Howdy, Jeff!
"Jeff Camp" wrote in message
news
nFKd.4712$HZ.4116@okepread07...
Thanks for the advice, but I'm just looking for something that will do
kiss, so the device doesn't need lots of smarts. The only thing that was
keeping me away from Kantronics for this install was the price. I didn't
want to lay out $200-300 on a nice tnc and then not use any of its
features besides kiss mode.
RGR, you have pointed out another good reason to give the proprietary gear a
pass.
By the way, A good, inexpensive KISS TNC can be found at:
http://www.coastalchipworks.com/PICTNC.htm
For 45 bucks it's hard to go wrong, and the units have a good reputation.
Will FlexNet run on XP or linux or is it just limited to obsolete versions
of Windows and DOS 3.1 or later? If it won't run on a newer operating
system maybe that's the reason you never see it anywhere. As you said, I
don't want to get stuck running obsolete software.
At home you can use versions for DOS, Win95, and the Flex32 version which is
good for all Windows versions since Win95. This includes 98, 98SE, XP, 2000,
ME etc. etc... I use Flex32 (
http://www.uspacket.org/flex32/flx_32.htm )
with the excellent terminal program Paxon (
http://www.uspacket.org/paxon/paxon.htm ) ...
Flex32's soundmodem driver, written by Thomas Sailor HB9JNX is especially
nice, as 1.2kb afsk is but one of many options this driver gives you to
choose from. You can also operate afsk, fsk, Q15x25 mode, and packet at
1.2kb, 2.4kb, 4.8kb and of course 9.6kb. There is more, but my point has
been made and I'm too lazy to bring up the soundmodem driver onscreen to see
what the other options are. If you are interested, you will find out for
yourself and I wouldn't want to spoil that for you.
The two links above are to setup tutorials, step by step with screen shots
all the way.
The node option is only available for the DOS version. I suppose they
figured that very few hams would want to tie up a Windows computer in order
to operate a node, and who would see the GUI interface anyway, eh?
FlexNet is ( from a technical standpoint ) around a decade or so ahead of
any other available package. This includes the two FlexNet knock-offs, XNET
and AGW which have managed to mimic some but not all of FlexNets advanced
features.
So ( strictly speaking ) if you are already using something else besides
FlexNet, then you are already using obsolete software.
There's nothing wrong with the older stuff, it works just fine. - But
FlexNet will work noticeably better so if performance is a big deal with
you, that's your best way to go.
Having said that, I will mention that the last shred of performance is not
always your best choice. If the packet net in your area is all X1J for
example, then there is a lot to be said for fitting in well and becoming a
seamless part of the network by using X1J as well.
As always, these decisions are best made by the ham on the spot. It's hard
to tell you what's best for your situation from here at the southern tip of
Texas.
As for FlexNet "never being seen anywhere", well gee... It covers all of
Europe and a big chunk of the northeastern USA.
http://www.northeastflexnet.org/
Charles Brabham, N5PVL
Director: USPacket
http://www.uspacket.org
Admin: HamBlog.Com
http://www.hamblog.com
Weblog:
http://www.hamblog.com/blog_n5pvl.php