Welcome! I'm Tony, K1AJD — an amateur radio operator based in Augusta, GA.

Packet radio is a proven digital communications mode built on the AX.25 protocol, offering store-and-forward messaging, keyboard-to-keyboard chat, intelligent routing, and reliable data transfer — all completely independent of the internet or any commercial infrastructure. That independence makes it especially valuable for emergency communications when conventional networks are unavailable. After returning to amateur radio, I discovered packet radio and found that this technology from the past is still very relevant — and a blast to work with.

I became involved with TPRFN — The Packet Radio Forwarding Network, a specialized network connecting VHF/UHF packet nodes and standalone stations across North America using HF radio and modern digital modes like VARA HF, with a strong emphasis on NVIS propagation for reliable RF-only regional links. TPRFN operates completely independent of the internet, making it a resilient backbone for digital emergency communications. As a hub sysop, I run a full LinBPQ node and BBS here in Augusta, participating in scheduled HF forwarding sessions with partner stations on 80m, 40m, and 20m. The network also hosts a monthly packet bulletin net (PKTNET) and maintains partnerships with ARES groups and digital emergency communications organizations. Learn more at tprfn.net.