I have been running a packet radio node for a few years now, but I am far from an expert. Actually every day, learn something I didn't know the day before. When I got started, I did quite a bit of research on packet radio, but unfortunately I had a hard time finding much. I guess it is simply too old a mode, and furthermore there were no nodes around for me to try. Now that I run a node, I think it is beneficial to get some information out there so others may get inspired to try out packet.
I am going to run through some basic commands to get you connected and exploring your local node.
First, to connect to a local packet node, you need to know a few things. First, you need to know the callsign and ssid of the local node. For example, my local node in Bay County, FL is KK4DIV-7. Next, you need to know the frequency. Again, in the case of my node, I am on 145.05 MHz. You will also need some hardware and/or software. You will need a radio and most mobile radios work very well. You can also use a handheld, but you are limited on power output. Next, you will need either a hardware TNC or a software TNC with a soundcard interface. And last, you will need a computer running some sort of terminal program. For local access to my node, I often use my Win10 laptop with Putty terminal software into my Kenwood TH-D72. I like this little handheld radio due to it's built-in TNC. It keeps things small, portable and simple.
So, what commands do you need to know for the node and what do they do? Here is a list and a brief description of the commands for my BPQ32 Packet Radio Node, KK4DIV-7.
? ... This will list the commands
BBS ... This command will allow the user access into the Bulletin Board System. With the Bulletin Board System, you can send and receive messages, read bulletins from around the world, pass NTS traffic, etc.
CHAT ... This command will allow the user access to the chat server. Often these are linked with other nodes so you can chat with people outside the local area.
RMS ... This will allow the user command line access to the winlink server. It is tricky to access, and will get it's own write-up.
SYSOP ... This will "ring" the sysops computer, open up a chat window on their computer, and allow the user to chat directly with the sysop.
CONNECT ... Will allow the user to connect to other nodes on the "nodes" list or to other stations on the "mheard" list.
BYE ... Will disconnect the user from the node
INFO ... Will display information about the node.
NODES ... Lists the other nodes that the node the user is connected to has heard and has communications with.
PORTS ... List available ports on the node such as the VHF port, HF port, etc.
ROUTES ... Lists direct routes to other nodes usually directly connected via AXIP or VHF packet.
USERS ... lists people currently connected to the node.
MHEARD ... Lists the last seen stations on any given port. For example, MHEARD 3 lists the last seen stations on port 3 (in the case of the KK4DIV-7 node, port 3 is the VHF port).
That's the list of the most common commands for users connected to a node. To see these commands in use, watch the video I put together below.
Well, until next time...take care and 73.
-Bob KK4DIV
