PKTNET Format Change For Your Packet Check-in

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 Genarator found here: 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 AS 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.