- by Kevin G. Manzer, AC5DK -
- Arkansas Packet Network -
Some people say to me, "Why packet?", or, "I thought packet was dead?" Well, packet grew very fast before the internet came along. The infrastructure didn't grow with the user base and the networks and BBSes couldn't handle the load. User's got frustrated, and when the internet came along, they left packet. Well, there are a lot of folks around who still appreciate packet for it's basic capabilities and a lot of new hams who never got to try it. Add to that the fact that most disaster support agencies such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, SHARES and MARS are all going digital on both a local and national level, and I see that packet should have a future in ham radio.
A government official once said to me, "What do I need ham radio for? I have a dozen satellite cellular telephones if I need communication." After we discussed the capabilities of a statewide, "wireless" digital network and the experienced volunteer operators to man it, he said, "Now THAT we could use." And repeatedly at demonstrations and tours, I have seen keen interest from disaster agency officials, asking who is doing this in 'their' area...
What we are doing different this time is twofold. Administratively, we have tried to gather a core of packet folks to advise and construct the system. But we have recruited help from both individuals and clubs in the areas served to help with cost, equipment and manpower. This gives the network a wider support base and gives the various groups a vested interest in the network's success. Technically, we are incorporating multiple frequencies to prevent the interference that inherently slowed down the old system in Arkansas. And the placing of the BBSes at the nodesites helps facilitate speed of message handling; the new software that has been developed since the old network existed lets us accomplish this.
I have been very pleased at the support this project has gotten from the ARES/RACES leadership; even those that do not use packet are promoting it, and can see it's worth. The response I have gotten from area clubs has been fantastic; most are more than willing to get on board and help, all they ask for is some help with the technical end of it, which I and the other packet "guru's" do our best to provide. I appreciate the efforts of the ever expanding base of ARES/RACES members that want to help us build a viable network to serve both the ham community and the general public.
APN - Arkansas Packet Network
AC5DK's Homepage