Hi tom,

For me, your timing  in asking this question is good. Up until a couple of
years ago, I ran Packet here in Perth. The PC I was using died and packet
was put on the back burner. However, over the last couple of weeks there has
been discussion in this part of the World to keep some of our local systems
working, so with a little luck I might be back on Packet. I have from the
old System, a Radio, FM92, a TNC MFJ1270C and also an old PC using XP, three
weeks ago it was on its way to the recycling bin. It has now been brought
back from that trip to maybe act as a Packet PC. Not sure if all will work
together but we will try. 
Hope your system will work. If outpost is accessible I will give  that one a
try. In the  past just used the MFJ program.

 

73
Trevor.  VK6YJ.

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of tom behler
Sent: Friday, 8 July 2011 11:07 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: packet radio

Hi, all.

I recently have been re-appointed as Emergency Co-ordinator and RACES 
Officer for my county in Michigan.

One of the things our section leadership would like us to work on is 
improving our capabilities in the packet radio area.

Apparently, our section leadership likes the idea of getting certain printed

material in times of emergency, and they also like the idea that packet can 
work when all other communications systems are down.

I would like to pursue the possibility of getting a packet system up and 
running here at the home QTH, but don't want to spend money unnecessarily, 
especially if the resulting system will not be blind friendly.

Here's what I have so far:

1.  I have an old TMV7A that I can dedicate to packet if needed;

2.  I have an outdoor antenna for 2 meters that is ready to go;  and

3.  I have a computer that I can load any needed packet software onto.

My questions are these:

1.  What kind of packet softwre works best with Jaws?  Outpost, Windows 
Hyperterm, or something else?
2.  What kind of TNC would be relatively inexpensive to acquire, and would 
be blind friendly?

Any help with these questions would be appreciated.

I'll collect all responses, and put them into a folder for future reference.

73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ