Hi Jon: I have tried sound-card packet but now use a TNC. Anyway here are some tips: 1) There are some nodes in my area that I can connect to but don't get the any response because they are TCP/IP nodes and don't respond to my AX25 TNC. 2) Usually I can log into a node and when faced with a blank screen, I enter "?" and then get back that it is an unrecognized command and offers me a list of correct commands. 3) The drive level from soundcard to radio can be "critical". Too much or too little and the node will not "hear" you very well. I found it is easy enough to get connected to a node but after that can get zero response with wrong drive levels. Do a google search for "packet deviation setting" - the articles are out there. 4) Based on some internet articles I was able to set my drive level properly this year. Actually, "under driving" (under deviation) is better than "over deviation" (over driving). Over driving also requires higher transmit powers to compensate for the receiving station not being able to properly decode your signals. 5) Watch out for ground loops when transmitting. Make sure your computer case is grounded. I finally grounded my TNC also and cured a lot of problems (RF feedback, AC induced hum on the signals etc.). 6) I have a Yaesu FT-897 that lets me monitor my "modulation" which is the same as FM deviation on packet signals. I started with a low setting and then kept bumping it up (radio has adjustable settings - but you could do it with soundcard drive level also) until I got a reliable connection. When set properly I was suprised at the "low deviation required" and I could also lower my RF power. In previous years I cranked up the power to 25-50W to get to some outlying stations but now can do it with 5W in some cases (when deviation is set properly). 7) As with anything, there is a bit odf a learning curve to packet (soundcard or TNC)
Go visit this link (tons of info on setup/problems etc.): http://www.soundcardpacket.info Hope this helps. 73 de va3rsa, Richard --- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I'm in need of some help from someoone who is familliar with > Rigblaster and Packet. I was exited when I got it up until the point I > hooked it all up. I then realised that there are no instructions how > to operate the &*$! thing! I tried trial and error, no luck. I can > connect to a node but if I try to enter the commands the node lists > (don't know if doing it correctly) it does nothing. So far all I can > do is watch beacons transmit and watch the same people get e-mail > notifications. Is this all packet is cracked up to be? WOW, lots of > fun. I'm starting to think I wasted $100 > Someone help me, please. Reply via e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Protect your PC from spy ware with award winning anti spy technology. It's free. http://us.click.yahoo.com/97bhrC/LGxNAA/yQLSAA/ELTolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Need a Digital mode QSO? Connect to Telnet://cluster.dynalias.org Other areas of interest: The MixW Reflector : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/themixwgroup/ DigiPol: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Digipol (band plan policy discussion) Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
