Message:25757 In: NEWS.USA
From: N3MELDate: Sun, 12 Jul 26 03:32:00 Z
Newsgroups: NEWS.USA
Subject: VarAC to Packet BBS Bidirectional Gateway
Message-ID: <21094_N3MEL>
Path: N2NOV|N3MEL
R:260712/0333z @:N2NOV.#RICH.NY.USA.NOAM $:21094_N3MEL
R:260712/0332Z 21094@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25
I am pleased to share a new crossover gateway to The Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network (TPRFN). I have officially activated an
automated, bidirectional VarAC-to-Packet BBS Mail Gateway here at N3MEL.
The goal of this gateway is to bridge VarAC's Vmail capabilities directly into the robust, terrestrial RF forwarding backbone o
f the TPRFN packet network. This allows operators to pass message traffic seamlessly across both platforms without relying on a
n internet connection or traditional AXIP links.
Here is a quick overview of how the routing works:
- Traffic From VarAC to Packet: Operators can compose a standard VarAC Vmail addressed to N3MEL. By using the subject line fo
rmat PACKET:TARGET_CALLSIGN (e.g., PACKET:NY3J), the gateway script automatically extracts the routing data, opens a background
Telnet loop into the LinBPQ node, and drops a Private Message (SP) directly into the BBS queue for RF forwarding.
- Traffic From Packet to VarAC: When an incoming Private Message arrives on the BBS addressed to N3MEL with the trigger VARAC
:TARGET_CALLSIGN (e.g., VARAC:NY3J) in the subject line, our background synchronization loop fetches the payload via POP3. It t
hen parses the text and injects it directly into the VarAC SQLite database engine, staging it as an outbound message ready for
over-the-air delivery.
This integration provides a reliable crossover link between modern HF text messaging workflows and our established packet forwa
rding network. The automation script handles background sweeps every 15 minutes to maintain continuous synchronization. A small
instruction file for using the gateway is available for download via Yapp on my BBS, as well as in the BBS files within VarAC.
Why This Matters for EmComms and TPRFN
The primary goal of this integration is to break down barriers between different radio platforms during an incident. Instead of
keeping HF VarAC operators and VHF/UHF/HF packet operators in separate communication silos, this gateway allows individual use
rs on either network to send direct, private text messages to each other 100% over the air, completely independent of the inter
net.
- Interoperability for All License Classes:
- HF Speed Meets Local Distribution:
- No Human Retransmission Needed:
Once I complete additional testing of the gateway, I would be happy to share the code so this capability can be implemented in
other parts of the country.
--
73 de Glenn N3MEL
SEPA TPRFN Hub Station
(TPRFN) The Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network
Website:
http://tprfn.net
"Keep The Packets Moving"
Never Forget 9/11 (343)
Message Sent Via N3MEL BBS Using Outpost Pm.
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