Packet Radio Networking with PalmOS?

Brian Hayward asks: "Does anyone have any experience using the Palm Pilot with packet radio? I'm interested in using my Palm IIIx to connect to my home Linux computer in a wireless fashion, but I don't want to pay the ridiculous per minute/per kbyte charges that are currently levied on wireless data users in my area. I know it's possible, but I'm not sure that the PalmOS software exists to do this. (I haven't seen AX.25 software for PalmOS yet). I know the software exists to do this on the Linux side."

Do Palms have radio?

[robin]

I didn't think Palms had radio... Are you thinking of infrared, by any chance?

--
W.A.S.T.E.

Only packet-oriented stuff for Palm I've seen...

[MaggieL]

Is PocketAPRS. [pocketaprs.com] Ill be interested to see if anybody else comes up with anything.

With Kenwood having introduced the TH-D7A handheld radio [kenwood.net] with integrated APRS and simple packet function, there are other choices for compact packet operation, too.

73 de KB3DXS

Palms and Packet

[Your_Mom]

I don't think there are many 100% PalmPilot-Packet-Orientated programs out there (PocketAPRS being the exception) I have come across a few programs that can be used in Packet Radio Fashion. You can find them here. [utexas.edu] They are quite simple, nothing more then vt100 emulators for the Palm. But you should be able to talk to your Packet Modem in Terminal mode.

Re:Me Again-- More info

[jbarr]

What you propose could definatly work assuming there was a KISS implementation for the Palm OS, but I know of none.

More importantly, be careful of licensing issues. YOU could send all the data you want over the internet from your packet station, but what about others contacting you? You mentioned ICQ. I believe that the person on the other end would have to be licensed to contact YOU. Even though the packet equipment is yours, and you are really only concerened about YOUR connection, the person on the other end of the contact would still need to be licensed because he too is ultimatly using your packet station.

It's kind of a gray area, but just be careful...

Mailing List that might be of assistance

[Inferno]

Try posing your question to the group on the HTAPRS mailing list. It is a discussion list created for the Kenwood TH-D7A, and the question you have would fit right in. :) Subscription information can be found at www.tapr.org [tapr.org].

Good luck! If I had a palm, I would definately be attempting to do what you are doing using my D7A (coolest little durn radio I've found).

Right now I use my D7A with a Tripmate GPS unit as a standalone tracker in my vehicle (and backpack once in a while).

73 and good luck!

--Joseph

unlimited cellular access, www.goamerica.com

[beyond]

www.goamerica.com has the minstrel modem for the palm 3 and 5. $200 for the modem if I remember and $60 a month for unlimited access in the continental us..

Take a look at OmniSky...

[cmeans]

Well, OK, it does require a Palm V (or Vx), and I know you said you had a Palm IIIx...but maybe you'll want to trade up.

OmniSky [omnisky.com], currently in beta, is selling a Palm V Mistrel modem for $299, and free CDPD Internet service (through your PalmOS) until the end of April 2K. After their service goes live it is guaranteed to not cost more than $50/month for unlimited usage, and beta testers get 15% off of whatever they decide to charge.

If you're inside their coverage area (they are really using local providers like AT&T, GTE, Bell South etc.) you can browse the web, send/receive email, read newsgroups, telnet, etc.. I even use PalmVNC to take control of Windows desktops (with the appropriate s/w installed on the target machines)...from anywhere...for administrative purposes of course.

I'm really happy with the service, it's not perfect, and their Palm software needs work...but it is beta...ain't going to be perfect.

I've developed some PQAs that let me deliver content from our client's databases (via Java Servlets) straight into their Palms (though it could go to Windows powered devices too...).

Cool stuff.

Don't Forget Metricom

[PoP]

I'm using the Riccochet to connect to the net with my Palm. The size is a bit large, but the speed is okay for now (33k) and about to radically improve to 64k or 128k depending on location and equipment. I pay flat rate and really enjoy it. Since I live on a boat, this is the best option for me. Now I need to improve reception which is the downside of the current system, but that too will change as MCI rolls out the service.