Packet Configuration

For proper VHF Contesting

IE. how to stay within the rules as interperted by KE3HT/R/FN32.

First we have to define the rules. They are in question right now so let me just state "MY" interpertation or Basic template to work from..

Call for contacts (Usually a CQ) followed by a Point to Point exchange of information.
No Spotting

What is spotting? My interpertation: The use of means other than direct transmission between two operators of the fact that you can be contacted somewhere else. Using people or the internet- clusters- bbs, telephone, Cell phone (had to say that :-) to inform people elseware is not permitted.

The use of repeating devices is not permitted.

What is a repeating device?

Repeaters,
Digipeters,
Internet,
BBS,
Packet Cluster.
Cell phone/site

What about the Moon or a LEO bird? Meteor? Space Shuttle/Station(DIGIPEATER)? No repeating even if using CW.

Space station or other orbital device that is manned and gives you a manned exchange should be ok but NOT the Packet radio BBS they sometimes use.
The Moon as far as I understand it is allowed. I think because it is a natural device kinda like E-skip off the atmosphere. The atmosphere is a natural repeater.

Rovers can not transmit more than one signal at a time (Thanks for the reminder BEACONet!). Something to keep in mind in a multi-op rover even if your not digital!

So I now want to define my idea of how to stay within the rules:

You can only take an exchange when on the frequency and mode the CQ was made on.
You can not ask people to tell others that you are "here" or "On another band".
You should not repeat your signal in any un-natural way. (Sky bounce is ok)

No Digipeters
No relay's onto other modes or the internet.

Turn off the Packet transmitter or TNC (easiest) when you are on another radio.

How? On packet (AX.25).
This part is the same reguarless to the program you are using. You can use WinTNC, APRS, BEACONet, KaGold, PKTerm, or a favorite of my TNT (Linux).

First you need to turn off digpeating. How do you do that? Well every program is different but to make a AX.25 TNC send a packet that repeats you must have the tnc command in the form of (or similar to):
C Callsign1 V Callsign2
Where Callsign2 is the call of the digipeater.

You can also get digipeated Beacons if you use the "unproto" command. So don't. Set it to off. (see you tnc manual for exact details)

Some of the better programs have these functions burried in a menu somewhere. For example for BEACONet see:
http://www.rochesterny.org/beaconet/images/cu2qso-nonrovertweak01.JPG

For APRS+SA see:
http://www.qsl.net/ve5dgd/aprs/html/MainMenu_Setup_Parameters.html

For WinAPRS see:
http://aprs.rutgers.edu/WAPRSdoc.htm#TNCCommandsMenu

My point is that all these programs operate the same at least on AX.25 and most programs can be made to work within the rules of the contest "IF the operator pays attention to his operation and mode". For instance, a Kenwood TM241 FM radio may NOT be compliant for the VHF contest IF the operator makes the mistake of configuring his radio to operate on a repeater. The same is true in almost all modes on almost all bands.

The IDEA or Sprit behind the rules is to CQ and directly make an exchange on the same band/mode and I will add program and hardware (radio/tnc).

You should not be using ANY means, including packet, simply to broadcast on 2meters that your on freq 446.000 waiting for calls. Thats NOT legal per the FCC or the rules of most contests.

Hope this helps us all digest the problems we face!
Tim,,, KE3HT/R/FN32 (FN00,FN01,FN02,FN11,FN12, etc during the contest!)

I would like to see a contesting program/logger that can include a packet radio exchange. Currently BEACONet does not include this feature.

Tim Ertl KE3HT 02/13/2003