[Xastir] Digipeating

[hasan schiers]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tapio Sokura" <oh2kku at iki.fi>
To: <xastir at lists.xastir.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 10:23 PM
Subject: Re: [Xastir] Digipeating

"If you use the Linux kernel AX.25 stack, you can run as many AX.25
programs as you like side by side and there will be no problems with
having just one TNC. When using the kernel AX.25 stack the kernel does
all the talking to the TNC. The programs talk to the kernel when they
want access to AX.25 devices instead of directly going for the serial port."

   Tapio

If this is accurate, I'm set, i.e., if both programs talk to the kernal and
the kernal manages the ports, then there is no port contention. Someone
else's reply said just the opposite, however.

First of all, several replies seem to think I'm criticizing xastir...that is
NOT the case. I'm trying to UNDERSTAND, how to implement what is NECESSARY
for my function and role in the local aprs network. I'm an important digi
and igate. I need to be able to do two things with the same RF hardware and
TNCs:

1. Be an effective aprs client with full igate performance. Xastir will
clearly do this.

2. Be an effective SMART aprs digi

Tapio describes the kernal function as if it will do exactly what I want: On
the same machine, with the same tnc's I can run Xastir (and it will have
access to the tnc's) AND I can run digi-ned (and it will have access to the
same tnc's) AT THE SAME TIME.

a: Xastir > Kernal > TNC's > RADIOS
b: Digi-ned > Kernal > TNC's > RADIOS (same radios and tnc's in "a" and "b"
above.

If this is correct, the problem is solved. If not, other suggestions please.
(again, I'm aware that I can run agwpe on a separate windows box and get it
done, and that is my "fallback" position.) I'm just trying to see if I can
get everything done in ONE linux box with Xastir and whatever 3rd party
software that is required to run the client and the digipeating from the
same box at the same time.

I'm NOT interested in UI-DIGI separate digi's....they are very good...our
network is populated with several of them and I help set them up. This is
missing my point completely. I'm not interested in setting up a SEPARATE
digi. I want an INTEGRATED SOLUTION, just like I have now. The linux box can
use several clients, but it MUST use the same TNC's and RADIOS that Xastir
uses.

Simply put, is there or is there not a way to do this? If I understand Tapio
correctly, this can be done, others have said it will require a separate
comm port and separate tnc's and separate radios for Xastir and
Digi-ned....precisely what I'm trying to avoid.

For it to work on linux, both client programs need to talk to a "port
manager" of some sort, whether it is the kernal, agwpe on another machine,
something...in ui-view32 this is done internally (the digi) and it is done
VERY well. Since Xastir doesn't do it at all, then a 2nd client is required.
This would appear to be digi-ned, if and only if, Tapio's characterization
is correct.

I'm really not trying to run this in to the ground or be difficult. I really
want this to work, and it has to work "conceptually" the way I describe,
within the hardware limits I have stated. The question is how is this done
with Xastir and "whatever digi client" being suggested?

Again, thanks for your patience, in trying to explain to someone who is just
beginning to scratch the surface of this exciting piece of software and a
totally different OS.

73,

....hasan, N0AN