Message 29020 in PKTNET.USA
From: N3MEL
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 26 23:30:00 Z
Newsgroups: PKTNET.USA
Subject: Sept PKTNET Change
Message-ID: <25648_N3MEL>
Path: N2MH4|WB4WPF|N3IP|KA3VSP|N3MEL
R:260830/0001Z 36316@N2MH4.#SENC.NC.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
R:260830/0001Z 19300@WB4WPF.#SFL.FL.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25
R:260829/2332Z 73561@N3IP.#SEPA.PA.USA.NOAM BPQK6.0.24
R:260829/2332Z 7207@KA3VSP.DE.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.25
R:260829/2330Z 25648@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25
Hello PKTNET Participants,
Starting with the September Monthly PKTNET net, we are transitioning our
check-in format from broad broadcast bulletins (SB) to directed personal
messages (SP).
This change will make our monthly net a significantly more effective,
realistic test of the entire Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network
infrastructure.
What Is the Difference?
Bulletin Style (SB PKTNET): Bulletins rely on flood-fill routing. While
useful for general announcements, bulletins can mask network
bottlenecks, broken point-to-point links, or misconfigured routing
tables. If a flood drops or fails silently along a route, it is
difficult to isolate where the failure occurred.
Personal Message Style (SP): Directed personal messages test explicit,
deterministic point-to-point routing tables across local nodes,
intermediate HF/VHF forwarding hubs, and destination BBS inboxes. A
message either successfully negotiates each BBS hop along its path or
gets held at the break, immediately highlighting link health.
Why This Is a Better Test for TPRFN
True End-to-End Route Verification: Sending directed traffic validates
that your local BBS knows how to route across the network hierarchy to
reach Eastern PA and beyond.
(New) Automated Return Acknowledgment (SR): New for packet check-in this
month our net gateway now automatically processes incoming check-ins and
routes an acknowledgment reply (SR) back to your home BBS inbox. When
you receive this confirmation, you have definitive proof that your
two-way RF forwarding path is fully operational.
Practice with Tactical Traffic: Point-to-point message handling closely
mirrors real-world NTS Radiograms, ICS-213 forms, and emergency
auxiliary communications.
How to Check In (Required Subject Syntax)
Address your check-in message via your local BBS as follows:
Send To: SP N3MEL@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM
Subject Line Format: PKTNET, Callsign, Name, Town, State
Subject Example: PKTNET, W3AOC, Dave, West Chester, PA
(Note: The subject line must begin with PKTNET so our automated gateway
can parse your station details, log your attendance, and dispatch your
confirmation reply).
Message Body: Please include your connection type and mode (example: HF
Packet, VHF, or others).
A full post-net attendance roster and summary bulletin will still be
posted across the network via SB PKTNET@USA once the net window closes.
This month we will be requesting you use the Skywarn Form Generator
found here: https://www.tprfn.net/skywarn-reporting
****
Below you will find an example of a completed form.
SP N3MEL@N3MEL.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM
WX REPORT - TEST ONLY - DISREGARD - DOWNINGTOWN, PA (This is the form
subject line NOT your check-in subject line see above)
*** TPRFN SKYWARN SEVERE WEATHER REPORT ***
-------------------------------------
SENDER CALL : N3MEL
SPOTTER ID : CHPA-196 (OR NONE IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE).
EVENT TYPE : TEST ONLY - DISREGARD
DATE/TIME : 2026-08-29 13:13 L
GRID SQUARE : FM29DX
LOCATION : DOWNINGTOWN, PA
REMARKS : PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR CONNECTION TYPE AND MODE FOR SENDING
YOUR CHECK-IN.
EXAMPLE: HF PACKET
YOU CAN SEND THIS FORM OVER AS MANY OF THE CHECK-IN MODES HAS YOU WISH.
-------------------------------------
SENT VIA PACKET RMS / TPRFN NETWORK
WWW.TPRFN.NET
****
Thank you for your continued support in building and maintaining an
off-grid, resilient RF forwarding backbone.
--
--
73 de Glenn N3MEL
(TPRFN) The Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network
Website:
http://tprfn.net
http://depn.net
"Keep The Packets Moving"
Never Forget 9/11 (343)
Message Sent Via N3MEL BBS Using Thunderbird.
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