OK then whilst I still have my guns loaded lets have a blast at Packet Radio then we can go a bit more positive with the posts.
I still run Packet Radio despite the fact that it has almost become the domain for a few cranks only. I returned from France this summer to find the regulars in an out and out character assassination of one person.
I was amazed at some of those involved, they instantly went down in my estimation, so far removed were they from the Gentlemen of Radio that I used to know. I don't know how it all started but to me it resembled Jade Goody in the Celebrity Big Brother Pig Sty, I just had to post a message on the Bulletin Board to that effect.
I was a late comer to Packet. One thing that put me off was that awful thing the TNC. Once there was the possibility of a Software TNC I joined the throng. Why is the TNC awful? Well it is like the Soundblaster Interface totally unnecessary. I did let one into my shack once it generated so much noise in the 2m Band it rendered it unusable for
low signal work. It is mode specific to the extent that many Packet folk tie up a Radio and a Computer just for Packet. Many TNC's are so old that the parameters have drifted and they cause many a frustrated operator.
When our local packet BBS went off air I set up a BBS and Node here with 2 TNC's ready for installation elsewhere. All I can say is, it was interesting but I was really glad to see the back of it.
Me, with my Software TNC, well I can be doing 6m Meteor Scatter one minute on the same Computer and Radio, then Packet the next minute all on the same famous THREE BITS OF WIRE.
Hence I sit and scratch my head in wonder what this unit is for.
Right Click and select View Image for full size.
Is that not an FT817, it has Data socket, why do you have to unplug the Microphone?
It does not isolate the Computer Audio Input whereas the Computer Output is isolated by a 600 Ohm Transformer and the PTT line by an Optocoupler.
I was prompted to look at this unit when a Ham reported blowing both his Transceiver and Computer Sound Card when connecting one up. Intrigued I looked at the circuit diagram and the danger is obvious. If there is a PD on the Rig Ground and you touch the computer Input or Output jack centre pin to it whilst plugging it in you apply the nasty PD to the computer.
Fifty Quid well spent I would say, not.
I concur many of the old timers have turned BBS operation into a nightmare. I was investigating Data modes for emergency comms for our raynet group I now have a AEA TNC complete with Mailboxes which I intend on putting on VHF / UHF whilst I have a TS 480Sat with a TNC attached for HF work. I wish that people would stop causing hurt within the community, for example look at the UK newsgroup UK.Radio.amateur its not what it used to be :S