[aprssig] alt-input-digi on 144.39/144.99

[Bill Vodall]

On Tue, 30 May 2006, Robert Bruninga wrote:

> THen one thing is possible to consider for that very high mountain
> old WIDE only digi, is to just go up there this summer and
> flip the switch so that the RADIO operates on 144.99 -600.
> ANd change its WIDE alias to "WIDE1-1".   THis instantly makes
> it a alt-input- 144.99/144.39 digi for lower power or priority use 
> by anyone that operates 144.39 with a +600 for special events
> or other needs
> And any old TNC can do this.  No upgrade needed.
> 
> That way, the digi still serves a vital function by providing an
> alternate input channel that is QRM free and should be able
> to hear weaker mobiles better than it does now.  (For those
> that chose to use it.)    
> 
> And you wont be losing anything, since as is (WIDE only) it
> is being ignored by the rest of the network already 
> anyway.  SO this just turns it into good use...

That completely removes any collision detection mechanisms and turns
low power units into high power packets with no listen before
transmit.  This is not a good thing and would probably be a serious
detriment to a busy network.

A better solution would be to completely switch the digi to a new
frequency and built an alternate network.  That only requires one
home IGate or Digi_ned system to tie it to the existing infrastructure.

Bill - WA7NWP