Every XRouter includes a chat / converse server, allowing groups of users to hold live, multiway conversations. The servers can be linked together into a wider network.

There are at least 3 different chat networks in common use on Packet, namely XRchat (XRouter), “Tampa Ping-Pong” (JNOS) and RoundTable (W0RLI/BPQ), XRouter can interface with all of them.

This page is merely an overview, not a “how-to”.

There are 4 ways for non-sysops to connect to the chat server, which are:

1. If connected to the node, simply type CHAT
2. Connect to the chat server's callsign or alias
3. Issue “CHAT <nodecall | alias>” (e.g. CHAT KIDDER) from another XRouter
4. Telnet to the nodes CHATPORT (if enabled)

Whilst you are connected to chat, all commands begin with a forward slash. Anything that doesn't begin with a slash is treated as a chat message, and distributed to other chat users.

Typing /? or /H or /HELP displays a brief list of the available chat commands:

Typing /? displays the commands with a brief explanation: ===== Command Help ===== Typing /H cmd** displays more detailed help for a specific command:

(to be continued)