The TPRFN Connection: December 2025 Newsletter
The TPRFN Connection: December 2025 Newsletter
Happy Holidays from The Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network!
As 2025 winds down, we celebrate another year of growth and increased resilience in our RF-Only digital messaging network. The holiday season is a perfect reminder of the importance of reliable connections, and that is precisely what we are building together!🌐 Network Update: Crossing the Digital Divide
The TPRFN is closing out 2025 with strong performance and a commitment to expand our fully RF-forwarded backbone. Our objective remains clear: providing a stable, independent digital messaging layer for EMCOMMs (Emergency Communications). The primary challenge is time; there is a lot I would like to see get done in 2026, but having both a full-time job and a side seasonal business makes it difficult to get it all done. If there is anyone that would like to help with getting the profiles updated please let N3MEL know, the template is basically created just need to track down the current stations data.📈 November PKTNET Check-in Results
The November PKTNET Exercise demonstrated excellent coast-to-coast message handling, relying exclusively on VARA HF links between our Hub stations.- Key Success: We saw some network latency for cross-region BBS-to-BBS message forwarding in 2025 due to solar storms. However, VARA continued to show its strength , giving the network its ability to continue to pass its traffic.
- Areas for Improvement: Propagation challenges on both 40 & 80 meters during a 24 hour period highlighted the need for more regional hub stations in the central US to better support NVIS paths.
- Action Item: The November 2025 PKTNET Results are now available on the TPRFN website. Be sure to check them out at this link: click here
📈 2026 TPRFN Projects!
- Skywarn: Working on the details for handling Skywarn Spotter Reports using the BPQ RMS Service or if there is an internet outage somewhere in the network can be forwarded to different regions for delivery options. More info coming on this after the 1st of the year. But to get things started we have a proto type html to text spotter report available for testing at this link: click here
- NTS Messages: Need to get the full list of network stations that can handle NTS Traffic so that those that don't know where to forward them if you happen to receive one.
- Profiles Page: Working to get all the Hub Stations profiles up to date and added to a downloading document for field users to keep in their Go Kits.
- Polling Stations: Would like to get the Polling Stations profiles posted as well.
🚨 Call to Action: Seeking New Hub Stations!
Are you a station with a reliable HF setup, a dedicated server running BPQ32 (or equivalent), and a passion for digital resilience? We are actively seeking new Hub stations, especially in the following areas, to bolster our redundancy and fill coverage gaps:
- See the current coverage map at this link: click here
- ANY AREAS: with no stations are up for grabs. Use our ' Contact Us ' link to contact us if you have an interest.
🛠️ Tech Corner: BPQ Node Security and Maintenance
With the new year approaching, now is the perfect time for basic node maintenance.- Password Review: Ensure your BBS and Node passwords are up-to-date and complex. Although we operate in a trusted network, good digital security habits are critical.
- Software Updates: Please check for the latest versions of BPQ32 and your chosen modem software (VARA HF, ARDOP, PACTOR, etc.). The developers frequently release patches that improve stability and speed.
- Antenna Tune-Up: Winter weather can be tough on antennas. A quick check of your SWR and cable connections now can prevent a failure during a critical communications event.
🗓️ December Events: Practice Makes Perfect
Don't let the holiday cheer distract you from getting on the air! December offers excellent opportunities to test your gear and practice digital modes:
Dec PKTNET: Starting a week early this month due to the Christmas Holiday. Starting Sat Dec 14th 00:00 UTC. For this month’s instruction: click here
🤝 Happy Holidays and 73!
Thank you to every sysop and participant for their dedication to building this essential network. Your commitment ensures that amateur radio remains a relevant and powerful tool for resilience in the face of any emergency.We wish you and your families a safe, warm, and happy holiday season!
The TPRFN Network Team
Web: tprfn.net / Email: tprfn@winlink.org
Download Newsletter here: The TPRFN Connection.docx
