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.
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.
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.
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 webmaster with the information or
link, so everyone visiting DXCluster.Info may
benefit. PacketCluster as used on this Website refers to the
AK1A software.