Bill,
This in in response to you question about telnetting. I sent an email to a
local a couple of days ago that has more details about using the Windows
telnet program, but I didn't keep a copy. I sent him a note asking if he
still has it. If so, I'll forward it to you.
The best solution is DXbase, in my opinion, which I use as a user to telnet
to my own node, which is on another machine on my radio table (with a router
in between).
Basically, go to Tools --- Options -- User Options--Internet. Then select a
hosts(mine as an example, or add it in File -- Modify Hosts file). For an
AR-Cluster, such as mine, but you should probably choose one near you, The
Login Prompt is call: and the User Login is your call. The four fields
below those are blank. Click OK.
To connect, simply Windows -- New Internet Cluster and you should be
connected.
73,
Jim N7US
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim McDonald" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2001 10:41 AM
Subject: Cluster invitation
The Arizona cluster system has been very popular lately, with 30-35 users
connected to the six Arizona nodes, including the two nodes in Tucson. 6M
has been especially hopping. Here's a text version of the presentation I
made at the September meeting for those who may be interested and want more
information:
DX CLUSTERS
Local cluster nodes - spots from US/VE
DX PacketCluster (original software, written by AK1A):
K5VT - far northeast Scottsdale at 3400' elevation - 145.03
N7CIX (CADXA node) - northwest Phoenix - 144.93
AR-Cluster (written by AB5K, latest version is V.4, still in beta test)
N7US - northeast Mesa at 1750' elevation - 145.09 & via telnet at IP
24.221.10.240
Manuals & reference
DX PacketCluster
Yankee Clipper Contest Club: Packet Radio and the YCCC
http://www.yccc.org/ysa/index.htm
AR-Cluster (N7US node)
http://www.ab5k.net
User programs
DX Telnet - designed for telnet and TNC (RF) cluster access - $35, free
trial available - much better than telnet program included in Windows
http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/telnet.htm
DXbase - logging, rig/rotor control, telnet and TNC (RF) cluster access,
keyer, sunrise/sunset, filtering of incoming spots against user's needs
list, label and QSL printing, record keeping, PSK31, etc - demo available,
$99 for new users, $60 competitive upgrade from other logging program
http://www.dxbase.com/
DX4WIN - competitor of DXbase, similar features, though different look
and feel - demo available, $90 for new users, no competitive upgrade price
available.
http://www.dx4win.com
2M connections
Connect to closest node
Use outside antenna and good quality (mobile) radio, so other users can
hears you and vice versa to avoid collisions
Use "open squelch" if your TNC supports it ("DCD SOFT" in KPC-3+) so
you hear weak signals
Optimize TNC parameters for cluster use - see W6GO's paper at
http://www.obri.net/tech/wimu1995.html
Telnet benefits
No 2M radio, antenna, power supply - radio shack stays cooler
No TVI to cable channel 18
No collisions with other users
Far faster dissemination of DX spots
Connect from anywhere
