The Philip B. Petersen Collection Broadcast May 30, 1990

     There are many modes of communication used in amateur radio such as Morse code, voice, teletype, and amateur television.  Starting in the 80s, a new mode called packet radio was used by thousands of radio amateurs, not only in the United States but by radio amateurs in many other countries as well.
     Packet radio had its beginning in Canada during the late 70s when Doug Lockhart, VE7APU, one of the early pioneers in digital communications, designed what is called a Terminal Node Controller.  This device interconnects the personal home computer to amateur radio sets and makes it possible to send and receive computer-generated messages with many other amateur radio stations.
     Packet radio provides an error-free type of high-speed communication.  The messages are sent in small electronic packets, which are individually confirmed by the receiving station.  This kind of "burst" operation allows several others to use the same frequency to send different messages.
     Many radio amateurs provide what is called a Bulletin Board System.  This is a computer with a large storage capacity that contains all kinds of information that is constantly updated such as emergency reports, tornado warnings, radio news items and the electronic mail box.  Its use is practically unlimited in receiving, holding and sending information.
     Computer generated electronic mail addressed to another radio amateur can be delivered by inquiry to the mailbox.  In this way radio amateurs communicate with each other when they are not available at home.
     Packet radio stations can also automatically relay messages for others to extend the operating range.  Amateur radio satellites are also used to extend packet radio over large portions of the earth.
     Many radio amateurs daily provide public services transmitting messages in the National Traffic System and the Federal Emergency Management nets known as the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service.  They both use packet radio in portions of their operations.
     Marvin Bernstein, W2PAT, operating from his home in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, uses packet operation in the Airforce Military Affiliate Radio System.  Marvin said, "We use packet radio to send and receive over 500 messages a month with military personnel and their families overseas."
     The state of the art of amateur radio is always improving.  These are only some examples of how the personal home computer is used in a mode of operation called packet radio.

May 30, 1990

** Broadcasts recordings preserved and presented here by Mr. Robert Buss and Mr. Bernie Ricciardi, Phil's friends and fellow Marconi Chapter 138 QCWA members **

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