A satgate station needs to have the ability to upload and download to the designated PacSat at least once a day. Special software written and distributed by the Satgate coordinator Andrew Sellers, G8TZJ is required that automates WiSP and FBB to move mail between the Satellite and the terrestrial Packet network.
Unfortunately, without a network of Satgate operators located strategically world wide to forward mail internationally, it is impossible to provide a reliable service.
Lack of mail to upload and download or traffic has been the number one reason why the number of Satgate operators dwindled from 35 to 4. Many operators couldn't justify keeping their equipment operational with such little traffic. I personally feel as an ARES member that maintaining a reliable RF network is more important then monitoring how many messages I forwarded each day.
Now that Satellites can no longer be used reliably to move digital data internationally, it would appear that HF Pactor is now our next best alternative when the Internet is not an option.
73 Harmen, VE3EMA
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 7:43 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: SatGates & PacSats
What would be needed to put a satgate together and have it linked into the terrestrial network?
I am currently working on getting JNOS 2.0 running on Ubuntu. I know that at the time that Satgates and the packet bbs' were popular, most of the bbs systems were running either FBBS or Mysys (correct?) under dos and windows3.0/3.1.
THe packet network here in Michigan is starting to be redeveloped again and is taking shape very well so far.
James W8ISS _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb