Gateway: The ARRL Packet Radio Newsletter

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, Editor

Volume 5, Number 6                                        December 2, 1988

                           AN NTS SUCCESS STORY

On November 5, I received a phone call from a young lady asking if I could
send a message to her brother, an active-duty sailor in the US Navy
stationed in the Philippines.  The message concerned a family member that
passed away.  I said I would try and sent an NTS-formatted message to 96654
@ NTSCA assuming that someone in California would know how to send traffic
to FPO 96654-1218, Cubi Point, Philippines.

I sent the message to the NC8Q PBBS @ 1638z then "auto-magically" NC8Q PBBS
auto-forwarded it to the N8GTC PBBS on 221.11 MHz, then N8GTC
auto-forwarded to the W8AKF-10 PBBS, then W8AKF-10 to W8AKF-1, then to
W6CUS-1 (Red Cross Headquarters, California) and finally to Red Cross Subic
Bay Philippines at 1945Z.

It took only three hours and seven minutes to forward the message to the
Philippines.  Wow!  I wish to send thanks, accolades and commendations to
all who participate in the NTS and Packet-Radio Bulletin Board Systems.

by Chuck Gelm, NC8Q @ NC8Q, from Indiana Packet NTS Newsletter

                     LATIN AMERICAN TRAFFIC CONNECTION

Chuck, TI0PAQ, in San Jose, Costa Rica, is active on the 30-meter
packet-radio net and can handle traffic for much of Central and South
America.  According to a message from Chuck, "Please send your health and
welfare traffic.  We can get it into the Nicaragua area, not easily, but
there is a way to send traffic to and from that area.  We can refile it
with the Red Cross locally and get it there, no problem."

from Jim Parsons, K5ROV

                     AA4RE MAILBOX SOFTWARE AVAILABLE

Version 2.2 of "BB," the PBBS "mailbox" program written by Roy Engehausen,
AA4RE, has just become available.  This IBM PC/XT/AT/PS2 (and clone)
program features multiple ports and multiple connects per port.  New
features include hierarchical addressing and support for the AEA PK-87 and
PK-232 TNCs.

The advantage of BB over other PBBS software is that you do oot need to run
DESQview or DoubleDOS and have multiple copies running to allow multiple
users to connect, as do the other systems because BB contains its own
internal multitasking executive.  Each additional user only requires 12
kbytes of memory and BB does not limit you to one user per TNC.  You could
have several users connected to each TNC and still forward mail at the same
time.

BB also includes a built-in text editor so you can edit messages and
forward files without interrupting any users or taking the PBBS down.
Windowing provides you with a monitor window, a connect window and an
operator window.

The program requires a "host mode" TNC.  Currently supported are the TNC 1
(and clones) with WA8DED's host-mode firmware installed, TNC 2 (and clones)
with WA8DED's or NORD><LINK's firmware installed, the AEA PK-87 and PK-232,
the DRSI PC*PA and the Pac-Comm PC-110 and 120.

AA4RE has also released MBBIOS Version 3.2 (MBBIOS is the communication
port driver used by the WA7MBL and W0RLI PBBS systems).  There are only a
few new features for the average user, so if your are happy with your
current version, do not change it.

AA4RE software may be downloaded from CompuServe's HamNet or the WA6RDH BBS
at 916-678-1535 (300, 1200 or 2400 baud with no parity, 8 character bits
and 1 stop bit).  Or you can obtain these programs by mailing two formatted
diskettes for the BB program, documentation and MBBIOS 3.2 or three
formatted diskettes for the BB source code and MBIOS 3.2 with a diskette
mailer, mailing label and return postage to either Frank McPherson, KB7TV,
16410 South 46th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85044 or Gary Mitchell, WB9TPG, 220 East
Eagle St, Versailles, KY 40383 (WB9TPG @ WB9TPG.KY.USA.NA).  WB9TPG can
handle standard 5-1/4-inch 360- kbyte diskettes, while KB7TV can handle
either 5-1/4-inch or 3- 1/2-inch, single- or double-density diskettes (360
kbyte, 1.2 Mbyte, 720 kbyte, 1.44 Mbyte).  Please do not send diskettes to
AA4RE.

from Roy Engehausen, AA4RE, and Gary Mitchell, WB9TPG

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, Editor

Volume 5, Number 6                                        December 2, 1988

                     AMSAT SPACE SYMPOSIUM SUCCESSFUL

Thanks to the excellent planning and execution of the Atlanta Radio Club,
the sixth annual AMSAT Space Symposium was a great success!  With over 130
in attendance representing 11 countries, AMSAT members had a chance to
enjoy 19 papers covering a wide range of topics which are of current
interest to the AMSAT satellite user community.  Papers dealing with the
polar SKITREK expedition, Microsats, Amateur Radio balloon experiments,
weather satellites and the use of OSCARs in education were presented
throughout the day.  The following is a brief summary of the major aspects
of the symposium which was held in Atlanta on November 11-12.

The major event of the symposium occurred when Leo Labutin, UA3CR, and
Byron Lindsey, W4BIW, each made contact with U2MIR from the parking lot of
the Airport Marriott Hotel with Musa Manorov operating the Mir 2-meter FM
station.  Sitting in Byron's station wagon with a one-element home-brew
loop antenna being pointed manually by Martin Davidoff, K2UBC, Leo was able
to make a contact with U2MIR.  Byron's mobile station included a ICOM 2AT
driving a 30-watt amplifier.  Although the reception was marginal, Leo and
Byron were each able to make a contact.  The cosmonauts sent their
greetings to all those who were attending the symposium.  Approximately 60
AMSAT members were standing around the station wagon watching and
listening.  This was the first time an orbiting Soviet cosmonaut had made
contact with a US Amateur Radio station.

At the banquet on Saturday night, keynote speaker Geoffrey Perry of the
Kettering Group presented an informative and humorous discussion on some of
his most interesting experiences in "satellite sleuthing." Leo spoke about
humorous experiences with the skiers of the polar SKITREK expedition.
Also, Leo explained how the cosmonauts were able to smuggle the Yaesu
FT-290 aboard Mir in a cake box.  He also mentioned that there is an
American- Soviet SKITREK expedition being planned for the Antarctic next
year.  Leo recognized Rich Ensign, N8IWJ, for his many efforts related to
the Skitrek and presented Rich with a copy of a book (in Russian) about a
previous polar expedition.

On Sunday, the day after the symposium, Leo Labutin, UA3CR, became UA3CR/W4
as a result of passing the Amateur Extra exam administered to him by two
Volunteer Examiners from Georgia Tech.  Leo mentioned that his biggest
problem was understanding the FCC regulations, but after studying the night
before, he had no problem passing all of the exam elements from Novice to
Extra class and had no problem with the Morse Code and theory parts of the
exam.

While many technical papers were being delivered, there was a considerable
number of developments made in the education area including an agreement
with UA3CR to create an Antarctic SKITREK teachers' guide, establishment of
AMSAT Space Educations Materials Centers in each country with an AMSAT
organization, activation of the AMSAT Educations Materials Working Group
and the establishment of the mechanism by which children worldwide can
submit "messages of peace" to be spoken by the Project Dove Brazilian
Microsat.  The main contributors to these educational efforts were made by
Rich Ensign, N8IWJ, Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV, and Junior de Castro,
PY2BJO.

The following awards were presented for outstanding service to AMSAT-NA:
technical awards for their work on Microsats: Tom Clark, W3IWI, Dick
Jansson, WD4FAB, Lyle Johnson, WA7GXD, and Matjaz Vidmar, YT3MV;
recognition for their efforts in making the 1987 AMSAT-NA Space Symposium
in Detroit a success: Larry Koziel, K8MU, and Steve Culp, K8QKY;
recognition of his innovative efforts on the Space Education Net (SEN):
K.O. Learner, K9PVW; recognition of his efforts in supporting Skitrek: Rich
Ensign, N8IWJ; recognition of his tireless efforts in planning,
coordinating and hosting the 1988 AMSAT-NA Space Symposium: Byron Lindsey,
W4BIW; for outstanding service to AMSAT-NA in field operations: Regional
Coordinators Jack Crabtree, AA0P, and Keith Pugh, W5IU, Area Coordinators
Keith Berglund, WB5ZDP, John Clowe, W4ZPG, David Miracle, KA4UFM, and Dave
Cowdin, WD0HHU; for his outstanding service and support to AMSAT-NA during
the Dayton HamVentions: Bob Rogers, W8JLE.

A new AMSAT board of directors was elected consisting of Tom Clark, W3IWI,
Vern Riportella, WA2LQQ, Phil Karn, KA9Q, and Andy MacAllister, WA5ZIB.
First Alternate is John Henry, VE2VQ, and Second Alternate is Doug
Loughmiller, KO5I.

The board of directors selected the following officers for AMSAT:  Chairman
Jan King, W3GEY, President Doug Loughmiller, KO5I, Executive Vice President
John Champa, K8OCL, Vice President of Engineering Jan King, W3GEY, Vice
President of Operations Courtney Duncan, N5BF, Treasurer Art Feller, KB4ZJ,
and AMSAT Corporation Secretary Martha Saragovitz.

AMSAT officers appointed by newly elected President KO5I and approved by
the board of directors were Vice President of User Operations Andy
MacAllister, WA5ZIB, Vice President of Field Operations Jack Crabtree,
AA0P, Vice President of Manned Space Projects Bill Tynan, W3XO, and Vice
President of Special Programs Ray Soifer, W2RS.

Major items voted on and approved by the board of directors included the
Weber State College statement-of-work for the Phase- IV mock-up model and
engineering analysis, the changes in AMSAT- NA publications and the
appointment of Joe Kasser, G3ZCZ/W3, as editor of a new AMSAT-NA
publication, a revision of AMSAT-NA by- laws and a proposal by Dr. Alberto
Zagni, I2KBD, of AMSAT-Italy and Amateur Radio Association of Italy for
building a Microsat Satellite with AMSAT-NA.

>From the standpoint of different and exciting subjects discussed, this
AMSAT-NA Symposium was a "first" in itself.

from AMSAT-NA News Service

R:881204/0929z @:AD8I Circleville, OH #:41646 Z:43113
R:881204/0527z 4237@N8ACV  [45429 Kettering, Ohio] MVFMA
R:881203/2345r 1992@NC8Q   [Dayton, Ohio]  Z:45419
R:881204/0407z @:KC8TW Cincinnati, OH #:1805 Z:45014

Gateway: The ARRL Packet Radio Newsletter                      Part 3 of 3

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, Editor

Volume 5, Number 6                                        December 2, 1988

                          PACKET RADIO IN HUNGARY

According to a report from Bela, HA5DI, Hungarian hams are packet
radioactive with two digipeaters, five TheNet nodes and four WA7MBL PBBSs
all operating on 144.675 MHz.

                  MACINTOSH TCP/IP SOFTWARE AVAILABILITY

The latest Macintosh release of the KA9Q TCP/IP software package may now be
downloaded from CompuServe's HamNet in packed StuffIt format.  The file is
over 420 kbytes in length and will take nearly an hour and a half to
download at 2400 bauds.  Note that the KA9Q Internet software package is
free for Amateur Radio use, but is not in the public domain.  Those
interested in commercial use should contact Phil Karn, KA9Q, for licensing
information.

            HAPN Modem Installation in the Pac-Comm Tiny TNC-2

The HAPN-T 4800-baud modem, which is available from the Hamilton and Area
Packet Network (HAPN), is designed for the TAPR TNC 2 and its clones.  I
had a Pac-Comm Tiny TNC-2 which was to be used for a NET/ROM host on a
backbone node.  This TNC is quite a bit smaller than the typical TNC 2 and
I wondered if I could squeeze the HAPN modem in the TNC or would I have to
mount it externally.  Happily, I was able to mount it inside according to
the following directions.

Build the modem per HAPN instructions except leave out jumpers J100, J101
and J105.  Determine which jumpers will be required for your installation
and solder wire jumpers as needed.  In my installation, the modem was to be
dedicated to 4800 baud, so I also left out the MC14551 switching IC, U1,
and then jumpered pin 1 to pin 14 and pin 5 to pin 10 of the U1 socket.

Next install the 20-pin modem disconnect header at the place provided for
on the TNC, but only cut the trace between pins 17 and 18.  No others have
to be cut.  The modem can now be placed on the header connector and will
fit nicely if placed towards the front of the TNC.

To interface with the radio, use the conventional 5-pin, 180- degree DIN
connector.  Using a 5-pin female connector, prepare a set of 4 wires, each
approximately 6-inches long attached to pins 1, 2, 3 and 4.  This forms a
free-hanging connector off the back of the TNC.  Connect pin 1 of the 5-pin
connector to pin 5 of J103 of the HAPN-T modem.  Next, connect pin 2 of the
5-pin connector to pin 2 of J103, pin 3 of the 5-pin connector to the
cathode of D9 of the TNC (this is the TX PTT lead), pin 4 of the 5-pZ"%95
to pin 4 of J103 and, to get the carrier detect from the modem to the TNC,
pull the shorting jumper off JPD of the TNC and connect a wire jumper from
pin 5 of the modem's J102 to the center pin of the TNC's JPD.  One last
connection for +12 V dc has to be made from the location provided on the
modem to the cathode of the TNC's D6.

This is all that is necessary for fitting these two units together.  Now,
adjust the modem per HAPN's instructions and make sure to set the radio
baud rates properly (in this case for 4800 bauds).  (I did not worry about
switching between 1200 and 4800 bauds in this modification, however,
looking at the diagrams, it can be done, but with some difficulty as
Pac-Comm uses pin 16 of the modem disconnect header for a ground.)

The end result is a reasonably priced, NET/ROM-compatible, 4800- baud,
TNC/switch in a small package.

from Tom Bosscher, WA8URE @ WA8URE.MI or @ 49508

                           GATEWAY CONTRIBUTIONS

Submissions for publication in Gateway are welcome.  You may submit
material via the US mail to:

   Gateway
   Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
   75 Kreger Drive
   Wolcott, CT 06716-2702

or electronically, via CompuServe to user ID 70645,247.

                     REPRODUCTION OF GATEWAY MATERIAL

Material may be excerpted from Gateway without prior permission, provided
that the original contributor is credited and Gateway is identified as the
source.

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End of PACKET-RADIO Digest
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