The high-tech hobbyhorse

Personal computers and computer-based systems are turning two of the oldest hobbies in the United States-amateur radio and model railroading-into high-tech pastimes. The growth of packet switching-a highly accurate method of data communications that transmits and receives bits in groups, or packets, that include error correction codes is enabling amateurs to exchange text and software over the air. The technique is apparently also making amateur radio attractive to people interested in computers and those who don´t have the room for large antennas. It is noted that packet switching enthusiasts-or packeteers, as they call themselves-tend to use the VHF bands and rely on satellites and repeaters rather than sheer power for long-distance communications. Thus they can use equipment that is considerably more compact and more compatible with urban living. Many packeteers are using small, portable computers coupled to hand-held VHF or UHF radios about the size of a pack of cigarettes. The commercial development of a network mode controller is traced. The author also describes how personal computers are being interfaced with model train layouts.