Kenwood TM-V708 User Manual

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7 APRS NETWORKS
38
TM-D710A/E
7.5 Packet Path
It is necessary to confront the issue of frequency congestion due to the spread of APRS systems 
in order to efficiently transfer packet data.  The TM-D710A/E supports the configurations of New-N 
Paradigm, RELAY Paradigm and STATE/SECTION/REGION.  Overall, this provides an efficient 
mechanism for transferring packets.
7.5.1 New-N Paradigm
Appropriate configuration is required in order to digipeat a packet path (relay route).  New-N 
Paradigm using WIDEn-N assigns an alias and a relay stage number for digipeaters.  This system 
is mainly used by digipeaters in North America.  Japan is also using this system and it is spreading 
worldwide.  
For example, when you desire three hops, then you can configure TOTAL HOPS: 3.  Once 
configured, you can verify by using PATH IS VIA WIDE3-3.  Until recently, when a regional 
digipeater was wanted, RELAY was used but this is being replaced by WIDE1-1 simply by 
configuring On via menu selection.  Again, you can verify that WIDE1-1 or WIDE2-2 was used by 
using PATH IS VIA.
7.5.2 RELAY Paradigm
This is one of the digipeat types used in Europe. The old backwards compatible RELAY technique 
was included for some areas that have still not updated to the universal New-N Paradigm using 
traceable WIDEn-N.  It allows the first hop to be via the RELAY path and then uses TRACEn-N for 
subsequent hops.  Most of the USA is using the New-N Paradigm.  But Europe has not yet fully 
coalesced into a single common system as of this writing.
7.5.3 STATE/ SECTION/ REGION
In contrast to WIDEn-N which generates packets equally in all directions, you can use STATE/
SECTION/REGION to restrict packets to only be relayed within the specified boundary.  
Abbreviations, such as two letter AZ for Arizona or three or four letter abbreviations such as NCA 
for Northern California, are used to specify the boundary.
Using these limited regions, it is possible for stations to set up special nets under special 
circumstances to communicate over large distances without adding interference to other areas not 
involved.  For example, using WIDE5-5 from the middle of Maryland would generate hundreds of 
packets of interference in 13 surrounding states!  This is why nothing larger than WIDE2-2 is 
recommended.  However, using MD5-5 from anywhere within the state of Maryland will get from 
any corner to every other corner of Maryland (maybe 13 digipeaters total and with no duplications)  
Thus a special Maryland APRS net in support of disaster training can be held without bothering 
surrounding states.