Packet mode
Use Packet when you want to exchange mail on VHF or UHF with a compatible modem. Pick a packet channel in a radio session, then choose a device that supports Packet.
Devices
Add a packet-capable device first. See Devices and the compatibility list.
Common options include Bluetooth radios, Mobilinkd, DigiPi or Dire Wolf on the local network, Digirig Lite or AIOC with the built-in modem, and IC-705 (Wi-Fi or USB + Bluetooth).
Channels may be 1200 or 9600 baud. Only devices that support the channel’s baud appear in the session picker.
RadioMail supports zero configuration devices discovery as described in those specifications:
Digipeaters
Digipeaters retransmit on the same frequency so you can reach stations beyond line of sight. RadioMail supports up to two digipeaters for Packet.
In Settings → Digipeaters → Packet, enter each callsign and turn Use Digipeater on or off. When digipeating is on, the session shows the via path.
Packet and VARA FM digipeaters are not interchangeable. Each mode needs digipeaters that understand that protocol.
Packet parameters
Packet settings are saved per device. Open a device and tap Packet under Modes to edit max frame size, outstanding frames, retries, wait time, TX delay, persistence, and slot time.
Connection scripts
When you add or edit a personal station, you can attach a connection script. RadioMail connects to the first node using the station’s callsign and frequency, then runs the script before the mail exchange.
Lines that start with c, conn, or connect are sent as commands. Other lines wait for matching text from the station. Matching is case insensitive. If no response arrives, the script times out after 60 seconds.
Example:
Welcome, new user
c radio WH6AZ-11
Instructs RadioMail to wait for Welcome, new user after connecting and then issue the c radio WH6AZ-11 command to further connect to WH6AZ-11.
You can give a personal station a display name when a script is set, so several entries that share a callsign stay easy to tell apart.