Packet Operations - Type III, Part A

This is the first course in a two part series designed to prepare an individual to assemble and operate and existing packet station.

Part A (this course) focuses on the individual packet station. It covers the components of a baseline station and how to assemble it and send a message to yourself.

Part B is a hands-on class focused on configuring and operating the baseline packet station.

• Valid Technician Class or higher Amateur Radio license
• Santa Clara County ARES/RACES training courses:
  • Field Operations - Type III Part A
  • Field Operations - Type III Part B & Type II

Note: The above prerequisites are not strictly enforced. But in order to get the most out of this course, you should have previously attended the above courses. If you have not yet attended one or more of the prerequisites, you should carefully review the course materials for the missed prerequisites prior to attending this course. Then, be sure to attend any missed prerequisites at your earliest opportunity.

• Copy of course materials (see below)
• Pen/pencil and pad of paper
• No packet station is required

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the Credential Packet Operator qualifications
• Describe the purpose and use of packet communications
• Describe the Santa Clara County BBS network
• Describe the components of the baseline packet station
• Describe the Outpost and PackItForms software and their basic use
• Assemble, setup, and verify operation of the baseline packet station

The course agenda includes:

• Credential Packet Operator qualifications
• Packet Network Overview
  • What is Packet?
  • Why do we use it?
• Packet Network Components
  • SCCo BBSs
  • Other Networks
  • Radio frequencies
  • Antennas
  • Radios
  • TNCs
  • PCs
• Baseline Packet Station: hardware and software
• Accessing the Network
• Standard Workflow
• Homework!

Classroom presentation (Revised 29-Jul-2024):

• 1 slide per page (Landscape PDF - 8.3 MB)
• 1 slide per page (Portrait PDF - 8.3 MB)
• 2 slides per page (PDF - 7.1 MB)
• 3 slides per page (PDF - 6.4 MB)
• 4 slides per page (PDF - 6.8 MB)

Before class, thoroughly review and familiarize yourself with the contents of the following web pages:

• Packet BBS Service
• Network Access Using AX.25 over VHF Amateur Radio

Also, print out and bring a copy of the following web page to class:

• Packet Frequencies and BBS Listings

Also, download and (optionally) print out a copy of the Packet Exercises workbook:

• Packet Exercises Workbook - 30-Jul-2024 (PDF - 1.9 MB)