Table of Contents

Building a packet user station

A “User” is someone that temporarily connects to their local packet node, interacts with the node to send mail for example, and then disconnects. When they're not using the radio for packet they might use it for something else.

Radio

To start using packet you will need an FM radio of some description. Most user traffic will probably be on the 2 metre band.

We've started compiling a list of suitable radios and instructions to interface them here - packet:transceivers

Note unfortunately that due to poor turnaround times, cheaper radios such as Baofengs and the like probably won't be suitable, however suitable radios can be picked up at rallies for as little as £5. They *might* work, but would certainly be discouraged for anything other than bench testing and experimentation.

Software

Windows

If you're using a KISS TNC such as the NinoTNC, you will need a Packet Terminal. See QtTermTCP or xrouter in KISS terminal mode.

If you're using a Sound Interface, you will need a Software Modem. See QtSoundModem as well as a Packet Terminal, as above.

Linux

If you're using a KISS TNC such as the NinoTNC, you will need a Packet Terminal. See QtTermTCP or xrouter in KISS terminal mode

Frequencies

You'll generally find packet nodes on the following frequencies. Note that whilst the Bandwidth is set, the usage may vary.

VHF / 2m

The default “legacy” mode is 1200 baud standard AX.25, though newer modes, modulations and encodings are starting to appear, offering more resilience and throughput.

Frequency Bandwidth
144.925 12.5
144.9375 12.5
144.950 12.5

UHF / 70cm

25kHz channels, might be using 9600bps or more. Nodes may also be using IL2P (Improved Layer 2 Protocol) and FX.25 (AX.25 + Forward Error Correction)

Frequency Bandwidth Usage
430.200 25 Forwarding
430.225 25 Forwarding
432.625 25 User Access
432.650 25 User Access
432.675 25 User Access
433.625 25 User Access
439.900 12.5 Forwarding
439.925 25 (with overlap to lower adjacent channel) Forwarding
439.950 25 (with overlap to upper adjacent channel) Forwarding

VHF / 4m

Legacy channels, no new applications can be granted on 4m.

Frequency
70.325
70.4875

VHF / 6m

Frequency Bandwidth
50.650 10 kHz
50.660 10 kHz

Exotic stuff

Not packet radio, but worth a mention:

Reference: https://ukrepeater.net/doc_files/PacketRadioFrequencies.pdf