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VarAC to BBS Bidirectional Routing Instructions

VarAC to BBS Bidirectional Routing Instructions

VarAC-to-Packet Gateway: User Guide

This gateway allows stations to exchange messages seamlessly between VarAC (HF) and the BPQ Packet BBS Network.

1. Sending a Message from VarAC to a Packet Station

To send a message from VarAC to a Packet user or BBS:

  1. Open VarAC and compose a new VMail (Outbox) message.
  2. In the Subject Line, specify the destination Packet callsign using the PACKET: trigger word.
    • Subject Format: PACKET: [CALLSIGN]
    • Examples:
      • PACKET: NY3J
      • packet: K3JSJ (Case does not matter)
  3. Type your message body as normal.
  4. Save/Send the VMail.

How it works: The gateway checks for unsent VMails, connects to the local LinBPQ node via Telnet, and routes your message directly to the recipient's Packet BBS inbox (SP [CALLSIGN]).

2. Sending a Message from Packet to a VarAC Station

To send a message from a Packet BBS terminal to a VarAC user:

  1. Connect to the Packet BBS (N3MEL / MELBBS).
  2. Send a standard private message to the gateway station (SP N3MEL or SP VARAC).
  3. In the Subject Line, specify the target VarAC callsign using the VARAC: or [VARAC] trigger word.
    • Subject Format: VARAC: [CALLSIGN] or [VARAC] [CALLSIGN]
    • Examples:
      • VARAC: NY3J
      • [VARAC] K3JSJ
  4. Type your message text and finalize it using /EX on a new line.

How it works: The gateway checks the BPQ POP3 server, extracts messages with the VARAC: tag, and stages them directly into the recipient's VarAC VMail Outbox/Inbox so it can be delivered over HF.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Subject Line Formatting: Always place the trigger word (PACKET: or VARAC:) at the beginning of the subject line to ensure reliable automatic parsing.
  • Capitalization: The gateway accepts both UPPERCASE and lowercase text for triggers and callsigns (packet:ny3j works the same as PACKET:NY3J).
  • Delivery Time: Sync loops run automatically in the background (typically every 5 minutes), so please allow a few minutes for messages to cross network bridges.