Date: 2025/04/27 13:10  (UTC)
From: N3MEL@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM
Subject: The April PKTNET Challange Net Results
To: PKTNET@USA

R:250427/1310Z 8358@KN4LQN.#RICH.VA.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.24
R:250427/1309Z 59674@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24


The net received 43 check-ins this month and of the 43 only 4 stations did
send the requested ICS-213 YAPP form.

These are excellent results and I would like to try this again maybe in
the fall.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take on this months challenge!

PKTNET will be going back to the normal check-in process with all 3 modes
offer by the TPRFN Network. These are Packet (preferred), WL2K & APRS, Net
participant will get credit for each mode used. There will be a twist as
well for my JS8Call freinds they will be able to participate by leaving a
check-in using the @PKTNET group. 

As always the check-ins from WL2K, APRS and now JS8CALL will not be sent
out as Packet additional bulletins but will be listed in the net tally by
mode.

For The April PKTNET Results Map use this link below:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1oR_3QakSPxrkch35md1Tccgsrcp4D4w&usp=sharing

Thank you again for your check-ins and we will see you in May.

Any questions or constructive comments please feel free to email or send a
private packet message to N3MEL. 


-- 
73 de Glenn N3MEL

(View as PDF)

Packet Bulletin Net - PKTNET@USA
April, 2025

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, April 20, 2025 - 0000 UTC
              Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 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 use YAPP to download and complete an ICS 213 form. The form is available from several BBSes, with instructions and videos linked in the instructions below.

 
SB PKTNET@USA
Subject: Your Name, Your Call, Your Town, Your State
Message: (Paste completed ICS 213 downloaded via YAPP)
 

PKTNET INSTRUCTIONS:

This month we will be requesting that you download an ICS-213 file using the Packet Radio YAPP protocol.

We prefer you to accomplish this over RF. The 213 file will be available on the following TPRFN Hub Station(S) BBS. This 213 form is the same on all the stations so you only need to download it from one station of your choice.

FOR YOU EXPERIENCED PACKET USES FEEL FREE TO USE THE NODE STACK TO ANYONE OF THE STATIONS LISTED ABOVE!

The YAPP file name is ics213.txt, to YAPP download the file you will type the follow exactly as you see it here: yapp ics213.txt (enter)

We suggest for you non packet folks to download and setup QTtermTCP, it will use VARA HF, 300bd AX25 & TELNET

Here is the link to the complete instructions for setting up QTtermTCP along with using YAPP. There are also 2 video links in this document for using YAPP one for the RF side and the other for using the TELNET option.

QTterm, YAPP & Check-in instructions link (please read carefully):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F2XwZJDcjWCmxREIyxMkWwfAIaU5kAav/view?usp=drive_link

PLEASE BE SURE TO REVIEW THE VIDEO LINKS IN THIS DOCUMENTS, THE FULL YAPP DOWNLOAD AND NET CHECK-IN PROCESS IS IN THEM START TO FINISH!

Frequencies with Times
0000 - 0159 UTC: Dial 7.103.2, USB, VARA HF, 1500, BW500
0200 - 1259 UTC: Dial 3.596, USB, VARA HF, 1500, BW500
1300 - 2359 UTC: Dial 7.103.2, USB, VARA HF, 1500, BW500

For TELNET access to N3MEL via QTtermTCP is as follows
Name: n3mel.ddns.net
Port: 8017
User: (your callsign)
Pw: aprpktnet (this password is for everyone to use)

NOTE: You can not use your web browser for net!

Message Format:
Address to: SB PKTNET@USA
Subject: Your Name, Your Call, Your Town, Your State
Message: Copy your completed downloaded ICS-213 form here and on a blank line under the message text type /EX (enter) to send.

That's it, you have completed your check-in!

The participant map will be updated throughout the duration of the net at: https://www.qsomap.com/QSOmapProduction/qsomapforQRZ.php?call=n3mel

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