What Is Packet?
Packet is a digital mode used mainly on VHF and UHF, and also on HF. It predates the internet and lets users chat, read bulletin boards, and send messages.
It was very popular before fading in the mid-1990s, but interest has grown again thanks to low-cost hardware and software.
In simple terms: VHF is mostly local, UHF is used for higher speed, and HF is used for longer distance. Typical speeds are 9600 baud on UHF, 1200 baud on VHF, and 300 baud on HF.
To hear packet activity, try listening on 144.800 MHz for APRS traffic (1200 baud packet), or on HF around 7.04945 MHz USB for 300 baud packet signals.
Simple Packet Frequency Chart
| Use | Band | Example Frequency | Typical Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB7KSE Node Access | VHF | 144.925 MHz | 1200 baud |
| APRS Traffic | VHF | 144.800 MHz | 1200 baud |
| HF Packet Activity | HF | 7.04945 MHz USB | 300 baud |
| High-Speed Packet (typical) | UHF | Varies by local setup | 9600 baud |
GB7KSE Packet Radio Node (St Bees / Whitehaven)
GB7KSE Packet Radio Node in Whitehaven, Cumbria - Grid Square IO84EL.
Run by Alex G7KSE. GB7KSE is an AX.25 packet node and mailbox on 144.925 MHz, using AFSK 1200 baud with 25W output.
The station is listed on UKRepeater as GB7KSE (AX25 Packet System), near St Bees, locator IO84EL, with published coordinates 54.49, -3.59.
What Do I Need To Access A VHF Node?
Packet access is straightforward. You need:
- A radio that can TX on 144.925 MHz
- A TNC (software modem or hardware modem)
- A terminal program
Radio
Any suitable VHF radio that can connect to a computer can work. Tait TM8xxx sets are one low-cost option. Older radios like FT-817 and FT-897 are still commonly used too.
TNC
You can use either a software modem or dedicated hardware. Both approaches work well.
Software And Hardware Options
If you use a software modem, you normally need two programs:
- A modem program to modulate/demodulate packet audio
- A terminal program to control the connection and commands
Software: QtSoundModem
Software: QtTermTCP
Hardware: NinoTNC
- NinoTNC N9600A (Hamserve UK)
- Available as a kit or pre-built unit. You will also need a suitable radio cable.
What To Do When You Access The Node
Most nodes have bulletin boards (BBS), chat, and message features.
- Type bbs at the prompt to fetch and read bulletin messages
- Type node, then chat, to return to the node and chat
- Use this command reference while learning: BPQ command cheat sheet
GB7KSE connects to other packet nodes, so there is usually always something to read on the BBS.
I Need Some Help
- Ask Alex G7KSE or read his packet guide: g7kse.co.uk packet docs
- Read the OARC packet wiki: OARC Packet Wiki
- Ask on the Cumbria CQ forum/group: discourse.cumbriacq.com