AX25_XFBB

AX25

This paragraph contains a brief overview of AX25 Network...

WINLINK and N1URO AXMAIL illegal for UK Radio Amateurs to use these services over Wireless (Radio)..
When G4APL applied for Winlink GB7CIP Licence Notice of Variations in November 2014.

Paul enquired about running a HF Winlink system using PACTOR.
He was informed that Ofcom advise that it is illegal for UK Radio Amateurs.
UK Radio Amateurs are only allowed to communicate via
DEDICATED Radio Amateur to Radio Amateur communication systems.

Winlink Global Radio E-mail system is handling third party traffic, which is not permitted under Amateur Radio ITU regulations.

As Winlink and N1URO AXMAIL are NOT dedicated, as they allow communication to and from
Non Radio Amateur Emails communications via the Internet.
GB7CIP is configured to block these.
i.e. General public, companies.
Applies to 3rd party messages and one to one messages.

Seems strange that Paul has monitored other G stations running Winlink send and receive 'emails' from Winlink gateways on the LF and HF bands!

GB7CIP
GB7CIP is privately run and funded by Ann G7BSF and Paul G4APL as a service for all Licence Radio Amateur's.
GB7CIP-5 with alias CRGWAY Node, provides Local 2 meters and 70cm radio access to the AX25, NetRom routing for the home counties Linking East Surrey, West Sussex, London, and Home Counties to and from the rest of the World.

Since 2000, we have lost nearly all our VHF/UHF Radio link partners. Due to the remote end partners circumstances changing.
i.e. House moves, becoming Silent Keys (SK). High rental cost of remote aerial mast space.
Lost of interest due to no local activity in their area.

GB7CP CATB22 CATHAM Nodes closed down 8 November 2014 after providing 25 years service for the local Radio Amateur AX25 IP Packet community.

At GB7CIP/GB7CR the numbers of active Interfaces (Users Links) now revised. 7 of the 8 ports currently active. Including the HF PACTOR ports.
Note: GB7CR Closed down and relicensed as MB7NCR 6.3.2015.

Access to GB7CIP-0 xFBB BBS is via CRGWAY:GB7CIP-5, CIPBBS and MB7NCR
Access to the local and world TCP/IP network is via CRGWAY:GB7CIP-5 or CRNODE

WINPAC SALLY and other software clients Nodes, BBS's Users Notice:
GB7CIP IPADDRESS
hostname gb7cip.theskywaves.net <<<NEW 1 March 2024 ISP ADDRESS CHANGES>>
Expecting another static IP Address change may be wise to use the hostname listed above

WINTNC
Has been updated and released by Jon, G7JJF 4 September 2023
WINTNC is a Windows multiuser/multitasking multiport Packet Terminal Driver
program for use with multiple KISS mode TNC's attached to your IBM-PC/clone
or
software modems using the AGWPE interface, such as the SoundModem by UZ7HO.
Thesoftware is 32 bit so works with modern 32/64 bit Windows 7/10/11 systems.

lots of features
For further information and to download WINTNC, please visit Jon's website at
https://www.g7jjf.com/wintnc2.htm

Terminal Node Controllers (TNC)
For GB7CIP VHF/UHF Interfaces, G4APL uses six of PacCom Tiny2's Mark1 and Mark2, Some with the addition of the PacCom NB96 RUH 9600bd Modem or the Data Carrier Detect (DCD) open squelch carrier detect board
Note:: These NB96 RUH Modems are compatible with the Kenwood radios with the built in Tasco Radio Modems 9600bd mode. Referenced further down this page.

PacCom TNC200 built from a kit of parts purchased in 1986 and this has been driven by a Raspberry Pi when testing it in (2014).with a Kenwood TR751e 2metre transceiver as a portable system.

PacCom Tiny2 Manual in pdf format for download, has been found on this Internet web site

He also has some BSX2 1200bd and one configured with the G3RUH 9600bd RUH modem interface.
G0BSX Peiter Designer of the G0BSX TNC Documentation and Circuit diagrams can be found on G0BSX's Web Site

EAX25 ISSUE
EAX25 Frames issue when enabled on legacy
non software hardware based Legacy TNC Packet Radio Networks

MODULO128_AX25_Modulo-128-MAXFRAME
as MAXFRAME Default is 64 with this modulo.
https://ohiopacket.org/xrpi/docs/mod128.htm

Suggest you set your MAXFRAME to a value 2 or 4
e.g. MAXFRAME 2 Unless using Kenwood Tasco Radio Modem set MAXFRAME 1

MB7NCR/GB7CIP Interface Hardware Relay Change over timings and Deviation Settings.
G4APL has noticed those of you that are setting up and using software soundcard modem solutions,are
having difficulties interfacing with MB7NCR/GB7CIP 1200baud VHF/UHFradio hardware
TNC's that have relay operated changeover time.
By not allowing for the delay before sending or receiving data.
Also you need to check the deviation settings as detailed below.

These are the timing for the v144 Interface currently used.
TX Delay: 430 ms
TX Tail time: 20 ms
Persistence: 129/256
Slot time: 10 ms
Deviation NBFM (NarrowBandFM) 12.5kHz Filters used

GB7CIP-7 -8 1200bd baud UHF radio hardware
These are the timing for the u432b u433 Interfaces currently used.
TX Delay: 420 ms
TX Tail time: 20 ms
Persistence: 129/256
Slot time: 10 ms
Deviation WBFM (WideBandFM) 25kHz Filters used

GB7CIP-9 -10 9600 baud UHF radio hardware
These are the timing for the u432 u439 Interfaces currently used.
TX Delay: 420 ms
TX Tail time: 20 ms
Persistence: 129/256
Slot time: 10 ms
Deviation WBFM (WideBandFM) 25kHz Filters used

The Yaesu FT-8800e 2m 70cm Dual Band Radio 9600bd data
Can operate on 70cm 9600bd mode.
Details can be found on page 10 of the radio FT-8000E Operating Manual
on how to connect up a cable pin outs to the Data Jack at
the rear of the radio.

If you have a 9600bd TNC with the RUH board installed.
e.g. a Modified Tiny2 with the NB96 RUH board.or BSX2(RUH) TNC.

You can use this connect to GB7CIP's 9600bd interfaces
on 432.625MHz or 439.950MHz Both systems are connected
to Horizontal 18 element Parabeams beam West across London to the Chilterns..

NuPacket by WD6CNF
Feedback from Paul G4APL
As a test NuPacket has been run under Windows XP and Win7Pro. Driving his Kenwood THD7E internal TNC.

This program includes an extensive 'help'.
Also come with TNC preconfiguration for MFJ1270, Kam Plus, KPC3 and TNC4 to TNC8 that you can customise for your own TNC model. These can be renamed.
e.g. add MYCall callsign MYC G9ZYX with or without SSID.

Split Screen for Transmit and Receive data
Options drop down list,Comms Port Selection, Comms Port Setup
Command Setup,TNC Initialisation Setup,TNC Termination Setup
Reset Command setup.

Have been unable to test under a Windows 10 system as do not have that system..
Look forward to feedback

AX25 Tips provides information on how you can use and travel around the AX25 NODE network and suggested route e.g. to Scotland.

FBB User Support DOCUMENTS and manuals provides a series of files in PDF format that you can download.
Covering BBS commands, AX25 UK and World region codes used in routing AX25 personal messages from BBS to BBS using the HA Hierarchical Address scheme.
Advice for Winpack users configuring their system to work with this BBS.
Also refers to other clients to access the GB7CIP BBS.

BPQ COMMAND CHEAT SHEET Maintained by PY2BIL

GB7CIP HF Packet Experiments
Would those that use Soundcard packet, or TNC's that are capable of running 300bd HF Packet or Pactor1
mode. Like to carry out tests with GB7CIP on USB Dial 3694.0kHz by arrangement.
Please make contact as SysOP will need to be in attendance and to activate the Packet HF radio.

GB7CIP BBS 300baud 600baud Packet, 300baud 600baud Robust Packet Test Transmissions (Not 24 hour)
Mode R300 or R600 Using the SCS PTCIIPro's DSP MULTI-II Modem module (2300Hz/2100Hz tones)
Frequency DIAL 21115.0kHz Mark 21117.3kHz Centre 21117.2kHz or 28128.4kHz 3592.0 kHz or 3594.0kHz
PACTOR P1/2 Test USB Dial 3592.0 kHz or 3594.0kHz (1600Hz/1400Hz tones} (0900_14:00GMT)
C GB7CIP to access the LinFBB BBS. 10watts to a Wire Dipole.
Reports Welcome as well as assisting with testing with R600 or R300, 300baud.
Contact Paul G4APL to arrange testing skeds.
When Interface active LinFBB beacons every 11 minutes to allow netting on to frequency.

Feedback from Serge UT1HZM (26 December 2022)
new un-official
"EU NET" connected digital modes QRG (frequency): 14102.3 kHz USB dial, where we do:-

1) 300Bd Packet channel, 1000Hz center audio (tones 900/1100 Hz).
Also this pkt channel is "NET105" - USA and global HF users packet net and APRS beacons.

2) second 300Bd Packet channel at 2000Hz center (1900/2100 Hz),
used for experiments and long traffic, like bbs fwd etc.

3) at 1500Hz audio center there are provided space for other
500Hz-wide connected modes like RobustPR, Pactor1-2, ARDOP, VARA, etc.

Now QRV(active) on 14102.3 USB DIAL:
PE1RRR, IW2OHX, G7TAJ, EI2GYB, CT1EBQ, UT1HZM
and other casual operators, users/guests too.

Also "EU NET" QRV on 40m band at 7045.2 kHz USB DIAL, same modes map as above.
Most stations switch radio from 20m to 40m with evening, when 20m is closed.
But someone can do 40m in day too, with second set.
The idea of this net - to try grow exist low level of activity and unite most
of HF "connected modes" operators, try to promote all kind of ARQ modes.

73, Sergej.

TCPIP notes provides further information to assist in your packet radio experience.

paKet 6.2 DOSBOX (notes updated 13.7.2022)
Another challenge G4APL was given was 'How to Run paKet 6.2 under linux and Windows 8' back in 2013
This was achieved based on the following notes he made in 2013 found recently (July 2022) in his archives!!.
How to Configure PaKet62 to run under Ubuntu Windows_DosBox with PACCOM Tiny2's and Kenwood's Tascom Radio Modems Terminal Node Controllers (TNC) built into their VHF/UHF Radios (TS2000e THD ranges)
Document updated (July 2022) as G4APL updated these notes while configuring paKet6.2 to run under DOSBOX Windows7Pro successfully.
Now the next challenge is to install and run this on Windows 10 32bit and 64bit Windows 11, so G4APL
awaits your successfull reports as he does not own windows 10 or 11 systems.
As he uses paKet62 running under his Radio Shack's Laptop running Windows7pro xp-mode

Kenwood Transceivers
How To Configure the Kenwood TS2000e for AX25 Packet Radio
How To Configure the Kenwood THD7e THD72e for AX25 Packet Radio and THD74e
How To Configure the Kenwood TMD710 for AX25 Packet Radio by David Ranch KI6ZHD
using the built in TNC (Terminal Node Controller) using Windows XP, Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
UBUNTU Linux and the paKet 6.2 Packet Program.
Remember to set MAXFRAME 1 and PACLEN 255 due to limited internal buffers in these radios..

Reviewed 6.4.2024

TheSkywaves

AX25