worldwide Converse, connect first to TAC or W7DK-5. Then type CONVERS. You will be shown a screen like this, prompting you to log in:

*TAC:W7DK-5} Connected to 67.160.27.199

* K7EK's Converse Server, located in Spanaway, WA, USA (CN87TB)

* Access to channel 0 has been removed from this server.

* You must first log in with /N CALLSIGN - Use /H for Help

Type /N YOURCALLSIGN and hit enter. You are now logged in. Depending on current connectivity of the server, you may see many other stations using other channels. Use the /H command for help.

The LOCAL CONVERS server is reached by first connecting to RCT or W7DK-8 and then typing CONVERS. You will automatically be logged in. The command structure is similar to that on the WORLDWIDE CONVERS server. All commands begin with /.

To get help, type /HELP.

There are other cool features available on our packet system. I have discussed only the more important ones thus far. As stated previously, if you need help, please do not hesitate to ask. If I cannot help you personally, I will find someone that can. You can reach me by email: address in Roster, or telephonically: (253) 691-6159.

Thanks for reading, and happy packeting!

Best regards,
Gary E. Kohtala - K7EK
W7DK Packet System Administrator & Digital Communications Committee Chairman