Page Title

3. I have actually used my HT from my basement with a mag mount antenna stuck to a filing cabinet in the basement. No, it doesn't have as good a range as having on outside antenna; but IF you're close enough to a good node or digi, that's all you may need.

4. IF you are using a used TNC, the Day, Time and your call as well as your home BBS may have to be reset each time you turn the TNC on. There is an internal replaceable battery that is supposed to keep that info in the TNC program when you turn off the TNC.

5. I have had RF get into the computer I am using when the antenna is to close to the computer. Usually that has shown up as gibberish on the screen when I transmit. Again, the cure was to move the mag mount I was using about 10 feet from the computer and it all worked fine.

If your TNC has a mailbox, you have to tell your set-up what the call of your mailbox is. For users it is sort of a gentleman's agreement that -1 is the SSID (Stream Switch I D #). You usually have to set a parameter to enable your mailbox. With my Paccom it's "PMS ON". I usually set the Parameter "users" to 3. (This allows three stations to use your station at the same time). With the Paccom There is a parameter called HOM. Using that I set my HOM BBS to n1uro. That allows N1URO's Mailbox to auto-forward with me and allows my TNC to send any messages NTS or otherwise I have put on my TNC to be picked up and sent by N1URO automatically 3 times an hour. You also need to set the date and time in your TNC's parameters file. This is used by your TNC to date when you send messages, and in keeping your just-heard stations log.

OK, now what do you do to get on and make sure it is working. Check with your transceiver and see if you hear and can print anything on the following freq. 145.01 (Springfield ma (N1URO-1) and North Haven CT W1WCG-2)), 145.03 (Bethel (KD1RY-2), Norwich N1NW-4)), 145.05 (Mount Tom Chicopee MA (W1TOM), Shelton CT (W1HAD-2)), 145.07 (Burlington N1KGY-7) Plainfield (N1YKH-1 mailbox). 145.09 (WX1CT-7 (Bridgeport) (W1EDH John TOM MT. Glastonbury). There are others but these are the main ones with wide area coverage.

You need to set your squelch JUST where the noise stops. That's where your TNC is going to operate best with week signals. My rule of thumb, from years of operation, I need to have an S4 or better signal on my Yeasu bar S Meter or I can't get copy.

73 For this month, and if you need help, I can be reached by e-mail at k1hej@yahoo.com. We have many hams who have used packet and usually there is someone close enough to where you live to help talk you thru getting on in local calling distance. Hope to see you "on the keys" soon.

Larry Buck, K1HEJ

National Traffic System

Section Traffic Manager