Installing BPQ32 on Windows

Setting up BPQ32 on Windows allows you to run a packet radio node, BBS, or Winlink gateway. As it is mature and robust software, the installation process is consistent and focuses primarily on a single configuration file.

1. Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure you have the following:

- A Valid Amateur Radio Callsign
- Your Grid Square (Maidenhead Locator)
- A TNC or Software Modem: Most users currently use Direwolf (for soundcards) or a hardware TNC such as a Kantronics or NinoTNC.
- Administrator Access: Required to install drivers and modify system folders.

2. Download and Installation

- Download: Visit the official G8BPQ website or the BPQ32 Groups.io page to download LatestInstaller.zip.
- Unblock: Right-click the downloaded .zip file, select Properties, and click Unblock before extracting.
- Run Installer: By default, binaries install to C:\Program Files (x86)\BPQ32 and configuration files to %appdata%\BPQ32. If you are upgrading, the installer will typically preserve your existing configuration.

3. Basic Configuration (bpq32.cfg)

BPQ32 is controlled by bpq32.cfg, located in your AppData folder (%appdata%\BPQ32). Open this file with a text editor and update these key fields:

| Parameter | Example Value | Description |
| :------------ | :---------------------- | :---------------------------------------- |
| **NODECALL** | W1AW-7 | Your node's callsign and SSID |
| **NODEALIAS** | MYNODE | A unique name for your node (max 6 chars) |
| **LOCATOR** | \[Grid Square\] | Your Maidenhead grid square |
| **PASSWORD** | \[Password\] | Your Sysop password for remote management |
| **IDMSG** | Welcome to \[Callsign\] | The message sent periodically (ID) |

4. Setting Up Ports

You typically need at least two ports: a Telnet port for control and a Radio port.

A. Telnet Port (Management)
This allows you to log into your node locally or via the internet.
PORT
PORTNUM=1
ID=Telnet Server
DRIVER=TELNET
CONFIG
TCPPORT=8010
FBBPORT=8011
HTTPPORT=8080
MAXSESSIONS=10
ENDPORT

B. Radio Port (via Direwolf/KISS)
If using Direwolf, use a KISS connection over a virtual COM port or TCP.
PORT
PORTNUM=2
ID=VHF Packet
TYPE=ASYNC
PROTOCOL=KISS
KISSOPTIONS=NOPARAMS
IPADDR=127.0.0.1
TCPPORT=8001
ENDPORT

5. Running and Testing

- Launch: Open the BPQ32 Console from the Start menu.
- Check Status: Ensure your configured ports are active. If a port fails, the text will usually appear in red.
- Web Interface: Navigate to localhost:8080 in your browser to view the dashboard.
- Terminal: Use BPQTerminal.exe to connect to your node via the Telnet port (127.0.0.1:8010) to test commands like NODES, PORTS, and USERS.

Troubleshooting Tips

- Hidden Folders: If the configuration file is missing, ensure "Hidden items" is enabled in Windows File Explorer.
- Firewall: Add an exception for bpq32.exe if Windows Firewall blocks ports 8010 or 8080.
- SSID Conflicts: Ensure your NODECALL, BBSCALL, and CHATCALL all have unique SSIDs (e.g., -7, -1, -4).

Video Link: https://youtu.be/byxmq8mJnHg?si=J-fZ4wIZp_gGReWC