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ZL4AX > PACKET 01.01.14 20:22l 52 Lines 2773 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 16824_ZL2BAU
Read: GUEST
Subj: Re: VK6ZRT > not enough users
Path: IZ3LSV<IK2XDE<DB0RES<DB0ANF<CX2SA<ZL2BAU
Sent: 140101/1916Z @:ZL2BAU.#79.NZL.OC #:16824 [Waimate] $:16824_ZL2BAU
From: ZL4AX@ZL2BAU.#79.NZL.OC
To : PACKET@WW
Come on guys, cheer up and get positive!
Packet is absolutely THRIVING!
Take a look at Ebay, and try to buy a Kantronics TNC these days!
They were in the '$5 bin' under the counter at every junk sale up to
three years ago, but now people are fighting over them!
There's new upgraded memory and eproms changing hands in a flurry,
and better, faster systems are spreading like wildfire!
With BPQ32 now providing Windows users access to the Packet Radio
Gateway infrastructure, packet RADIO is being interfaced into an
unprecedented range of useful facilities.
Here in the part of New Zealand we have a growing Packet RADIO network
with a couple of dozen 24/7 operators, providing a reliable and spreading
RADIO network with many alternative routes available so that users can
hop from place-to-place on 2m or 70cms. It's just great.
For the first time, brand new TNC's are being bought. I haven't seen that
kind of expansion for over 20 years!
Right now, we have a number of operators constucting a 2.4GHz MESH network
that will be interfaced into the existing packet system, and new hilltop
nodes and digipeaters are going up all the time.
All this is due to advancing technology, intelligently dovetailed into
our existing great equipment. With BPQ32, any computer user can now join
the Gateway constellation. Rasberry Pi computers are so cheap, and use
virtually no power at all, and Linux operating systems are becoming
popular with 'non-geeks' everywhere. It's never looked so good for the
future of Packet RADIO!
All this works brilliantly because it is based upon RADIO, not the
internet. Everyone seems so pleased to use their old spare radios for
this purpose. A new generation of operators are realising that the
entire comms/worldwide web/email system that drives the world today,
is actually a direct COPY of what we've enjoyed on packet radio for
decades already. Just plug that little Kantronics box into the radio,
and you're one of a vibrant community! There are so many advantages
to getting on board. Users can receive their packet mail on the move at
work or at night if they're out on shift work. It goes everywhere, and
we have it in our cars and briefcases.
Like the bicycle, once a technoligically perfect idea is born, there
really is no NEED to change to something else. It's only fashion that
has reduced hams to internet/cellphone users. It is Packet RADIO that
sets us apart from love-lorn teenagers, sending thier trite and petty
little childish messages back-and-forth on the 'net' and using OUR
technology to do it. WE are the telecommunications elite, let's use
what we have. We invented it - it's out badge of honour!
mni 73 Paul ZL4AX Pukekohe New Zealand
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