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1992-07-02
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TN210-3.DOC
BACKGROUND
**************
The netrom people (Ron Raikes, WA8DED and Mike Busch, W6IXU) adapted the
dynamic node concept for amateur use. They did an ingenious job of designing
the format and assembling the programming code to fit within the TNC-2 EPROM.
Their node command responses are very concise. This format saves on overhead,
both in the local area and on the network. While some of the responses aren't
intuitive, the average user should have little trouble in relating them to the
documentation. There were four netrom versions, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3. Each
version from 1.0 either cleaned up bugs or added additional features. With
version 1.3, they announced EPROM programming space was exhausted and further
development work would not be done.
NORD><LINK in Germany, developed an optimizing procedure that squeezed the
programming code to the point where sufficient room remained for additional
features. Namely, INFO and the HIGH - LOW remote control capability. They
also streamlined some code functions. Their first release was TheNet version
1.0. Equipped with the user friendly INFO feature, it has become very popular
with NodeOps around the world. With their distributions, NORD><LINK provided
source code in the public domain so other programmers could do node development
work.
NORD><LINK subsequently produced the popular TheNet Converse node. The
Converse node allowed users connecting to it to engage in ragchews. Two
specialized node versions, TheNet 1.1-I and 1.1-E was then released. Version
1.1-I (INTERLINK) was intended for protected backbone applications and had
a "positive" list of up to four stations that could connect FROM the node.
Non-listed stations could connect, but wern't allowed to connect FROM it,
short of disconnecting. Version 1.1-E was an ENTRY level user node. In
response to a USERS command, it would show the digi path (if any) of an
uplinking user. As of this writing, NORD><LINK has released version 1.17.
But we have not seen the documentation and are not able to report on its
features.
TheNet Plus (here after called TNPlus) came about after observing the
retention rate of packet newcomers was very low. A factor discouraging
newcomers was they didn't know who to talk to out on the network. As in other
ham radio modes, they were expecting to find an opportunity for ragchewing
through the system, other than just locally. NJ7P felt if network nodes had a
"heard" capability it would make packet operation more of a fun experience
and help slow down the user dropout rate.
After considerable effort, he was able to modify the original TheNet code
such that the node would list stations heard. Further development led to
additional user features and thus, TNPlus was born!
This manual is intended as a practical guide for the new, as well as the
seasoned NodeOp in setting up and operating a TNPlus node.