Problems to connect to real packet-radio.

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas,

my name is David Quental, my calls are ct1drb and ok8rb and my qth is close to Lisbon.

I installed flexradio in Linux and in Windows and no problem to install them (in Windows I installed version 0.5.0), however, I face a problem:

near my home there is not packet-radio stations that give access to openBCM stations, to access them I use the Hamnet VPN. You say that it is possible to use the TFKISS software in Linux and to use Flexnet in Windows.

In Windows I have Flexnet installed too but it offers few options to connect to outside world, then your link to Flexnet software offers several versions of the PC/Flexnet but most of them complains about missing libraries and the only one that works, it is the same I have in my Windows computer, but offers few options in Parameters.

So, I am really interested to test Flexpacket software but I am not able to do that due to missing packet-radio stations close to my house (and lack of a proper TNC too) and then missing configurations to work with flexnet in Windows.

If you could give me a help would be very nice.

It would be very nice if you add an AXIP interface to Flexpacket.

I am also interested to test Flexradio because I am wondering to give formation to other hams about your software and how to access to OpenBCM stations in Hamnet. Right now I am using a sofware called PoPT from a german citizen-band operator.

My personnal email is !removed to protect you from spam!

Best 73 es tks all.

CT1DRB/OK8RB
David Quental

PS: I sent a message via packet-radio.

[andreaspeters]

Hi David,

Thank you for your message.

First of all, I do not plan to add support for AXIP. However, I have been thinking about telnet. But there are already many telnet clients available for Linux and Windows, so I don't see a reason to create a new one. :-)

As a developer, I always want to add many features, but in the end this can make the software large and complex, and it will be hard to maintain-especially for third parties. But I want the software to be easy for any ham radio operator with a
development background to take over. :-)

Regarding your issue with FlexNet on Windows: thank you for the feedback. In my tests, I was able to get FlexNet running. As I noted in the README, I am not a Windows user. If you let me know that FlexNet no longer works (e.g., on
Windows 11), I'll update the README accordingly.

As for your test: I'm not sure how I can help. :-( To use FlexPacket you need a BBS/Node in the air. Perhaps you could try a BBS on shortwave? There are several that can be accessed via Robust Packet.
I also found a PBBS in Charneca de Caparica that can be reached on 11 m (CB radio).

https://nodes.ukpacketradio.network/packet-network-map.html

Right now I am using a sofware called PoPT

Yes, I know PoPT; my CB‑BBS and node are linked to the author's one. :-)

Best and 73'
Andreas (DC6AP)

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas, Tks for your answer. I have to go out but can you tell me how did you configure flex packet and pcflexnekt to work together ? Maybe it is a question of configuration. Best 73 es tks. CT1DRB David Quental

…

No dia 19/02/2026, às 12:52, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu: andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> Hi David, Thank you for your message. First of all, I do not plan to add support for AXIP. However, I have been thinking about telnet. But there are already many telnet clients available for Linux and Windows, so I don't see a reason to create a new one. :-) As a developer, I always want to add many features, but in the end this can make the software large and complex, and it will be hard to maintain-especially for third parties. But I want the software to be easy for any ham radio operator with a development background to take over. :-) Regarding your issue with FlexNet on Windows: thank you for the feedback. In my tests, I was able to get FlexNet running. As I noted in the README, I am not a Windows user. If you let me know that FlexNet no longer works (e.g., on Windows 11), I'll update the README accordingly. As for your test: I'm not sure how I can help. :-( To use FlexPacket you need a BBS/Node in the air. Perhaps you could try a BBS on shortwave? There are several that can be accessed via Robust Packet. I also found a PBBS in Charneca de Caparica that can be reached on 11 m (CB radio). https://nodes.ukpacketradio.network/packet-network-map.html Right now I am using a sofware called PoPT Yes, I know PoPT; my CB‑BBS and node are linked to the author's one. :-) Best and 73' Andreas (DC6AP) — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#7 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWN42UFT7BSA3566CQ4ZEFL4MWWYVAVCNFSM6AAAAACVVM7GASVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTSMRXGA4TOOBZGY>. You are receiving this because you authored the thread.

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas, How are you doing ? Now I am at home and could answer you a bit better. My answers below.

No dia 19/02/2026, às 12:52, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu: andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> Hi David, Thank you for your message.

You are welcome.

First of all, I do not plan to add support for AXIP. However, I have been thinking about telnet. But there are already many telnet clients available for Linux and Windows, so I don't see a reason to create a new one. :-)

AXIP or Telnet could be cool.

As a developer, I always want to add many features, but in the end this can make the software large and complex, and it will be hard to maintain-especially for third parties. But I want the software to be easy for any ham radio operator with a development background to take over. :-)

I see and understand.

Regarding your issue with FlexNet on Windows: thank you for the feedback. In my tests, I was able to get FlexNet running. As I noted in the README, I am not a Windows user. If you let me know that FlexNet no longer works (e.g., on Windows 11), I'll update the README accordingly.

I have to know configurations from both softwares, pcflexnet has an AXIP port to connect to Hamnet, but do not know how you establish communication between FlexPacket and pcflexnet.

As for your test: I'm not sure how I can help. :-( To use FlexPacket you need a BBS/Node in the air. Perhaps you could try a BBS on shortwave? There are several that can be accessed via Robust Packet. I also found a PBBS in Charneca de Caparica that can be reached on 11 m (CB radio).

Well, tks for information. I am not a CB operator, I began as one but due to bad behaviour of CB operators I quitted it long time ago, however, I am pleased to know that there is a PBBS in Charneca da Caparica, not far from my home.

https://nodes.ukpacketradio.network/packet-network-map.html Right now I am using a sofware called PoPT Yes, I know PoPT; my CB‑BBS and node are linked to the author's one. :-)

How small is World : ;) ;) . PoPT is a very nice software indeed but I would like to try out your software :) ;) :) ;)

Best and 73' Andreas (DC6AP)

Best 73 es tks. CT1DRB/OK8RB David Quental

…

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[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas again,

just to give you another information, when I try to load pcflexnet it says Can't access FlexNet modules. When I installed first time pcflexnet was long time ago, around 1997 or 1998, I remember something about the FlexNet modules, but do not remember where to place them or name of files.

If you remember about it will be nice.

Best 73 es tks.

CT1DRB/OK8RB
David Quental

[andreaspeters]

Hi David,

sorry, I could not found anything from my pclflexnet configuration. The windows vm will be removed every time I'm finish with compile flexpacket for windows. What I found is a screenshot from qsoundmodem but that would not be helpful for you, since it's not using AXIP. :-(

73' Andreas

Btw, I got you mail via packet. :-)

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas, How are you doing ? Just to tell you that FlexPacket works at my Linux computer, it was not that easy but with perseverance I got it working, later on I will write you what I did. Best 73 es tks. CT1DRB/OK8RB David Quental

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No dia 21/02/2026, às 11:21, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu: andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> Hi David, sorry, I could not found anything from my pclflexnet configuration. The windows vm will be removed every time I'm finish with compile flexpacket for windows. What I found is a screenshot from qsoundmodem but that would not be helpful for you, since it's not using AXIP. :-( 73' Andreas Btw, I got you mail via packet. :-) — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#7 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWN42UDQFIAUNNPMF36YL7D4NA5UJAVCNFSM6AAAAACVVM7GASVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTSMZYGYZTCMBVGQ>. You are receiving this because you authored the thread.

[andreaspeters]

Happy to hear that. :-) Every feedback is welcome to figure out all the little bugs and scratches. 😁

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas, How are you doing? Tks for your answer. Here are steps I did to allow FlexPacket to access to Packet-Radio: 1) I knew about a software called XRPi (https://ohiopacket.org/xrpi/) and then I learned that this software is very nice because it has several options; 2) then I learned that it has an AGW configuration and then I wondered to enable the AGW settings at FlexPacket to enable communication between both softwares. Sadly, at XRPi it has an AGW but as client instead of a server; 3) then I saw that XRPi has a WA8DED emulation and I thought that could be an option to communicate with FlexPacket; 4) in my learning process I saw that in some way was compulsory to linux computer to have 2 virtual ports, one for XRPi and another one to be used with FlexPacket;\ 5) did a research over internet and I found out a com0com linux equivalent named tty0tty (https://github.com/lcgamboa/tty0tty) ; 6) I followed instructions and voila, FlexPacket is working and I can access to CQ0PAX-5, at CQ0PAX.HAMNET.RADIO, via AXUDP (another port at XRPi) and see traffic. Now, I have a doubt, how can I upload msgs from OpenBCM to FlexPacket ?? If you have any doubt about my process let me know. Best 73 e tks. CT1DRB/OK8RB David Quental PS: all my steps were doing when I was in Contest in last weekend :) ;) :) No dia 23/02/2026, às 07:36, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu:

…

andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> Happy to hear that. :-) Every feedback is welcome to figure out all the little bugs and scratches. 😁 — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#7 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWN42UAW6B4HBXEJBITYE3D4NKUYNAVCNFSM6AAAAACVVM7GASVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTSNBTGE2DEMZWGQ>. You are receiving this because you authored the thread.

[andreaspeters]

Hi David,

that sound great. Would it be possible for you to write a small wiki or doc? I can publish it under your name on my hamradiotech.de blog. Maybe it would be helpful for others too.

Now, I have a doubt, how can I upload msgs from OpenBCM to FlexPacket ??

If you login into a OpenBCM BBS, and read messages there, it will be downloaded automatically. The idea was/is, that you do not have to wait until the transfer is finish. You can just type (as example):

r news 20
r images 1-10
...

Then go wash dishes, and after a half hour you come back to read the messages in the FlexPacket Offline message reader.

To download "all" messages automatically would be to much for RF.

PS: all my steps were doing when I was in Contest in last weekend :) ;) :)

Hope your contest went well. :-D

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas, How are you doing ?

No dia 23/02/2026, às 13:12, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu: andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> Hi David, that sound great. Would it be possible for you to write a small wiki or doc? I can publish it under your name on my hamradiotech.de blog. Maybe it would be helpful for others too.

Of course, maybe tomorrow or after I will write something to you, no problem, today is installation of AC equipments at my home, so no big time to it, but after no problem, no problem to publish at hamradiotech.de <http://hamradiotech.de/>.

Now, I have a doubt, how can I upload msgs from OpenBCM to FlexPacket ?? If you login into a OpenBCM BBS, and read messages there, it will be downloaded automatically. The idea was/is, that you do not have to wait until the transfer is finish. You can just type (as example): r news 20 r images 1-10 …

Ok, it works well, but I had to create the mail directory at /home/user/.config/flexpacket/ .

Then go wash dishes, and after a half hour you come back to read the messages in the FlexPacket Offline message reader.

I see, I do the same :) ;) :) ;)

To download "all" messages automatically would be too much for RF.

Indeed.

PS: all my steps were doing when I was in Contest in last weekend :) ;) :) Hope your contest went well. :-D

I made a bit more than 500 QSOs es tks. Best 73. CT1DRB/OK8RB David Quental

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[andreaspeters]

Ok, it works well, but I had to create the mail directory at /home/user/.config/flexpacket/ .

Oh... I fixed the bug right now. 😅

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas,

No dia 23/02/2026, às 14:28, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu: andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> Ok, it works well, but I had to create the mail directory at /home/user/.config/flexpacket/ . Oh... I fixed the bug right now. 😅

Ok, cool indeed es tks. May be possible to compile FlexPacket to Linux and Windows ?? I tried to compile it with Lazarus and I was not successful. Best 73 es tks. CT1DRB/OK8RB David Quental

…

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[andreaspeters]

I tried to compile it with Lazarus and I was not successful.

Under Linux or Windows?

Under Windows I have problems to right now. Even with the same lazarus version. 🤷🏻‍♂️ But as I wrote! Windows does not have priority.

[ct1drb]

Hello Andreas,

No dia 23/02/2026, às 16:27, Andreas Peters ***@***.***> escreveu: andreaspeters left a comment (andreaspeters/flexpacket#7) <#7 (comment)> I tried to compile it with Lazarus and I was not successful. Under Linux or Windows?

To be honest I do not remember :) ;) :) ;) . Now I am going to compile in Linux, wish me luck :) ;) :) . Best 73 es tks. CT1DRB/OK8RB David Quental

…

Under Windows I have problems to right now. Even with the same lazarus version. 🤷🏻‍♂️ But as I wrote! Windows does not have priority. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#7 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AWN42UGMYL72FKFNOPIZBED4NMS7BAVCNFSM6AAAAACVVM7GASVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZTSNBVHAZDKMBUGU>. You are receiving this because you authored the thread.

[andreaspeters]

Good Morning David,

for the case you have some issues with compiling; I've updated the readme:

How to compile

• Install Lazarus 4.5
• Install TRichMemo, LazSerial, LazRGBGraphics, BGRABitmap, BGRAControls
• Get git submodules:

git submodule update --init --recursive

If you already have submodules, then change to the newest commit:

git submodule update --remote --merge