THE FRIENDLY TNC

     Most of the TNCs run operating parameters that are not
Friendly to the network. This affects the smooth operation and
data thruput of the various packet channels and networks through
our area. It is very important that these values be set to values
that are Friendly. It will minimize collisions and allow you to
share the channel with other users. Most TNCs are still using
values that were set in the 80s and do not reflect the state of
the packet network today. Regardless of what your Manual says,
or what you think, it is important that all users on a channel
adopt the same values. If your in doubt, ask you local nodeop or
BBS sysop.

BEACON = 0 Turn off your beacon. Beacons haven't been welcome on
           packet radio since about 1987, they just add more qrm
           to already busy channels.
DIGIPEAT = OFF Turn off your digipeat feature. Modern Packet
               does not generally use digipeaters, many nodes
               will not accept digipeated packets. It also prevents
               you from using the preferred 'Persistence' method
               of retry timing.
DWAIT = 0 Again this is a digipeater function and will not allow
          you to use 'Persistence' retry timing.
FRACK = 6 to 12 (seconds). Use 6 if your alone on a channel, and
                           12 for a VERY busy channel.
MAXFRAME = 1 A low value helps to SHARE the channel, and gives
             all the other users a chance to transmit in a
             reasonable time.
PERSIST = 64 Please set this lower (40 is suggested) if the
             channel is a busy one.
PPERSIST = ON This turns on the 'Persistence' method of retry
              timing, which is the preferred method in modern
              packet. For ppersist to work, digipeat must be off.
RETRY = 10 If it takes more then 10 retries to get a packet
           through, then you have something set wrong, or someone
           is Hogging the channel. TELL THEM TO GET "FRIENDLY" !
SLOTTIME = 20 (in ms) Anything Less will make you very
                      "UNFRIENDLY" ! beware of tnc defaults which
                      are totally unrealistic.
RESPTIME = 10 to 15 Use 10 on a less used channel, 15 on a busy
                    channel.

NOTE : some manufactures use different names for the above
parameters, as an example MFJ uses DEADTIME instead of SLOTTTIME.
If you have questions on these, Please contact your local Nodeop
or sysop, they will be more then glad to help you  become a
FRIENDLY packet user.