TwinsLAN got its start with the growing interest in packet radio in the early 1980s. Packet radio is a means of connecting amateur radio operators together using techniques that aren't much different than the way two individuals can connect their computers together and communicate with each other using a telephone modem. The big difference is that instead of using a telephone connection, amateurs use wireless radio connections.
A typical packet radio setup consists of a computer or terminal, a terminal node controller (TNC), an amateur radio transmitting and receiving at VHF (very high frequencies -- around 145 MHz), and an antenna. The TNC works a lot like a telephone modem does but it also manages the flow of data between the computer and the radio-based network. Some TNCs even incorporate mailboxes so that amateurs can send and receive mail messages (wireless e-mail).
If you have a scanner or other receiver capable of receiving VHF FM (frequency modulation) signals you can listen to the sound of packet radio by tuning to frequencies like 145.01, 145.05, or 144.39 MHz.
Tuscon Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) hosts an Introduction to Packet Radio prepared by Greg Jones, WD5IVD.
For a good tutorial on packet radio click on Introduction to Packet Radio by Larry Kenney WB9LOZ
Lots of other information regarding packet radio, PSK31, and other digital modes as well as radio-to-tnc connection information can be found by clicking on www.packetradio.com.
This page last updated 05.12.2001
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