On the contrary.... You do not need a computer to run a TCPIP router or APRS
digi... It can all easily be done in a TNC-2 compatible TNC running TheNet
X1JR4 firmware. APRS functions simply by use of the antiquated "dumb
digipeat" mode... which if switched on in any Netrom or TheNet or BPQ node,
etc, works just fine. TheNet X1JR4 has a built-in TCPIP router feature,
which works swell. It only takes a radio, antenna, and TNC-2 compatible TNC
with X1JR4 firmware installed. No computer necessary. There is some setup
necessary to enable specific routing, which consists of a ROUTES and ARP
table. It is extremely easy to set up and one can create a standalone system
without any excessive expense or headaches. I have a stack of 6 TNC-2's here,
all with X1JR4 firmware, connected by a diode matrix board via their RS232
ports.... For those running BPQ or the various NOS/TNOS flavors, you can set
up a NETROM SERIAL port and connect your system to the diode matrix via a
null modem cable.
Try this URL to get X1JR4 firmware and specifics on how to set it up
correctly for efficient network operation:
http://www.cam.org/~burt/neda/NEDA.html
73, de Gary W7NTF
