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Packet Bulletin Net - PKTNET@USA
May, 2026

Net Control:
   Glenn N3MEL
   n3mel@n3mel.#epa.pa.usa.noam

View net reminder bulletin from N3MEL

WHO: All amateur radio operators
WHAT: Packet Bulletin Net - PKTNET@USA
WHEN: Sunday, May 17, 2026 - 0000 UTC
              Saturday, May 23, 2026 - 2359 UTC
HOW: This net will accept check-ins via BBS Bulletins only. Send a check-in via any participating BBS, with active forwarding, any time during the week.

 
This month, net control has asked participants to send two messages: an NTS Radiogram using the Digital Traffic Network (DTN) through the packet network, and the packet HTML Check-in form, both available at:

https://www.tprfn.net/radiogram-form

https://vden.org/pktnet/check_in.html

The net will continue with taking check-ins via Packet, Winlink, and APRS.

 
NTS Radiogram:
To: JIM KUTSCH, KY2D, PO BOX 159, DAMARISCOTTA, ME, 04543, KY2D@ARRL.NET
Message: May PKTNET checkin. I am using the BBS System. 73.

 
Bulletin:
SB PKTNET@USA
Subject: Your Name, Your Call, Your Town, Your State
Message: (Form contents from the above link with comments)
 

PKTNET INSTRUCTIONS:

Dear Packet Users,

This month, we will conduct a two-part check-in process. In coordination with Jim (KY2D) from the RRI Leadership Team, we will utilize both an NTS Radiogram and a follow-up with the Net Check-in form for Packet Radio. For Winlink Users you can send your normal check-in using the check-in form but additionally you can send a 2nd check-in using the Winlink to Packet Gateway. Further instructions below.

Due to the growth of the TPRFN Network and renewed interest in Packet Radio, we are using this opportunity to test the Packet to The Digital Traffic Network (DTN). To assist those unfamiliar with the format, an online Radiogram form is available here: https://www.tprfn.net/radiogram-form. Detailed instructions are provided at the top of the page. Please ensure all messages are sent to the designated address specified in the instructions so they are recorded. Messages may be injected via your local BBS or any TPRFN Hub Station.

The objective of this exercise is twofold: to ensure all users can correctly format and send NTS messages, and to identify any functional issues within the current packet network for passing NTS traffic. By comparing the Radiograms received against the secondary packet check-in forms found here: https://vden.org/pktnet/check_in.html, we can determine if any messages failed to reach their destination. And of course, have a little fun doing it.

*************************************************************************************************
This net is designed to help maintain and sharpen your digital skills across multiple platforms. We encourage all operators to take advantage of this training/net opportunity.

NET SCHEDULE:
STARTS: Sunday, May 17th @ 00:00 UTC ENDS: Saturday, May 23rd @ 23:59 UTC NOTE:
---
!!!NO EARLY CHECK-INS PLEASE!!! Check-ins must be sent within the window above.
---

CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS:

FORM: Please use the "Net Check-in" Packet HTML form: https://vden.org/pktnet/check_in.html and the Radiogram tool here: https://www.tprfn.net/radiogram-form

NETWORK HUB STATIONS: If possible, please utilize a TPRFN Hub station. List: https://www.tprfn.net/tprfn-hub-profiles

LOGGING: In the comment section, please specify the Hub station and band used (or note if a non-TPRFN station was used).

MAPPING: All check-ins will be mapped at: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1ZrtB3pv8QW9LrRhBKRmOHE-MHykuoWs&usp=sharing

---
 
INSTRUCTIONS BY MODE (Credit received for each mode used)

PACKET: (2 parts this month)

Part 1:
 
NTS Radiogram form MUST BE SENT TO : JIM KUTSCH, KY2D, PO BOX 159, DAMARISCOTTA, ME, 04543, KY2D@ARRL.NET
Message Text: May PKTNET checkin. I am using the (??) BBS System. 73.
Please note the form will create your message in the proper format.

Part 2:
 
Address Bulletin to: PKTNET@USA Subject: Name, Call, Town, State
Message: Paste HTML form data. If you sent a Radiogram please provide which BBS you used?

WINLINK:
Address Your Message to: TPRFN
Subject: Name, Call, Town, State Message:
Paste HTML form data

APRS:
Send Message To: N3MEL-6 Message
Text: Name, Town, State

RESOURCES & RECRUITMENT:

LOCAL FORMS: Download the full suite to your PC: https://vden.org/pktnet/

BECOME A HUB: Interested in supporting the network? https://www.tprfn.net/contact-us

Thank you for your continued support of the network.

All check-in will be mapped on the tprfn.net website at: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1ZrtB3pv8QW9LrRhBKRmOHE-MHykuoWs&usp=sharing

Don't feel obligated to enter a detailed message if it's difficult; the important part is the Subject line!

The VDEN website (https://vden.org) includes information about the Central Virginia BBSes, how to send personal mail and bulletins, and methods for connecting over RF (Packet / Vara via Terminal / Winlink / Outpost).

Bulletins created on the N4VEM BBS will be forwarded over Vara FM to the KN4LQN BBS, which will then forward over Vara HF to the N3MEL BBS and the wider regional packet network.

Reach out if you have any questions!
 
73,
David KN4LQN
kn4lqn@arrl.net
kn4lqn@kn4lqn.#rich.va.usa.noam

(View as PDF)

Table of Contents:

1. Central Virginia BBSes with active forwarding
2. WIP Quick run-down on RF methods
• Radio (getting audio and PTT)
• TNC (hardware vs software)
• Application (Keyboard Terminal, WLE, Outpost)
• Special note, if wanting to use Winlink Express and receive bulletins, need BBS forwarding config
3. Quick example using Keyboard Terminal
4. BPQ BBS commands
5. WIP Connecting via Packet Terminal (EasyTerm, AGWTerminal, etc)
6. Connecting via Vara Terminal (FM, HF)
7. WIP Connecting via Winlink Express (packet, vara fm, vara hf)
8. WIP Connecting via Outpost Packet Message Manager (packet, and ??)
9. Additional resources

Central Virginia BBSes with active forwarding:

Quick example using Keyboard Terminal:

CONNECT N4VEM-1
*** Connected to N4VEM-1
[BPQ-6.0.23.1-B1FWIHJM$]
Hello David. Latest Message is 419, Last listed is 323
de N4VEM>

:> SB PKTNET@USA
Enter Title (only):
:> KN4LQN, David, Virginia, N4VEM
Enter Message Text (end with /ex or ctrl/z)
:> 1. Various Packet/VaraFM Winlink gateways are in the area, with one well-positioned central standalone digipeater
:> 2. Regular daily HF NTS voice nets but not much on VHF in Central VA
:> 3. Still using mainline UZ7HO Soundmodem but will give QtSoundModem a try for IL2P
:> /ex
Message: 420 Bid: 420_N4VEM Size: 232
de N4VEM>

:> BYE
*** Disconnected Fm N4VEM-1

In this example, the lines in bold are typed in by the operator and ":>" is the BBS prompt.

Practice by sending private messages to other local operators or bulletins to ALL@N4VEM, ALL@KN4LQN, etc!

BPQ BBS commands:

Connecting via Vara Terminal using Vara FM / HF

Vara is a newer mode that is robust and fast, using scaling speeds with OFDM modulation.

Vara FM can use WIDE audio bandwidth signals for faster speeds, depending on hardware setup, and includes digipeating functionality similar to AX.25 Packet.

Vara offers an optional $69 license for the use of faster speeds and FM digipeating.

The Vara Terminal application uses either TNC to connect to a remote BBS to give keyboard terminal access.

Download Vara FM and HF TNCs and Vara Terminal:
https://rosmodem.wordpress.com/

Click here for full instructions

Additional resources:

PKTNET Packet Radio Forms:
https://vden.org/pktnet/

BBS spec:
https://www.scc-ares-races.org/data/packet/docs/BBS_Specification.pdf

AX.25 Packet spec:
https://www.ax25.net/AX25.2.2-Jul%2098-2.pdf

Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS) spec:
http://www.aprs.org/doc/APRS101.PDF

Improved Layer-2 Protocol (IL2P):
https://tarpn.net/t/il2p/il2p.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Improved_Layer_2_Protocol

BPQ mail user commands:
https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/BBSUserCommands.html

Kenwood-style TNC commands:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/424067/Kenwood-Tm-D710a.html?page=33

Kantronics-style TNC manual:
https://kantronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/KAM-XL-Manual-RevE.pdf