LinuxLast modified: Wednesday 08 August 2007 (Out-of-date)
LinuxOne thing you'll noticed quickly about my "shack" is that I like Linux, which is understandable, as I use it at home most of the time.
Linux is a 32-bit multitasking, multi-user Unix-clone Operating System originally written in 1991 for the 386 processor by Linus Torvalds. It has since grown in usefulness and popularity. Part of the success for GNU/Linux is that it is free software, which means not only cheap to acquire, but also the license is designed to give the user more freedoms, including the access to the source code, and the right to reuse the code in other free programs.
I use the Linux kernel's builtin AX.25 and NetRom support as a foundation for all my packet activities. I am also using TCP/IP over packet, although at 1200bps, it isn't a replacement for an ISP.
The Linux Amateur Radio AX.25 HOWTO has been updated in 2001 by Jeff Tranter, VE3ICH. Many thanks to him for updating the HOWTO document. This is a useful starting point anyone running Linux to get started in packet. This HOWTO is not updated continiously so there are points which are not included in this document. You should also review the linux-hams mailing list archive for more recent advice.
Out of dat!
I run a node in Canada (gw.ve1mct.ampr.org) which provides the local DX Cluster service using CLX (considering DX Spider) and node 0.3.2 software. I was the AMPRnet gateway ("wormhole") for the Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada area (44.135.34.0/24). Now I just gateway for myself, and John VE1ATT is the gateway for Kentville, and I believe the default for MARCAN TCP/IP.
In the past I ran a PBBS called PMS - a personal bulletin board, where other amateurs using packet can leave me messages, ttylink - similiar to Unix "talk", and planned to offer a Canadian callbook search tool.
I also have played with qsstv by ON1MH as SSTV software for Linux. On VHF FM the image quality was excellent.
Since I'm not yet active on HF I haven't worried about a logging program but a few are available.
I have some rough notes from a talk I gave "Amateur Radio & the Linux Operating System", at C&DARC on Jan 2001, which might be of interest and use to others.
I think Linux and amateur radio are a good match because Linux encourages the "home-brewing" (building) that was common in yester-years of amateur radio before the radios became so complicated and tiny. Because Linux and its software comes with source code any amateur can tinker with it and improve the work of others, in a way that isn't possible with Windows shareware which is normally distributed without the source code available.
I am also on the lookout for high speed digial communications suitable for amateur radio (i.e. low-cost).
One area I am researching Wireless Ethernet (IEEE 802.11) as a possible protocol. In London some non-hams are using it, known as consume.net. BC Wireless has a page about 802.11 legal issues in Canada which is worth reading before you set up any wireless networking with external antennas.
I am aware of the work done by KE5FX John's An Experimental Microwave Data Link for 10-Megabit Ethernet and Glenn N6GN's Inexpensive Multi-Megabaud Microwave Data Link. I don't like the designs, because using Ethernet (802.3), a protocol designed for wired usage, in a wireless environment means that it does not handle interfere and "hidden transmitter" problems very well. Steve KB9MWR has a web page about Using Part 15 Wireless Ethernet Cards For Amateur Radio as in standard Wireless Ethernet card (IEEE 802.11(b)).
Please send amateur related emails to ve3tix "at" rac.ca.
73 (Best Regards) de ve3tix