"D. Strang" wrote in message
news:Ekpdc.5162$BR1.3356@okepread03...
"N4RPD" wrote

Has anyone ever set up a email gateway using FBB software? Please
give me
your ideas.

Is this for the people who can't afford an email ISP?

I have to tell you, it will get old *real* fast.


That's a good point. BBS message forwarding over Internet links is
comparable to making a "DX" contact over the EchoLink system.

( Yawn ) - Pretty boring! Zero accomplishment factor. No challenge.
Undercuts hams trying to do the same thing with radio.

Besides being about as exciting as watching paint dry, BBS message
forwarding over non-ham links causes serious problems for BBS SYSOPs who
actually DO use radio to forward messages, the way the system is intended to
be operated. These hams who use radio have priority over hams who do not, in
all of our considerations. To enjoy this status, all we have to do is to
cooperate with our fellow hams and use radio for this task. The BBS
forwarding network is a cooperative activity. If you cannot or do not
consider your fellow hams, you will not be either happy or effective as a
BBS SYSOP, and should not interfere with the activities of those who can and
do.

Since our affiliation with the Department of Homeland Security last year,
systems such as the HF BBS forwarding nets that can be used for some types
of emergency and disaster communications have been given some additional
regulatory status, and additional priority when being considered in
connection with grant proposals. One additional change over the last year is
the total loss of any sense of humor when cases of interference with
emergency communications systems come to light.

Operating a packet BBS is a serious task that requires a good deal of
dedication to and cooperation with your fellow hams, and especially with
your fellow SYSOPs. Injecting non-ham links into an amateur radio network
without consulting anybody as to its desireability reflects niether of these
good characteristics.

Even when they function well, ( they often do not ) the non-ham forwarding
links directly undercut the BBS forwarding network's special ability to
provide alternative, independent communications during the course of an
emergency. Because of the damage "internet forwarders" do to the HF net's
integrity, many BBS SYSOPs simply refuse to accept or deliver messages from
the "non-ham" BBS stations such as you propose. That tends to add to the
boredom factor.

The general class liscense exam is not substantially different from or more
difficult than the technician test. You do have to copy 5 wpm code,
something most hams are able to cram for within two or three weeks. Used
tube-type HF rigs suitable for most digital stuff are available online and
elsewhere for a couple hundred bucks or less, and a simple, inexpensive
inverted-V antenna will get you on the air with no tuner. Once other hams
find out what you are trying to do, many of them will be motivated to help
you out. - The point being that there is literally no excuse for injecting
non-ham links into an amateur radio network where they do not belong, and
where they are detrimental to our ability to provide emergency digital
communications.

Over the last few years, the great majority of the "non-ham" packet BBS
stations have shut down. Only a stubborn few remain.

Catch the wave! ( RF )

Charles Brabham, N5PVL
Director: USPacket.Net
http://www.uspacket.net