> I am an Electrical Engineer and would like to set up my own
> packet radio data communications system (preferably with a laptop).
Shouldn't be a problem for an EE in Seattle.
> I don't have a radio license yet or know much about the procedures
> to go about getting one. Could you give me some items to take care of
> so I can get started?
Will try.
> Example information needed:
>
> all hardware required, suggested items to buy ( <$500 )
It's a bit hard to do if you purchase new. Basically you will need a
VHF transciever. The cost new ranges from $300 to $400 for a basic FM
transciever on the ham 2mtr band. You will find packet activity around
145 MHz typically. A modem will run another $300. If you already have a
laptop, then you are ready to go. Most of the modems for ham packet handle
the packet protocol on board so the laptop can function as a "dumb" terminal.
On the other hand, I understand there are a number of programs available to
control ham packet modems that make life quite a bit nicer than the "dumb"
terminal version. There are several good ham radio stores in the Seattle
area (see the yellow pages) where you could visit. There is a lot of packet
and other ham activity in the Seattle area as well. It would be worth your
while to check on the UofW ham club as I am sure there must be some hams
there involved in packet that would be a good local resource for you.
You could get setup for a fraction of $500 if you attend one of ham swap
meets and purchased used equipment. The club members should be able to tell
when one will be held in the Seattle area. It's also possible to build
equipment, but usually it is a losing proposition if you only have cost
as you reason for building something. The big companies can take advantage
of economies of scale that the individual can't when it comes building
equipment.
> required and suggested reading materials
At the mentioned above ham stores and possibly the U bookstore there are a
number of publications by a group called the ARRL (American Radio Relay League).Among these are license manuals and introductory operating manuals. The range
of the publications of the ARRL is fairly great, from very basic to reasonably
sophisticated. The best known is the "Amateur Radio Handbook".
> steps necessary to get a license (can I simply take the
> technician class test or do I have to take the novice
> first and work up to technician class?...should I
> even opt for a higher class than technician?)
Basically to get a license, you will need to take an exam, certified by the
FCC but given by other hams. I would guess that the UofW ham club gives exams
or people in it know others who do. Luckily, there is a non-code license
available. It consists only of technical questions and legal questions. Any
EE should have no problem passing it, but it is worth looking at one of the
above mentioned license manuals before taking the exam. There is no sequence
that you have to follow in license classes. If you are ready, you could
take the top grade license exam (amateur extra class) first.
> access to the Internet/UUCP networks
Access outside of ham circles is pretty limited. I expect that will change
but currently there are limitations, imposed by the FCC to prevent ham
competition with commercial services, that severly restrict ham to non-ham
communications.
> typical/maximum data rates possible
typically 1200 baud on VHF, but some work done with higher rates. In the
Seattle area, there must be a lot of activity at the higher rates.
> is a completely portable unit possible?
yes, the main limitation would be owning a portable computer. Most ham
trancievers and modems are designed for 12V.
> what kinds of connections are possible with what countries?
It's fairly easy to work other countries for ham (noncommercial) purposes.
In fact, there is an award for working 100 countries. Hundred, if not
