Packet Information

History

If you have used a packet radio TNC, then you are already a part of TAPR history. The TNC (Terminal Node Controller) project grew from a discussion in October of 1981 at a meeting of the Tucson Chapter of the IEEE Computer Society. A week later, six of the attendees gathered and discussed the feasibility of developing a Terminal Node Controller that would be complete and available to amateurs at a modest cost. This was the genesis of TAPR. On June 26th 1982, Lyle Johnson, WA7GXD, and Den Connors, KD2S, initiated a packet contact with the first TAPR unit. The project progressed from these first prototype units to the TNC-1 and then finally to the TNC-2 which is now the basis for most amateur packet operations worldwide. TAPR was founded in 1982 as an international organization with interests in the areas of packet and digital communications. Today, TAPR continues as a membership supported non-profit amateur research and development organization. TAPR currently has more than 2000 members, worldwide and continues to develop kits for the amateur community and is working actively on publications and communications standards. TAPR is the place for digital communication information and research. (Courtesy of TAPR)

Infomation and links

We will try to collect some URL’s and information to aid one in getting started in the fun mode of amateur radio called “packet”. The place to start is with your biggest asset to amateur radio, “The League“. Another is with QRZ, or CQ, or CQ-VHF. It is with PSK-31, RTTY and such that PACKET is grouped; because it is a digital form of communication. With a laptop, HT and PacComm you are able to communicate using packet mode on the amateur radio frequencies. You are able to build a portable set-up or using a PC Desktop you can have a station in your “Shack”. Using today’s Search vehicles one can find many sites with information on Packet. Most of the suppliers have TNC’s, cables, connectors and books to help one get started. You may also find a local packet club, which will help you in getting started and learning what is used in your area; as to gear and software.