Using The BPQ Node System
Quick Reference: BPQ32 Node Navigation & Commands
When connecting to a BPQ32 node (via RF AX.25, VARA, AXIP, or Telnet), you are interacting with a NetRom-compatible node switch. Upon connecting, the node typically responds with its Callsign, Alias, and a command prompt (e.g., N3MEL:EPAHUB>).
Essential Node Commands
Command | Shortcut | Description |
HELP or ? | ? | Displays a list of available command options on the node. |
NODES | N | Lists all network nodes currently known and reachable by this switch. |
PORTS | P | Displays all configured radio, soundcard, and network interfaces. |
ROUTES | R | Shows directly connected neighbor nodes, quality ratings, and ports. |
USERS | U | Lists stations currently connected to or digipeating through this node. |
MHEARD | MH | Displays recently heard stations (often supports specifying a port, e.g., MH 1). |
INFO | I | Displays general station information, equipment details, or Sysop notes. |
BYE | B | Disconnects your session from the node. |
Connecting Through the Node
To route through a BPQ32 node to another destination station, node, or gateway, use the CONNECT command:
1. Connect via Network Alias or Callsign
C <Callsign or Alias>
- Example: C W3KRF or C SEPA
- BPQ32 automatically selects the best neighbor route using its NetRom routing table.
2. Connect via a Specific Port
C <Port Number> <Callsign or Alias>
- Example: C 2 N3MEL-7
- Forces the connection out through Port 2 (useful when establishing direct RF links or bypassing auto-routing).
3. Digipeating / Multi-Hop Connections
You can string connects together. Once connected to Node A, issue a second connect command to reach Node B:
N3MEL:EPAHUB> C 1 KC3ABC
Integrated BPQ Application Services
Many BPQ32 nodes host integrated subsystem applications. Command entry shortcuts vary based on Sysop configuration, but standard shortcuts include:
- BBS — Connects directly to the node’s integrated Bulletin Board System for reading and posting messages.
- CHAT — Enters the multi-user chat bridge/conference room (e.g., BPQChat).
- Inside Chat: Type /help for chat commands, /users to list active users, or /quit to exit chat back to the node prompt.
- RMS — Connects to an integrated Winlink RMS Gateway (if configured) to forward or check Winlink mail over RF.
- NODE — Returns you to the main node prompt from an application command prompt.
Routing & Network Diagnostics
If a connection attempt fails, diagnostic commands help determine link quality:
- Check Neighbor Routes (R): Look at the quality metric (0–255). A quality below 100 indicates an unstable link for multi-hop traffic.
- Check Port Activity (MH <Port>): Verify if the destination station was heard recently on the local RF frequency.
- Check Node List (N): Verify that the target node alias appears in the node table. If missing, a direct connection attempt specifying the port and callsign may be required.
Tip for Terminal Users: If you get stuck in a sub-menu or remote node session, sending Ctrl+C or issuing BYE will close the current leg of the connection.