Need a packet fix? - Try This!

You've probably been hearing about more and more Packet Bulletin Board systems closing down - latest ones to go are the VK4BOO FBBS at Delaneys Creek near the QLD Sunshine Coast and the FBBS at Mount Gambier in South Australia.

Under-utilised digipeater systems being converted to also provide APRS services, such as in the Central Highlands of Queensland and also on the network maintained by the South Australia South East Radio Group.

You might even be in a country town that is not served by the current Packet Network but are itching to have a go at reading the latest bulletins.

Don't despair - there is an alternative way to connect into the packet network !

Many larger radio-based bulletin board systems also now include a secure way to connect via the internet using either tcp-ip or telnet protocols.

How is it done ?

Well, try a simple way, courtesy of Tubby's Wormhole BBS situated in Townsville North Queensland.

Surf to Tubby's teleport page on the internet -
http://www.vk4tub.org/teleport.htm

read the text on the page regarding registered or guest access, click on the Packet Terminal icon and your default telnet client will start...

Enable local echo of typed characters, look in amazement as a standard FBBS logon prompt appears, type in your callsign and start listing and reading the bulletins !

(Gavin VK4ZZ)

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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