Date: 2026/01/25 19:00  (UTC)
From: N3MEL@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM
Subject: January 2026 PKTNET Results
To: PKTNET@USA

R:260125/1900Z 10156@KN4LQN.#RICH.VA.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.25
R:260125/1814Z 10797@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25

Good snowy afternoon from SEPA.

Since there was not much else going on I had some time to compile the January PKTNET results.

Here is the link to the results map: https://www.tprfn.net/pktnet-info

We received 123 check-ins, slightly down from previous months, but not too bad.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time out of their day to check in.

-- 
73 de Glenn N3MEL

(View as PDF)

Packet Bulletin Net - PKTNET@USA
January, 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, January 18, 2026 - 0000 UTC
              Saturday, January 24, 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 & VarAC, each mode will count as one check-in each, and check-in format is shown below.

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

PKTNET INSTRUCTIONS:

=========================================================
TPRFN PKTNET ANNOUNCEMENT (JANUARY)
=========================================================

NET SCHEDULE:

- STARTS: Sunday, January 18th @ 00:00 UTC

- ENDS: Saturday, January 24th @ 23:59 UTC

CHECK-IN REQUIREMENT & ENCOURAGEMENT:

- FORM: Use the Packet HTML form "Net Check-in":

vden.org/pktnet/check_in.html

- SPECIAL REQUEST:

If possible please use a TPRFN Hub station for your check-in.

- COMMENT SECTION: Note which Hub station and band you used (or if you used a non-TPRFN station)?

- HUB STATION LIST:

www.tprfn.net/tprfn-hub-station-profiles-pg-1-of-2

- THIS MONTH & FOR ALL PACKET USERS/STATIONS:

WW2BSA is asking for packet stations for their updated station info. He is updating him nationwide map. Packet only end users & system sysops as part of your check-in this month could you please provide the following in the "Comment" section of the check-in form:

1. Your Station Setup (are you a node/bbs/chat/rms what platform you are using BPQ, Jnos, etc or just an end user station with or without a mail drop)?

2. What is your packet call sign ssid's by modes?

3. What bands is your system operating on (include frequencies)?

WW2BSA's current map can be found here:

www.google.com/maps/...97&z=3

LOCAL FORMS:

- Download the entire form suite to your PC here:

vden.org/pktnet/

MAPPING:

- All check-ins will be mapped at:

www.qsomap.com/QSOmapProduction/qsomapforQRZ.php?call=n3mel

RECRUITMENT:

- Interested in becoming a Hub Station? Contact us at:

www.tprfn.net/contact-us

=========================================================
CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS BY MODE:
=========================================================

PACKET:

- Address Bulletin to: PKTNET@USA

- Subject: Your Name, Your Call, Your Town, Your State

- Message: Paste form data from the link above.

WINLINK:

- Address Bulletin to: TPRFN@WINLINK.ORG

- Subject: Your Name, Your Call, Your Town, Your State

- Message: Paste form data from the link above.

APRS:

- Send Message To: N3MEL-6

- Message Text: your name, your town, your state.

- (You can send this check-in from JS8CALL also using the following)

- C & P: "@APRSIS CMD :N3MEL-6 :your call, your name, your town, JS8"

There must be 9 (nine) spaces between the colons (your call plus spaces to equal 9).

VarAC:

- Address VMail Email to: TPRFN@WINLINK.ORG

- Subject: //WL2k Your Name, Your Call, Your Town, Your State

(You Must Use The //WL2K in the subject line)

- Message: Paste form data from the link above.

- Note: You can use any VarAC station that offers an Email Gateway.

Credit will be received for each mode used.

These instructions can also be found online at:
www.tprfn.net/pktnet-info/january-2026-pktnet-instructions

---

All check-in will be mapped on the tprfn.net website 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