New Packet Radio Node / BBS on So. NH

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Hi all…  I am a relatively new member to the group and wanted to announce a new resource for your on the air operating enjoyment!  Are you a packet WinLink user, maybe have an unused TNC hanging around, or have briefly experimented with software modems like Direwolf or UZ7HO’s Soundmodem?  Or are you looking for something fun and interesting to get into (or back into) in Ham radio?  Maybe you have an interest in Packet Radio, but with the lack of connections in the area, you never got around to it?  Now, you have a connection to the world of packet radio right here in southern NH.  Look no further than Merrimack and 145.03 MHz FM.

MMKNH: WE1H-7 BPQ Node and BBS
The WE1H-7 Packet node is a linked node with both VHF and HF access.  Users can connect from home via FM packet on 2M and access the other ports (HF and TCP/IP) to connect with other stations worldwide.  If you want to learn more about packet radio, this is an excellent resource… http://www.choisser.com/packet/.  If you are familiar with packet, or perhaps are packet capable, the below outlines connecting to the node and its capabilities.

You can connect to the node by following these steps:

Tune your radio to 145.03 MHz FM

Ensure your TNC is set to 1200 baud packet

Connect to WE1H-7 or MMKNH (typically done by entering “C WE1H-7” or “C MMKNH” in the TX terminal window and pressing “Enter”)

At this point, you will be connected to the node…  from here you can access all the features of the node.

********** GEAR AND TECH **********

G8BPQ’s BPQ32 software for Windows
UZ7HO’s SoundModem software for the TNC’s
Yaesu FT-1000MP at 100W for the HF port
Yaesu FT-1500DM at 50W for the VHF port

********** FREQUENCIES / ACCESS **********

Port 1: AX/IP (for web access, user access to nodes, and BBS-BBS forwarding)
Port 2: 300 baud packet on 14.105 MHz LSB (1000 – 0200 UTC) & 7.104 MHz LSB (0200 – 1000 UTC)
Port 3: 1200 baud packet on 145.03 MHz FM (24×7)
Port 4: Telnet (email me for access)

********** APPLICATIONS **********

BBS – A full-service BBS with forwarded packet mail, bulletins, and a file up/download area.  For a “cheat sheet”, have a look at https://cheatography.com/gcremerius/cheat-sheets/bpq-user-and-sysop-commands/ or grab it from the files area of the BBS.

Chat – A worldwide chat server allowing for group QSO’s over packet radio.  The “cheat sheet” above has all of the CHAT commands outlined as well.

DX Cluster – a connection to EA5E’s CC Cluster is available on the VHF Port, telnet, or via the web, as it generates a lot of traffic that is not appreciated on HF. There is a command summary in the files area (“CCC_Commands.html).

Keyboard chat – to connect with the sysop (me) when I am on the keyboard. One tip… if you connect via the node (WE1H-7) and type “KBD s” at the node prompt, when you disconnect from the kbd session (with ^D), you will be returned to the node menu, rather than completely disconnected from the node.

********** CONNECTING **********

Node – Direct at MMKNH or WE1H-7
BBS – Via the node or direct at MMKBBS or WE1H-4
Chat – Via the node or direct at MMKCHT or WE1H-11
DX Cluster – Via the node or direct at MMKDXC or WE1H-5 (available only on the VHF port, telnet, or Web)
KBD – Via the node or direct at MMKKBD or WE1H-15

********** WEB INTERFACE **********

You can also connect directly to the node via web access here. You will need to have either connected via AX/IP, RF, or telnet and created a username and password before you can use the web interface. Otherwise, email me for access.

WE1H-7 Web Access

I am happy to answer any questions or help you get connected in any way I can.  Feel free to email me at WE1H AT ARRL.net and I’ll do my best to help.  There are some excellent resources online and I have a few links on my site as well at http://we1h.com/packetradio.html.

73 and I hope to see you on the air using packet radio!

Matt, WE1H
Merrimack, NH

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Matt – thanks for the information. I’m going to send you an email.

Marv KC1LML

 

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

A brief update to my original post…  I have recently upgraded the VHF / UHF antenna and should have wider coverage as a result.  As well, I have added a 70cm link on 443.3 MHz FM.  Feel free to provide feedback as to coverage and connectability.  Node details are available on the web at http://www.we1h.com/mmknh.html.

Thanks,

• Matt, WE1H

[Author]

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