The idea behind the Combined RPR Network is to use the RPR-APRS-HF network in a more diverse manner without loosing the basic functionality.

Instead of APRS messaging it is promoted to use Packet Radio connections. This will not correlate with the standard APRS traffic as the build-in DCD (Digital Carrier Detection) systems in the SCS Tracker, SCS PTC Modems and the Teensy RPR TNC listen out for actual traffic before transmitting.

Even initial calls in PACTOR can be done, followed by immidiate QSY to (in case of 30m) 10145.0 kHz USB DIAL. In doing so, the full functionality of SCS PTC Modems can be of use.

The program to handle in parallel monitoring of APRS, Packet Radio & PACTOR is Alpha 4.

Alpha 4 handles APRS traffic monitoring (including maps display), beaconing and can act as IGATE (unfortunately one-directional only, so not wanted within RPN). APRS digipeating and APRS messaging are not available.

On the credit side is Packet Radio direct conversation, Packet Radio digipeating and uninterrupted parallel APRS participation. Some stations offer a classic Packet Radio mailbox.

Of course you can join with only Packet Radio operation, i.e. by using PAXON or other terminal programs.

How it works best

APRS callsign SSID (i.e.-10) as before

Packet Radio callsign without SSID (-0)

Packet Radio Digipeater with SSID-15

Mailbox, if available as SSID-8

      However, feedback has been given that in former times the following was valid:
            -0 license owner
            -1 personal PBBS (as well -2 -3 -4 -5, as this is an automatic channel designator by i.e. Alpha 4)
          -10 WINLINK
          -15 a mailbox connecting out or forwarding to another station or link
      The community may decide which "standard" will take the lead in the long run.


Packet Radio basic commands

Connect to a station: c sa7sky

Connect via digipeater to a station: c sa7sky oh6dl-15

Disconnect from a station: d


Alpha 4 can handle 5 Packet Radio Channels at the same time.

Coordination of PR activities are done via DMR TG24098 and Signal Messenger. Or, simply try to connect someone you spot on the APRS map.

Comments on changes, improvements, corrections, wishes are highly welcome and needed to make this RPR Packet Radio combined APRS modus running well. Please do not hesitate to text on Signal or any other message method.

Enjoy!

Remark:

It might be regreted that with Alpha 4 there is no message window. Here comes the work-arround:

Go to 'M' (Monitor) left next to the channels 1-5.

Anything you write into the upper field will be send out in RPR, no matter of format or sense.

Start a raw data line with colon (:) Then 9 positions to put a callsign (if shorter top up with SPACEs to make it 9) followed by colon (:) and then free text.

Example 1 :HB9ZF-10 :?APRSH



The pure message line is supposed to be max 68 characters long (0 - 67) but it is enough for queries and SMS's.

    Tricky: Although sending it out via PR, Alpha 4 will use your modem's core callsign CMD: MYcall,

    not PAC: MYcall or PAC: MYAlias or PAC: APRS MYcall, the one you showing up with in APRS (even though sending through Alpha 4).

The reply can be read in the (M) Monitor window. And NO, it will not be transmitted endless due to missing ACK from my side.

The trigger for forcing ACK messages WOULD require an opening curly bracket and a serial number (not recently used).

But do not use it within Alpha 4. Nonetheless, here how it WOULD look like.

Example 2 :DH8HP :Call via 145.500MHz {001



Enjoy!