Yes it’s been a while since our last post, but we have been super busy testing the prototype system along with convenient access tools like Outpost PMM, etc. Some highlights include:
- Testing the 2m port at both 1200 and 9600 bps;
- Hammering away and posting and retrieving of messages in the BBS;
- Using the chat capability;
- Conducting several successful tests of the CMS “bent pipe” to the Winlink system;
- Client testing of the Kenwood TS-2000 TNC, KPC3 TNC and a DireWolf Outpost combo;
- Monitoring of the Supermicro 1U rack server reliability running linux – it is rock solid stable;
- Developing procedures for regular updates to the libbpq switch software;
- Working with the BPQ developer asking for and obtaining requested improvements in remarkable short turnaround;
- Consolidating our support and preference for the Outpost PM software as the goto application for VAPN use.
Yes we’ve found some problems here and there and are working through each issue one at a time before a full roll out of the system on the hill.
Kenwood TS-2000 TNC
We see a trend with clients using the Kenwood TS-2000 TNC where a long delay occurs with some packets, but eventually finalizes. All other TNCs work very well so time will tell if we try to solve an issue with just one flavor of TNC. Some resources suggest the default value of 4 for the MAXFRAME parameter might be an issue. A test last night with MAXFRAME set to 2 on the TS-2000 side did not help the situation. We will be changing the value on the VAPN side next to see if that helps.
BPQ32 and Outpost PM – Energetic software development
Packet radio looks more alive than ever when you have two dedicated software authors in continuous development of both server side (BPQ32) and client side (Outpost PM). Responses from both authors to various issues and requests has been amazingly fast and productive. Kudos to both.
Organization
We are mere weeks away from setting a non-profit for VAPN. Many of you have expressed a desire to donate and this step will set the proper foundation.