KI6SFG wrote:
Gary,

I suggest you get an old PC, put Linux on it, and become very familiar
with the OS. Then, compile a custom kernel that includes the AX.25
features and leaves out what you don't need.

Keep it simple and small: you risk losing interest if you try too much
at once.

73, Bill W1AC

Bill, I am wondering why linux as apposed to windows? Are you just
trying to keep the system simple and inexpensive?

Could you explain a little more about the AX.25?

I downloaded the IU-view software and loaded it on to my desktop
computer. I understood that with a radio that would receive 144.39 (in
my case a scanner) that I could use the computer's sound card and
IU-view to port packet signals on to the internet? I am not interested
in transmitting from home at this point, just receiving signals and
getting them to APRS.fi.

Gary

Gary,

AX.25 is the protocol that was used for packet transmission on ham radio
when I was using packet: I assume it's still the standard, since Linux
still has the option. It might help you to think of it as TCP/IP with
ham calls signs added.

If the Windows-based software is free, reliable, and meets your needs,
and you already have a Windows-based PC you're willing to dedicate to an
Igate, then you can certainly use that. However, I find Linux to be an
excellent substitute for Windows, especially for "single function"
machines such as a BBS or packet gateway. Linux is also able to run on
much older hardware than Windows, and (most importantly) offers native
support for the AX.25 protocol stack, allowing full use of higher-level
applications without modification: to Linux, AX.25 and TCP/IP are just
two different MAC layers.

Not to mention that Linux is free-as-in-speech, and the license says so.

73, Bill W1AC


--
Bill Horne

(Remove QRM from my address for direct replies.)