ABOUT PACKETCLUSTER
Developed by Dick Newell, AK1A during the late 1980's, PacketCluster™
software became the most popular and exciting way for Ham Radio operators interested in DX'ing
(working the world) to exchange DX-related information. Today, over 20 years later, the
software is still in use, however many nodes are replacing this software with
AR-Cluster™, and
other DX cluster software including
CC Cluster,
CLX, Clusse,
DX Spider,
DxNet and others.
See the DX Cluster Node Software Directory.
One station is set up with DX PacketCluster and is linked to one or more other
stations who have installed the software. These nodes when connected are
called a cluster. Clusters are connected to other clusters, expanding the network.
Individual users connect to the nodes on a frequency different from what the
node stations are linked on. Users are capable of announcing DX spots
and related announcements, sending personal talk messages,
sending and receiving mail messages, searching and retrieving archived data,
and accessing data from information databases, among other features.
See the DX Cluster Nodes Directory.
THE INTERNET
The Internet has greatly augmented the way a DX Cluster network operates.
Amateur radio stations are popping up worldwide running DX Cluster software, connecting
to one another via the Internet using the
telnet protocol, to collect
DX spots, talk messages, announcements, and mail messages. Most all have RF access
for local hams while a few do not, allowing a user to connect using telnet.
See the DX Cluster Telnet Directory.
WHERE PACKETCLUSTER IS TODAY
Cerulean Technology has joined forces with Aether Systems.
PacketCluster Patrol™ is the flagship product, used by over 40,000 users in 650 law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies.
If you have or know of DX Cluster related information that would be of value to
the DX Cluster community, kindly e-mail the
with the information or link, so everyone visiting DXCluster.Info may benefit.
PacketCluster as used on this Website refers to the AK1A software.
