Introduction

Since its allocation to Amateur Radio in 1981, Internet network 44, known as the AMPRNet™, has been used by amateur radio operators to conduct scientific research and to experiment with digital communications over radio with a goal of advancing the state of the art of Amateur Radio networking, and to educate amateur radio operators in these techniques.

Amateur Radio Digital Communications [ARDC] is a non-profit public benefit California corporation formed to further these goals. It does so by managing the allocation of network resources, encouraging research and experimentation with networking protocols and equipment, publishing technical articles, and other activities to promote the public good of Amateur Radio digital communications and related fields. We have recently begun to contribute funding to organizations, groups, individuals, and projects towards these and related goals.

Amateur Radio is an entirely volunteer activity performed by technically knowledgeable hobbyists who have proven their ability by passing government examinations (e.g., in the USA, exams are set by the Federal Communications Commission). No remuneration is permitted. Ham radio, as it is known, has proven its value in advancements of the state of the communications arts as well as in public service during disasters and times of emergency. (For more about ham radio, see the Wikipedia article, or visit ARRL, RSGB, IARU or any of the many national amateur radio organizations.)

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