From : K3VYY @ K3VYY.KY To : ALL @ OKIPN Date : 900115/0025 Msgid : B+ 2370@K3VYY, 5395@W8CQK $2370_K3VYY Subject : BBS DX'ing Path : AD8I!WB8ICL!N8GTC!WD9AGK!K4YZU!WB4APC!WA4UMR!KF4NB!K3VYY Fellow packeteers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana We are starting, I believe, to have what are going to be serious network "meltdowns" if we as do not start to discourage BBS DX'ing. Here is what Alabama is doing. It is excerpted from the Alabama Section News for February 1990. David Black, KB4KCH is editor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- * If you "DX" your way into packet bulletin boards systems in Alabama, ALANET, the state's packet radio organization, wants you to stop. ALANET is backing steps including limiting user access to the systems. "BBS DXing is a serious problem in some areas," says Leigh Bartlow, WD4CPF, Director-at-large of ALANET. BBS DXing occurs when a packet user in one city connects to a BBS in a distant city, tying up local and inter-city frequencies. "Because of the nature of our interconnected network, a problem in one area can easily grow to encompass other areas," Bartlow said. Several steps are being taken, including asking BBS operators to limit the forwarding of large messages to non prime time hours. Bartlow is asking amateurs to use the BBS nearest them, instead of more distant systems. "Our network of BBSs is sufficiently well organized, with good software, such that every BBS has the same bulletin. Hence, there is little need to DX for bulletins." Bartlow says amateurs should not DX into another BBS to leave mail, either. Messages "will get to the local board in good time," he says. Steps are also being taken to limit BBS access on the 145.010 MHz trunk and 440 MHz backbone frequencies, Bartlow said. "In general, this will inhibit some DXing, but perhaps more importantly, will put more DXers on the LAN (Local Area Network) frequencies, where local pressure may be more readily applied." "It is certainly true that one of the fun things in packet radio is to see if you can get to that distant point, and then do something when you arrive. Sending a CQ at that point is possible with some of our nodes, and a live keyboard QSO beats a BBS contact. It is also true that occasional BBS DXing is needed, such as when there is sensitive traffic to be delivered," Bartlow said. * Packet bulletin board system operators have differing opinions about BBS DXing... From Bob Radel, AB4MK, Muscle Shoals: "I don't think there is much of a problem. However, it makes sense to reserve, or at least, prioritize any system so the bulletins, private messages and NTS traffic are handled first." From Kelly Bruce, WD4DAT, Tuscaloosa: "I believe that BBS DXing is becoming a real problem, causing delays in forwarding and hindering the whole process of packet bulletin boards. Why would someone connect to a system through several digipeaters and increasing network congestion only to read a bulletin or message available to them locally? People need to realize that the networks are overloaded and BBS DXing is a prime reason for it." From Rick Wiles, N4PRQ, Mobile: "In the southwest area of the state, BBS DXing is not really a problem. I support ALANET's position on BBS DXing and understand that in certain parts of the state it's a big problem, but so far, in the Mobile area, the problem is manageable. One of the things we did have problems with in this area was beaconing. When we shut down the "via" features on all local nodes, this problem disappeared." From Ben Durham, WA5KRG, Huntsville: "I have enjoyed visiting with a ham in a distant town or city. I...see hams checking in from as far as 150 miles or better into the BBS. Think about this. He has to come through three or four nodes. I can't see too much of a problem with DXing personal hams, as in general conversation. But (with) a BBS, I must say it causes a mess. Not even the BBSs in Alabama will cross another BBS to relay mail. Please, would it be possible for the users to do the same?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Personally I started some time ago taking some steps which I believe are necessary. I am locking out ANY USER who has access to a closer BBS. I'm sorry guys but I have plenty of local users...being the only BBS in Southeast KY. You will get in at least once, but that's it. Let's be serious guys, every BBS HAS THE EXACT SAME INFO !!!! I watch the same person sign in to my BBS and do an "L", list all the new messages, READ NOTHING, then sign off and go to KF4NB, and list the SAME MESSAGES on his BBS !!!!! I know I will get some static, I've read all the good stuff, but 145.01 is fragile, and it bogs down with the amount of "Junk" Bulletins. BBS DX'ing and NODE DX'ing is going to ruin it for everyone !!!!! Let's try to coexist and all get the most out of packet. I enjoy it, and I know you do to. Let's try to make it better. PLEASE !!! I want to hear what you other BBS SYSOPS think. Dick, K3VYY @ K3VYY.KY.USA