[aprssig] More thoughts on Connected Packet

[Bill Vodall]

The resergence in connected mode packet is called Winlink2k.

Far from perfect(*) but it's showing some incredible activity and, for better or
worse, has even been adopted by the ARRL/ARES as the way to go.

It's an excellent mix of Internet and Amateur technology much like APRS but
for real Email messages instead of one line Instant Messages.

It's fairly simple to set up a VHF/UHF server (called TELPAK) and provide
services to the local community.

It would be possible, in the minimal BBS mode of Telpak, to send and receive messages
even using an Kenwood with the built in crippled TNC..   Real email from
a mobile with a PDA for a keyboard/display...

Check it out at:   http://www.winlink.org

Discussion list is at:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wl2kemcomm/

Winlink nodes are currently available on the Firenet service..

Bill - WA7NWP
http://www.lintronix.com/winxastir

(*) A winlink station will only do a tenth of what can be done with a community Packet
server running Linux...  Similarly, it's 10 times easier to set up and run a Winlink server...