Msg # 14141 Type:B Stat:$ To: ALL @OKIPN From: HL9TG Date: 18-Oct/1219 Subject: APLINK AMTOR/PACKET BBS Bulletin ID: 7036_HL9TG Path: AD8I!N6VV!AX4BBS!VK6AGC!9M2BBS!DU1EAG!HL9TG From: HL9TG@HL9TG Post Office Box 205 Holmdel, NJ 07733 201-671-8114 [R] 201-834-1149 [B] September 9, 1988 Dear Prospective APLink Sysop: Thanks for requesting APLink software. APLink is a software system that runs on an IBM PC (or compatible). It provides an AMTOR mailbox via either an AMT-1 or PK-232 through the serial port. AMTOR users, via HF, can enter messages or bulletins to other stations. The commands are similar to VHF packet systems but without the verbosity that is often found on those systems. The enclosed APLink User's Guide outlines the commands of the system. An additional feature of APLink is that HF AMTOR users can enter messages to be automatically forwarded over the North American packet network. To do this, the SYSOP installs an additional serial port on the PC and connects this port to a PK-87 (or PK-232) for a VHF packet interface. With this addition, AMTOR stations can enter messages for relay via packet. Also, packet users can forward messages to remote AMTOR stations. This feature is used today by ocean going ham radio recreational sailors in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic who want to keep in touch with their ham friends back in the states. I use an APLink system in the San Francisco area to keep in touch with a friend in Honolulu. It truely has "long-haul" capability. New features of APLink that are in the works include semi-automatic mail forwarding via AMTOR from one APLink machine to another. This is of particular interest to Amateurs in the Pacific and Pacific Rim. APLink was written by Vic Poor, W5SMM, and is available for ham radio use without charge. The software is distributed on a single 5-1/4" MS-DOS 360K floppy diskette. Those who would like to receive a copy of the software should send a floppy mailer that contains a formatted 360 K diskette, a self addressed label and return postage to me at: Paul Newland, ad7i Post Office Box 205 Holmdel, NJ 07733-0205 I am acting only as a "clerk" for this software dissemination process. I don't run an APLink system, although I am a frequent user. Those who need answers to technical questions about establishing an APLink system should contact: Craig McCartney, WA8DRZ 160 Montalvo Road Redwood City, CA 94062 415-367-8232 [R] WA8DRZ @ KB6OWT You can also leave a message for Craig on his APLink system. He scans mark frequencies of 14072.5, 73.5, 74.5 and 75.5 looking for AMTOR ARQ selcall WDRZ. If you would like to suggest new features, it's probably best to contact APLink's author, Vic Poor, W5SMM, directly at: Victor D. Poor, W5SMM 8819 Welles Edge San Antonio, TX 78240 W5SMM @ WA5QZI Vic lives on his sailboat and often doesn't get home for months at a time. Postal mail sent to his Texas address is forwarded once every few weeks. If you want to get something to Vic in a hurry, send him a message via the WA8DRZ APLink system or send a packet message to W5SMM @ WA5QZI. Thanks for your attention and interest. Sincerely, Paul Newland, ad7i