Article View: comp.os.linux.answers
Article #120Linux HAM HOWTO (part 1/2)
From: Terry Dawson
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 1995 00:00
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 1995 00:00
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51114 bytes
Archive-name: linux/howto/ham/part1
Last-modified: 2 Oct 95
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*** The Linux HAM HOWTO is posted automatically by the Linux
*** HOWTO coordinator, Greg Hankins <gregh@sunsite.unc.edu>. Please
*** direct any comments or questions about this HOWTO to the author,
*** Terry Dawson <terryd@extro.ucc.su.oz.au>.
- --- BEGIN Linux HAM HOWTO part 1/2 ---
Linux HAM-HOWTO, Amateur Radio Software List
Terry Dawson, VK2KTJ, terryd@extro.ucc.su.oz.au
v1.8, 9 July 1995
It is hoped that this document will assist Amateur Radio operators in
finding and trying the various amateur radio software that has been
written for or ported to Linux. It is also hoped that as a consequence
of this information being available that more amateur radio operators
will choose Linux as the platform of choice for their experimentation,
and that software developers will choose Linux as the platform for
their software development, further expanding the role of operating
systems like Linux in the Amateur Radio field. This document also
provides some detailed information on how to configure and install
some of the more important pieces of software.
1. Introduction.
This list was prompted by comments that had been expressed in the
various Linux newsgroups about the number of amateur radio operators
that were involved with Linux. It is now clear that Linux is becoming
a popular platform for Amateur Radio development work.
This list was originally called the RADIOLINUX list, but Matt Welsh
suggested that there was no reason why it shouldn't be distributed
with the Linux Documentation Project documents, so it has been renamed
the HAM-HOWTO and will be made available with the rest of the Linux
Documentation. I make no apologies for the name.
1.1. Changes from the previous version
Additions:
Added Brian Lantz's TNOS.
Added Philip VanBaren's audio spectrum analyser.
Added Emarit Ranu's FT-890 controller program.
Corrections:
Updated Packet Cluster information.
Updated AX.25 kernel software.
Updated AX.25 utilites information.
Updated howto configure PI card.
Updated rspf daemon information.
2. Where to obtain new versions of this document.
This list will be periodically posted to the comp.os.linux.announce
newsgroup, and to the HAMS list on niksula.hut.fi.
It is also available from the following World Wide Web sites:
The Linux Documentation Project runs a Web Server and this list
appears there as The HAM-HOWTO <http://sunsite.unc.edu/mdw/HOWTO/HAM-
HOWTO.html>.
Dennis Boylan N4ZMZ <dennis@nanovx.atl.ga.us> makes it available at
the following three locations:
www.com <http://www.com/linux/radio/index.html>, www.hboc.com
<http://www.hboc.com/linux/index.html> and www.lan.com
<http://www.lan.com/linux/index.html>.
John Gotts N8QDW <jgotts@engin.umich.edu> makes it available at:
www.engin.umich.edu
<http://www.engin.umich.edu/~jgotts/linuxhamsoft.html>.
Dan Todd <dantodd@fusilli.ucdavis.edu> makes it available at the
following two locations: wheel.dcn.davis.ca
<http://wheel.dcn.davis.ca/~dantodd/Linux/HAM-HOWTO.html>, and
fusilli.ucdavis.edu <http://fusilli.ucdavis.edu/Linux/HAM-HOWTO.html>.
Alan Hargreaves VK2KVF <alan@dap.CSIRO.AU> makes it available in
Australia at: www.dap.csiro.au <http://www.dap.csiro.au/RadioLinux>.
Please let me know if you'd like to make it available somewhere too.
I'd like to see it on some Web Servers that are accessible from radio.
3. Satellite Software.
The following software is for use in experimentation with Satellite
communication.
3.1. MicroSat Ground Station Software
Author
John Melton, G0ORX/N6LYT, g0orx@amsat.org and Jonathan Naylor
G4KLX, g4klx@amsat.org
Description
Microsat Ground Station software.
Status
BETA. Version 0.9-Xaw released.
System requirements
Alan Cox's kernel based AX.25 support ver 1.1.12 or better. X-
Windows. The programs make use of the Athena Widgets and look
much better with the 3D libraries.
Detail
This software allows you to use of a KISS tnc to directly
communicate with the Microsat series of satellites. It provides
an Athena Widgets based X-Windows interface, and allows you a
comprehensive range of means of interacting with the satellite.
The software should work with any window manager.
The software provides the following programs:
xpb:
broadcast monitor
xpg:
ftl0 file upload program, message upload program
xtlm:
telemetry display program
downloaded:
downloaded file list viewer
directory:
directory list viewer
message:
message preparation application
viewtext:
uncompressed ASCII text file viewer
viewlog:
display the contents of some log files
xweber:
special program for downloading webersat images
phs:
general purpose PACSAT header stripper
Where and How to obtain it.
John's software is available from: ftp.ucsd.edu
<ftp://ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming/microsat-0.9-Xaw.tar.gz>
or ftp.funet.fi
<ftp://ftp.funet.fi/pub/ham/satellite/microsat/microsat-0.9-Xaw.tar.gz>.
Please check for new versions.
Licensing/Copyright
GNU Public License. Freely redistributable, No warranty.
Contributed by:
John Melton, G0ORX/N6LYT, Alan Cox, GW4PTS, Jonathon Naylor,
G4KLX
3.2. SatTrack - Satellite tracking program
Name
SatTrack
Author
Manfred Bester, DL5KR, manfred@ssl.berkeley.edu, (510) 849-9922
Description
Satellite realtime tracking and orbit prediction program with
X11 color graphics.
Status
Version 3.1 has been released.
System requirements
A vt100 terminal and or X11 server. A Maths Coprocessor is
useful, but not essential, for good performance.
Detail
SatTrack is a satellite tracking program that has been written
in 'C' language on a UNIX workstation. It provides two different
live displays, for single or multiple satellites, and two
different orbit prediction facilities. Cursor controls used in
both live displays are compatible with the VT100 standard, which
allows the program to be run basically from any terminal. An
optional X Window graphics display shows the typical world map
tracking chart. The orbit prediction can be run either
interactively or in a batch mode. In the latter case all
necessary parameters are specified on the command line. The
program uses the NORAD/NASA two-line Keplerian element (TLE)
sets directly.
The current version of SatTrack can track a single satellite
and/or display multiple satellites for a single ground station.
It also can control suitable ground station hardware, like
antennas and radio equipment, and has an autotrack mode in which
it switches automatically between a number of specified
satellites. For calibration purposes tracking of the Sun and the
Moon are also provided. Future releases will provide more
options. SatTrack requires about 5 MB of disk space in the full
distribution with eight different world maps (2 styles, with 4
different sizes each, to fit everyone's screen and taste) and
less than 1.5 MB of memory at run time. More information can be
obtained from the SatTrack WWW Home Page
<http://ssl.berkeley.edu/isi_www/sattrack.html>
Compiling the software under Linux is quite straightforward.
Manfred has designed the Makefile to compile the software
directly under your home directory, this is easy to change.
The steps I took were:
# cd /usr/src
# export HOME=/usr/src
# gzip -dc sattrack.V3.1.tar.gz | tar xvf -
# cd SatTrack/src
# vi Makefile
{Comment SUN4 compile options}
{Uncomment the linux options}
{Select the options you want}
# make
Where and How to obtain it.
SatTrack can be found at: ftp.amsat.org
<ftp://ftp.amsat.org/amsat/software/Linux/sattrack.V3.1.tar.gz>
or ftp.jvnc.net
<ftp://ftp.jvnc.net/priv/kupiec/sattrack/sattrack.V3.1.tar.Z> or
the SatTrack WWW Home Page
<http://ssl.berkeley.edu/isi_www/sattrack-3.1.tar.gz>
Licensing/Copyright
The software is Copyright of Manfred Bester. It can be used
without special permission for non-profit, non-commercial use.
For commercial applications a license from the author is
required.
Contributed by:
Manfred Bester, DL5KR
4. Shack Automation Software.
Software for simplifying tasks in the shack. Examples might include
software for controlling the newer breed of radios, logging programs,
QSL database, or antenna rotation.
4.1. FT-890 remote control
Author
Emarit Ranu, drranu@holly.ColoState.EDU, KG0CQ.
Description
A simple program to control a Yaesu FT-890 transciever via its
CAT port from linux.
Status
Working
System requirements
Yaesu FT-890, Yaesu FIF-232C interface converter or homebuilt
equivalent (Feb 1993 "QST", page 37). Linux, serial cable.
Detail
The program is started with one parameter specifying the com
port to use. Once started the program is menu driven. Future
versions will support an X-Windows interface.
Where and How to obtain it.
The software is currently only available from the author by
email.
Licensing/Copyright
You may copy this program millions of times, the only
restrictions are:
o You may not charge ANYONE for the program itself.
o You may not distribute modified versions of the program.
o If you distribute the program, it MUST be the ORIGINAL tar file
as received by the author. The README file has to be included.
Contributed by:
Emarit Ranu, drranu@holly.ColoState.EDU
5. Packet Radio
Software for use in conjunction with, or for facilitating packet
radio.
5.1. Kernel Based AX.25 networking.
Author
Alan Cox, GW4PTS, iialan@iifeak.swan.ac.uk and Jonathon Naylor,
G4KLX, jsn@cs.nott.ac.uk
Description
Software that allows the Linux Kernel to perform AX.25
networking.
Status
ALPHA. Still under development. In a working state.
System requirements
Linux kernel 1.3.0 or later.
Detail
Alan's software provides the programmer with a berkeley socket
based interface to the AX.25 protocol. AX.25 sockets can opened
for either connected, or connectionless modes of operation.
Support to allow tcp/ip over AX.25 is provided. The user
applications have been written by Jonathon Naylor G4KLX.
Jonathon has recently added NetRom support and provided fixes
and other enhancements to the code. The software comes in two
parts, a kernel patch, and the user programs. The user programs
included are:
axassociate
to associate a particular AX.25 callsign with a userid on
your system.
axattach
to convert a serial device into a KISS device.
axl
an AX.25 listener designed to start a PMS when it receives an
incoming connection. The PMS is still very new.
axsetcall
to change the callsign of a port.
beacon
generated beacon messages every 30 minutes.
call
A linemode AX.25 connection program. Call allows you to make
connections to other AX.25 nodes. It provides file transmit
and receive capabilities, and newer versions allow YAPP
binary file transfers.
listen
a packet trace tool for radio links.
mheard
a program to display callsign heard on radio ports.
netromd
a daemon program to generate netrom routing broadcasts.
noderest
a program to restore netrom routing information from a file.
nodesave
a program to save netrom routing informtion to a file.
nrparms
a program to configure a netrom interface.
rip98d
an implementation of the rip98 routing protocol.
Where and How to obtain it.
There are a number of different versions of the software. You
must choose the one that suits your version of Linux kernel.
Software for kernel versions older than 1.3.* is available from:
sunacm.swan.ac.uk
<ftp://sunacm.swan.ac.uk/pub/misc/Linux/Radio/>
More detail on where and how to obtain the software is provided
in the AX.25 section of the `Installation, Configuration, Hints
and Tricks' chapter below.
Licensing/Copyright
Most of the software is covered by the GNU Public License, some
of the software is Copyright by the Regents of University
California Berkeley.
5.2. JNOS
Author
Brandon Allbery, KF8NH, bsa@kf8nh.wariat.org
Description
Brandon ported JNOS to Linux. His port is currently of the 1.09
(aka 1.08df) release of JNOS. Future versions will probably be
based on Doug Crompton's evolution of 1.08df. Brandon suggests
that JNOS for Linux is primarily of interest to people with
existing DOS-based NOS configurations (especially server/switch
configurations) who wish to switch to Linux or to escape the
640K barrier.
Status
The current version is ALPHA.4. Brandon is still tracking down
bugs, as well as evolving new features.
System Requirements.
Any version of Linux along with ncurses 1.8.1 or 1.8.5 (the
latter is preferred). Optionally you will require Linux
networking (at least loopback) and slattach (kernels pre-1.1.13
or post-1.1.20 required for this).
Detail
If you include the Linux networking code in addition to JNOS,
you can link the two by a slip link running over a pty, so that
Linux can provide services to your radio users. In this way you
can easily add servers without having to build them into JNOS
itself. Brandon has supplied the following list of known bugs:
o some servers seem to be causing unexplained exits.
o PPP is reported not to work in ALPHA.4, although it worked in
ALPHA.3.
o BBS forwarding when convers is compiled in but not configured
causes core dumps.
o the finger server is getting bad filenames.
o the bbs W command is case-munging filenames.
Where and How to obtain it.
You can obtain JNOS for Linux ALPHA.4 at: ftp.ucsd.edu
<ftp://ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/linux/j109lxA4.tgz>
ncurses is available on most Linux ftp sites.
Licensing/Copyright
Brandon's modifications to JNOS are public domain. Most of the
pre-existing NOS code is copyrighted and restricted to non-
commercial use by the various contributors from Phil Karn on.
Contributed by:
Brandon Allbery, KF8NH
5.3. TNOS
Author
Brian A. Lantz, brian@lantz.com
Description
TNOS is a NOS derivative that is being actively supported and
which is avialable for both DOS and Linux. It features
enhancements not found in other NOS versions.
Status
The current version is 1.14 and is stable.
System Requirements
Kernel networking slip support if you want to link the normal
Linux network facilities with TNOS. A kiss tnc.
Detail
Brian maintains a World Wide Web server which contains up to
date information on TNOS, you can find it at www.lantz.com
<http://www.lantz.com/tnos/current/linux/>.
Where and how to obtain it
The current version of TNOS is always available from:
www.lantz.com <http://www.lantz.com/tnos/current/>,
sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/ham/tnos/>, or
ftp.ucsd.edu <ftp://ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/linux/>.
Licensing/Copyright etc.
Free for use by amateur radio operators and educational
oraganisations
5.4. N0ARY Packet BBS for UN*X
Author
Bob Arasmith, N0ARY, ported to Linux (and others) by Bob Proulx,
KF0UW, rwp@fc.hp.com
Description
A packet bbs implemented under UN*X.
Status
ALPHA. Bob is running version ARY-0.9 on both Linux and HP-UX.
The next version from N0ARY which is called 4.0 is in alpha
test/development release. Bob has not been able to bring this
online yet and is still running 0.9+kf0uw mods. Bob has about
half it working with Alan Cox's AX.25 kernel which would be the
desirable combination.
System Requirements.
Linux installation, C Compiler, plus HAM radio TNC hardware.
Detail
This bbs has an excellent packet user interface. It has a
compatible set of commands with the RLI bbs so users will be
familiar with it immediately. It then extends the command set
to be a very nice natural language style interface (e.g "list at
allus about KPC-3"). Many csh style bang commands are supported.
Also included is a mail interface to provide a packet to
internet gateway.
Currently you need to customize the source code for your
installation so you need some C programming proficiency.
Where and How to obtain it.
For a Linux version or for Linux information send mail to
rwp@fc.hp.com. For a SunOS version contact bob@arasmith.com.
This code is not packaged for distribution yet since it is not
past the alpha stage of development.
Licensing/Copyright
Copyright by Bob Arasmith, N0ARY, but freely redistributable.
Contributed by:
Bob Proulx, kf0uw, rwp@fc.hp.com
5.5. MBL/RLI message to NNTP and email converter.
Author
SM0OHI, pme@it.kth.se
Description
Software that will convert incoming MBL/RLI messages into either
NNTP or RFC-822 formatted mail messages.
Status
Development, not yet released.
System requirements
Unknown.
Detail
This software would be ideally suited to those who want to
establish a mail and news gateway between conventional tcp/ip
networks and the amateur radio mail network.
Where and How to obtain it.
Not yet availale.
Licensing/Copyright
Unknown.
Contributed by:
SM0OHI
5.6. Packet Cluster Node software
Author
Franta Bendl, DJ0ZY, and Bernhard ("Ben") Buettner, DL6RAI,
root@dl6rai.muc.de
Description
A PacketCluster like system running on Linux.
Status
Released in March 1995.
System Requirements
Linux Kernel version 1.1.50 or greater with Alan Cox's AX.25
version 025 driver, TCP/IP networking, SysV IPC. Also needs Perl
and KISS TNC hardware on serial device.
Detail
PacketCluster nodes have been available for about six years. The
original software was written by Dick Newell, AK1A, and is
running under DOS. clx is a system which clones a PacketCluster
node. To the outside user commands and features are mostly
identical, remote PacketCluster nodes, which can be networked,
don't see the difference between a generic PacketCluster node
and clx. So it fits well into an established network of
PacketCluster nodes.
clx is not a user application, it is network node software. As
such it is not of much use for the individual amateur. SysOPs of
PacketCluster nodes with some experience on both PacketCluster
and Linux will find this application interesting.
Here are some of the features of CLX:
o It is fully compatible with the internal PCxx protocol and from
a users' point of view. It allows multitasking and different
priorities for different things.
o The software detects looping DX spots without generating endless
messages. clx filters out such duplicate information. We have
implemented a concept which allows us to connect the network at
multiple points, which would formerly have been called a
"Cluster Loop". clx knows of so-called "active" and "passive"
links. The outcome is that more DX information is seen by clx.
o An interface to call your external programs (even dialog
programs).
o clx uses modern programming concepts like shared memory for
common data, lex & yacc to implement command language, shared
libraries to keep binaries small (this is still on our wish
list), remote procedure calls for inter process communication.
It is strictly modularized with its own dedicated process for
every major task.
o Comprises the following modules:
con_ctl
interfaces AX.25 kernel code and provides a socket for local
users.
rcv_ctl
manages receive spooling.
snd_ctl
manages transmit spooling.
rm_disp
receive message dispatcher, forwards messages to other
processes.
usr_req
user database requests, forks a process for every database
task to make it run in the background. The background process
later sends the results directly to send_ctl.
mb_ctl
mailbox control. The mailbox keeps messages in a file system,
header information is stored in the database.
usr_ctl
user administration (logins, logouts, logbook).
usc_mng
manages external user commands and command extensions.
iu_com
inter user communication (talk, conference).
send_ctl
transmit spooling, handling priorities.
icl_com
inter node communication (processing and generating PCxx
messages).
clx_ctl
system administration, installing shared memory pages.
int_com
manages internal program communications.
o The following is the only application program which can be run
on the console:
loc_usr
allows console operator(s) to log in like a normal user.
Future enhance planned are:
o A console monitor to watch ongoing activities
o Speed optimization
o An internal clx protocol
o An additional command shell for experienced users
Where and How to obtain it:
You can obtain clx from ftp.uni-erlangen.de <ftp://ftp.uni-
erlangen.de/pub/public/pc-freeware/hamradio/packet/packclus/clx>
or ftp.ucsd.edu <ftp://ftp.funet.fi/pub/ham/unix/Linux/cluster>
There are five files that make up the package:
o 00index
o clx_105.tgz
o install.clx
o README_1.06
o upd_106.tgz
Licensing/Copyright
clx is available for non-commercial use, but the authors want to
keep track of who is using their product, so before you can
actually use the software you have to ask for an encrypted
callsign string to be placed in the configuration file. You must
send mail to <clx_us@dl6rai.muc.de> to organise this.
Contributed by:
Bernhard ("Ben") Buettner, DL6RAI
5.7. Single floppy disk AX.25 router.
Author
Alan Cox, GW4PTS, iialan@iifeak.swan.ac.uk
Description
A single floppy disk version of linux with enough software to
allow a PC to act as an AX.25/IP router.
Status
Development, not yet released.
System requirements.
As for any Linux system a 386SX class PC or better.
Detail
No detail yet.
Where and How to obtain it.
Not yet available.
Licensing/Copyright
Unknown/Undecided.
5.8. TNT.
Author
Mark Wahl, DL4YBG, DL4YBG @ DB0BLO.#.DEU.EU, wahlm@zelator.de
Description
A Hostmode terminal program for TNC's that support the WA8DED
hostmode protocol.
Status
Version 0.8 is reportedly stable.
System requirements
TNC supporting WA8DED hostmode protocol, serial line.
Detail
TNT is a full featured hostmode terminal program. Compiling it
on Linux is as difficult as untarring the source and typing
`make'. It provides both a `dumb' terminal and X11 version. It
comes with some comprehensive documentation which describes its
features in some detail. Its main features are:
Multiple sessions:
TNT supports multiple packet radio connections on virtual
screens that you can switch between. Each session window
provides split screen (seperate transmit and receive text)
operation with a status line. Commands can be entered in
either a command session, or in any terminal session using a
command key. Each of the virtual screens can be larger than
the physical screen and can be scrolled around.
Data capture, file transfer and logging:
A number of options are available for logging received text
to files. You can log transmit, receive or both to a log
file. You can overwrite or append received data to existing
files. You can use the `autobin' protocol to transmit or
receive binary files.
Remote Shell operation:
You can provide a shell to remote users so that they can
access other programs on your computer. You can also run a
program and direct its input/output to a channel so that
users can use it.
Redirection of devices to a channel:
TNT allows you to redirect input/output from a channel to a
device, a modem for example.
Umlaut conversion:
TNT provides umlaut conversion if necessary.
Remote mode:
Remote users can issue command themselves if allowed to do
so.
Socket mode:
You can configure tnt so that it opens a socket for users to
telnet to that allows them operation just as you have from
the console. This is useful where your linux machine is on an
ethernet and you want other terminal on the net to have use
of your radio.
Where and How to obtain it.
The software is available by anonymous ftp from: ftp.funet.fi
<ftp://ftp.funet.fi/pub/ham/unix/packet/tntsrc08.tgz>. This site
is mirrored at a number of places so you will probably find it
at other places as well.
Licensing/Copyright
GNU Public License. Freely redistributable, no warranty.
Contributed by:
Steffen Weinreich, DL5ZBG.
5.9. IPIP encapsulation daemon.
Name
Mike Westerhof's IPIP encapsulation daemon.
Author
Mike Westerhof KA9WSB (original code), then Bdale Garbee N3EUA
(port to BSD), then Ron Atkinson N8FOW and John Paul Morrison
(port to Linux), then Bdale rolled it all back together again.
Description
A daemon that will allow you to use your linux machine as an
IPIP encapsulating gateway.
Status
Ron is running this code himself, and the other version have
been run quite successfully.
System requirements
KISS TNC, any version of Linux supporting RAW sockets.
Detail
If you've ever used an internet gateway from your amateur packet
radio you have probably been connected by an encapsulation
gateway of some descpription. Most run KA9Q's NOS and DOS, but
others run Unix and this daemon. It allows you to encapsulate IP
within IP, so that you can 'tunnel' IP connections over the
Internet. The software allows you to connect a KISS TNC to your
linux machine and to have all datagrams received on it carried
across the Internet to a similar gateway. Bdale has installation
instructions in the package.
Where and How to obtain it.
This software is available from the col.hp.com
<ftp:///col.hp.com/hamradio/packet/etc/ipip/ipip.tar.gz> ftp
site.
Licensing/Copyright etc.
Freely distributable, though Bdale asks that if you use the code
and like it you might send him a QSL card or a postcard.
Contributed by:
Ron Atkinson, N8FOW, and Bdale Garbee, N3EUA
5.10. AXIP encapsulation daemon.
Name
Mike Westerhof's AXIP encapsulation daemon.
Author
Mike Westerhof KA9WSB, ported to Linux by Ron Atkinson N8FOW.
Description
A daemon that will allow you to use your linux machine as an
AXIP encapsul ating gateway.
Status
Not properly tested, but assumed to work ok.
System requirements
KISS TNC, any version of Linux supporting RAW sockets.
Detail
This daemon is the partner to the IPIP encapsulation daemon. It
allows you to encapsulate AX.25 frames in IP to carry them
across the Internet. This is useful for linking AX.25 networks
in remote areas. Ron has supplied a Makefile for linux, and with
it the software compiled without errors on my system running a
recent version kernel. Ron has also written some README files
which give you the detail necessary to compile the system and
the original documentation describes how to configure it.
Where and How to obtain it.
This software is available in the sunsite.unc.edu ham apps
directory
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/ham/ax25ip.tar.gz>.
Licensing/Copyright etc.
Freely distributable so long as the original copyright notice is
not removed.
Contributed by:
Ron Atkinson, N8FOW
5.11. Ping-Pong Convers Server
Name
Fred Baumgartens Convers Server for Linux.
Author
Fred Baumgarten, DC6IQ, <dc6iq@insu1.etec.uni-karlsruhe.de>
Description
This is a version of the convers server that allows multiple
users to simultaneously chat with each other in a round-table
style conversation. It is compatible with the NOS convers
servers, but provides extra facilities such as saving/restoring
of Personal Text and Chanel Topics.
Status
In use of a number of popular convers servers, appears very
stable.
System requirements.
Linux, GNU make, C compiler.
Detail.
Complete installation instructions are included in the INSTALL
file that is included in the distribution.
Where and How to obtain it.
A distribution of this software is available in the
sunsite.unc.edu ham apps directory
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/ham/convers-941122.tar.gz>.
The home of the software is at insu1.etec.uni-karlsruhe.de ftp
server <ftp://insu1.etec.uni-
karlsruhe.de/pub/hamradio/convers/convers>
Licensing/Copyright etc.
Presumably copyright Fred Baumgarten (not specifically stated),
but some portions appear to be free for non-commercial use and
copying provided the copyright notices stay intact.
5.12. AX.25 digipeater for Linux
Name
axdigi
Author
Craig Small vk2xlz <csmall@acacia.itd.uts.edu.au>
Description
Allows Linux to digipeat across different ax.25 ports
Status
Beta release
System requirements
Requires Alan Cox AX.25 kernel support
Detail.
Allows frames to come in one port and out another using normal
ax.25 digipeater methods. Changes the digipeater callsign to
the correct one for the correct return port.
Where and How to obtain it.
sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/ham/axdigi.tgz>
ftp.ucsd.edu
<ftp://ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/linux/axdigi.tgz>
Licensing/Copyright etc.
GNU GPL
Contributed by:
Craig Small vk2xlz <csmall@acacia.itd.uts.edu.au>
5.13. Gracilis PacketTwin kernel driver
Name
Gracilis PacketTwin kernel driver
Author
Craig Small vk2xlz <csmall@acacia.itd.uts.edu.au>
Description
Device driver for Gracilis PackeTwin cards.
Status
Alpha test - needs some more work before it is properly
released.
System requirements.
Gracilis PackeTwin card, Alan Cox's AX.25 kernel software.
Detail.
Provides kernel based driver support for the Gracilis PackeTwin
card using the kernel AX.25 code.
Where and How to obtain it.
Currently available only by email from the author.
Licensing/Copyright etc.
Restricted use by alpha testers only, general GPL release is
some months off.
Contributed by:
Craig Small vk2xlz <csmall@acacia.itd.uts.edu.au>
5.14. RSPF Daemon
Name
RSPF - Radio Shortest Path First routing daemon for Linux
Author
Craig Small vk2xlz <csmall@acacia.itd.uts.edu.au>
Description
An implementation of the Radio Shortest path First routing
protocol for linux. The daemon supports version 2.2 of the
protocol which corrects a lot of bugs and problems that were
present in version 2.1.
Status
Alpha test - running. Current version is 0.03
System requirements.
Requires Alan Cox's kernel based AX.25 code.
Detail
This program will allow Linux to become an RSPF router. It
hopefully addresses some of the quirks of RSPF v2.1, the version
in NOS. It will also allow remote/local queries via a tcp
session.
Where and How to obtain it.
Alpha versions are available from sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/ham/>, ftp.ucsd.edu
<ftp://ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming/> or from the
author.
Licensing/Copyright
Will be covered by the GPL when formally released.
Contributed by:
Craig Small vk2xlz <csmall@acacia.itd.uts.edu.au>
5.15. Z8530 SCC driver.
Name
generic Z8530 SCC device driver.
Author
Joerg Reuter, <DL1BKE@melaten.ihf.rwth-aachen.de>
Description
A device driver to allow you to use a range of 8530 based SCC
cards under Linux.
Status
stable
System requirements.
a modern Linux kernel
Detail
The Zilog Z8530 SCC provides Synchronous/Asynchronous, HDLC,
NRZI encoding and other capabilities. There are a number of
peripheral cards that use the Z850 as the basis of their design.
The driver is generic enough to be pushed into service for just
about any sort of 8530 card. The README file that comes with the
package provides detail on installation and configuration.
Where and How to obtain it:
The driver can be obtained from: ftp.ucsd.edu
<ftp://ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming/z8530drv-1.8.dl1bke.tar.gz>
for kernel versions older than 1.3.*. Kernel version 1.3.*
supports the driver in the standard distribution.
Licensing/Copyright
Gnu Public License.
6. Morse Code
Software for use in conjunction with, or for facilitating Morse
communication.
6.1. GW4PTS Morse trainer.
Author
Alan Cox, GW4PTS, iialan@iifeak.swan.ac.uk
Description
A Morse Code trainer that uses the PC internal speaker
Status
stable, works quite well, unfinished.
System requirements
Linux, any version
Detail
Alan wrote this small program in only an hour. It is quite neat,
and allows you to play morse at a range of speeds and
frequencies through the PC internal speaker. You can specify the
text to be played either from the command line, from a file, or
the program is capable of generating random character groups. As
it stands you must invoke the program from a Linux Virtual
Console, as it relies on certain kernel calls to produce the
sound, and these don't work as easily from an XTerm. As it
sounds each character it lists the character in verbal form (Di,
Dit, Dah etc.) to the screen. Alan is hoping that someone will
take the code and enhance it with the features he has listed in
the comments at the head of the source file.
Where and How to obtain it.
I've had a large number of responses from people seeking this
code, so I've obtained Alan's permission to make it available.
You can obtain it from sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/ham/GW4PTS.morse.tar.gz>.
Copyright/Licensing
GNU Public License 2, freely redistributable, no warranty.
6.2. morse (aka superiormorse)
Author
Joe Dellinger, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of
Hawaii at Manoa, joe@sep.stanford.edu, jdellinger@trc.amoco.com,
joe@soest.hawaii.edu
Description
A morse-code practice program for UNIX workstations.
Status
Quite stable
System Requirements
Currently supports X11, Sun4, HP, Indigo, and Linux
Detail
Lots of features and options. Includes a utility for generating
random content QSOs, similar to those used in the FCC exams.
Where and How to obtain it:
morse can be obtained from: sepftp.standford.edu
<ftp://sepftp.stanford.edu/pub/UNIX_utils/morse/morse.tar.gz>.
Licensing/Copyright
Freely Redistributable
Contributed by:
Brian Suggs, AC6GV, and John Gotts, jgotts@engin.umich.edu
7. AMTOR Software.
Software for use in conjunction with, or for facilitating AMTOR.
8. PACTOR Software.
Software for use in conjunction with, or for facilitating PACTOR.
9. Slow Scan Television Software.
Software for use in conjunction with, or for facilitating Slow Scan
Television.
10. Facsimile Software.
Software for use in conjunction with, or for facilitating Facsimile.
11. Design and Construction Software.
Software to assist in the design and construction of amateur radio
related things. Antenna, Circuit Board, Filter, and QSL card design
packages are all good candidates for this section.
11.1. Software Oscilloscope
Author
Jeff Tranter, Jeff_Tranter@Mitel.COM
Description
Scope is a simple software emulation of an oscilloscope. It
graphically displays voltage as a function of time.
Status
ALPHA. First release.
System requirements
Sound card with input capability supported by the kernel sound
driver. SVGALIB is used to do the display work.
Detail
Scope uses the /dev/dsp device to take audio in from the
soundcard and displays it on the screen in a manner similar to
an oscilloscope. Jeff claims Scope was written more for
amusement value than for any serious purpose.
Where and How to obtain it.
You can obtain source, makefile and man page for Scope from:
sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/circuits/scope-0.1.tar.gz>
Licensing/Copyright
GNU Public License, Freely redistributable, No warranty.
11.2. Printed Circuit Board design tool.
Author
Thomas Nau, <Thomas.Nau@rz.uni-ulm.de>
Description
An X11 based interactive printed circuit board design tool.
Status
Vers 1.3, stable.
System requirements
X11 Windowing system and a recent flex program.
Detail
The pcb package comes with good instructions on how to compile
and install the software. I compiled it without error under
X11R6. It comes with package layouts for a range of popular
components and the example layout nicely demonstrates the
capabilities of the package.
Where and How to obtain it.
You can obtain the pcb package from: sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/circuits/pcb-1.3.tar.gz>
or from: ftp.medizin.uni-ulm.de <ftp://ftp.medizin.uni-
ulm.de/pub/pcb-1.3/pcb-1.3.tar.gz>
Licensing/Copyright
GNU Public License
11.3. Chipmunk circuit design and simulation tool
Author
Dave Gillespie <daveg@synaptics.com> and John Lazzaro
<lazzaro@cs.berkeley.edu>
Description
Schematic Entry and Digital or Analog Simulation.
Status
vers 5.10, stable.
System requirements
X11 windowing system and older (XFree86-2.x) libs, 8 bpp (256
color) only
Detail
I haven't tried this one out yet.
Where and How to obtain it.
You can obtain the Chipmunk package from: sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/circuits>or ifi.uio.no
<ftp://ifi.uio.no/pub/>.
Licensing/Copyright
Modified GNU Public License, Caltch specifically disclaimed from
liability.
11.4. irsim
Author
Dmitry Teytelman, dim@leland.stanford.edu
Description
An event-driven logic-level simulator for MOS circuits
Status
Version 9.2, production.
System Requirements
X-Windows.
Detail
irsim is an X11 based simulator for MOS circuits. It has two
simulation modes, either switch where each transistor is
modelled as a voltage controlled switch, or linear where each
transistor is modelled as a resistor in series with a voltage
controlled switch, and each node has a capacitance.
Where and How to obtain it.
You can obtain irsim from: sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/circuits/irsim-9.2.linux.1.tar.gz>.
Licensing/Copyright
Freely Redistributable
11.5. Spice vers. 3f4
Author
University of California, Berkeley, ported by Jeff@EE.Ryerson.Ca
Description
Spice is an analog circuit emulator.
Status
Stable release.
System requirements
Unknown.
Detail
Spice allows you to design and test circuits in a computer
modelled environment to see how they will behave without having
to touch a soldering iron, or solder. A readme file comes with
the package. To install I did the following:
# cd /usr/src
# gzip -dc spice3f4.tar.gz | tar xvf -
# cd spice3f4
# ./utils/build linux
# ./utils/build linux install
Where and How to obtain it.
You can obtain version 3f4 of Spice from: sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/circuits/spice3f4.tar.gz>
Licensing/Copyright
Copyright held by University California, Berkeley. Freely
redistributable provided you are not unfriendly to the U.S.
11.6. svgafft - Spectrum analyser
Author
Andrew Veliath, drewvel@ayrton.eideti.com
Description
svgafft is a spectrum analyser for Linux.
Status
Alpha software, but usable.
System requirements
Linux supported sound card, svgalib, a 486DX33 or better.
Detail
svgafft uses the /dev/dsp device and currently supports 16-bit
and 8-bit sample resolution on supported Linux soundcards. It's
display is something akin to a high-end spectrum analyzer with
falling peaks.
Where and How to obtain it:
Look for svgafft-0.2.tar.gz on sunsite.unc.edu
Licensing/Copyright
Unknown, check any README supplied.
11.7. Audio Spectrum Analyser
Author
Philip VanBaren, phillipv@eecs.umich.edu
Description
An audio spectrum analyser for Linux SVGALIB or X-Windows.
Status
Alpha but usable
System requirements
Linux supported sound card, svgalib or X-Windows.
Detail
freq5a1 uses the /dev/dsp device, samples the incoming audio,
performs a fast fourier transform on the data and displays the
output in either 640x480 VGA or an X-Window.
Where and How to obtain it:
You can obtain freq5a1.tar.gz from: umich.edu
<http://bul.eecs.umich.edu/~phillipv/signal>, sunsite.unc.edu
<ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/apps/sound/freq5a1.tar.gz> or
by mail from the author.
Licensing/Copyright
GNU Public License vers 2.0.
12. Training/Educational Software.
Software to assist in education or training for amateur radio. Morse
Code tutorials, technical examination database, Computer Based
Training software, and the like are listed here.
13. Miscellaneous Software.
Software that didn't neatly fit into any other category.
13.1. Linux for HAMS CD-ROM
Author
Bruce Perens, bruce@pixar.com
Description
A complete linux distribution on CDROM specifically designed for
Amateur Radio operators.
Status
Not yet available.
System requirements.
Linux compatible hardware, some software will obviously require
specialised hardware to operate. No additional software should
be required.
Detail
A complete Linux distribution specifically catering for Amateur
Radio operators. It will include a fully featured Linux
installationplus a range of amateur radio specific software such
as those listed in this document. Bruce has detail and updated
status report available at the LinuxForHams WWW page
<http://www.rahul.net/perens/LinuxForHams>.
Where and how to obtain it:
It isn't yet available, details will be made available when it
is released.
Licensing/Copyright
GNU Public License.
Contributed by:
Bruce Perens, bruce@pixar.com
13.2. SunClock
Author
John Mackin, john@cs.su.oz.AU
Description
A clock that will show you instantly what parts of the globe are
exposed by sunlight and what parts aren't.
Status
Released.
System requirements.
X-Windows.
Detail
sunclock is another of those desktop gadgets that most people
think look nice but really don't have a lot of use for. I use
sunclock to obtain an at-a-glance indication of the time
anywhere in the world. In its iconic form it sits in a small
Mercator projection. When maximised it produces the same image
but obviously larger with slightly more detail. It also
displays the date, local time and UTC. sunclock actually
calculates mathematically what parts of globe are sunlit and
which aren't, it seems quite accurate, so long as you assume the
earth has no atmosphere.
Where and How to obtain it.
I haven't seen any precompiled sunclock binaries for Linux
about, so check your nearest archie server. sunclock compiled
straight out of the box for me.
- --- END Linux HAM HOWTO part 1/2 ---
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Technical Details
Message-ID:
<HAM-HOWTO.1-15789.812660384@cc.gatech.edu>Path:
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Complete Article Headers
X-Google-Language: ENGLISH,ASCII-7-bit X-Google-Thread: 107ada,80e45b1024e84a1c,start X-Google-Attributes: gid107ada,public X-Google-Thread: 102b32,80e45b1024e84a1c,start X-Google-Attributes: gid102b32,public X-Google-Thread: 114671,80e45b1024e84a1c,start X-Google-Attributes: gid114671,public X-Google-Thread: 1038bf,80e45b1024e84a1c,start X-Google-Attributes: gid1038bf,public X-Google-Thread: 10669a,80e45b1024e84a1c,start X-Google-Attributes: gid10669a,public From: Terry Dawson <terryd@extro.ucc.su.oz.au> Subject: Linux HAM HOWTO (part 1/2) Date: 1995/10/02 Message-ID: <HAM-HOWTO.1-15789.812660384@cc.gatech.edu> X-Deja-AN: 116881398 approved: linux-answers@news.ornl.gov (Matt Welsh) sender: gregh@cc.gatech.edu followup-to: poster summary: HOWTO configure amateur radio software for Linux organization: Linux HOWTO Project keywords: Linux, Networking, Ham, amateur radio newsgroups: comp.os.linux.answers,comp.os.linux.networking,comp.os.linux.hardware,rec.radio.amateur.misc,aus.radio.amateur.misc nntp-posting-user: gregh