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eHam Forums => Emergency Communications => Topic started by: KP3FT on August 17, 2022, 06:18:07 AM

Title: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: KP3FT on August 17, 2022, 06:18:07 AM
Hi all,

 N3MEL in Pennsylvania and I recently set up a BPQ node link using the VARA mode on 80 meters, about 180 miles apart.  The path is great at night of course, but also perfectly usable throughout the day due to NVIS propagation.  The link is mostly used for BBS mail-forwarding, which has been working great 24/7.  We're both looking to expand the link to more BPQ nodes, specifically via RF-only... no internet AXIP links.

The idea is to link States via RF within NVIS range and avoid internet links, also using more local nodes via VHF.  I'm looking for stations in NY in any direction except back south towards N3MEL.  He's looking for stations in any direction except north.  Thanks, 73.
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: KP3FT on August 17, 2022, 06:43:25 AM
I forgot to add, we are both using 300bd packet and 1200bd packet radio ports in our BPQ configuration, besides VARA-HF.
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: K6CPO on August 17, 2022, 09:29:43 AM
You're assuming everyone understands your acronyms. Well, I for one, don't. What is BPQ and AXIP?  And before you say "look it up,  I did and couldn't find anything that seemed to match your post.
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: W9IQ on August 17, 2022, 09:43:35 AM
You're assuming everyone understands your acronyms. Well, I for one, don't. What is BPQ and AXIP?  And before you say "look it up,  I did and couldn't find anything that seemed to match your post.

https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/index.html (https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/index.html)

- Glenn W9IQ
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: KE6SLS on August 17, 2022, 02:30:51 PM
Cool deal Jeff.  Not a fan of vara and won't put money on code that isn't free but I am looking forward to doing something similar here after we lost out mountain top node.  We are now locked behind the "redwood curtain" without that node.

BPQ is a program that handles packet radio and now adds vara (a software modem mode like PSK31) and requires a degree in rocket science to function (!) :)  Seems like John puts out a new binary about twice a week lately!

73
j
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: KP3FT on August 17, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
Hi Jaye,

Yeah, if you could utilyze NVIS propagation, it would bounce the signal up and over the hill(s).  Looking at the closest digisonde station graphs to you, they look the same as the one near me... 80m excellent signal at night, and weaker signal refracting off the E-layer and somewhat off the F-layer at times during the middle of the day.  Often 40m is good for NVIS during those times of day when 80m is weak.  Here's a link to the Point Arguello digisonde graphs: https://lgdc.uml.edu/common/DIDBDayListForYearMonthAndStation?ursiCode=PA836&year=2022&month=8 (https://lgdc.uml.edu/common/DIDBDayListForYearMonthAndStation?ursiCode=PA836&year=2022&month=8)    Weak-signal modes like VARA keep a daytime path possible, when standard 300-baud packet doesn't have a prayer.  The non-registered version si throttled down, but still works.  There's also the ARDOP mode that works pretty well, which BPQ can use as an RF port.

Cool deal Jeff.  Not a fan of vara and won't put money on code that isn't free but I am looking forward to doing something similar here after we lost out mountain top node.  We are now locked behind the "redwood curtain" without that node.

BPQ is a program that handles packet radio and now adds vara (a software modem mode like PSK31) and requires a degree in rocket science to function (!) :)  Seems like John puts out a new binary about twice a week lately!

73
j
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: K6CPO on August 18, 2022, 09:19:30 AM
You're assuming everyone understands your acronyms. Well, I for one, don't. What is BPQ and AXIP?  And before you say "look it up,  I did and couldn't find anything that seemed to match your post.

https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/index.html (https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/index.html)

- Glenn W9IQ

That was no help...
Title: Re: Looking for BPQ nodes in NY to link to via RF-only.
Post by: W9IQ on August 18, 2022, 09:35:50 AM
You're assuming everyone understands your acronyms. Well, I for one, don't. What is BPQ and AXIP?  And before you say "look it up,  I did and couldn't find anything that seemed to match your post.

https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/index.html (https://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/index.html)

- Glenn W9IQ

That was no help...

The site does require some reading and some comfort level with digital communication protocols. There is a search engine on the site that does give you multiple hits...

AXIP is AX.25 IP Protocol 93

BPQ is communications software written by G8BPQ. BPQ allows a computer  to act as a node in a NET/ROM compatible AX25 network. There is a Windows and Linux version.

- Glenn W9IQ