These minutes are being put out in separate parts. The first document will be the general overview of the Conference. Subsequent documents will be the more detailed accounts of the major presentations (see below).

This is to avoid excessive delay in their production - this is a lot of work! - and also enables readers to decide if they wish to have merely the overview, or also to read the more detailed notes about the key talks.

This document and all subsequent accounts will be distributed as follows:

One copy to the packet network (PKCONF@GBR and TCPIP@GBR)
- to enable those present to check the accuracy of their content
- to give those unable to attend a glimpse of the proceedings

One copy to Roger G3ZFR for placing on his website - http://www.marcov.co.uk
- to enable non-BBS-accessing participants to access the minutes

One copy to Roger G3LDI for possible inclusion in his PW column

Conference participants should direct all corrections to me in person (either as SP's to G7RAZ@GB7WIS.#22.GBR.EU or as e-mail to MikeWager@aol.com) and I will publish a list.

Comments, queries and other further discussion should be sent as bulletins to PKCONF.

Mike, G7RAZ (Minutes Secretary)

Minutes of the Packet Conference held in Coventry, UK, on 13th April, 2002

Present (as reported on the Attendance List):

G0BKN, G0EWH, G0KFS, G0MRH, G0CNG, G0NSW, G0SYR, G0TWN, G0WCI, G1AVF, G1BWT, G1CXE, G1DVU, G1HUL, G1IXV, G1LOA, G1ORG, G1SOG, G1YGY, G3MSW, G3OJI, G3XVV, G3ZFR, G4AFJ, G4APL, G4BBU, G4DIE, G4FPV, G4MTG, G4ROA, G4VYA, G6DZJ, G6KUI, G6TJZ, G6URP, G6VEY, G7BNK, G7CGB, G7JYF, G7RAZ, G7VBJ, G8ECJ, G8SFR, G8PZT, G8SEQ, G8TBF, G8YUP, M0DCM, M1EXO, M1FDE (50 participants)

Apologies were received (by G8PZT) from:

G0HDB, G1KQH, G1PLT, G3LDI, G3TIK, G4GUN, G4HIP, G4WYW, G6HJP, G7PUN, G7SRI, GM0HBI, GM1AHC, GM4JNB, GM4LNH, GM4PSX, GM4SUF, M1BFP, M1CUK.
 

Preliminary business:

The Conference was opened at 1030 by G1DVU, who welcomed participants, introduced himself and explained the arrangements for the day. Despite his initial reluctance, he was voted in as Chairman for the day. G7RAZ was elected Minutes Secretary.

G1DVU stressed the informality of the meeting, and the hope that each presentation would last 20 mins with time afterwards for question and answer sessions. The agenda was to be essentially as per the one circulated by G8PZT prior to the conference.
 

Presentation - "APRS, the real time mode" - G1HUL

In his talk on the "Automatic Position Reporting System", Jim G1HUL spoke of the difference between APRS and standard packet operation. He described in detail the nature and function of the UI beacons - the major component of APRS - listing also the software and hardware devices required for use of this mode.

He explained how the paths between stations was established by the protocol,and how network linking developed dynamically. He outlined how the various control commands - particularly in respect of digipeating - worked, and recommended how users would best set up their stations, also indicating where most mis-configured stations went wrong.

G1HUL referred to the main 2m frequency on which most APRS activity is based (144.800MHz, FM, 1200 Baud) but also mentioned 14.105 LSB (300 baud) for HF usage.

He illustrated his talk with maps of stations observed, noting the value of APRS for propagation studies, as well as its inherent interest for those wishing to follow local or world events in real time. He outlined how it was possible to obtain world wide data (such as earthquakes and volcanic activity) by means of linking to APRS servers on the internet.

From his illustrations it was evident that many amateurs were using APRS, perhaps countering in part the claim that packet radio is in decline.

During questions, G1HUL touched on the reliability of transferring messages, the patchy use of APRS, and the possibility of congestion when using the same frequency.
 

Presentation - "XROUTER, network infrastructure software" - G8PZT

In this presentation, Paula G8PZT introduced her node/router software, XROUTER, explaining her reasons for devloping it, particularly in the light of the deficiencies of BPQ, but also because of her wish to give it extra facilities not available on other node software.

She pointed out the minimal hardware and simple OS requirements for running XROUTER, and explained the various hardware components (tnc's etc) it supported.

She outlined its various features, notably its ability to handle AX25, TCP/IP and NETROM frames. She also explained its APRS functionality (including the possibility of running it as an IGATE), its PMS, Chat server and helpful sysop console.

She pointed out the ease with which sysops can control it remotely (it even has an FTP facility), the applications it can support, and the software environments in which it will work.

During the question session, she touched on WW Converse server compatibility, and the problems of running XROUTER in versions of Windows which do not provide a DOS emulation.
 

Announcements regarding Clearance applications - Steve G8SFR

G8SFR advised Conference that, since Christmas, there had been an increase in the number of 70cms clearance applications being rejected. This was due to unspecified objections from the MOD, the primary user.

The frequencies mainly affected were at the top end of the 70cms band, although 433.650 had suffered from similar rejections. Even split frequency operation (where these frequencies would be used for receive only) were being affected.

G8SFR urged those who already had clearance to use these frequencies to do so, thus asserting our right to use what had been cleared. But he also advised users of frequencies in the 431 area that a possible shift towards 430 might become necessary.

Otherwise he advised that normal clearances were going through fairly quickly (10-12 weeks).

He also took the opportunity to reveal the new, simplified, application form available from the DCC for applying for Mailbox operation and clearance. He reminded Sysops of the need to have a current shutdown procedure in place, lest a check should be undertaken by the RA. Advice from the local RIS office about procedures was also advised.
 

Presentation - "AX25/IP integration experiences" - G3ZFR

Roger G3ZFR spoke of the desirability of increased cooperation between AX25 and TCP/IP packet operation - both at the level of frequency usage and also from a point of view of software applications.

He outlined the rise of both modes, but indicated how TCP/IP had declined more quickly over reent years, becoming perceived as a mode for enthusiasts only. He posed the question as to how TCP/IP could be made more popular for users, particularly given that most computer operators already operated many TCP/IP applications within Windows.

He asserted that, whilst not ideal on a user access frequency, AX25 and IP will co-exist on a point-to-point link. On shared channels however, due to AX25's aggression, TCP/IP will suffer under competition (and in the face of retries) but co-existence is feasible. Certain parameters may need tweaking, and the problem of gatewaying bulletins between the IP and AX25 BBS's still needs watching, but cooperation is the key.

He suggested that one solution would be for all nodes to support AX25, NETROM and provide IP routing. Local provision would offer users ideally at least one AX25 port and one IP port. An increase in high-speed links would be desirable, although he acknowledged the reduction in RF engineers involved in packet, and agreed that some very ambitious high speed projects currently being mentioned were beyond what was required - 9600 links would be quite fast enough to deal with current and projected levels of traffic. Mention was made of the high speed hardware to be exhibited later on in the day.
 

Presentation - "Enabling Windows users to access TCP/IP hubs over radio" - G3ZFR

Following on from his previous comments about everybody having TCP/IP courtesy of Windows applications (IE, Outlook, etc), G3ZFR went on to refer to his TNC2PPP eprom. This device, when inserted into a Tiny-2 (and other TNC2 clones), would allow it to be seen by Windows as a modem, and thus the native Windows IP application could be run - with very little modification - over radio.

Minor changes are still desirable. Users need to adjust the Windows registry to ensure that broadcast packet frame length does not exceed 256 bytes. G8ZFR also anticipates further refinements of his own, particularly to avoid the initialising packets, put out at startup, which consume bandwidth unnecessarily. The use of SLIP as well as the currently supported PPP may be envisaged.

Users of Tiny-2 tnc's wishing to use Windows applications for IP over radio will need one 27C256 Eprom. The binary file for blowing onto it (along with instructions for installation and configuration) is obtainable, either from Roger (G3ZFR@GB7COV) or from his internet site (http://www.g3zfr.freeserve.co.uk).

G7RAZ also added that he had written notes for W98/NT/2K users who wished to set up SV2AGW's TCP/IP driver, enabling them to achieve them same as the above - ie to run Windows IP application (IE, Outlook, etc). Several participants availed themselves of these notes.
 

Presentation - "PZT AX25/IP BBS software" - G8PZT

Paula G8PZT presented her own BBS software (PZTBBS), to illustrate Roger G3ZFR's aim of software which serves both the AX25 and IP communities. It is a mailbox store and forward system, with file storage/retrieval, a Web server, an FTP server, an SMTP server and client, and a POP3 server.

She outlined how the BBS can be interfaced to external devices and the (simple) PC hardware required, pointing out that it runs in DOS, but can be run from a Dos Window.

Her aims in writing it had been full compliance with accepted BBS standards, as well as increased user-friendliness and reliability for both user and sysop alike.

She outlined the two main mail storage models and their shortcomings. Her BBS enables users to browse through any or all of 20 message areas, thus avoiding any topics of little interest. Automated access (using WinPack, for example) is also catered for, with an area wherer all bulletins are accessible - allowing the software to do its selection of desired bulletins.

She explained the processes of message creation, listing, searching and inter-BBS forwarding, and went on to outline the various other features of the software - PZTDOS filing system to handle the file areas, an FTP server, TextWeb, an HTTP server (allowing users to use a web-type browser to read and download bulletins), as well as the WP server, PING, ECHO, REQBUL, REQDIR, and REQCFG servers.

She highlighted a range of user and sysop facilities unique to her system, stressing the extensive online help facilities for users and the ability of sysops to remotely control and configure the BBS, often without the need to shutdown. She was able to illustrate how her Console facility works, simplifying the work of the sysop.

She finished by reiterating the benefits of her system - especially the AX25/IP/PSTN integration, the software's local author, as well as her commitment to quick bug fixing and to continued development. She also outlined the system's limitations - notably its limitation to DOS or Dos Windows, its absence of PPP support and NNTP server - but promised that even these were under review and might well be developed in time.
 

Presentation - "Thames Valley IP Group Projects" - G8ECJ

Robin, G8ECJ introduced the group, their preference for IP with Linux, and outlined a recently devloped piece of hardware, the G4XYW 9k6 modem, based on a Atmel AVR RISC processor, and intended for the OptoSCC board. A sample was circulated. The modem would be of particular interest to those needing to link to stations equipped with Kantronics 9k6 tnc's in the light of the work done on the transmitted wave form. It was claimed to be marginally better than an RUH 9k6 modem.

To improve performance they may introduce a couple of extra chips to improve the interfacing of the modem to the PC's RS232 port. They will also be developing an interface to USB ports, given that the RS232 standard may not be around for very much longer.

Secondly he described the group's Regen controller, based on modem hardware. It keys up on squelch open or DCD from modem selectable active high or low. It sends flags when no data or when handling invalid data, detecting morse idents etc and masking them out. It does CWID, which is programmable on a per CPU basis, although its transmission is time dependent and may crash a packet frame already in transmission.

Thirdly G8ECJ demonstrated a Front end processor board, suitable for installing inside a PC. It contains a 64180 chip as used in some tnc's, 2 SCC chips, giving scope for 4 radio ports. It can be connected to a modem (Baycom or G4XYW) or via SLIP to a Windows PC, or via KISS to an existing TNC. A few were offered for sale at low cost...

Fourthly a PC motherboard was exhibited, which was a self-contained 4 port node with processor on board. These were being offered free of charge.

Finally G8ECJ described the "Morelia" BBS software, written in Python (for Linux users) by Andy G4XYW. The BBS software - still in beta stage - aims to interface both AX25 and IP users to news and mail. More details would become available from the TVIPUG in due course.
 

Presentation - "The MAXPAK local area network" - G0CNG

Chris, G0CNG, chairman of MaxPak and sysop of GB7MAX, outlined the main nodes and BBS's in the Midlands. Centred on GB7WV in Wolverhampton, he explained the role of the network as it links to GB7MAX and the BBS's radiating out from it. He bore with good grace the couple of observations made about the use of some frequencies and callsigns not in line with DCC guidelines.
 

Presentation - "The MAXPAK MAX02 packet modem" - G4VYA

Joe, G4VYA explained the origins of the modem. It is his design, adapted from the YAM modem designed by Nico Palermo. It can use either the power supply from the PC or from an external source. He recommended the use of AGW software, as this enables the tnc to be configured to be a 1k2 or a 9k6, via the program's internal tnc commands - ie. no hardware adjustments are required when changing from a low to a high speed modem.

He also recommended visiting the Maxpak web site to download a slightly doctored version of AGW, which will overcome some problems experienced by users of Windows 95.
 

Discussions

The Conference had run significantly over time. Participants were beginning to need to get away as the discussions were beginning (at 1700). G1DVU attempted to chair the consideration of the first topic ("Packet Radio, present and future") and some brief general observations were made. However, with initially discreet departures becoming less discreet and with informal discussion groups which were becoming more vocal, G1DVU wound up the proceedings, thanking among others Roger G3ZFR for organising the venue, and especially Paula G8PZT for having proposed the event and having cajoled people into coming and participating.