---
name: "bpchat"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "ion"
version: "3.2.1+dfsg-1.1"
release: "Debian 9 (Stretch)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/bpchat"
---

# bpchat(1)

Bundle Protocol chat test program

## NAME

bpchat - Bundle Protocol chat test program

## SYNOPSIS

**bpchat** *sourceEID* *destEID* \[ct\]

## DESCRIPTION

**bpchat** uses Bundle Protocol to send input text in bundles, and display the payload of received bundles as output.  It is similar to the talk utility, but operates over the Bundle Protocol.  It operates like a combination of the bpsource and bpsink utilities in one program (unlike bpsource,  **bpchat** emits bundles with a *sourceEID*).

If the *sourceEID* and *destEID* are both **bpchat** applications, then two users can chat with each other over the Bundle Protocol: lines that one user types on the keyboard will be transported over the network in bundles and displayed on the screen of the other user (and the reverse).

**bpchat** terminates upon receiving the SIGQUIT signal, i.e., ^C from the keyboard.

## EXIT STATUS

- "0"

  **bpchat** has terminated normally.  Any problems encountered during operation will be noted in the **ion.log** log file.

- "1"

  **bpchat** has terminated due to a BP transmit or reception failure.  Details should be noted in the **ion.log** log file.

## OPTIONS

- \[ct\]

  If the string "ct" is appended as the last argument, then bundles will be sent with custody transfer requested.

## FILES

No configuration files are needed.

## ENVIRONMENT

No environment variables apply.

## DIAGNOSTICS

Diagnostic messages produced by **bpchat** are written to the ION log file *ion.log*.

- Can't attach to BP.

  **bpadmin** has not yet initialized Bundle Protocol operations.

- Can't open own endpoint.

  Another application has already opened *ownEndpointId*.  Terminate that application and rerun.

- bpchat bundle reception failed.

  BP system error.  Check for earlier diagnostic messages describing the cause of the error; correct problem and rerun.

- No space for ZCO extent.

  ION system error.  Check for earlier diagnostic messages describing the cause of the error; correct problem and rerun.

- Can't create ZCO.

  ION system error.  Check for earlier diagnostic messages describing the cause of the error; correct problem and rerun.

- bpchat can't send echo bundle.

  BP system error.  Check for earlier diagnostic messages describing the cause of the error; correct problem and rerun.

## BUGS

Report bugs to \<ion-bugs@korgano.eecs.ohiou.edu\>

## SEE ALSO

[*bpecho*(1)](/bpecho/1.md), [*bpsource*(1)](/bpsource/1.md), [*bpsink*(1)](/bpsink/1.md), [*bp*(3)](/bp/3.md)