Packet radio is having a resurgence in use, as it is repackage for emergency communications. Operator new to the hobby will not know what packet radio really is. Those operators involved in the BI period (Before Internet) can remember how messages traveled around the world by the packet radio system.

Packet radio today is being utilized as the main messaging system for Bulletin Boards System by local EmComm groups as a way to have stand alone messaging capabilities when the internet goes down. Although this is an older mode and technology it makes perfect sense when doing worst case scenario planning or Failure based analysis planning.

RI ARES is using packet radio in its Bulleting Board System located in Kent County. As this is centrally located within the state and in proximity to Narragansett Bay, coverage to a large portion of RI should be available to most EmComm groups.

There are several Packet Radio software programs which takes the mystery out of connecting and downloading messages. The older technology is not as intuitive as we are use to because of the Internet, but the new software can automate the necessary functions to make it look as if it is. There by freeing up the learn curve time frame and making the operators job easier.

RI ARES Bulletin Board is based the FBBS program and we use the Cupertino California EMA OUTPOST software to automate the messaging portion of the FBBS.

If you would like to learn more on the RI ARES BBS and software, please see the BBS section of the RI ARES web pages.

We would like to heard from you on your fears, concerns or reservations on using the RI ARES BBS

Hi Sean & All -

I just got my packet station going again. I started it a few months back and then everything seemed to fall apart and break at the same time. Slowly I'm getting going again.

So far I got my PK-232 hooked up to an IC-28A 2M radio and an old Grid Convertible pen laptop. I bought a PK-12 TNC last April with the idea of dedicating that to packet and havng the PK-232 on the man operating desk for HF/multimode use. That will happen once I figure out what's up with the PK-12 problem.

For now I'm poking around with packet. What other packet stations or BBS's are active in RI at this time? I think it would be great to put up a list/map of them here on the website. I'd be happy to do it if people give me the info.

A bit more play with packet and then on to Winlink!

73,

Mark W1EOF

Only active 24/7 RF Node to the DX Cluster in RI is
W1YRC on 145.590 MHz. 90 watts to Ringo Ranger II at 111 feet in Cumberland. Lots of information available by punching in a few key strokes; sun rise/set anywhere in world, time anywhere, latest WWV propagation readings (few hours old), plus of course all sorts of DX spot information. A user may connect and leave their station connected permanently if he/she has a solid path to the node.

I have no idea what other packet stations are active.
I know that several APRS stations are around but no
BBS packet stations are active any longer since KA1RCI
switched his energy over to maintaining a repeater network.

Bob

Hi

Mike K1NPT