ARES - Linn County, Iowa

EOC Packet Operation

Updated November 10, 2007

1. Scope

This document describes how to operate the Packet Radio station at the Linn County EOC.  The most current procedure is always available in a text file shown on the desktop of the EOC packet computer.

2. Overview

The packet station consists of a computer running Windows XP, a networked printer in the hall to the left, and a TNC built into the D700 Dual band radios.  The normal configuration is to use the right hand D700 radio for packet.  An ICON labeled PACKET should be present on the desktop. This will bring up a Windows Hyperterminal window.

The packet station is used to connect first to the Packet Cluster at WB8ZRL.  This is used to access the 9600bps UHF packet repeater to get to the W0GQ-3 packet wormhole to the Iowa Fiber optic network.  From there, we connect to Des Moines via the ROSE switch and Fiber Network to the State EOC.

3. Station Power-up

  1. Power-up computer and monitor
  2. Power up the right hand D700 radio
  3. Select the left band by pressing the left volume control knob (on the right hand D700)
  4. Tune radio to the channel labeled PACKET (144.91)
  5. Set the radio to packet mode by holding down the "F" button (leftmost of 6 keys along bottom of radio) until "TNC" appears in the lower left corner of the display.
  6. Press the left side key next to the "TNC" label on the display.
  7. If "TNC PKT" does not appear in the upper left corner of the display, repeat steps 5 and 6 again.
  8. Double-click the "PACKET" icon on the desktop.

4. Connecting to the State EOC via the Fiber Wormhole

One use of the packet station is for backup communications with the State EOC in Des Moines.  Connection is accomplished as follows:  (Commands typed by the operator are UNDERLINED).

cmd:c wb8zrl-2
*** CONNECTED to WB8ZRL-2
IAELY:WB8ZRL-2 Welcome to wb8zrl.ampr.org network node
c port4 w0ak-1 v w0gq-3 515222
IAELY:WB8ZRL-2 Trying W0AK-1 on port PORT4... Type <RETURN> to abort
IAELY:WB8ZRL-2 Connected to W0AK-1 on port PORT4 (Escape: CTRL-T)
Call being Setup
Call Complete to W0AK-1 @ 3100515222
c 1 kc0eec-1
DMRAA:W0AK-1} Connected to KC0EEC-1

5. Disconnecting

Control-C - (Hold down the "Ctrl" key, and type "C")
cmd: D
*** DISCONNECTED

6. Known Problems

  • The link will time-out due to inactivity, or may disconnect during periods of heavy loading.  Make sure you have the "cmd:" prompt.  Then repeat the connection procedure above.
  • If the link drops, you may receive a connect on another stream as Des Moines attempts top reestablish the link.  To switch to that stream, type "|x" where "|" is the vertical bar, and "x" is the stream indicated by the connect.
  • Send problems or comments to kc0ox @ arrl . net

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