Date: 2026/08/23 13:21  (UTC)
From: N3MEL@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM
To: PKTNET@USA
Subject: August PKTNET The Results

R:260823/1321Z 11737@KN4LQN.#RICH.VA.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.25
R:260823/0326Z 25057@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25

AUGUST 2026 PKTNET ANALYSIS SUMMARY
===================================

Total Activity: 201 check-ins logged across 87 unique stations.

Active Modes: Packet led with 56 check-ins (27.9%), followed closely by
Winlink at 53 (26.4%). WLGATE accounted for 33 (16.4%), APRS for 32
(15.9%), VarAC for 18 (9.0%), and VGATE for 9 (4.5%). Connection
Types: VHF dominated RF paths with 86 check-ins (42.8%), followed by HF
with 55 (27.4%), Internet gateways with 50 (24.9%), and UHF with 10
(5.0%).

NET REPORT, MAP & UPCOMING SEPTEMBER NET INFO
=============================================

   Final Report & Check-In Map:
   The final net report and check-in map can be viewed here:
   https://www.tprfn.net/pktnet-info/august-2026-pktnet-instructions

   September Net Announcement:
   For the September net, we will be asking for a Skywarn report using the
   Skywarn Report Generator found here:
   https://www.tprfn.net/skywarn-reporting

   Please feel free to practice with it for the next month. With all the
   strong storms all over the U.S., this could be helpful.

Thank you all again for your participation!
-- 
73 de Glenn N3MEL

(View as PDF)

Packet Bulletin Net - PKTNET@USA
August, 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, August 16, 2026 - 0000 UTC
              Saturday, August 22, 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 use the packet HTML Check-in form, available at:

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

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

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

PKTNET INSTRUCTIONS:

IMPORTANT: NO EARLY CHECK-INS. Must be sent within the window below.

****
NET SCHEDULE:

STARTS: Sunday, August 16th @ 00:00 UTC* ENDS: Saturday, August 22nd @ 23:59 UTC

Form:
https://vden.org/pktnet/check_in.html (Use "Net Check-in")

Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1ZrtB3pv8QW9LrRhBKRmOHE-MHykuoWs&usp=sharing

INSTRUCTIONS BY MODE (You receive credit for each mode you use!)

****
PACKET:
To:(Send Bulletin) PKTNET@USA
Subject: [Name], [Call], [Town], [State]
Message: Paste HTML form data

****
WINLINK:
To: TPRFN
Subject: [Name], [Call], [Town], [State]
Message: Paste HTML form data

*EXTRA CREDIT (Packet via Winlink):
To: WLGATE
Subject: N3MEL
Message: Paste the PACKET Net Check-in data (NO Winlink forms!)

****
APRS:
To: N3MEL-6
Message: [Name], [Town], [State]

****
VarAC (Email):
To: TPRFN@WINLINK.ORG
Subject: //WL2K [Name], [Call], [Town], [State] <-- Must include //WL2K
Message: Paste HTML form data (NO Winlink forms!)

* VarAC EXTRA CREDIT (Vmail):
To: Create and send a Vmail to N3MEL
Subject: packet:n3mel <-- Must be exact (no spaces, include colon)
Message: Paste your check-in form

How-To: Use "Path Finder" in VarAC to see who heard N3MEL. Leave Vmail with the station showing the best SNR.
Relay will notify N3MEL.

STATION INFORMATION & LINKS

N3MEL VarAC Operating Schedule:
14.105 MHz: 13:00 to 22:59 UTC daily* 7.105 MHz: 23:00 to 12:59 UTC daily

Note:
N3MEL's TPRFN station now supports bidirectional messaging between VarAC & Packet Radio.

RESOURCES:
Local Forms: https://vden.org/pktnet/ (Download full suite to PC)
Become a Hub: https://www.tprfn.net/contact-us

Thank you for supporting 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).

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