What is Packet Radio?

Packet radio is digital communications via radio. It first started back in 1978 in Canada, and it was introduced into UK in the 1980's. Packet radio mailboxes (BBS's) were first licensed in UK in about 1988, and the numbers have continued to grow ever since.

As well as the large number of mailboxes in UK there are a large number of packet nodes, these help to link the mailboxes, and together they form the packet radio network that covers most of the UK.

What Can I do on Packet Radio?

Live Contacts

Like RTTY, packet radio can be used to talk to other amateurs, chatting keyboard to keyboard. Some mailboxes also have a conference mode, so people can log on and chat with many people at once just like an HF net.

Mailboxes

Mailboxes allow amateurs to connect their local mailbox and send and receive text messages. These messages can be sent as personal messages to another amateur anywhere in the World (or Space!!). Alternatively, messages can be sent as a bulletin for any amateur to read.

Within the UK your messages will normally be relayed via other mailboxes and nodes on VHF and UHF frequencies. There also exist a limited number of HF and Satellite mail forwarding gateways, these are used to forward mail to more distant continental mailboxes.

So it is possible to exchange mail with amateurs on the other side of the world by simply logging into your local mailbox using a low power VHF transceiver and a simple aerial system, as well as a TNC and computer.

File Transfer

Packet radio also allows you to be able to transfer files between amateur packet stations in both text and binary format.

DXCluster

There are several DXCluster stations around the UK. These allow DXers to exchange valuable DX information on a close to real time network. This information on band conditions and stations heard, is valuable to HF and VHF and above DX operators.

What will I need?

As well as a VHF or UHF FM radio transceiver, you will also need a Terminal Node Controller (known as a TNC), a terminal or computer with some form of terminal software program or a specialist packet radio software program, and finally a great deal of patience and willingness to learn!

Packet Radio User Groups

There are a large number of User Groups throughout the UK. Some of these groups are specific to a particular mailbox whilst others cover all the mailboxes and nodes in an entire county or region. These user groups have been generally setup to help new users and to help fund mailboxes and nodes. Some nodes are located on remote sites, so the cost of maintaining them can be considerable. All packet radio users are encouraged to join and support their local group.

Where will I find my nearest Mailbox or Node?

As the packet radio network is a very dynamic network, it changes quite frequently to meet changing needs, new mailboxes and nodes open up, or exisiting ones expand their number of access ports. An up to date list of Packet Mailboxes and Nodes is available for a small cost from RSGB HQ. This list is updated on a monthly basis. Lists of Mailboxes and Nodes are also published on packet radio, and may be available in the files area of your local mailbox.

Datacommunications Committee (DCC)

The Datacommunications Committee's brief is to deal with all matters concerning datacommunications, on behalf of the Society.

The Committee is responsible for the processing of applications for Notices of Variation (NoV's) for mailboxes. The Committee is also responsible for the coordination of all requests for mailbox and node site clearances prior to submission to the Radiocommunications Agency.

The DCC also recommend general operating practices for datacommunications matters by issuing guidelines which have been agreed with the Radiocommunicatiosn Agency.

Also published by the Committee is 'The Guide to Datacommunications Licensing in UK', which is available to any interested party from RSGB HQ free of charge on request. This includes the necessary forms to apply for a Mailbox NoV and for Site Clearance for a Mailbox or Node.

Guidelines for the Use of the Packet Radio Network

The packet radio network in the UK. and throughout the world is an immensely useful tool for the dissemination of information, the seeking of help and advice and the publication of amateur radio related news. It is not uncommon to find messages giving information on AMSAT, RAYNET or other similar AMATEUR RADIO related activities.

The GB2RS news is also available on the network, as is local club news in the area of a particular mailbox. This use of the network is what was in many operators minds when they spent large amounts of time and money in developing it. With the advent of high speed modems and use of dedicated links, some in the microwave bands, the Packet Radio Network is developing and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.

The RSGB Data Communications Committee, in consultation with the Radiocommunications Agency, has devised the following guidelines with which all operators are urged to comply. These guidelines have been split into five sections in order to reflect:

1) The need for messages to be within the terms of the licence conditions and the implications if they are not.

2) Messages which could result in legal action being taken by other amateurs or outside bodies.

3) Actions to be taken when amateurs identify cases of abuse.

4) Unattended Operation.

5) General Advice.

SECTION 1: Types of Message

a) All messages should reflect the purposes of the amateur licence, in particular "self training in the use of communications by wireless telegraphy".

b) Any messages which clearly infringe licence conditions could result in prosecution, or revocation, or variation of a licence. The Secretary of State has the power to vary or revoke licences if an amateur's actions call into question whether he is a fit and proper person to hold an amateur licence.

c) The Radiocommunications Agency has advised that the Amateur Radio Licence prohibits any form of advertising, whether money is involved or not.

d) Messages broadcast to ALL are considered acceptable but should only be used when of real value to other radio amateurs, in order to avoid overloading the network.

e) Do not send anything which could be interpreted as being for the purpose of business or propaganda. This includes messages of, or on behalf of, any social, political, religious or commercial organisation. However, our licence specifically allows news of activities of non profit making organisations formed for the furtherance of amateur radio.

f) Do not send messages that are deliberately designed to provoke an adverse response. Debate is healthy but can sometimes lead to personal attacks and animosity which have no place on the Packet Network.

g) Unfortunately the very success of the network has resulted in messages appearing which are of doubtful legality under the terms of the UK. Licence. The use of 7+ and other like programs to pass text and binary based material in compressed form via the Network has become common practice.

Users must always be aware of the licence conditions in BR68 (also copyright, and illegal use of software, or software which when decoded and used may contravene the License) when entering such messages into the Network via their local BBS. If in doubt consult your local Sysop or your local RSGB Data Comms Committee representative.

SECTION 2: Legal Consequences

a) Do not send any message which is libellous, defamatory, racist or abusive.

b) Do not infringe any copyright or contravene the Data Protection Act.

c) Do not publish any information which infringes personal or corporate privacy e.g. ex-directory telephone numbers or addresses withheld from the callbook.

SECTION 3: Action in Cases of Abuse

a) Any cases of abuse noted should be referred in the first instance to the DCC Chairman care of RSGB HQ.

b) It is worth noting that any transmissions which are considered grossly offensive, indecent or obscene, or contain threatening language, may contravene the Wireless Telegraphy (Content of Transmission) Regulations 1988 and should be dealt with by the police. This action should also be co-ordinated through the RSGB DCC initially.

c) Mailbox Sysops have been reminded by the Radiocommunications Agency that they should review messages, and that they should not hesitate to delete those that they believe to contravene the terms of the licence or these guidelines. It is worth remembering that their licence is also at risk as well as your own.

SECTION 4: Unattended Operation

a) As of July 1994 unattended operation of Digital Communications cannot be carried out without giving 7 days notice in writing of operation to the Manager of the Local Radio Investigation Service (RIS). (BR68 Para 2(5)) The manager may, before the commencement of operation, prohibit the Unattended Operation or allow the operation on compliance with the conditions which he may specify.

The RSGB Data Communications Committee recommend supplying the following information when applying to your local RIS office for permission to operate unattended digital operations.

1) An external close down switch or other means of closing down the station, which is separate from the rest of the premises.

2) A list of 4 persons including telephone numbers who can close down the Station. (Not all need to be amateurs)

3) Travelling times and availability times (I.E.: 24hrs) of close down operators of the Station.

4) Frequencies of operation (within BR68 clause 2 4(c)) antennas and powers used.

5) Use of Station for Digital Operation. (I.E. PMS, NODE etc)

6) Only the licensee can reactivate the Station after permission from the RIS.

SECTION 5: General Advice

a) With the advance in software writing it is now possible for packet users to set up intelligent software nodes (G8BPQ and similar applications) via a PC and radio. The RSGB DCC strongly recommend that users contact their local packet group and local BBS Sysop before starting operation of such nodes.

Appearance of such nodes without co-ordination causes problems within the local and inter-BBS/DXCluster/TC/PIP Network routing tables.

Network Sysops work closely with each other to determine route qualities and node tables, to aid the fast movement of traffic via the National Trunk System.

The appearance of uncoordinated ("rogue") nodes causes in some cases severe problems in traffic routing.

Packet users can experiment with software nodes without affecting the node tables of local network nodes, by setting the software parameters of the node to stop propagation of the node into the Network. Advice can be sought on the setting of software parameters from local node Sysops or BBS Sysops.

b) Do not send "Open Bulletins" to individuals.

c) Do not write in the heat of the moment. Word process your bulletin first, then reread it. You may feel differently after a few minutes.

d) Stop to think before sending GIF images and the like which sometimes are in large multi-part files, do you really need to send them, are they amateur radio related, would they be better sent on disc in the post ??

e) Please try to show some consideration for your local Sysop. Remember that you are using, in most cases his own equipment, which is in his home. Try to comply with any requests he makes of you.

f) When accessing your local Mailbox at busy time and are having problems holding the link, try not to turn your power up just to maintain the link, try later when it is not as busy.

g) Obey the Golden Rule - If you would not say it on voice do not send it on packet.