This page lists the instructions and commands for both the W6BA and KJ6BOI packet nodes.
There are two seperate nodes, W6BA is hosted in Yucca Valley. KJ6BOI Node is hosted in Twentynine Palms CA. Both nodes are built on Raspberry Pi computers and available for use by licensed Ham Radio Operators. Both nodes run at a speed 1200 BPS. These two nodes are:
KJ6BOI on 144.970MHz (Port 3) or 145.050 (Port 4). This node is built on LINBPQ software and contains: BBS, CHAT, RMS that is available for use by any licensed Ham Radio Operator.
W6BA on 145.050MHz (Port 4). Also running on LINBPQ, this node hosts BBS and Chat services. The LINBPQ program is capable of hosting as many as 11 radios on a variety of bands (including VHF, UHF, and HF) from speeds between 300 and 9600 baud upto and inlcuding wi-fi speeds of over 100 MBS.
- The first and foremost rule in Packet Radio is: Patience will be rewarded. Always wait for the node to finish your current command before issuing a follow on command.
- Some packet nodes are Full Service Nodes. A full service node can have several radios all handling packet traffic from the same system on different bands, including HF and WiFi Speeds.
- When one first comes across such a node, it is most helpful to determine which ports are operating. Issue the 'ports' command to see a listing of available ports.
- These ports will be listed by a number. When a command such as CONNECT or MHEARD is issued, a port must also be listed.
- --- CONNECT 4 W6BA will connnect to W6BA on port 4.
- --- MHEARD 3 will lists all packet stations heard on port 3
- In packet it is possible to link through multiple nodes. For instance, once connected to KJ6BOI on 145.050, one can connect to W6BA using the command: CONNECT 4 W6BA. If you disconnect with the 'B' (Bye) command, all of the connected links will be broken at once. If the suffix -s is issued (CONNECT W6BA -S), then only the last link will be broken with the disconnect command. This is especially helpful when linking through a number of nodes.
- To explore Southern California, one may connect to KJ6BOI on 144.970, from there, use the command: C SNOWPK to connect to a node on Big Bear Mountain.
- Once connected to SNOWPK, use the command: MHEARD to see other stations that are available for connections.
- Users will find that there are a variety of hardware and software types. Each may have their own nuances of commands. Use the [HELP] or [?] command to find the list of commands for that node.
KJ6BOI / W6BA Commands:
- ? The Question Mark will list all of the options available.
- BBS Local Bulletin Board System available for local users. Users who desire a local BBS mailbox are welcome to host a personal mailbox at their QTH or are also more than welcomed to utilize a mailbox at either one of these nodes. Choose the Node closest to your QTH to host your mailbox. Even if you have a Personal Bulletin Board System (PBBS) at home, it is prudent to still list the hierarchal address of the nearest Full Service Node. This Full Service Node will advertise the presence of the local PBBS users to other nodes in the region.
The location of this BBS is: KJ6BOI@KJ6BOI#SCA.CA.USA.NOAM. These abbreviations translate to: KJ6BOI: who is in Southern California: who is in California: who is in USA: who is in North America. This allows messages to find users all over the world with just the BBS location, provided that the SYSOP has set up appropriate forwarding rules to allow for this.
- CHAT A Chat page that provides simple chat messages to mulitple connected users.
- RMS This service is available on the KJ6BOI node only and allows users to send emails to regular internet email addresses via the WINLINK system. For more information on the WINLINK system visit: (www.winlink.org)
- CONNECT Allows users to connect to distant users on different frequencies. Currently the only port available is: PORT #3. Example: CONNECT 3 KJ6BOI
- BYE Disconnects from distant station
- INFO Provides Contact information on the SYSTEM OPERATOR
- NODES Lists some of the distant NODES available to connect to.
- PORTS Lists all of the available ports. Currently only PORT 3 on 145.050 is available to users on the W6BA Node.
- KJ6BOI Node hosts 144.970 on port 3 as well as 145.050 on Port 4.
- ROUTES Lists some of the available routes.
- USERS Lists all of the currently connected users.
- MHEARD Lists all of the stations who have been recently heard on the selected port. Example: MHEARD 3
To leave the BBS and return to the NODE, Type the command: NODE
Webmaster: hardyjc@yahoo.com