Jimmy,

My wife and I are studying for our amateur radio licenses, and HAM JA>reminds me so much of BBS's! Yes, it's true that we still need the JA>Internet to telnet, but it's old school, simple, and like right now JA>Netflix keeps stopping and buffering but I was able to log into the
BBS's I d/l mail from with no problems at all!

Let me know when you and your wife get your license (your ticket).
Always love to chat with hams who also love BBSing. :)

You can usually get good file transfer rates with the BBS, and better
than the internet. As a side note, I'm back up with Synchronet, but had
to reset the user base. My main problem now has been dodging
thunderstorms. We had Tornado Warnings in my area a week ago Monday
night, with one storm getting too close for comfort on the radar.

I'm also learning that you can send data via amateur radio... Not JA>Netflix, of course, but text (emails would be perfectly fine to send
and you could have a way to communicate without 'the Internet').

One side note on that. The kids nowadays are so immersed in their
tablets, etc., that they could care less about ham radio, BBSing, or
other hobbies. One ham radio operator in El Paso, Texas (Lew, KB5HPT),
had his grandson in his "shack" one day, and his grandson was asking
Grandpa "what's all this ham radio??".

Well, Grandpa tried to explain things in layman's terms, but his
grandson didn't seem interested.

That was, UNTIL, Grandpa used D-Rats (one of the digital modes of ham
radio, that allows you to send messages, files, and chat in real time)
to send a text message to his grandson's smartphone.

Lew said his grandson's eyes got as big as dollars, as he exclaimed
"WOW!!". Lew said "You can reply to it"...he did, and Lew showed how he
got the message.

That did it...he was hooked!! :)

I've seen a similar deal done at hamfests, and the non-hams are blown
away by what we can do. :)

I use D-Rats quite a bit, especially during the D-Star Nets.

Daryl, WX1DER

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ This tagline is donationware; send money to register it.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Tony,

Yes, BBSs are simple. And offline mail is even quicker to handle, even thoug V>it's not strictly necessary in these days of always on connectivity.

I prefer the QWK Mail myself, in processing messages...as I'm doing
right now. :)

Yes. I was there in the early 1990s, at the height of the packet radio boom.

Due to antenna prohibitions where I live, I'm "internet radio" only.
While that makes the "purists" cringe, at least I'm on the air nightly
with traffic nets...most as primary or backup net control. Then, I do
license exam sessions twice a month. Besides, if one can't get on the
air, why get, or stay licensed??

I helped an elderly ham in Canada on CQ100 recently, who was losing
his eyesight, but wanted to more about these "internet modes". He can't
operate a radio anymore, per se, but he can still work with the
keyboard, and get on the air, and enjoy a hobby he has been a part of
for most of his life.

There is a BBS in Branson, Missouri, that offers both RF and Telnet
access, and they have a digital net (roundtable chat) every Monday night
at 7pm U.S. Central Time (0000 UTC Tuesday from the second Sunday in
March to the first Sunday in November, 0100 UTC Tuesday otherwise).

We've had some interesting conversations in there. The one I remember
most was when I got my current vanity callsign, WX1DER. It stands for
"Weather Wonder", which was the name of a series of weather features I
did in college nearly 40 years ago. Patterned after "A Meteorological
Minute" from The Weather Channel, "A Weather Wonder" was because "we
analyze data, forecasts, and text...but, wonder what weather will happen
next".

Anyway, on this digital net one night, they were talking about my
callsign (WX1DER), and this ham radio operator in Missouri, Ed (KI0HQ),
noted he wanted K0ED as a callsign, but another ham radio operator in California had it already. Then, he typed "I'm married, and ED is not an issue".

The Sysop of the BBS, K.O. Higgs (N0KFQ), and his wife, Billie
(KB0WSA) were heavily involved in the net, until Billie's glaucoma made
her give up Net Control. However, Bob (NS2B) has agreed to take over as
Net Control to keep the net going. K.O. and Billie are a sweet elderly
couple, who are in ham radio mainly for packet. I got to meet them a few
years ago, when I went to the OzarkCon QRP deal in Branson, in early
April.

Anyway, at the time, Billie was still Net Control, and she passed it
to Roger (KB0SON) in Minnesota. He thought ED stood for "Electronic
Doofus". :) Now, I can relate to that, because electronics was never my
forte'. I would've done better on the license exams, had it not been for
all the forumulas. :P

When it got over to K.O., all he typed was "I'm curious to see how Ed
is going to explain ED to Roger".

When it got back to Ed, he typed "Billie, do you know Morse Code??".
She typed back "Yes, and I know a lot of other things as well". I
thought I was going to die laughing!! <BG>

Daryl, WX1DER
---
þ OLX 1.53 þ Don't drink and park -- accidents cause people.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Re: Technology
By: Daryl Stout to JIMMY ANDERSON on Tue May 17 2016 12:04 pm


BBSing comes second to ham radio for me even though Ive been running a BBS since 1980 24/7, under several platforms of course. I sure do miss my C64 and C128 systems though.

de N4DLT

{*} The Gate BBS {*} thegateb.synchro.net {*}

---
þ Synchronet þ The Gate BBS * thegateb.synchro.net * Cherryville, NC USA

Gate Keeper wrote in a message to Daryl Stout:

miss my C64 and C128 systems though.

Still have a C128 and accessories in my closet. Still works too, I just forget how to use the darn thing. :) i keep meaning to buy that kit to hook it
into the internet, but I always find something more important to spend money on.

Shawn
... Pure drivel tends to drive ordinary drivel off the TV screen.
---
* Origin: Tiny's Trailer (723:1/2.1)
þ Synchronet þ thePharcyde_ telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin)

David,

BBSing comes second to ham radio for me even though Ive been running a BBS GK>since 1980 24/7, under several platforms of course. I sure do miss my C64 an GK>C128 systems though.

Now that you mentioned it, I was running a BBS before I got my ham
radio license. I started on a Radio Shack Model 100 32K laptop in
December, 1990...and didn't get my first ham radio license until Field
Day Weekend, 1991...getting my callsign in early August, 1991. Hard to
believe I've been in both now for 25 years.

Daryl, WX1DER

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ Toe: A device for finding furniture in the dark.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Daryl Stout wrote to VK3JED <=-

Tony,

Yes, BBSs are simple. And offline mail is even quicker to handle, even

houg

it's not strictly necessary in these days of always on connectivity.

I prefer the QWK Mail myself, in processing messages...as I'm doing right now. :)

Join the club! I'd prefer Bluewave, but that's fallen by the wayside these days.

Yes. I was there in the early 1990s, at the height of the packet radio

oom.

Due to antenna prohibitions where I live, I'm "internet radio" only. While that makes the "purists" cringe, at least I'm on the air nightly with traffic nets...most as primary or backup net control. Then, I do license exam sessions twice a month. Besides, if one can't get on the
air, why get, or stay licensed??

Better than nothing! :)

I helped an elderly ham in Canada on CQ100 recently, who was losing
his eyesight, but wanted to more about these "internet modes". He can't operate a radio anymore, per se, but he can still work with the
keyboard, and get on the air, and enjoy a hobby he has been a part of
for most of his life.

That's one of the strong points of the Internet connected modes, and there's also remote bases for HF access

There is a BBS in Branson, Missouri, that offers both RF and Telnet access, and they have a digital net (roundtable chat) every Monday
night at 7pm U.S. Central Time (0000 UTC Tuesday from the second Sunday
in March to the first Sunday in November, 0100 UTC Tuesday otherwise).

Does it use packet BBS software or more traditional modem based BBS software? Just curious.

When it got back to Ed, he typed "Billie, do you know Morse Code??".
She typed back "Yes, and I know a lot of other things as well". I
thought I was going to die laughing!! <BG>

Hahaha :D


... Hey, look! A completely new undocumented fea&%$#*@ NO CARRIER
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ Synchronet þ Freeway BBS in Bendigo, Australia.

Tony,

Join the club! I'd prefer Bluewave, but that's fallen by the wayside these V>days.

I think Nancy Backus uses that. She doesn't have a Windows system, per
se, but her husband assists her with computer things. She uses her
computer for genealogy stuff, and for both QWK Mail and word games on
BBS's.

Better than nothing! :)

Plus, when I did a demo with my laptop, wi-fi card, and DV Dongle
(D-Star) at a high school ham radio club), I told the kids "all you need
is a ham radio Technician Class license, a computer, sound card, a high
speed internet connection, the software, and be validated, and you're
good to go. No need to worry about antennas, rigs, power supplies, etc.

That's one of the strong points of the Internet connected modes, and there's V>also remote bases for HF access

I had considered getting on remotehams.com or a related deal. But,
with ham radio nets in the evening, and helping my elderly Mom during
the day, I don't have time for much else.

Does it use packet BBS software or more traditional modem based BBS software? V>Just curious.

I can't remember what software he runs...you can email him at n0kfq at winlink dot org

When it got back to Ed, he typed "Billie, do you know Morse Code??". She typed back "Yes, and I know a lot of other things as well". I thought I was going to die laughing!! <BG>

Hahaha :D

With friends like us, you don't need any enemies. :)

Daryl, WX1DER

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ I didn't crash; the ground came up, and hit me.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

DARYL STOUT wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

Let me know when you and your wife get your license (your ticket). Always love to chat with hams who also love BBSing. :)

Well, been away from BBS's for SEVERAL days and I have a reply to you
about this very thing waiting to upload...

One side note on that. The kids nowadays are so immersed in their tablets, etc., that they could care less about ham radio, BBSing, or
other hobbies. One ham radio operator in El Paso, Texas (Lew, KB5HPT),
had his grandson in his "shack" one day, and his grandson was asking Grandpa "what's all this ham radio??".

Well, Grandpa tried to explain things in layman's terms, but his grandson didn't seem interested.

That was, UNTIL, Grandpa used D-Rats (one of the digital modes of ham radio, that allows you to send messages, files, and chat in real time)
to send a text message to his grandson's smartphone.

Lew said his grandson's eyes got as big as dollars, as he exclaimed "WOW!!". Lew said "You can reply to it"...he did, and Lew showed how he got the message.

That did it...he was hooked!! :)

That's VERY cool! I can see doing that if I ever bring a rig to school
to demonstrate...

I've seen a similar deal done at hamfests, and the non-hams are blown away by what we can do. :)

I use D-Rats quite a bit, especially during the D-Star Nets.

I'm ready and anxious to get started (see other message) - and hearing all
this talk about it makes me even MORE anxious! LOL

þ OLX 1.53 þ This tagline is donationware; send money to register it.

Check's in the mail (and tagline in my stolen area)...


... Frisbyterian: when you die, your soul goes up on the roof
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49

þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

GATE KEEPER wrote to DARYL STOUT <=-

BBSing comes second to ham radio for me even though Ive been running a
BBS since 1980 24/7, under several platforms of course. I sure do miss
my C64 and C128 systems though.

Well I'm not a sysop, just a user, and I use it for the echonets (and
playing Global War). That's why I want to get my HAM ticket - for the communication! My wife wants to use it to communicate during weather
spotting / storm chasing.


... I have a mind like a steel... uh... thingy.
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

DARYL STOUT wrote to VK3JED <=-

Plus, when I did a demo with my laptop, wi-fi card, and DV Dongle (D-Star) at a high school ham radio club), I told the kids "all you
need is a ham radio Technician Class license, a computer, sound card, a high speed internet connection, the software, and be validated, and
you're good to go. No need to worry about antennas, rigs, power
supplies, etc.

You had mentioned that to me when I had logged into your BBS... I need to
look into that after I get my ticket... Would be a way to at least take
part in some Nets when I can't raise anyone on the waves.


... Jesus Saves -- passes to Moses - he shoots! HE SCORES!!!
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

Jimmy,

Well, been away from BBS's for SEVERAL days and I have a reply to you JA>about this very thing waiting to upload...

No rush. I've been helping my elderly Mom (who turns 90 this fall)
with several tasks...plus, dodging thunderstorms. So, work on the BBS
has had to go on the back burner.

That's VERY cool! I can see doing that if I ever bring a rig to school
to demonstrate...

Much to the "ham radio purists angst", I operate "internet radio",
because of antenna prohibitions...especially considering it's apartment inspection time again. I'm waiting for a strip search inspection to
check for illegal drugs, but doubt that'll ever get implemented. The
police have busted several residents out here in the past for meth labs,
etc.

Back to "internet radio", I took a laptop, my DV Dongle (with D-Star),
a wi-fi adapter, an external mouse and keyboard, an external monitor,
plus a desktop mic and speakers, to a central Arkansas area high school,
and did a demo for their ham radio club. I told the kids that "This way,
you don't have to worry about the cost of radios, power supplies, SWR
meters, antennas, coaxial cable, towers, etc. All you need is a
Technician Class ham radio license, a computer (desktop or laptop), a
high speed internet connection, the software, plus a headset mic (or a
desktop mic and speakers), and you're good to go.

I plan to take the laptop to the Hunstville Hamfest with me in June,
and operate Greyhound Bus mobile with Packet via Telnet, Echolink,
D-Star, and D-Rats.

I'm ready and anxious to get started (see other message) - and hearing all JA>this talk about it makes me even MORE anxious! LOL

The new technology is almost dizzying.

I still laugh about that deal on the packet net with the discussion of
what E.D. really stands for. And, the other night, one ham typed that
"he had to go back to work to rest"...from all the home chores over the weekend!! :P

þ OLX 1.53 þ This tagline is donationware; send money to register it.

Check's in the mail (and tagline in my stolen area)...

... Frisbyterian: when you die, your soul goes up on the roof

That one doesn't fly with some groups. :P However, it is now in my
tagline collection. :)

Daryl

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ When I'm naked in the bathroom, the shower is turned on.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Jimmy,

You had mentioned that to me when I had logged into your BBS... I need to JA>look into that after I get my ticket... Would be a way to at least take JA>part in some Nets when I can't raise anyone on the waves.

Sometimes on HF, the band conditions are lousy. With these other
modes, you're usually guaranteed to get someone to talk to.

... Jesus Saves -- passes to Moses - he shoots! HE SCORES!!!

That reminds me of the joke, where Jesus and Satan are dueling with
each other with computers. At the most critical moment, Satan's computer crashes, and he loses all his data...but Jesus didn't lose a byte of
data. The reason?? Jesus saves. <G>

Daryl
---
þ OLX 1.53 þ Does "MNP-5" mean "Modem needs a 5 topping pizza"??
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Daryl Stout wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

That reminds me of the joke, where Jesus and Satan are dueling with
each other with computers. At the most critical moment, Satan's
computer crashes, and he loses all his data...but Jesus didn't lose a
byte of data. The reason?? Jesus saves. <G>

And the joke between God and Satan, where they are arguing over who should have custody over an engineer who has really improved conditions in Hell. God says "I'm going to sue you". Satan laughs and says "And where do you think you're going to get a lawyer?" :D


... Poker: It's darkest just before you've drawn.
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ Synchronet þ Freeway BBS in Bendigo, Australia.

Daryl Stout wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

Much to the "ham radio purists angst", I operate "internet radio", because of antenna prohibitions...especially considering it's apartment inspection time again. I'm waiting for a strip search inspection to
check for illegal drugs, but doubt that'll ever get implemented. The police have busted several residents out here in the past for meth
labs, etc.

The Internet access to radio certainly has its uses. I prefer to use real radio, but will use the Internet alternatives when needed for pragmatic
easons.

Back to "internet radio", I took a laptop, my DV Dongle (with
D-Star), a wi-fi adapter, an external mouse and keyboard, an external monitor, plus a desktop mic and speakers, to a central Arkansas area
high school, and did a demo for their ham radio club. I told the kids
that "This way, you don't have to worry about the cost of radios, power supplies, SWR meters, antennas, coaxial cable, towers, etc. All you
need is a Technician Class ham radio license, a computer (desktop or laptop), a high speed internet connection, the software, plus a headset mic (or a desktop mic and speakers), and you're good to go.

I'm not so sure I'd push it as "the way to go", but definitely as a side note to say this is now in our arsenal of gear and modes. I maintain Echolink capacity on some of my systems, as well as phone and tablet. I'm more interested in being able to remotely use my own radios, whether from the other side of the house or further afield. I can do this on voice to some extent, and I'm looking at setting up a data gateway that can do packet on VHF and Winlink on HF, and be accessible over the LAN. This will make use of a Raspberry Pi and LinBPQ as the main element of the gateway.


... As easy as 3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ Synchronet þ Freeway BBS in Bendigo, Australia.

Tony,

The Internet access to radio certainly has its uses. I prefer to use real V>radio, but will use the Internet alternatives when needed for pragmatic V>easons.

It's easier for me, because of my setup here at the QTH. However, I
realize when my internet is out, or if storms are in the area, I'm QRT.

Winlink on HF, and be accessible over the LAN. This will make use of a V>Raspberry Pi and LinBPQ as the main element of the gateway.

I'm doing Winlink via RMS Express, since I don't think D-Rats
processes that anymore (WL2K now requires secure logons). But, I
understand that even though Dan, KK7DS, is no longer developing it,
apparently, there is another ham who's willing to take up the task.

Plus, I use the Outpost program for Packet to the N0KFQ BBS in
Branson. It has both RF and telnet access.

Also, I don't know much about a Raspberry Pi...but, a pineapple upside
down cheesecake sounds awfully good. And, yes, I did make a bunch of
contacts with it...from the plate to the mouth. :)

Daryl

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ 100% of people who breathe, die.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Daryl Stout wrote to VK3JED <=-

Tony,

The Internet access to radio certainly has its uses. I prefer to use real
radio, but will use the Internet alternatives when needed for pragmatic
easons.

It's easier for me, because of my setup here at the QTH. However, I realize when my internet is out, or if storms are in the area, I'm QRT.

Yep, use what works.

I'm doing Winlink via RMS Express, since I don't think D-Rats
processes that anymore (WL2K now requires secure logons). But, I

I can use RMS Express, but in the current incarnation, there's a lack of flexibility. RMS Express assumes a single point of accessing the interface (i.e. works best when confined to one PC), but for me, shack access and telnet access are best done in different places. The shack is more like the engine room on a ship. Great if you want to work on the working parts, but not the best place to drive it from. :)

understand that even though Dan, KK7DS, is no longer developing it, apparently, there is another ham who's willing to take up the task.

Oh, OK. The beauty of open source - someone else can pick it up.

Plus, I use the Outpost program for Packet to the N0KFQ BBS in
Branson. It has both RF and telnet access.

Also, I don't know much about a Raspberry Pi...but, a pineapple
upside down cheesecake sounds awfully good. And, yes, I did make a
bunch of contacts with it...from the plate to the mouth. :)

LOL


... The easy way is always mined.
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ Synchronet þ Freeway BBS in Bendigo, Australia.

DARYL STOUT wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

You had mentioned that to me when I had logged into your BBS... I need to
look into that after I get my ticket... Would be a way to at least take
part in some Nets when I can't raise anyone on the waves.

Sometimes on HF, the band conditions are lousy. With these other
modes, you're usually guaranteed to get someone to talk to.

Cool. :-) Was listening to a repeater yesterday in Jackson, TN. One
guy asked where the other was from - he mentioned Kentucky. He asked
what repeater he was using. As the conversation when on I realized it
was a 'net' that spans repeaters across the state! Had no idea!


... Shell to DOS, come in DOS, do you copy? Over...
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

DARYL STOUT wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

Back to "internet radio", I took a laptop, my DV Dongle (with
D-Star), a wi-fi adapter, an external mouse and keyboard, an external monitor, plus a desktop mic and speakers, to a central Arkansas area
high school, and did a demo for their ham radio club. I told the kids
that "This way, you don't have to worry about the cost of radios, power supplies, SWR meters, antennas, coaxial cable, towers, etc. All you
need is a Technician Class ham radio license, a computer (desktop or laptop), a high speed internet connection, the software, plus a headset mic (or a desktop mic and speakers), and you're good to go.

Hmm... I have most of that already... I have a USB headset (phones and mic) that I use for online gaming with my buddies from high school and my son
in Indiana. So I should be able to use my laptop with the dongle? Can you
send me a link to the part I would need to get by chance?

I plan to take the laptop to the Hunstville Hamfest with me in June,
and operate Greyhound Bus mobile with Packet via Telnet, Echolink,
D-Star, and D-Rats.

Nice! Not sure if we're going to make that or not... <stopping to Google>

Says August 20 & 21... Putting it on the calendar, but no promises.

... Frisbyterian: when you die, your soul goes up on the roof

That one doesn't fly with some groups. :P However, it is now in my tagline collection. :)

Really? wow... SMH


... Dachshund kennel ad: Get a long little doggie.
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

Jimmy,

Cool. :-) Was listening to a repeater yesterday in Jackson, TN. One
guy asked where the other was from - he mentioned Kentucky. He asked
what repeater he was using. As the conversation when on I realized it
was a 'net' that spans repeaters across the state! Had no idea!

Many nets now have several repeaters linked in during nets...either as regular traffic nets, or during Skywarn Severe Weather Operations. Other
nets can be on topics such as trains, cooking, Bible Study, or a ham
radio swap net. Normally, amateur radio operators can NOT make a
communication where "they or their employer have a pecuniary (monetary) interest". However, they CAN inform other amateur radio operators of ham
radio related equipment that they want to buy, sell, or trade...with the
caveat that "such activity is not done on a regular basis" (i.e. every
day).

Daryl, WX1DER

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ I found a piano stool. I thought they were housebroken.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Jimmy,

Hmm... I have most of that already... I have a USB headset (phones and mic) JA>that I use for online gaming with my buddies from high school and my son JA>in Indiana. So I should be able to use my laptop with the dongle? Can you JA>send me a link to the part I would need to get by chance?

You can go to vendors such as Ham Radio Outlet (www.hamradio.com).
It's around $200 -- but the price of a simple D-Star HT can be more than
double that. Also, before you can get on the air to listen, you will
need proof of the ham radio license (entering your callsign in a
database -- I can get you the link to that later). I registered through
a link provided by the Memphis Digital Amateur Radio Club. Rick Pinelli, KA2BSM, does a lot of work with them. With Echolink, you also need proof
of a ham radio license, but there is an app for your smartphone, where
you don't need a radio at all.

I plan to take the laptop to the Hunstville Hamfest with me in June, and operate Greyhound Bus mobile with Packet via Telnet, Echolink, D-Star, and D-Rats.

Nice! Not sure if we're going to make that or not... <stopping to Google>

Says August 20 & 21... Putting it on the calendar, but no promises.

I hope you can make it. That'll likely be my last big out of state
trip...due to health and financial issues. I don't look forward to a 12
hour bus ride. :P

... Dachshund kennel ad: Get a long little doggie.

Been there, done that. However, I re-homed the second dachshund the
day my wife died. We had to have the first one put down, due to
declining health. You can see more at http://www.wx1der.com/dog.htm

Daryl

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ Oklahoma: Our Tornadoes Go To F6!!
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

DARYL STOUT wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

Cool. :-) Was listening to a repeater yesterday in Jackson, TN. One
guy asked where the other was from - he mentioned Kentucky. He asked
what repeater he was using. As the conversation when on I realized it
was a 'net' that spans repeaters across the state! Had no idea!

Many nets now have several repeaters linked in during nets...either
as regular traffic nets, or during Skywarn Severe Weather Operations.

I don't think was a 'net' as in a scheduled thing - I think it was just
chew traffic but they have them linked together... Of course I couldn't transmit and ask, but I will soon! :-)


... Direct from the Ministry of Silly Walks
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

DARYL STOUT wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

You can go to vendors such as Ham Radio Outlet (www.hamradio.com).
It's around $200 -- but the price of a simple D-Star HT can be more
than double that.

Okay - thx! Since it's not just a '$25 dongle' I'll probably go the
antenna route first. :-) Not that it's 'better' just more fun for me
since I don't have the apartment limitations... (I live out in the
country and can shoot off my back porch if I want to).

Also, before you can get on the air to listen, you
will need proof of the ham radio license (entering your callsign in a database -- I can get you the link to that later). I registered through
a link provided by the Memphis Digital Amateur Radio Club. Rick
Pinelli, KA2BSM, does a lot of work with them. With Echolink, you also need proof of a ham radio license, but there is an app for your smartphone, where you don't need a radio at all.

Once I pass the test <wink> that won't be an issue. What's the app?

I plan to take the laptop to the Hunstville Hamfest with me in June, and operate Greyhound Bus mobile with Packet via Telnet, Echolink, D-Star, and D-Rats.

Nice! Not sure if we're going to make that or not... <stopping to Google>

Says August 20 & 21... Putting it on the calendar, but no promises.

I hope you can make it. That'll likely be my last big out of state trip...due to health and financial issues. I don't look forward to a 12 hour bus ride. :P

I understand that! Wife doesn't like crowds :-) but if this turns into a
chance for her to storm chase and storm watch she might be more inclined
to go on that trip... She really enjoyed the Bartlett Freefest!

I've come 'this close' to driving to Huntsville just to play x-wing, but
it's a long way to go alone. If we go together, of course...

þ OLX 1.53 þ Oklahoma: Our Tornadoes Go To F6!!

LOL - nice! :-)

... Elvis has left the echo.
--- MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
þ wcQWK 6.4 ÷ http://finathon.org/neptunes-lair-bbs - Help Save Our Oceans

Jimmy,

I don't think was a 'net' as in a scheduled thing - I think it was just JA>chew traffic but they have them linked together... Of course I couldn't JA>transmit and ask, but I will soon! :-)

It takes about a week to 10 days after the exam, before the callsign
shows up. If both you and your wife pass your respective exams, you may
end up getting sequential callsigns.

Daryl

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ NO CARRIER -- but I've got some warships and F-15's.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org

Jimmy,

Okay - thx! Since it's not just a '$25 dongle' I'll probably go the JA>antenna route first. :-) Not that it's 'better' just more fun for me JA>since I don't have the apartment limitations... (I live out in the JA>country and can shoot off my back porch if I want to).

I haven't seen a D-Star Dongle for under $130.

Once I pass the test <wink> that won't be an issue. What's the app?

Echolink. You have to send them a copy of your license (scan it in,
and email it...details are at www.echolink.org). Once you're in the
system, amd have been validated, you can download it for your PC
(Windows, Mac, and Linux), or for your Smartphone.

I understand that! Wife doesn't like crowds :-) but if this turns into a JA>chance for her to storm chase and storm watch she might be more inclined JA>to go on that trip... She really enjoyed the Bartlett Freefest!

There may be activities there for the ladies...several hamfests are
doing that now. Of course, there will also be rooms for socializing, so
you're not in the rooms looking for gear. I'll be at the D-Star Forum,
and probably socializing.

I've come 'this close' to driving to Huntsville just to play x-wing, but JA>it's a long way to go alone. If we go together, of course...

It'd be a bit shorter trip for you than for me by at least 2-3
hours...as it's at least that from Little Rock to Memphis.

Daryl

---
þ OLX 1.53 þ Apathy Error: Strike any key...or none, for that matter.
þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, AR - wx1der.dyndns.org