Date: 2026/05/24 17:54  (UTC)
From: N3MEL@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM
Subject: The May PKTNET NTS Results
To: PKTNET@USA

R:260524/1754Z 11092@KN4LQN.#RICH.VA.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.25
R:260524/1741Z 17774@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25

Please find the results from the May PKTNET exercise below. Jim, KY2D,
received 35 NTS messages according to the provided instructions.
 
If you sent an NTS message to Jim but your call is not listed on the map,
please email me directly at n3mel.epa@gmail.com rather than replying via
groups.io. Please provide the following details:

1.  A copy of your Radiogram message.
2.  The destination address used.
3.  The BBS used to send the NTS message.

This information is essential for identifying and resolving technical
issues within the network.

May PKTNET Statistics (128 Total Check-ins):

  - Packet: 46
  - NTS: 35
  - Winlink: 24
  - APRS: 23

You may view the check-in map and station details via the following link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1ZrtB3pv8QW9LrRhBKRmOHE-MHykuoWs&ll=32.18682466613066%2C-88.22125494022222&z=3

Here is some of the feedback received, these are meant to raise awareness
about sending Radiogram messages. I am not singling anyone out; you can
look at your message to see if any of these apply to yours. 
1. Correct Format
2. It's unusual to have the "ST" line sent as part of the message (this
one is on me, my directions were not clear on this)
3. Incorrectly formatted. The radiogram preamble is in the title field From:
4. Sent via Winlink, not DTN and as a private message rather than traffic
5. OK except for @ and . in the email address
6. It was incorrectly sent via Winlink to my internet email address.
7. Radiogram is okay, but it contains many extra, duplicate preamble lines.
8. There is an extra "BT" line between the preamble and address sections;
the "TO:" before JIM KUTSCH KY2D should not be in the radiogram address;
and the comma between KUTSCH and KY2D is incorrect.
9. Using 2 rather than the word "ATSIGN" in email of  KY2D2ARRL DOT NET 

The bulk of the messages fit into categories 1 & 2, the others are
basically one-offs. These are just some formatting issues, but the message
was received, which is the important part.

Thank you for your participation and a special thanks to Jim, KY2D, for
his assistance. Enjoy the remainder of the holiday weekend as we honor
those who lost their lives serving in the U.S. Military.

Best regards,

-- 
73 de Glenn N3MEL

(View as PDF)

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