packet-bpq-node-building
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packet-bpq-node-building [2023/01/24 18:35] – m0lte | packet-bpq-node-building [2023/01/25 11:59] – m0lte | ||
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So this page is an attempt to walk through what a node is and does, why you might want to build one (not everyone might), and how to do so. | So this page is an attempt to walk through what a node is and does, why you might want to build one (not everyone might), and how to do so. | ||
- | ===== What and why ===== | + | ==== What and why ==== |
In a packet radio network, a node is a station which is often unattended, with one or more radios on different bands, generally forming a permanent part of the network, and generally offering some services to nearby stations which connect. | In a packet radio network, a node is a station which is often unattended, with one or more radios on different bands, generally forming a permanent part of the network, and generally offering some services to nearby stations which connect. | ||
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You might want to run a node if you want to contribute to extending the reach of a packet network, or if you are technically curious about packet network routing. | You might want to run a node if you want to contribute to extending the reach of a packet network, or if you are technically curious about packet network routing. | ||
- | In a traditional packet network, it's perfectly reasonable for many/most people not to want or need to set up a node. However, some OARC members are beginning to think about the design of more modern applications, | + | In a traditional packet network, it's perfectly reasonable for many/most people not to want or need to set up a node. However, some OARC members are beginning to think about the design of more modern applications, |
- | ===== What a node isn' | + | ==== What a node isn't ==== |
A node takes over your TNC - it isn't something you can just run in the background. If you turn your packet station into a node then everything you do will be done indirectly, via that node. Which works fine, you just need to be aware of it. | A node takes over your TNC - it isn't something you can just run in the background. If you turn your packet station into a node then everything you do will be done indirectly, via that node. Which works fine, you just need to be aware of it. | ||
- | A node isn't, as it stands, low-effort. There is a bit of a learning curve, and you'll need to be comfortable with getting your hands dirty. We believe there is room for improvement in this area. | + | Building a node isn't, as it stands, low-effort. There is a bit of a learning curve, and you'll need to be comfortable with getting your hands dirty and troubleshooting. We believe there is room for improvement in this area. |
+ | |||
+ | ===== The build ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | What you'll end up with by following this guide is a single port 1200 baud VHF BPQ node. | ||
+ | |||
+ | While this guide targets a Raspberry Pi running Raspberry Pi OS, other platforms and Debian-based distros are likely to be similar. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== You will need ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * A Raspberry Pi | ||
+ | * A [[packet-transceivers|suitable FM transceiver]] | ||
+ | * A KISS TNC with a Kantronics-style DB9 radio socket, e.g. NinoTNC | ||
+ | * An antenna, ideally roof mounted, with good quality coax back to the radio. Colinear antennas like the X-30 / X-50 are ideal for this. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Alternatives ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | You can swap out the NinoTNC for an instance of Dire Wolf with its KISS turned on, but that is beyond the scope of this guide. | ||
===== NoV ===== | ===== NoV ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ |