C64 Packet carts

[Tony Duell]

> 
> You need the license, to start with. Then a 2-meter (144-148 MHz) radio.=20
> It's much easier if there's a data jack on it, like most mobile radios ha=
> ve=20
> now a days. Packet radio only requires a few watts output, so a mobile=20
> radio set on low power is more than enough. Then you need a TNC, a termin=
> al=20
> node controller, which is a modem for radio. The KPC-3 by Kantronics is b=
> y=20
> far the most popular, though the KPC-3+ is better. Either should set you=20
> back less than $100, maybe much less.

I've never seen a US amateur radio license, but the UK one says that the 
license is for 'self training in wireless telegraphy'. Now, I will 
happily agree there's a lot more to wireless telegraphy than making 
transmitters and receivers, but I am a little curious as to what 'self 
training' you get by buying a transciever, buying a TNC, plugging them 
together (and presumably use the standard 'rubber duck' aerial of the 
portable transceiver). Oh, and running pre-written software to talk to 
the TNC.

There's nothing wrong with buying equipment, but IMHO you really should 
be thinking about doing some experimentation, modifications, and so on.

Actually, one reason I've never got into packet radio is a lack of 
information one the internals of the TNC. I've not found an 'open' one -- 
as in published schematics and ROM source listings. 

-tony