Packet Radio

Packet Radio is another digital mode of Amateur Radio communications which
corresponds to computer communication. It takes any data stream sent from a
computer and sends that via radio waves to another amateur radio station with
with similar set-up. Packet radio is so named because it sends the data in packets
or in short bursts in the radio.

Maybe, it's too expensive for me to set-up one?
Wrong !

Now you can assemble your own packet radio modem and use an old PC-XT or AT
to run the station and that's it. But you also drain your pockets if you want to add
bells and whistles in your packet radio station.

Typically you need only 3 things to set up your packet radio station, these are:

• Computer or Dumb Terminal. An old PC-XT or AT will do...even an HP palm top.
  
• TNC. (Terminal Node Controller). Ready to fire TNCs to homebrewed Baycom kits
  
• Radio. Any commonly available narrow band FM voice radios to 9600bps ready !
  .

  Below is a picture of a simple packet radio station using a Laptop for the computer,
  A Kantronics KPC-3 , a 1200 bps TNC and a 144 MHz FM transceiver for the radio,
  and of course connected to an antenna.
  

  

  There are a lot of options to set up a packet radio station. You can homebrew the
  modem and with a special program, it can act as a TNC, connect it to an inexpensive
  handheld radio and you are in. The best way is to check your fellow hams in your
  community who are already in packet and you can ask them for help.
  

  Here are some cool links about packet radio:
  

  • The Packet Radio Homepage
    
  • The Home of Packet Radio
    
  • Bavarian Packet Group.The makers of Baycom modem kits.
    
  • ARRL Homepage
  • TAPR Homepage
    

  Have fun with Packet Radio !

  Emilio F. Ong, Jr.
  [email protected]
  

  Jun Ong Design
  All Rights Reserved 1998