Specifications

ManualsBrandsAuto Page ManualsCar alarmC3-RS-900LCD

OPERATING MANUAL

MODEL PK-900 DATA CONTROLLER

Timewave Technology Inc.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Reproduction, dissemination or use of information contained herein for

purposes other than operation and/or maintenance is prohibited without

written authorization from Timewave Technology Inc.

Summary of content (392 pages)

PAGE 1
OPERATING MANUAL MODEL PK-900 DATA CONTROLLER Timewave Technology Inc. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Reproduction, dissemination or use of information contained herein for purposes other than operation and/or maintenance is prohibited without written authorization from Timewave Technology Inc.
PAGE 2
PREFACE TO THE PK-900 OPERATING MANUAL Please read this preface in its entirety. It contains information about how to receive warranty service from Timewave and Timewave's software update policy. RF Interference Information To User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
PAGE 3
Welcome Congratulations!! You've purchased another fine Timewave product. PLEASE, before we go any further, may we ask you to FILL OUT AND RETURN the Warranty Registration Card, which has been packed with your PK-900. Product Update Policy From time to time Timewave may make available updates to the design of its products. We can only tell you about these updates if we have your warranty card on file. PLEASE SEND IT IN if you have not already done so.
PAGE 4
If you send us the PK-900 by UPS it must be sent to the street address not the post office box number. The street address is: Timewave Technology Inc. 1025 Selby Ave., Suite 101 St. Paul, MN 55104 USA Attn. Technical Support RMA # S????????? (obtain by telephone or email from Timewave) We will need YOUR street address for UPS return - be sure to send it. Please include your daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you for further information.
PAGE 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Paragraph 1.1 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3.1 1.4 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.4 1.4.5 Overview................................................... Capabilities.......................................... Included Components................................... Computer or Computer Terminal Requirements................. Station Requirements....................................... System Transmitter-Receiver Performance Requirements.. PK-900 Specifications............................
PAGE 6
CHAPTER 3 - RADIO INSTALLATION Paragraph 3.1 3.1.1 3.2 3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.3.5.1 3.3.5.2 3.3.5.3 3.3.5.4 3.3.6 3.3.7 3.4 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.6 Overview................................................... Equipment Required.................................... Receive-Only Radio Connections............................. Transmit and Receive Radio Connections..................... Transceiver's Microphone or Accessory Connector?...... Connections for Specific Transceivers...............
PAGE 7
CHAPTER 4 - PACKET RADIO (Continued) Paragraph 4.4.6.1 4.4.6.2 4.4.7 4.4.7.1 4.4.7.2 4.4.7.3 4.4.7.4 4.4.8 4.4.8.1 4.4.8.2 4.5 4.5.1 4.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 4.5.5 4.5.6 4.6 4.6.1 4.6.2 4.6.3 4.6.4 4.6.5 4.6.6 4.6.7 4.7 4.7.1 4.7.2 4.7.3 4.7.4 4.7.5 4.7.6 4.8 4.8.1 4.8.2 4.8.3 4.8.3.1 4.8.3.2 4.8.3.3 4.9 4.9.1 4.9.2 4.9.3 4.9.4 4.9.5 4.9.6 4.9.7 4.9.8 4.9.9 4.9.10 4.9.11 4.10 1/93 Time-Stamping Connects........................... Connect Alarm.................................... Packet Formatting and Editing....
PAGE 8
CHAPTER 4 - PACKET RADIO (Continued) Paragraph 4.11 Packet Lite HF Packet Protocol Extension................... 4.11.1 Enabling Packet Lite.................................. 4.11.2 Compatibility With Standard AX.25 Stations............ 4.11.3 Packet Lite Protocol Enhancement Summary.............. 4.12 Packet Meteor Scatter Extension....................... Page 4-38 4-39 4-39 4-40 4-42 CHAPTER 5 - MAILDROP OPERATION 5.1 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.3 5.4 5.4.1 5.4.2 5.4.3 5.4.4 5.4.5 5.4.6 5.
PAGE 9
CHAPTER 6 - BAUDOT AND ASCII RTTY OPERATION Paragraph 6.1 6.2 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 6.3 6.3.1 6.4 6.4.1 6.4.2 6.5 6.5.1 6.5.2 6.5.3 6.5.4 6.5.5 6.5.6 6.5.7 6.5.8 6.5.9 6.5.10 6.5.11 6.6 6.6.1 6.6.2 6.6.3 6.6.4 6.6.5 6.7 6.7.1 6.7.2 6.7.3 6.7.4 1/93 Overview................................................... Where to Operate Baudot and ASCII RTTY..................... PK-900 Baudot RTTY Parameter Settings................. HF Receiver Settings..................................
PAGE 10
Paragraph 7.1 7.2 7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4 7.2.5 7.2.6 7.3 7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 7.3.4 7.3.5 7.3.6 7.4 7.4.1 7.4.2 7.4.3 7.4.4 7.4.5 7.4.6 7.4.7 7.5 7.6 7.6.1 7.6.2 7.6.3 7.6.4 7.6.4.1 7.6.5 7.6.6 7.6.7 7.6.8 7.6.8.1 7.6.8.2 7.6.8.3 7.6.8.4 7.6.8.5 7.6.8.6 7.6.8.7 7.6.8.8 7.7 7.7.1 7.7.2 7.7.3 7.7.4 7.7.5 7.7.5.1 7.7.5.2 7.7.5.3 7.8 7.8.1 7.8.2 7.9 1/93 CHAPTER 7 - AMTOR AND NAVTEX OPERATION Overview................................................... Where to Operate AMTOR.....................................
PAGE 11
CHAPTER 8 - MORSE OPERATION Paragraph 8.1 8.2 8.2.1 8.2.2 8.2.3 8.3 8.3.1 8.4 8.4.1 8.4.2 8.4.3 8.4.4 8.4.5 8.5 8.6 Overview................................................... Where to Operate Morse..................................... Entering the Morse Mode............................... HF Receiver Settings.................................. Tuning in Morse Stations.............................. Going On The Air........................................... A Typical Morse Contact...........................
PAGE 12
CHAPTER 10 - SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION AND TDM OPERATION Paragraph 10.1 10.2 10.2.1 10.3 10.3.1 10.3.2 10.4 10.4.1 10.4.2 10.4.3 Overview................................................... SIAM Operation............................................. Tuning In FSK Narrow and Wide Stations................ Using the SIAM Mode........................................ Copying Encoded RTTY Transmissions.................... The CODE Command for International RTTY Compatibility. TDM Receive Operation....................
PAGE 13
Paragraph 11.9.8 11.9.8.1 11.9.8.2 11.9.8.3 11.9.8.4 11.9.8.5 11.9.8.6 11.9.8.7 11.9.8.8 11.9.8.9 11.9.8.10 11.10 11.10.1 11.10.2 11.10.3 11.10.4 11.10.5 11.10.5.1 11.10.5.2 11.10.5.3 11.11 11.11.1 11.11.2 Remote User MailDrop Commands......................... A (ABORT) (Remote Only).......................... B (BYE).......................................... H (HELP)......................................... J (JLOG)......................................... K n (KILL n [MINE]...............................
PAGE 14
The rest of this page is blank.
PAGE 15
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview The PK-900 was designed by AEA to provide you the Amateur the complete digital operating position when coupled with a Personal Computer or Computer Terminal. The PK-900 couples your HF or VHF/UHF (or both) voice transceivers to your computer or terminal so you can use its keyboard and display to "talk" to other Amateurs. 1.1.1 Capabilities The PK-900 allows you to transmit and receive all legal Amateur digital modes that are popular on both HF and VHF.
PAGE 16
1.1.3 OPTIONS o o 1.2 9600 Baud internal G3RUH/K9NG compatable modem. AEA-FAX 900 HF Gray-scale fax reception program Computer or Computer Terminal Requirements You will need a Computer or Computer Terminal to "talk to" or control your PK-900. If you are using a Computer, you will need a Communications Program or Terminal Program as it is sometimes called. The most popular computers are the IBM-PC and its compatibles, the Apple Macintosh and the Commodore-64/128.
PAGE 17
1.4 PK-900 Specifications As part to make made to to this without 1.4.1 of its program of product improvement, AEA reserves the right changes in this product's specifications. Changes may also be the information in this document and incorporated in revisions manual. Prices and specifications are subject to change notice or obligation. Modem Characteristics Port 1: Demodulator: Receive Band-pass: VHF packet: Programmable Limiter-discriminator type, preceded by an 8-pole Chebychev 0.
PAGE 18
1.4.3 Input/Output Connections Radio Interface: Input/Output Lines Two five-pin DIN connectors; Receive audio Transmit audio +/- Push-To-Talk (PTT) (+25 / - 40 VDC) External squelch input Ground Direct FSK Outputs: Normal and reverse for each radio port CW keying Outputs: Positive: +100 VDC max, at up to 100 mA Negative: -30 VDC max, at up to 20 mA Terminal Interface: Input/Output RS-232-C 25-pin DB-25S connector RS-232-C with full handshake (hardware and software) Terminal Data Rates 1.4.
PAGE 19
CHAPTER 2 COMPUTER INSTALLATION 2.1 Overview In this chapter we will connect the PK-900 to the RS-232 Serial port of your Computer or Computer Terminal. After the Serial connection has been made we will perform a quick check of the internal software. Finally we will check the PK-900's modem by performing a Packet "loop-back" test. When you have completed this chapter, you will be ready to connect the PK-900 to your receiver or transceiver and begin using it on the air. 2.1.
PAGE 20
2.2.1 Connecting Power 1. . MAKE SURE YOUR POWER SUPPLY IS OFF AND UNPLUGGED BEFORE WIRING If you are using the AEA AC-4 or Timewave AC-5, skip to 5. Otherwise, locate the PK-900 Power Cable in the accessory bag Strip off just enough insulation from the ends to connect it to your 13-14 Volt DC regulated power supply. 2. The Center pin of the coaxial power plug is POSITIVE. Connect the lead with the White stripe to the POSITIVE (+) lead on your power supply. Check this with an Ohm-meter if you have one.
PAGE 21
Figure 2-2 2.3 PK-900 Rear Panel Connections and Controls Connecting Your Computer or Computer Terminal o o MAKE SURE THE PK-900 AND YOUR COMPUTER ARE SWITCHED OFF Locate the PK-900 Serial Cable. Connect the 25-pin Female connector to the RS-232 connector on the PK-900 rear panel. Connect the other end of this cable (Female DB-25) to the RS-232 Serial Port of your personal computer or Computer Terminal. Details on connecting to common machines are listed below.
PAGE 22
2.3.4 Computer Terminal If you have an RS-232 Computer Terminal, sometimes called a DumbTerminal, Smart-Terminal or ASCII-Terminal, you may need to change the gender of the cable provided with your PK-900. This can be accomplished with an inexpensive double-male RS-232 gender changing adapter available from Radio Shack and other computer dealers. The Radio Shack part number is 26-243. 2.
PAGE 23
Follow the installation directions that come with the Terminal program you wish to use. Once installed on the computer, you should start the program and set the communication parameters for the following: Data Rate Data bits Parity Stop bits = = = = 1200 bits per second (Bauds) 7 EVEN 1 Once these settings have been achieved and the correct serial communications port chosen, you may proceed to section 2.5. 2.4.
PAGE 24
Many terminal programs can be found throughout the amateur community or can be downloaded from Compuserve and from many telephone bulletin boards. In addition a BASIC communications program is listed in the Programmer's Reference Guide published by Commodore. Use the program listing for "True ASCII". We suggest you operate your PK-900 at 300 bauds with these computers to avoid possible speed difficulties. Follow the installation directions that come with the Terminal program you wish to use.
PAGE 25
showing either no status indications or one or both of the DCD indicators. If the Status display lights and other status indicators are displayed, then the PK-900 has already been initialized. If you know the terminal baud rate the PK-900 has been set to, you may proceed to step 11; otherwise you must reset the PK-900 as described below. To reset the PK-900, simply hold the rear-panel RESET at the same time you turn on the power switch. After done, then the only LCD Status indicators showing may indicators.
PAGE 26
entering the following after the "cmd:" command mode prompt will cause the PK-900 to Connect to AAA: C AAA After a few moments, your monitor should display: *** CONNECTED to AAA 10. Type HELLO SELF After a few moments, your monitor should echo the same message. If you have gotten this far then the digital section of the PK-900 and the VHF packet modem of port 1 are both working. 11. We will now check the PK-900's HF modem.
PAGE 27
Enter Your monitor should respond with the command prompt: cmd: Enter D Your monitor should respond with: cmd:*** DISCONNECTED: AAA p1 AAA*>AAA (UA) If all of the above steps were successful, you've completed the quickcheck and are ready to proceed to Chapter 3. In Chapter 3 you will connect your PK-900 to your radio and begin using it "on the air". If you have problems with the steps shown above, go back to Step 1 AFTER checking all cables and connectors. Read each step again carefully.
PAGE 28
connector is not standard and is hard to find. Pin-out information can be found in the IBM PCjr Technical Reference Manual. Some dealers sell a 'IBM PCjr Adapter Cable for Serial Devices' that converts the connector on the PCjr to standard RS-232-C. The cable attaches between the PCjr and the PK-900 Serial Cable. 2.6.4 Tandy Color Computer The CoCo series (except for the Micro CoCo) uses a four-pin DIN connector for its serial interface. Wire a cable as shown below.
PAGE 29
Computer PK-900 (DB25) TXD .......................... 2 RXD .......................... 3 GND .......................... 7 o 2.6.7 As a default the PK-900 provides XON/XOFF software flow-control to the computer or terminal. The command XFLOW can be turned OFF to enable hardware handshake if your computer requires it. Hardware flow control is achieved with RTS/CTS (pins 4 and 5) of the 25-pin connector on the PK-900's rear panel.
PAGE 30
2.7.1 Terminal Programs for the Apple II, II+, IIe and IIC The PK-900 operates well with the Apple II family of computers using both Apple-supplied or third-party serial interface cards. Terminal programs include Modem Manager, ASCII EXPRESS PRO, Hayes SMARTCOMM II, and DataCapture 4.0. 2.7.2 Terminal Programs for the Commodore Vic 20 A BASIC communications program is printed in the VIC 20 Programmer's Reference Guide published by Commodore.
PAGE 31
CHAPTER 3 RADIO INSTALLATION 3.1 Overview This chapter describes how to connect the PK-900 to your radio receiver or transceiver. To receive digital transmissions you must connect the receiver audio and Ground to your PK-900. To transmit you will have to add connections to the microphone or low-level transmit audio and to the Push-To-Talk (PTT) circuit of your transceiver. The most convenient way to connect your transceiver is through a rear panel ACCESSORY Connector (if your transceiver has one).
PAGE 32
Figure 3-1 Receive audio connection to the PK-900. If you are using an HF transceiver or Short-Wave receiver you should consult Chapter 10 for information on the Signal Identification mode. Chapters 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 talk specifically about some of the modes you may encounter on the HF and Short-Wave bands. If you are connecting to a VHF scanner or VHF/UHF transceiver you should look over Chapter 4 on VHF Packet operation. 3.
PAGE 33
3.3.3 Check Your Transceiver's Operating Manual Locate the Operating Manual for your transceiver and turn to the page describing the connector to which you will attach your PK-900. Even if you found the exact model of your transceiver in APPENDIX E, it is a good idea to verify that your transceiver's manual agrees with the information in the appendix.
PAGE 34
3.3.5 Begin Assembling your Radio Cable Assemble the tools, PK-900 Radio cable and connectors you will need for each radio you wish to connect. You will probably also need a small soldering iron (20-40 watts) and solder at your work area. 3.3.5.1 Prepare the Radio Cable 1. Locate one of the 5 ft PK-900 radio cables included with your PK-900. Note that the Radio cables may have been shipped as a single 10 ft cable which should be cut in half before use. 2.
PAGE 35
o Connect the Shield/Drain wire (Silver wire with no insulation) to the Microphone GROUND connection if your transceiver has one. If your transceiver does not have a separate Microphone or Audioin Ground connection, then this wire should connect to the single Ground along with the Brown wire. See the next step. o Connect the BROWN wire to the main GROUND on the connector. This Ground is the one used for the PTT and receive audio.
PAGE 36
3.3.6 Wiring Your HF Transceiver for Direct CW Keying The PK-900 can directly key CW with HF and VHF multi-mode transceivers. This requires that a cable be wired from the CW KEY OUT jack on the PK-900's rear panel to the CW keying input of your transceiver on the correct Radio Port. Refer to the instructions below and Figure 3-3 to wire the PK-900 side of the cable. Figure 3-3: Direct CW Keying Cable diagram 1. Locate a 5 pin DIN connector from the PK-900's accessory bag. 2.
PAGE 37
2. Connect the FSK lines from the PK-900 to your radio's FSK or RTTY input in accordance with your radio's requirements. See Figure 3-4 below. Figure 3-4 NOTE: 3.4 FSK Connector Connections When using FSK, the same power and duty cycle limits apply as cited earlier for AFSK operation. Consult your radio's operating manual for any power or transmit time limits.
PAGE 38
3.4.2 PK-900 Connections Remove power from the PK-900, your transceiver and all accessories before making any connections. Connect the radio cable(s) you constructed in section 3.3.5 between a Radio port on the PK-900 and your transceiver(s). If you wired cables for CW keying or Direct FSK then connect these to the appropriate point on your equipment. 3.5 Transceiver Adjustments This section is split into separate procedures for FM and SSB radios.
PAGE 39
6. Press the "K" key on the keyboard to key the transmitter. should hear a continuous tone in the monitor receiver. 7. Tap the space bar several times until the higher pitched of the two tones ("Space") is heard. 8. Refer to the figure below of the PK-900's rear panel and locate the AFSK TX level potentiometer adjustment for the radio port you are calibrating. Figure 3-6 9.
PAGE 40
Figure 3-7 PK-900 AFSK HI/LOW Level Jumpers 10. Type "K" to return to receive mode. 11. Type "Q" to "Quit" (exit) the calibration routine. You've now set your FM transmitter's deviation to an approximate level which will be adequate for operation. 3.5.2 12. With your radio in the receive mode, open the squelch control so that a steady hiss or noise is heard on a speaker. 13. If using radio port 1, set the receiver's volume control to a comfortable listening level.
PAGE 41
1. Connect your PK-900 and SSB radio as shown in Figure 3-5. 2. Turn on your PK-900 and your computer and start your terminal program. 3. Connect your SSB radio to a dummy load. 4. If your SSB radio has a "monitor" facility, i.e., an audio output that lets you listen to the audio signals entering the microphone or phone patch jacks, turn that monitor circuit on. 5. Set the radio's MODE selector to LSB (lower sideband). 6. Set the radio's meter switch to the "ALC" position.
PAGE 42
III. Adjust the AFSK Output Level control until the radio's indicators show approximately thirty percent (35%) of the manufacturer's rated full-power reading. EXAMPLE: IV. NOTE: If the manufacturer's plate/collector current specification for CW operation is 200 mA, set the AFSK Output Level control and your microphone gain control so that the plate/collector current indicates 75 mA. Your radio may be able to operate at higher output levels. Consult your radio manual.
PAGE 43
CHAPTER 4 PACKET RADIO 4.1 Overview In the last several years Packet has grown to become perhaps the most popular digital mode on the amateur bands. Although Packet can be found on HF (primarily on the 20 meter band) it is most popular on the VHF and UHF FM bands. This chapter will start with general Packet operation and then discuss VHF and UHF Packet. Packet on the HF bands requires some special considerations, so we will leave it until the end of this chapter.
PAGE 44
4.2 Packet Introduction You've now connected your PK-900's transmit audio output to its receive audio input. Your PK-900 can now "talk to itself" in packet. 1. Set the rear-panel AFSK level control for RADIO-1 at 50% (straight up and down) for the following Packet introduction. NOTE: If you have adjusted the RADIO-1 rear-panel AFSK level control for a particular transceiver in chapter 3, then mark this setting with a pencil so it can be reset when finished. 2. Turn on your computer.
PAGE 45
Both Packet radio ports will now assume the callsign WX2BBB. 5. If you are using an AEA program follow the instructions in the Program manual to CONNECT in packet mode to your own callsign (the one you just entered in MYCALL).
PAGE 46
Note that the front panel CONNECT LCD will change to DISCONNECTED indicating that you are no longer connected. 8. You have just done the three things necessary in any Packet QSO. o o o You You the You started the QSO (with yourself) by CONNECTing. (Step 5) sent some information (to yourself) and then received information that you sent. (Step 6) then ended the QSO by DISCONNEcting. (Step 7) Repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 above until you feel comfortable with Connecting, exchanging information and Disconnecting.
PAGE 47
Vhf Vhf was OFF/ON now ON/ON Then enter HB 1200 Your monitor should respond with: HB HB 4. was 300/1200 now 1200/1200 Turn ON your VHF or UHF FM transceiver and tune to a known packet channel in your area. Most packet operation is on simplex, so the repeater offset on your transceiver should be disabled. If you know there is packet in your area, but do not know the frequency, you should try some of the following frequencies: 2 meter (144 MHz) band: 145.01 MHz, 145.03 MHz, 145.05 MHz, 145.
PAGE 48
4.3.1 What You Should See If all is operating properly, you should see some packets on your screen. Some typical packets you might "Monitor" are shown below: p1 N7ALW*>WA7GCI [C] p1 WA7GCI*>N7ALW (UA) p1 K6RFK>N7ALW*>N7GMF: Goodnight John, its been nice talking to you. p1 N7ALW*>WA7GCI: Hi Bob, how are you this evening? p1 KD7NM*>MAIL: Mail for: K6RFK N7ML p1 N7HWD-8*>ID: NET/ROM 1.3 (SEA) p1 SEA*>N7ML: SEA:N7HWD-8> Connected to #SEA:N7HWD-7 p1 K6RFK>N7ALW*>N7GMF [D] N7GMF>N7ALW*>K6RFK (UA) NOTE: 4.3.
PAGE 49
The second packet in the above examples is a response to the first. p1 WA7GCI*>N7ALW (UA) In this case we see that WA7GCI is sending to N7ALW by the order of the callsigns. This packet acknowledges the Connect request as shown by the "(UA)" which stands for Un-numbered Acknowledge. One benefit of packet radio is that packets can be relayed or "digipeated" by stations on the same frequency. In fact, packets can be relayed by up to eight stations to reach a distant station that cannot be heard directly.
PAGE 50
The following Beacon packet is intended as identification for a NET/ROM level-3 packet networking switch. p1 N7HWD-8*>ID: NET/ROM 1.3 (SEA) In this case, the Packet Switch is using the callsign N7HWD-8, but also uses the alias SEA as a callsign. There are many types of Packet Switches now in use, but NET/ROM is one of the most popular. We will briefly discuss using a NET/ROM switch later in this chapter since most switches operate in much the same way.
PAGE 51
4.3.3 What Happens When You Connect If you are working with a friend who is familiar with packet, you may want to skip to section 4.4. If you are on your own, the following three sections will help you learn what to expect on VHF/UHF packet. There are three different kinds of packet stations you are likely to encounter in your first Connects: Standard TNCs, Mailbox Systems and Network Switches. The following sections discuss each station type. 4.3.3.
PAGE 52
If you get something like this when you connect to another station, try typing an "H" or a "?" to get a help list as shown below: A(bort) B(ye) H(elp) J(log) K(ill) Stop Read or List Log off Display this message Display stations heard K n: Kill message number n KM : Kill messages you have read L(ist) L : List message titles LM : List messages to you R(ead) R n: Read message number n RM : Read all your unread messages S(end) S : Send a message to SYSOP S n: Send a message to station n ? Same as H(elp) [AEA
PAGE 53
NET/ROM, developed by Software 2000, quickly became a standard that others imitated. Many networking "Nodes" today use a similar if not identical set of commands. We will discuss the typical NET/ROM commands you will likely encounter when connecting to a packet switch. When you connect to a NET/ROM Node you will not initially get any prompt. Since NET/ROM commands are few and easily memorized, they did not see a need to clutter the channel with prompts.
PAGE 54
The ROUTES command provides routing information about other nodes that can be reached. A complete discussion of NET/ROM is beyond the scope of this manual, but we hope the above information will help get you started. Certainly the CONNECT, NODES and USERS commands will allow you to navigate through the network, and find new people to talk to. 4.3.4 Who Can I Talk To? Now that you understand a little about the different packets and packet stations, you are ready to make your first real connection.
PAGE 55
After pressing , you should observe the TX LCD light. Your monitor should soon display: *** CONNECTED to (Callsign) If you see this, you have just Connected to your first packet station. Identify what type of station you have connected to, and respond appropriately. After you have connected to a few stations, you should skip to section 4.4 to learn more about the PK-900 packet features. 4.3.
PAGE 56
4.4 More Packet Features Now that you have worked a few packet stations, it is time to learn a little more about the other packet capabilities of the PK-900. Rather than explain all the features in detail, we will leave the specifics to the command descriptions in the Command Summary Appendix. 4.4.1 LCD Status and Mode Indicators Your PK-900 front panel display is divided into four sections as shown below: PK-900's Front Panel LCD Indicators.
PAGE 57
NAME ASCII LCD FUNCTION 7 Level RTTY Mode Lit when in ASCII mode FAX Facsimile Mode SSTV Slow Scan TV Mode Lit when in SSTV mode SIAM Signal Identification Mode Lit when in SIAM mode TDM Time Division Multiplex Lit when in TDM mode Mode EXP Used for testing Lit when test inpt high PACKET Packet Mode Lit when in packet DISCONNECTED Packet status DISCONNECT Lit when in Facsimile Lit when not connected Packet status Lit when disconnecting CONNECT Packet status Lit when connecting
PAGE 58
NAME DESCRIPTION PHASE TOR Status LCD FUNCTION Indicates synchroniza tion of the ARQ calling ARQ listen signal OVER TOR Status Indicates changeover of data transmission direction TRAFFIC TOR Status Indicates data reception or transmission. ERROR TOR Status Indicates reception of erroneous data STANDBY TOR Status Lit when not receiving transmitting COMPRESS TOR Status Lit when sending or receiving compressed data SYSTEM Column Heading Always on.
PAGE 59
that you are out of the shack and to leave you a message or for any other message you would like to send. To enable the CTEXT message, set your Connect Text message using the CTEXT command. Then set CMSG ON to enable the Connect Message feature. Think of the CTEXT message as the message your telephone answering machine might give to a caller. 4.4.3 Beacon Operation Your PK-900 can send an automatic "beacon" message at a specified time interval.
PAGE 60
xxxx / \ WX1AAA _________/ \__________ WX3CCC . . . . WX2DDD . . . . . . . . WX2EEE This time, type the connect command like this: CONNECT WX3CCC VIA WX2DDD,WX2EEE Type the digipeaters' call signs in the exact order of the intended path from your station to the station with which you wish to connect. You can specify a routing list of up to eight intermediate stations. In practice this does not work very well, and Networking Switches such as NET/ROM have replaced digipeating for the most part.
PAGE 61
Understanding all types of packet frames is not necessary to operate packet. Packet operators should however understand that there are many types of control frames that do not contain printable data. Your PK-900 can display these frames, but most users only want to see frames with information. For this reason, the MONITOR command default (4) does not display all the packets that the PK-900 hears. NOTE: 4.4.5.
PAGE 62
4.4.5.4 The MFILTER Command Some terminals and computer programs are sensitive to certain characters that may appear in monitored packets. You will know this is happening if occasionally the cursor on your screen moves to strange places causing the copy to be garbled. The PK-900 default for MFILTER is $80 which prevents most control characters from interfering with your display.
PAGE 63
4.4.7 Packet Formatting and Editing Some of your PK-900's command parameters affect how your packets are formatted - how your typing appears to the rest of the world. Other commands let you correct typing errors before your packet is sent, cancel lines or cancel packets if necessary. 4.4.7.1 Carriage Returns and Linefeeds in Packets Most people use packet radio for sending and receiving messages or conversing with other Amateurs.
PAGE 64
By prefixing the first with , you send it all at once, while maintaining the as part of the text. The PASS character can be useful in formatting text Messages such as CTEXT as well. 4.4.8 Packet Transmit Timing Your PK-900 has a number of built-in timers used to control the packet protocol and transmit timing. The default values have been set at the factory to provide reasonable performance, but the values may not be optimum for your local area.
PAGE 65
When sending packets through an audio repeater you may require a longer key-up delay than is normally needed for direct communications. The AXDELAY command adds more key-up delay in your PK-900 so that the repeater can stabilize. The AXHANG command sets the time your PK-900 assumes is needed for the repeater to drop. 4.5 Packet Protocol Basics Here we will talk a little about the AX.25 packet protocol.
PAGE 66
The TRIES counter keeps track of the retries that have occurred on the current packet. 4.5.4 PACLEN and MAXFRAME Packets will be sent either when the key is pressed or when the maximum packet size is exceeded. The maximum packet size is set by the PACLEN command which defaults to 128 characters. When large amounts of data need to be sent, this value can be increased to 256. When conditions are poor or the channel is crowded as on HF packet, this value should be reduced to 64 or less.
PAGE 67
testing the link if no data has been sent or received. The RELINK command sets what happens when the CHECK timer expires. If RELINK is OFF, the PK-900 changes to the Disconnected state. If ON, the PK-900 attempts to reconnect to the other station. 4.6 Multiple Connection Operation Since packet radio allows many stations to share the same channel, many QSOs can be going on at the same time.
PAGE 68
section on switching between Radio Ports later in this chapter for a more complete description of this process. 4.6.3 Will You Accept Multiple Connects Setting the CHSWITCH character only allows you to make outgoing multiple connects. For the PK-900 to allow multiple incoming connections, you must set the USERS parameter to more than one (1) for each Port that you wish to allow incoming multiple connections.
PAGE 69
4.7.1 Where to Operate HF Packet Before you can operate HF Packet, you must first find the activity. Most HF packet operation is on the 20-meter amateur band starting at 14.103 MHz and every 2 kHz above that up to 14.111 MHz. Note that 14.103 MHz is the HF Packet calling frequency and a good place to start. The higher frequencies such as 14.109 and 14.111 are used mostly by HF PBBS systems and are not good places to look for a QSO. 4.7.
PAGE 70
Follow the tuning procedure below carefully for the best results in tuning in HF packet stations. o Make certain your HF receiver is either in LSB or FSK depending on your PK-900 set-up. o Turn any IF-Shift and Passband-Tuning controls to the Center or OFF position. o Tune your receiver to 14.103 MHz (or another frequency where you know there is HF packet activity) and listen to the packets.
PAGE 71
If the tuning indicator looks like the one below, the audio frequency from your speaker is too high for the PK-900 to copy packets. Slowly tune the VFO and make the frequency lower.
PAGE 72
If you are having problems connecting to other HF packet stations, try working with an experienced HF packet operator in your area and listen to each other's signals. See if you can copy each other's packet signals. If he cannot copy your signals, have him listen to your signal in the CALIBRATE mode to make sure you are transmitting a pure tone. As mentioned earlier, any distortion caused by overmodulation or RF feedback will make your signal difficult or impossible to copy. 4.
PAGE 73
Any modem from this list may be selected with the command MODEM. For example, let's say that you want to operate 300 bps HF packet on radio port 1 and 1200 bps VHF packet on radio port 2. This operation is achieved with radio port 1 modem 10 and radio port 2 modem 4.
PAGE 74
the section on Multi-connect packet operation that Packets received on Radio port 1 will be on one of the ten logical channels numbered 0-9.) The second packet is another "CQ" from WX1AAA. Again, there is a "p1" in front of it so we know it was also received on Radio Port 1. The third packet is an Information-Frame, or simply an "I-Frame" that was monitored on Radio Port 2. We know this was received on Radio Port 2 because of the "p2" shown before the packet.
PAGE 75
4.8.3.2 Switching Between Radio Ports The ten logical channels on Radio Port 1 are labeled 0-9. The 26 logical channels on Radio Port 2 are labeled A-Z. To select Radio Port 1, press the CHSWITCH character you just defined, followed by a number from 0-9. To select Radio Port 2, press the CHSWITCH character, followed by a letter from A-Z. After you change Radio Ports or logical channels, the text you type in the CONVERSE mode will be sent to the port and channel selected.
PAGE 76
|AYes, I was planning to go Saturday. What time do you want to leave? { You switch to Port 2 with |A to say you want to go } A:I'll pick you up at 8:00 Bob. I'm looking forward to it. { Your friend on VHF responds to you } 0:Well, it's getting late here and time to pull the plug Bob. { Jim on HF tells you he has shut down for the night } Sounds good, I'll see you on Saturday morning. { You last sent data on Port 2 and do not need to send |A } |0Take care Jim, and 73.
PAGE 77
was the "A:*** CONNECTED" message from Port 2. Now you want to let WX7EEE on VHF know that you are there, but that you are involved in another QSO on HF. This way he will understand that it may take you a little longer to respond to his packets. Before you can send data to Radio Port 2, you must switch to this Port with "|A" or the text you type will be sent to Radio Port 1. You receive another packet from Jim on HF giving you a signal report and describing his antenna.
PAGE 78
cmd:CSTATUS S Ch. A - IO DISCONNECTED This reminds you that Channel A is your current I/O channel. Any text that you type in the Converse mode will be sent to channel A on Radio Port 2. If you had been connected to any other packet stations, the callsign and channel would have also shown in the display. Sometimes you might not want to be bothered with anything from the Radio Port you are not using. For these times either Radio Port may be turned OFF with the RADIO command.
PAGE 79
When another station digipeats via the callsign in MYGATE, your PK-900 will Gateway between Radio Port 1 and Radio Port 2. If you provide this feature to users in your area, you may want to BEACON a message on both ports informing users that your gateway is available. At this time however, unattended operation below 30 MHz is not legal for US amateurs unless they hold a Special Temporary Authorization (STA) from the FCC.
PAGE 80
4.9.9 Morse ID in Packet In most countries, packet is an accepted mode of identification so this command should be left OFF. In some countries, however, a Morse ID is required when packet is used and so the MID command should be enabled. 4.9.10 Sharing Packet Channels with Voice Operation Although it is seldom needed, the PK-900 does have an input for SQUELCH information from a transceiver on the RADIO connectors.
PAGE 81
fewer garbled acks and therefore fewer unnecessary retries. An ack (RR, RNR or REJ frame) in standard AX.25 consists of 19 consecutive bytes that must be copied with no hits; Packet Lite reduces the length to 9 bytes, or 47% of the standard ack length. A couple of restrictions are necessary to accomplish this. First, Packet Lite works only between two stations connected directly, with no digipeating allowed.
PAGE 82
In this case, the non-Lite station notices the non-standard bytes following the control byte and issues a FRMR (Frame Reject) to signify that a protocol violation has taken place. The PK-900 receives the FRMR and automatically reverts to standard AX.25, sending the connect retries without the Lite PID and address bytes. 3. WA1ABC>WB2XYZ [C,P] 01 3E 38 58 32 ...
PAGE 83
combination of 26 bits, to avoid conflicting with another Lite QSO. In either case, the sender of the original SABM must accept the 26 bits in the UA frame, reversing the address order for its own transmissions. Transmission of data: 7C F0 B0 65 3E38 shifted 5832 shifted short dest. short source 10 [I,P;0,0] CTRL F0 PID Test text WA1ABC sends data to WB2XYZ in Packet Lite format. The address field consists of the short address from WB2XYZ's UA frame, reversed and left-shifted.
PAGE 84
A B C D E F G 0 x H I J K L M 0 N O P Q R S T 0 y U V W X Y Z 1 The least significant bit of each byte is used to show whether or not the byte is the final byte in the address field, as in standard AX.25. The bits "x" and "y" (lower case) have the function of command and response, similar to the function of the standard AX.25 version 2.0 SSID byte C bits (see AX.25 Protocol version 2.0, section 2.4.1.2).
PAGE 85
FRICK timer can be set from 0 (disabled) to 250 which corresponds to a time of up to 2.5 Seconds. See the Command Summary for a complete description of the FRICK timer. The following settings are recommended for this method of Meteor Scatter work. Both packet stations should use these same settings.
PAGE 86
This page is used to make the number of pages in this chapter an even number.
PAGE 87
CHAPTER 5 MAILDROP OPERATION 5.1 Overview of MailDrop Operation The PK-900's MailDrop is a personal mailbox that uses a subset of the well-known W0RLI/WA7MBL packet BBS commands allowing messages to be automatically sent and received. The MailDrop operates in Packet, AMTOR and PACTOR modes and may be accessed from both Radio Ports, although not simultaneously. This allows message traffic to move from Packet to AMTOR or PACTOR and vice versa.
PAGE 88
5.2 Local Logon If you are using PC PACKRATT or some other host mode program, follow the instructions for the program. If you are using a terminal or terminal program the following sections apply. Type MDCHECK to verify that you have local control of the MailDrop. You must not be connected or linked to any other stations to be able to do this.
PAGE 89
any text with a maximum length of 80 bytes. The default prompt is: "Subject:/Enter message, ^Z (CTRL-Z) or /EX to end" You may wish to enter a CTEXT message announcing the presence of a mailbox and the call sign (MYMAIL) used to access your MailDrop. 5.3 SYSOP MailDrop Commands While you have logged on to your MailDrop from your local keyboard with the MDCHECK command, the commands available to you are: B, E, K, L, R, S. These are the "standard" BBS commands available to the MailDrop SYSOP.
PAGE 90
5.4.2 B (BYE) The "B" command (Host abbreviation B1) logs the calling station (and you) off the MailDrop. A calling station will be disconnected; you will see the standard PK-900 "cmd:" prompt. The calling station may also simply disconnect. 5.4.3 E (EDIT #) (SYSOP only command) The Edit command (Host abbreviation E1) is a powerful tool for controlling the status of messages on your MailDrop. The SYSOP must access the MailDrop before typing this command.
PAGE 91
LM : List messages to you R n: Read message number n RM : Read all your unread messages S(end) S : Send a message to SYSOP S n: Send a message to station n V(ersion) Display TNC firmware version ? Same as H(elp) R(ead) 5.4.5 J (JLOG) (Remote only command) The "J" command sent by the distant station will cause your MailDrop to send the PK-900's MHEARD List to the station. This command is not available to you the SYSOP since you can simply enter MHEARD at the PK-900 command prompt. 5.4.
PAGE 92
If 3RDPARTY is ON, then the calling station can leave a message for a station other than the SYSOP. If the station attempts to leave third party traffic with 3RDPARTY OFF, then the calling station will see: *** No 3rd party traffic. [AEA PK-900] 17396 free (A,B,H,J,K,L,R,S,V,?) > If all 17K of the RAM is used, the MailDrop displays the message "*** No free memory".
PAGE 93
For example, your MailDrop accepts the following additional information in a Send command: S N7ML @ K6RFK < N6IA The above means you want to send a message to N7ML who uses the K6RFK Bulletin-Board and the message is from N6IA. The PK-900 MailDrop accepts hierarchical forwarding information that is helpful in reverse forwarding to full service BBS stations. An example of this is shown below: SP N7ML @ K6RFK.WA.
PAGE 94
5.5.1 Connect and Logon From the cmd: prompt, type the usual connect request: cmd:c wx2bbb *** CONNECTED to WX2BBB You have mail [AEA PK-900] 5.5.2 16508 free {Connect request} {PK-900 status line} {informs the user mail is waiting} (A,B,H,J,K,L,R,S,V,?) > {MailDrop's prompt} LIST Messages You're logged on and have gotten the MailDrop's prompt: [AEA PK-900] 16508 free (A,B,H,J,K,L,R,S,V,?) > {MailDrop's prompt} Now, type "L" to LIST all the messages in the MailDrop.
PAGE 95
Now, type "K #" to KILL one specific message in the MailDrop. K 6 *** Done. [AEA PK-900] 5.5.5 16704 free {The KILL 6 command} {MailDrop confirms} (A,B,H,J,K,L,R,S,V,?) > {MailDrop's prompt} SEND Messages You've killed the message and wish to SEND a reply to the MailDrop's operator, WX2BBB. Again you see the MailDrop's prompt. Remember the number after the right bracket "]" shows you how much memory space is available in the MailDrop.
PAGE 96
5.6 Sample MailDrop Session - MailDrop SYSOP's Point of View Here is a transcription of the entire session described in the previous section, exactly as it would appear to the MailDrop's operator (SYSOP). We're assuming that the MDMON command is set to ON. When MDMON is ON, you have the ability to supervise the activities of any station logged on to your MailDrop and - if needed - take any corrective action.
PAGE 97
5.6.1 Message Numbers Any message that is sent to the PK-900 MailDrop by a remote user or you, the SYSOP, is given a message number. Message numbers start at 1 and over time work their way up to 999 and then wrap back around to 1 again. Sometime it is desirable to reset the message counter. This can be done with the LASTMSG command which is described in the Command summary. 5.
PAGE 98
5.7.2 Entering a Message for Reverse Forwarding To prepare a message for Reverse Forwarding to another station: - Type MDCHECK to access your MailDrop from your terminal. - Using the Send command, type the message you want forwarded. Use the "@" field to set the destination BBS where the addressee will pick up his mail. For example if you want to send a message to N6UND who you know uses the BBS N6IIU enter the following: S N6UND @ N6IIU.CA.
PAGE 99
CHAPTER 6 BAUDOT AND ASCII RTTY OPERATION 6.1 Overview Baudot (pronounced Baw-dough) has been in use for many years. The five bit Baudot/Murray code was the basis of the Western Union Telex service and Baudot RTTY (Radio TeleTYpe) is still widely used on the HF amateur bands. The Baudot character set contains the upper-case letters, the numbers 0-9 and some common punctuation characters. Because Baudot has only five bits, it is less prone to errors than seven bit ASCII.
PAGE 100
The following parameters are the most common settings for HF Baudot operation. Check the parameters and make sure they are set as follows: RBAUD RXREV TXREV MODEM Note: 6.2.2 45 (this is the most common amateur speed on HF) OFF OFF 1 The command, QRtty, will automatically select a modem when you enter the Baudot or ASCII mode. HF Receiver Settings Set your HF receiver (or transceiver) to Lower Sideband (LSB) unless you connected your PK-900 through the direct FSK keying lines.
PAGE 101
If the tuning indicator looks like the one below, the frequency from your speaker is too low for the PK-900 to copy the signal. Slowly tune the VFO and make the frequency higher.
PAGE 102
NOTE: 6.3 If the text you are receiving is garbled, you may be tuned to a transmission at a different baud rate. Either try tuning in a different station, or see Chapter 10 on SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION to let the PK-900 determine the kind of station you are listening to. Transmitter Adjustments Make sure your PK-900 is adjusted for your SSB transmitter as described in section 3.5 and 3.5.2 of this manual before transmitting. These are very critical adjustments.
PAGE 103
by "calling CQ" or by answering a "CQ" call by another station. 6.4.1 Calling CQ To call CQ first you must tell your PK-900 to start transmitting. o Type "X" to key your transmitter and start the PK-900 sending. o Type in your CQ message (use YOUR callsign) such as the one below: CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ 6.4.
PAGE 104
signals with the SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION (SIAM) mode. However, you can manually step through all the available RTTY receiving speeds with the RBAUD command. The following "Function Keys" and immediate commands are included for Baudot RTTY operating convenience. Immediate Commands from the Command Mode: "L" "N" "R" "X" Forces LETTERS case in receive. Forces FIGURES case in receive. Switches system to receive mode, forces LETTERS case.
PAGE 105
6.5.3 Sending a Synchronous Idle or DIDDLE Some RTTY users like to send an idle signal when no data is being transmitted. To allow for this the PK-900 has the DIDDLE command. See the Command Summary for more information. 6.5.4 Echoing Transmitted Characters As Sent (EAS) Since Baudot RTTY at 45 baud is rather slow, some users like to know when the characters are actually being sent. The EAS command when ON echoes characters to the display only when they are sent over the air. 6.5.
PAGE 106
6.5.9 Operating at Commercial or VHF Wide RTTY Shifts Most commercial stations found in the non amateur Short Wave bands operate with a wide Frequency Shift keying of either 425 or 850 Hz shift. To allow these stations to be received other modems are available in the PK-900 and can be selected with the MODEM command.
PAGE 107
If you are using a terminal, simply type "ASCII" or "AS" from the Command Mode followed by the key to enter the ASCII mode. The PK-900 responds by displaying the previous mode: Opmode Opmode was BAudot now AScii Your PK-900's front panel LCD Status display will show that you are in the ASCII mode on Radio Port 1 and the COMMAND LCD will be on. The following parameters are the most common settings for HF ASCII operation.
PAGE 108
ABaud ABaud was 110 now 150 The ABAUD command sets the ASCII RTTY speed. The most common speed is 110 bauds on HF, but other speeds including commercial speeds are supported. See the Command Summary for all the supported speeds. 6.6.4 Operating at Commercial or VHF Wide ASCII RTTY Shifts Most commercial stations found in the non amateur Short Wave bands operate with a wide Frequency Shift keying of either 425 or 850 Hz shift.
PAGE 109
The Radio Port 2 modems are: MODEM 1 MODEM 2 MODEM 3 MODEM 4 MODEM 5 MODEM 6 MODEM 7 MODEM 8 MODEM 9 MODEM 10 6.7.
PAGE 110
the modem number set in the QRTTY command. You may wish to change the number in QRTTY to the modem number you prefer to use in Baudot RTTY. 6.7.2 Displaying Received Data The Radio command may be used to disable port 2. This may be desirable when operating RTTY and you do not want to be disturbed with any packet signals that may be received on radio port 2.
PAGE 111
THANKS BOB, YOU'RE ALSO A SOLID S7 HERE AS WELL. { The other station responds with a signal report } A:*** CONNECTED to WX7EEE { WX7EEE connects to you on VHF (Radio Port 2) } cmd:x Thanks for the signal report Jim only running 100 watts here. cmd: { You make another transmission to Jim on HF RTTY } Hey Bob, I'm going to the hamfest this weekend if you want a ride.
PAGE 112
Now you want to let WX7EEE on VHF know that you are there, but that you are involved in another QSO on HF. This way he will understand that it may take you a little longer to respond to his packets. Before you can send data to Radio Port 2, you must enter Converse Mode with the "k" command and then switch to this Port with "|A" or the text you type will be sent to Radio Port 1 on RTTY the next time you enter the transmit command "x".
PAGE 113
When a PK-900 Radio Port is disabled, the front panel LCD indicators for that port will be extinguished as a reminder.
PAGE 114
The rest of this page is blank.
PAGE 115
CHAPTER 7 AMTOR AND NAVTEX OPERATION 7.1 Overview The PK-900 provides AMTOR (AMateur Teletype Over Radio) operation on Radio Port 1 in accordance with FCC Part 97.69 and CCIR Recommendations 476 and 625 for Mode A (ARQ) and Mode B (FEC). AMTOR is an adaptation of the SITOR (ShIp Teletype Over Radio) system used in high-seas telex, which provides error detection and correction. AMTOR has two basic modes of operation, Mode A (ARQ - Automatic ReQuest for Reception) and Mode B (FEC - Forward Error Correction).
PAGE 116
The PK-900 will tell you, MYSelcal now NNML See the MYSELCAL command in the Command Summary if you are interested in more information on the translation process. Because the same call sign sequences are assigned in ten US districts, it is possible that your SELCALL could be used by another station. If you think a station in another call district is also active on AMTOR and is using the same SELCALL, see the MYSELCAL command for information on how to change your Selcall. 7.2.
PAGE 117
In this case, you should select the FSK or RTTY operating mode. Adjust the volume to a comfortable listening level. 7.2.6 Tuning in AMTOR Stations Tuning in AMTOR stations properly is critical to successful operation. Since HF AMTOR stations use either 170 Hz or 200 Hz Frequency Shift Keying to send data, tuning accuracy is very important. The BARgraph command will select the type of tuning display. (See the display type below). Follow the procedure below for the best results.
PAGE 118
If the tuning indicator looks like the one below, the frequency from your speaker is too low for the PK-900 to copy the signal. Slowly tune the VFO and make the frequency higher.
PAGE 119
7.3 Transmitter Adjustments Make sure your PK-900 is adjusted for your SSB transmitter as described in section 3.5 and 3.5.2 of this manual before transmitting. These are very critical adjustments. If your PK-900's AFSK level and transmitter microphone gain are not adjusted properly, other stations will not be able to copy your signals. Always check your plate current, collector current or power output of your rig before transmitting. 7.3.
PAGE 120
7.3.3 Answering an FEC AMTOR CQ Normally when you see a station calling CQ in FEC AMTOR, you will want to answer him using ARQ AMTOR. Remember that ARQ AMTOR is the protocol that reduces the chance of transmission errors. Let's assume you hear NNML calling CQ. To answer, do the following: o If you are using an AEA PAKRATT program, check the program manual for instructions on starting an ARQ AMTOR contact.
PAGE 121
o Type to break the link and send your Morse ID. Your PK-900 sends your call sign in Morse code, and then shuts off your transmitter. o Type to return to Command Mode, then type "R" to break the link. The "R" command breaks the ARQ link immediately and returns your system to AMTOR Standby. This can be used as an "Emergency Shutdown" if you need to take your transmitter off the air, but it does not shut down the other station and should not be used. 7.3.
PAGE 122
After typing FEC, your PK-900 displays the system status: MODE: RADIO 1: AMTOR FEC IDLE TX on As you send your traffic the Status will change back and forth from IDLE to TFC. Whenever you stop typing, the IDLE status is displayed. 7.4 AMTOR Operating Tips The following "Special Function Characters" and immediate commands are included for AMTOR operating convenience.
PAGE 123
send the AAB message when another station requests your identity, and then stop sending. 7.4.3 Operating AMTOR with Other Modem frequencies and Shifts All Amateur (AMTOR) and commercial (SITOR) stations that we know of use either 170 or 200 Hz shift FSK modems. Modem 2 (default) is therefore the best choice for ARQ or FEC AMTOR use. The PK-900 allows other modems to be used in AMTOR should the need arise. The following other modems may be selected with the MODEM command.
PAGE 124
7.4.7 Operating on the Wrong Sideband In AMTOR operation it is important to be operating on the correct sideband, otherwise other stations will not be able to copy you. If you find a station operating on the wrong sideband, you can reverse your receive sense with the RXREV command. Similarly, if someone tells you that you are on the wrong sideband, you can correct your transmit signal sense with the TXREV command. See the Command summary for more information on these commands. 7.
PAGE 125
have control of their HF transmitters when any automatic device such as the PK-900 MailDrop is in operation. With this in mind, we have designed the AMTOR MailDrop so that it can be disabled and then re-enabled at any time during an ARQ link simply by turning the command TMAIL (TOR MAIL) OFF. This allows you the SYSOP to make your MailDrop available to other stations and still break in to chat with remote stations at any time.
PAGE 126
The first way is automatic: Your MailDrop will send "STAND BY" and then the WRU request to the remote user. Always be sure you have entered a proper Auto-Answerback (AAB) message consisting of "QRA YOURCALL YOUR_MYSELCAL YOUR_MYIDENT" as described earlier in this chapter. The second way covers beginning AMTOR users: AMTOR users who have not entered a proper Auto-AnswerBack response or for some reason have the WRU feature disabled cannot be automatically identified by your MailDrop.
PAGE 127
7.6.6 Monitor MailDrop Operation The local user (SYSOP) can monitor the dialog by setting MDMON ON. The PK-900 stays in command mode during remote MailDrop access. 7.6.7 SYSOP MailDrop Commands The MailDrop commands that you the SYSOP have access to are the same as those described in Chapter 5 of the manual on MailDrop Operation. 7.6.8 Remote User MailDrop Commands When a remote user has logged onto your MailDrop the following commands are available to the distant station: A, B, H, J, K, L, R, S, V, ?.
PAGE 128
7.6.8.6 L (LIST [Mine]) The "L" command shows the remote user only a list of the messages he or she may read as described in Chapter 5. 7.6.8.7 R n (READ n [Mine]) The "R n" command lets the remote user read any of the message numbers displayed in the LIST command. The command operates as described in Chapter 5 except that the column headers are not displayed. 7.6.8.
PAGE 129
command to select either or both modems, for example, MOD 1/4. Radio Port 2, the command would be MOD /4 to select modem 4. For The Radio Port two modems are: MODEM 1 MODEM 2 MODEM 3 MODEM 4 MODEM 5 MODEM 6 MODEM 7 MODEM 8 MODEM 9 MODEM 10 7.7.
PAGE 130
7.7.2 Displaying Received Data The Radio command may be used to disable port 2. This may be desirable when operating RTTY and you do not want to be disturbed with any packet signals that may be received on radio port 2.
PAGE 131
Hey Bob, I'm going to the hamfest this weekend if you want a ride. { Your friend on VHF packet wants to go to the hamfest } |AHello Mike, I am on HF AMTOR talking to a station in Boston. { You switch to Port 2 by typing |A to answer on VHF } 0:WELL BOB, I HAD BETTER BE GOING TO BED. WORK STARTS PRETTY EARLY 73.+? { Jim on HF AMTOR signs off with you } |073 Jim, it was nice meting you.
PAGE 132
ending with his callsign followed by your callsign. This time when you are through typing your text, you send a to the PK-900 which breaks the ARQ link and returns Radio Port 1 to AMTOR Standby after the text has been sent. 7.7.4 More Thoughts on Port Switching One problem of having more than one Radio Port is remembering which port you are currently using.
PAGE 133
7.7.5.1 Packet MailDrop Command Settings First set up the packet side of the MailDrop (on Radio Port 2) by setting MYCALL and MYMAIL. You may also want to enter a custom MTEXT to let others know about the AMTOR feature. Be sure to set 3RDPARTY, MDMON, MDPROMPT, and MMSG, as desired. If you will be reverse forwarding to a full-service BBS, you must set HOMEBBS to the callsign of that BBS. Do not forget to turn MAILDROP ON.
PAGE 134
If the changeover from transmit to receive is too long, the minimum working distance is extended; the signal to the distant station will arrive before the station has switched back to receive. However, if the transmitting station is further away, the transmission time over the propagation path will delay the arrival of the signal until after the station has switched to receive. For this reason, you may be able to "Link with" stations across the country, but not across town.
PAGE 135
7.9 NAVTEX Operation NAVTEX is an international system which stands for NAVIGATIONAL TELEX. It is a direct printing service designed to distribute navigational and meteorological warnings and other urgent information to ships. To enter the NAVTEX mode, simply type "NAVTEX" at the command prompt. The ARRL has also adopted this format for transmitting bulletins. In amateur radio this same format is starting to be referred to as AMTEX. AMTEX transmissions can be found on ARRL bulletin frequencies.
PAGE 136
The rest of this page is blank.
PAGE 137
CHAPTER 8 MORSE OPERATION 8.1 Overview The PK-900 will both send and receive International Morse Code. The computer based Morse operator can use the PK-900 to send "perfect" code at much higher speeds than are typical of hand sent code. As a rule, no machine can receive Morse as well as the FSK modes. Your PK-900 is no exception. A strong signal and a good "fist" are both required for the PK-900 to do a reasonable job of copying Morse code.
PAGE 138
o When you find a station, slowly vary the VFO on your receiver and look for a display on the PK-900 tuning indicator as shown below when the station is "keyed down". —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— | | —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— When the station is not "keyed down" or there is no station on frequency, the tuning indicator should look like the one below.
PAGE 139
When you are finished transmitting, use one of the following methods to return to receive. o Type to shut off your transmitter and return to the Command Mode. o Type to return to the Command Mode and then type "R" to shut down your transmitter and end the contact. See the following sections for some Morse operating hints. 8.3.1 A Typical Morse Contact As with most amateur operating modes, you can start a contact either by "calling CQ" or by answering a "CQ" call by another station.
PAGE 140
8.4.1 The PK-900 Morse Modem The PK-900 uses a special modem (MODEM 12) for Morse (CW) operation. This modem has a center frequency of 750 Hz. A 750 Hz tone is also generated when Morse is transmitted and may be fed to a voice grade transmitter for Tone modulated CW operation. This is not the way most HF transceivers should be used, but VHF FM transceivers can use this for transmitting code practice sessions. 8.4.2 Speed Change (MSPEED) Use the MSPEED command to change Morse keying speed.
PAGE 141
8.5 Special Morse Characters The PK-900's Morse program contains special keystrokes which use to make transmission easier, faster and more enjoyable. frequently used Morse "prosigns" are coded into the keyboard that have no direct representation in standard Morse. These "reserved" keys are listed below: Morse ...-..-... .-.-. -.--. -...-.-....-. .-.---. ..-.--...-.. 8.
PAGE 142
The rest of this page is blank.
PAGE 143
CHAPTER 9 FACSIMILE AND SSTV OPERATION 9.1 Overview While facsimile and SSTV are not digital modes, the personal computer coupled with a high resolution monitor makes an excellent display for these images. The PK-900 contains modems that can receive FM facsimile signals as well amateur Slow Scan Television (SSTV). The PK-900 filters and digitizes the received audio signal for processing by software running on your personal computer.
PAGE 144
9.1.2 Slow Scan Television Amateur Slow Scan Television (SSTV) originated in 1953 and is presently found primarily in the 20 meter amateur band. Over the years SSTV has evolved a great deal and many different formats now exist for both black & white as well as color image transmission. SSTV uses a Frequency Modulation scheme similar to FM facsimile where the video information is usually transmitted by an audio tone between 1,500 Hz and 2,300 Hz.
PAGE 145
9.2.1 Finding SSTV Frequencies In the US, SSTV is presently most popular on the 20 meter HF amateur band. Most evenings an active group of SSTV enthusiasts can be found on 14.230 and 14.233 MHz. This is a good place to start looking for signals. Once you recognize the different sounds of common SSTV signals, you may find activity on other frequencies and bands especially as propagation changes. 9.
PAGE 146
9.4 Black & White FAX Operation This mode of black & white FAX operation will eventually be deleted from the PK-900 since the Analog mode has been created. Still, if you own an older AEA PAKRATT WITH FAX program, you should have the ability to display weather FAX on the screen of your PC. If you are using an AEA PAKRATT WITH FAX program, follow the program manual instructions to run the program with the PK-900. To hook-up the PK-900 for facsimile operation the radio must be connected to Radio Port 1.
PAGE 147
The PK-900 LCD bar-graph should be tuned so that the facsimile signal is roughly centered in the display as shown in Figure 1a below. If the audio frequency is too low, the bar-graph will look something like Figure 1b. If the audio frequency is too high, it will look something like Figure 1c. Facsimile tuning is not especially critical when copying WEFAX, but a properly tuned signal is needed when displaying facsimile photographs.
PAGE 148
This forces a synchronization-lock, and starts the FAX displaying regardless of what kind of signal is being monitored. Since this synchronization lock was not sent by the transmitting station, the picture will probably not be correctly positioned on the page. Rather, it will likely appear to be split in half with the left half of the picture on the right half of the page, and the right half of the picture on the left half of the page.
PAGE 149
9.6.3 Inverting Black and White (FAXNEG) You may occasionally come across a station that appears to be inverted; that is displaying black where you expect white, and leaving white where you expect black. In this case you may issue the command FAXNEG ON. The PK-900 will respond with: FAXNeg now ON What was before displaying black will now be white, and vice versa. 9.6.4 Display Density (GRAPHICS) How the graphics will look on your display depends on the setting of the GRAPHICS command.
PAGE 150
9.9 Adjusting the PK-900 4.0 MHz Oscillator Note: The following only applies to the black & white FAX mode of the PK-900 and does not apply to the Analog mode. If you ever observe the received FAX from a Commercial station does not display straight up and down the page, your 4.00 MHz oscillator inside the PK-900 has probably drifted off frequency.
PAGE 151
CHAPTER 10 SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION AND TDM OPERATION 10.1 Overview As you tune across the High-Frequency bands these days you find an ever increasing number of digital signals. These signals range from the simple Murray Baudot code to ASCII and even packetized data. With the large number of speeds, formats and shifts now in use, it is difficult to determine what kind of signal you are listening to.
PAGE 152
10.2.1 Tuning in FSK Narrow and Wide Stations Tuning in the Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signal properly is critical to successful SIAM operation. SIAM can only decode a signal properly if it is tuned correctly. Follow the tuning procedure below carefully for the best results in tuning HF FSK stations. o Set the default Signal Identification modem (QSIGNAL) to the number you wish to use. o Make certain your HF receiver is either in LSB or FSK depending on your PK-900 setup.
PAGE 153
If the tuning indicator looks like the one below, the frequency from your speaker is too low for the PK-900 to copy the signal. Slowly tune the VFO and make the frequency higher.
PAGE 154
10.3 Using the SIAM Mode After tuning in a signal as described above, make sure the THRESHOLD is adjusted so the DCD LCD is lit. Then after about 10 seconds the PK-900 should respond with a baud rate indication and confidence factor similar to the one shown below. 0.
PAGE 155
10.3.2 The CODE command for International RTTY Compatibility The CODE command allows the PK-900 to receive (and sometimes send) other RTTY character sets. Look up the CODE command in the Command Summary Appendix for information on some of the other character sets you may encounter on the HF bands. 10.4 TDM Receive Operation The SIAM mode described above will recognize and decode TDM signals for receive only. The TDM receive mode can be entered directly simply by typing TDM at the PK-900 command prompt.
PAGE 156
10.4.3 Where to Find TDM Signals We have heard TDM signals on the following frequencies which should be used as a starting point when looking for TDM signals. 9.125.9 14.956.7 LSB USB 11.246.5 18.983.6 USB USB 12.061.7 19.101.9 USB LSB The above signals were using several different shifts. 1/93 10-6 14.623.3 19.647.
PAGE 157
CHAPTER 11 PACTOR OPERATION 11.1 Overview PACTOR is a relatively new amateur data communications mode. It was developed in Germany by Hans-Peter Helfert, DL6MAA and Ulrich Strate, DF4KV. PACTOR combines some of the best features of both AMTOR and packet as well as providing a few new features. PACTOR operates at 100 bps or 200 bps depending on radio conditions.
PAGE 158
11.3 PK-900 PACTOR Parameter Settings PACTOR is a bit more complex than Baudot or ASCII operation. PACTOR operation requires you to have MYPTCALL or MYCALL entered before you can operate. If you do not enter MYPTCALL, the call in MYCALL will be used as the default callsign. PACTOR stations can't use the SubStation IDentification number (SSID) in MYCALL. 11.3.
PAGE 159
11.4 HF Receiver Settings Set your HF receiver (or transceiver) to Lower Sideband (LSB) unless you connected your PK-900 through the direct FSK keying lines. If you are using a transceiver with a RTTY or Packet mode and you have the PK-900 connected for direct FSK, keep in mind that PACTOR uses 200 Hz shift. If you radio has a 200 Hz shift FSK for packet use, you may use direct FSK.
PAGE 160
If the tuning indicator looks like the one below, the frequency from your speaker is too low for the PK-900 to copy the signal. Slowly tune the VFO and make the frequency higher.
PAGE 161
11.6 Operating on PACTOR Make sure your PK-900 is adjusted for your SSB transmitter as described in section 3.5 and 3.5.2 of this manual before transmitting. These are very critical adjustments. If your PK-900's AFSK level and transmitter microphone gain are not adjusted properly, other stations will not be able to copy your signals. Check your plate or collector current or the power output of your rig before transmitting. 11.6.
PAGE 162
o 11.6.3 Wait a bit to see if you get a response. Your transmitter will begin to key on and off and you will see a CONNECTED message when someone calls you in ARQ PACTOR. If you do not get a response, you can repeat the above procedure or you can go look for other PACTOR stations as described in the next section. Answering an Unproto PACTOR CQ You must be in the PACTOR Listen (PTL) mode to monitor other PACTOR stations.
PAGE 163
11.6.3.1 Ending an ARQ PACTOR Contact When you've finished your "final finals" to the distant station and both stations are ready to end the PACTOR ARQ contact, you can end the contact and terminate the link in several different ways: o Type to stop sending after the transmit buffer is empty. breaks the link and returns your PK-900 to Command Mode in PACTOR Standby. This is the best way to end a PACTOR contact.
PAGE 164
11.6.5 LCD Status and Mode Indicator The front panel LCD display provides mode and status information at a glance. This is especially useful in PACTOR operation. The following describes typical status indications you will see. Type "PTCONN (CALLSIGN of distant station)." LCD: PACTOR ARQ PHASE, The status changes to: TX and CONNECT This shows that your transmitter is in the SEND condition, in the "connect" part of an ARQ connect call.
PAGE 165
11.7 PACTOR Operating Tips The following "Special Function Characters" and immediate commands are included for PACTOR operating convenience.
PAGE 166
11.7.3 Operating PACTOR with Other Modem frequencies and Shifts All PACTOR operation uses 200 Hz shift FSK modems. Modem 4 (default) is therefore the best choice for ARQ or unproto PACTOR use. The PK-900 allows other modems to be used in PACTOR should the need arise. The following other modems may be selected with the MODEM command. Radio Port 1 Modems 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 9: 10: 11: 11.7.
PAGE 167
11.7.6 Sending Only Complete Words (WORDOUT) Some PACTOR users like to have their words sent out only when they are complete. This allows the word you are currently typing to be edited as long as you have not typed a character or punctuation. Turning WORDOUT ON activates this feature. See the Command Summary for more information. 11.7.7 Operating on the "Wrong Sideband" PACTOR, like packet is mark-space polarity insensitive.
PAGE 168
11.8 Monitoring ARQ PACTOR Contacts with PTLIST Use the "PTLIST" command to monitor ARQ traffic flowing between two stations linked in a PACTOR ARQ contact. Your PK-900 will try to display the text of whichever of the two linked ARQ stations is the Information Sending Station at the moment. Monitoring two linked PACTOR ARQ stations does not provide the error correction enjoyed by the linked stations. Since your PK-900 is not part of the "handshake" you do not generate the request for repeat.
PAGE 169
11.9.2 Settings For PACTOR MailDrop Operation Before a remote PACTOR user can access your MailDrop, be certain that MYPTCALL and MYCALL (on Port 1) are set to your Amateur callsign. 11.9.3 Starting PACTOR MailDrop Operation Remote access to your PACTOR MailDrop is controlled by the command TMAIL which is short for TOR MAIL. The TMAIL command controls remote access to the PACTOR and AMTOR MailDrop in the same way that the MAILDROP command controls remote Packet access.
PAGE 170
11.9.6 Monitor MailDrop Operation The local user (SYSOP) can monitor the dialog by setting MDMON ON. The PK-900 stays in command mode during remote MailDrop access. 11.9.7 SYSOP MailDrop Commands The MailDrop commands that you the SYSOP have access to are the same as those described in Chapter 5 of the manual on MailDrop Operation. 11.9.
PAGE 171
11.9.8.6 L (LIST [Mine]) The "L" command shows the remote user only a list of the messages he or she may read as described in Chapter 5. The "LM" command lists only those messages addressed to the user. 11.9.8.7 R n (READ n [Mine]) The "R n" command lets the remote user read any of the message numbers displayed in the LIST command. The command operates as described in Chapter 5 except that the column headers are not displayed.
PAGE 172
Always make sure that the port 2 packet baud for the modem you have chosen. For instance packet on radio port 2, the packet baud rate bauds. Type HBAUD /1200 to select 1200 baud 11.10.1 Selecting rate HBAUD is appropriate to operate 1200 baud VHF (HBAUD) must be 1200 on radio port 2. Modems The various modems available in the PK-900 can be seen with the DIRECT(ory) command. To display all the available modems simply enter the Command Mode of the PK-900 and then type DIR as shown.
PAGE 173
The PK-900 sorts and displays received data from each Radio Port using the same technique as multi-connect packet operation described in Chapter 4. That is, when operating on one port and the other port becomes active, the displayed data from the inactive port is shown prefaced by the "channel designator" followed by a colon (:). Recall that Radio Port 1 is designated by "logical" channels from 0-9 and that Port 2 is designated by "logical" channels A-Z. 11.10.
PAGE 174
As you may have noticed, communicating with different modes on the two Radio Ports at the same time is almost identical to the method used in chapter 4 for Packet and Packet operation. Let's discuss the sample QSOs above to see how the Port switching occurs. The first text we see in the sample above is the signal report you are sending to Jim, the HF PACTOR station you are communicating with.
PAGE 175
11.10.4 More Thoughts on Port Switching One problem of having more than one Radio Port is remembering which port you are currently using. In the dual port sample QSOs above, this was not a problem, but after it has been hours or days since you have used your PK-900, you may forget which port you last used. With AEA Pakratt Software programs, the on-screen status will always show which port you are using so this is not a problem.
PAGE 176
11.10.5.1 Packet MailDrop Command Settings First set up the packet side of the MailDrop (on Radio Port 2) by setting MYCALL and MYMAIL. You may also want to enter a custom MTEXT to let others know about the PACTOR feature. Be sure to set 3RDPARTY, MDMON, MDPROMPT and MMSG as desired. If you will be reverse forwarding to a full-service BBS, you must set HOMEBBS to the callsign of that BBS. Do not forget to turn MAILDROP ON.
PAGE 177
11.11 PACTOR Switching-Time Considerations For operation in PACTOR ARQ, your transceiver or transmitterreceiver combination must be able to change between transmit and receive within 100 milliseconds. Most modern solid state radios can easily meet this specification. Many older tube-type radios that use electromechanical relays also operate very well in PACTOR ARQ.
PAGE 178
The rest of this page is blank.
PAGE 179
APPENDIX A COMMAND SUMMARY A.1 Introduction Your PK-900 is controlled by Commands that you enter from the keyboard. Most of these commands have a standard (default) value that provides good performance. There are however a few commands that you will need to change. This section is intended as a command and error message reference and is not meant to be read from start to finish. A.1.
PAGE 180
A.2.2 Default Values Almost all commands have initial or default values that are loaded when the PK-900 is first turned on. The PK-900 assumes these default values to be best suited for the "average" amateur station operation. There is no rule that says "you must keep the defaults". You can (and should) change the default values as required for your individual operating needs, type of equipment, or local customs. A.2.
PAGE 181
A.3.3 Text or String Parameters A text parameter such as the CTEXT message (your Connect-TEXT message) can hold most any ASCII character including UPPER and lower case letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation. Some commands such as CONNECT require call signs as parameters. These parameters are usually call signs, but may be any string of numbers and at least one letter up to six characters in length.
PAGE 182
A.4 Controller Messages From time to time, the PK-900 will generate messages informing you of its status. Error messages will also be generated if the PK-900 did not understand a command you have entered. This section describes the PK-900's messages and the circumstances which cause them. A.4.1 General Status Messages Sign-On Message AEA PK-900 Data Controller Copyright (C) 1986 - 1992 by Advanced Electronic Applications, Inc.
PAGE 183
A.4.2 General Error Messages An error message is displayed if the PK-900 does not understand what you typed, or needs more information. If you see an Error message, look up the Command to make sure you are entering it properly. ?What? Your first entry is not a command or a command abbreviation - your PK-900 did not understand your instructions! ?bad You typed a command name correctly, but the remainder of the command line was not understood.
PAGE 184
Serial port configuration will change on next RESTART This message means you have changed the terminal baud rate TBAUD, word-length AWLEN or the PARITY. When you type the RESTART command, the new baud rate will take affect. ?need MYSelcal or ?need MYIdent This message will appear if you try to communicate with another AMTOR station before you have entered a valid SELCALL (MYSELCAL) or MYIDENT. ?not enough memory available This message appears if you try to change to FAX when the MailDrop is too full. A.4.
PAGE 185
too many packets outstanding The message appears if you've typed enough data to fill the outgoing buffer in either Converse or Transparent Mode. You cannot re-enter Converse or Transparent until some of the packets have been sent. WARNING: Beacon too often This Warning message appears if you have set the BEACON interval timer to less than 90 (15 minutes) which is too often for busy channels.
PAGE 186
*** busy *** DISCONNECTED: station. Your connect request was rejected by a busy signal from another FRMR sent: xx xx xx or FRMR rcvd: xx xx xx Your PK-900 is connected but a protocol error has occurred. Your PK-900 is trying to re-synchronize frame numbers with the distant station's packet system. The string xx xx xx is replaced with the hex codes for the three bytes sent in the FRMR frame. A.4.
PAGE 187
________________________________________________________________________________ 3Rdparty ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet/AMTOR/PACTOR MailDrop Host: 3R _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The MailDrop will handle third party traffic. OFF The MailDrop will only handle mail to or from MYCALL or MYMAIL.
PAGE 188
________________________________________________________________________________ 8Bitconv ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet, PACTOR, ASCII Host: 8B _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The high-order bit IS NOT stripped in Converse Mode. OFF The high-order bit IS stripped in Converse Mode. ________________________________________________________________________________ 8BITCONV permits packet and ASCII transmission of 8-bit data in Converse Mode.
PAGE 189
________________________________________________________________________________ ACKprior ON|OFF/ON|OFF Default: OFF/OFF Mode: Packet Host: AN _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Priority Acknowledgment is enabled. OFF This feature is disabled. ________________________________________________________________________________ This command implements the Priority Acknowledge scheme on each radio port.
PAGE 190
________________________________________________________________________________ ACRDisp "n" Default: 0 Mode: ALL Host: AA _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 255 specifies the screen width, in columns or characters. 0 (zero) disables this function. ________________________________________________________________________________ The numerical value "n" sets the terminal output format for your needs.
PAGE 191
________________________________________________________________________________ ADDress "n" Default: $0000 Mode: ALL Host: AE _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" Zero to 65,535 ($0 to $FFFF) setting an Address in the PK-900 memory. ________________________________________________________________________________ The ADDRESS sets an address somewhere in the PK-900's memory map. This command is usually used with the IO, MEMORY and the PK commands.
PAGE 192
________________________________________________________________________________ AFilter ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: ALL Host: AZ _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON - The ASCII characters specified in the MFILTER are filtered out and never sent to the terminal or computer. OFF Characters in MFILTER list are only filtered from monitored packets.
PAGE 193
________________________________________________________________________________ ALFPack ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet Host: AP _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON A character IS added after each sent in outgoing packets. OFF A is NOT added to outgoing packets (default).
PAGE 194
________________________________________________________________________________ ALTModem "n" Default 0 Mode: Command Host Am ________________________________________________________________________________ "n" - 0 - 2. 0 selects the normal port 2 modems, 1 selects the internal option, (modem 9) and 2 selects the modem disconnect header. ________________________________________________________________________________ ALTModem is a command that has is used in the PK-232 to select an internal modem.
PAGE 195
________________________________________________________________________________ ANalog Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: An ________________________________________________________________________________ ANALOG is an immediate command that switches Radio Port 1 of your PK-900 into the ANALOG mode. The Analog mode passes data for communication modes that require "gray scales" such as FAX. Your PK-900 is automatically placed in the ANALOG receive condition.
PAGE 196
________________________________________________________________________________ ARq aaaa[aaa] Immediate Command Mode: AMTOR Host: AC _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ aaaa[aaa] - The distant station's 4-character or 7-character SELCALL code. ________________________________________________________________________________ ARQ is an immediate command that starts an AMTOR Mode A (ARQ) SELCALL (SELective CALL) to a distant station.
PAGE 197
________________________________________________________________________________ ARQTmo "n" Default: 60 Mode: AMTOR, PACTOR Host: AO _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 250 specifies the number of seconds to send an ARQ SELCALL or PAConn before automatic transmitter shutdown.
PAGE 198
________________________________________________________________________________ ASPect "n" Default: 2 (576) Mode: FAX Host: AY _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 1 to 6, specifying the number of FAX scan lines the PK-900 displays out of every 6 lines received.
PAGE 199
________________________________________________________________________________ AUdelay "n/n" Default: 2/2 (20 msec.) Mode: Baudot, ASCII, FEC, FAX, PACTOR and Packet Host: AQ _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 - 120 specifies in units of 10 msec. intervals, the delay between PTT going active and the start of the transmit AFSK audio tones on each PK-900 Radio Port.
PAGE 200
________________________________________________________________________________ AWlen "n" Default: 7 Mode: All Host: AW _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 7 or 8 specifies the number of data bits per word. ________________________________________________________________________________ The parameter value defines the digital word length used by the RS-232 serial input/output (I/O) terminal port and your computer or terminal program.
PAGE 201
________________________________________________________________________________ AXDelay "n/n" Default: 0/0 (00 msec.) Mode: Packet Host: AX _________________________________ Parameters:___________________________________ "n" 0 to 180 specifies a key-up delay for voice repeater operation in ten-millisecond intervals.
PAGE 202
________________________________________________________________________________ BARgraph "n" Default: 0 Mode: Command Host: BG _________________________________Parameters______________________________________ "n" - 0 to 6, selects the type of channel 1 tuning bargraph presentation. _______________________________________________________________________________ Bargraph selects the type of Mark-Space presentation on the LCD 20 segment tuning display. 0 - Discriminator Mark-Space display.
PAGE 203
________________________________________________________________________________ Beacon EVERY|AFTER "n"/EVERY|AFTER "n" Default: EVERY 0/EVERY 0 (00 sec.) Mode: Packet Host: BE _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ EVERY - Send the beacon at regular intervals. AFTER - Send the beacon after the specified time interval without activity. "n" - 0 to 250 sets beacon timing in ten-second intervals. "0" - Zero turns off the beacon (default).
PAGE 204
________________________________________________________________________________ BKondel ON|OFF Default: ON Mode: All Host: BK _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON - The sequence is echoed when a character is deleted from the input line. OFF The character <\> is echoed when a character is deleted.
PAGE 205
________________________________________________________________________________ CALibrate Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: Not Supported ________________________________________________________________________________ CALIBRATE is an immediate command that starts the AFSK transmit tone calibration routine. The PK-900 provides a continuous on-screen display of AFSK generator tone frequencies in Hertz. The CALIBRATE command simplifies transmitter calibration of the AFSK level for each Radio Port.
PAGE 206
________________________________________________________________________________ CANPac "n" Default: $19 Mode: Packet, Command Host: CP _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to $7F (0 to 127 decimal) specifies an ASCII character code.
PAGE 207
________________________________________________________________________________ CFrom all,none,yes/no call1[,call2..] / all,none,yes/no call1[,call2..] Default: all/all Mode: Packet Host: CF _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call - all, none, YES list, NO list. List of up to 8 call signs, separated by commas.
PAGE 208
________________________________________________________________________________ CHCall ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet Host: CB _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON - Call sign of the distant station IS displayed in multiple connection or multiple port packet operation. OFF Call sign of the distant station is NOT displayed (default).
PAGE 209
________________________________________________________________________________ CHeck "n/n" Default: 30/30 (300 sec.) Mode: Packet Host: CK _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 250 specifies the check time in ten-second intervals. 0 Zero disables this feature.
PAGE 210
________________________________________________________________________________ CMdtime "n" Default: 10 (1000 msec.) Mode: All Host: CQ _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 250 specifies TRANSPARENT and HOST Mode time-out value in 100millisecond intervals. If "n" is 0 (zero), exit from TRANSPARENT Mode requires sending the BREAK signal or interruption of power to the PK-900.
PAGE 211
________________________________________________________________________________ CODe "n" Default: 0 (International) Mode: Baudot RTTY, Morse, AMTOR Host: C1 _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 5 specifies a code from the list below.
PAGE 212
CODE 1: US Teleprinter In Morse, this has no effect; the unit will use the International Morse Code and NOT the American Morse code. In Baudot and AMTOR, the US teleprinter character set shown below is used. Users of CODE 1 should be aware of the following: The US teleprinter code (CODE 1) makes the "!", "$", "'" and "#" characters available in Baudot and AMTOR. The WRU character, "=" and the "+" characters are lost when CODE is set to 1.
PAGE 213
In Baudot and AMTOR, Russian transmitters use a third register to transmit Cyrillic characters in addition to the LTRS and FIGS. They use LTRS to transmit the Roman alphabet. As LTRS and FIGS characters are used to access the first and second registers, they use the BLK or NUL character (00) to access the third register.
PAGE 214
CODE 4: Katakana Katakana is the phonetic character set used in Japan for spelling out words of foreign (to Japan) origin. The Japanese also use Katakana for Morse and some computer communication. There are about 50 Katakana characters. CODE 4 translates the Katakana Morse code into an 8-bit extended version of ASCII. The characters displayed are generally in the range from $A0 to $DF, except for numerals and punctuation.
PAGE 215
________________________________________________________________________________ COMmand "n" Default: $03 Mode: All Host: CN _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to $7F (0 to 127 decimal) specifies an ASCII character code. ________________________________________________________________________________ COMMAND COMMAND Modes. Command changes the Command Mode entry character (default ).
PAGE 216
________________________________________________________________________________ Connect call1 [VIA call2[,call3...,call9]] Immediate Command Mode: Packet and PACTOR Host: CO _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call1 - Call sign of the distant station to which you wish to be connected. call2 - Optional call sign(s) of up to eight digipeaters via which you'll be -call9 repeated to reach the distant station.
PAGE 217
________________________________________________________________________________ CONStamp ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet, PACTOR Host: CG _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Connect status messages ARE time stamped. OFF Connect status messages are NOT time stamped. ________________________________________________________________________________ CONSTAMP activates time stamping of *** CONNECTED status messages.
PAGE 218
________________________________________________________________________________ CRAdd ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Baudot RTTY Host: CR _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Send in Baudot RTTY. OFF Send in Baudot RTTY (default).
PAGE 219
________________________________________________________________________________ CText text Default: empty Mode: Packet Host: CT _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ text Any combination of characters up to a maximum of 120 characters. ________________________________________________________________________________ CTEXT is the "automatic answer" text sent when CMSG is ON. The message is sent only when another station connects to you.
PAGE 220
________________________________________________________________________________ DAytime date & time Default: none Mode: All Host: DA _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ date & time - Current DATE and TIME to set. ________________________________________________________________________________ DAYTIME sets the PK-900's internal clock current date and time. The date & time is used in many modes and should be set when the PK-900 is powered up.
PAGE 221
________________________________________________________________________________ DELete ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: All Host: DL _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The ($7F) key is used for editing your typing. OFF The ($08) key is used for editing your typing. ________________________________________________________________________________ Use the DELETE command to select the key to use for deleting while editing.
PAGE 222
________________________________________________________________________________ DIRect "n" Immediate Command Mode: Packet Host: DQ ________________________________________________________________________________ DIRECT is an immediate command that displays a directory listing of all available PK-900 Modems. When the DIRECT command is given, the modem list is displayed as shown below: The DIRECT command can also take a modem number as an argument to display only the information on that particular modem.
PAGE 223
________________________________________________________________________________ DISPlay [class] Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: Not Supported _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ class - Optional parameter identifier, one of the following: (A)sync display asynchronous port parameters (B)BS display AMTOR and Packet MailDrop parameters (C)haracter display special characters (F)ax display Facsimile parameters (I)d display ID parameters (L)ink display link par
PAGE 224
________________________________________________________________________________ DWait "n/n" Default: 16/16 (160 msec.) Mode: Packet Host: DW _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 250 specifies wait time in ten-millisecond intervals.
PAGE 225
________________________________________________________________________________ Echo ON|OFF Default: ON Mode: All Host: EC _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Characters received from the terminal ARE echoed by the PK-900. OFF Characters are NOT echoed. ________________________________________________________________________________ The ECHO command controls local echoing by the PK-900 when in Command or Converse Mode.
PAGE 226
________________________________________________________________________________ FAx Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: FA ________________________________________________________________________________ FAX is an immediate command that switches Radio Port 1 of your PK-900 into the facsimile mode. The FAX mode is available only if the maildrop (or FREE command) shows at least 3742 bytes free. You must kill MailDrop messages until the number reaches this level if you wish to operate FAX.
PAGE 227
________________________________________________________________________________ Flow ON|OFF Default: ON Mode: All Host: FL _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Type-in flow control IS active. OFF Type-in flow control is NOT active.
PAGE 228
________________________________________________________________________________ FRIck "n/n" Default: 0/0 (0 sec.) Mode: Packet Host: FF _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 250, specifying the Frame Acknowledgment timeout for Meteor Scatter work in 10 millisecond intervals. ________________________________________________________________________________ FRICK is a short version of FRACK, meant to be used in packet radio meteor scatter work.
PAGE 229
________________________________________________________________________________ FSpeed "n" Default: 2 (120) Mode: FAX Host: FS _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 4 selects the FAX horizontal scan rate from the table below: ________________________________________________________________________________ 1: 2: 3: 4: 0: 1 2 3 4 1.
PAGE 230
________________________________________________________________________________ GRaphics "n" Default: 1 (960 dots) Mode: FAX Host: GR _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 6 selects the FAX horizontal graphics dot density printed on the printer from the table below ________________________________________________________________________________ GRAPHICS determines the horizontal density of dots displayed in FAX mode.
PAGE 231
________________________________________________________________________________ HBaud "n/n" Default: 1200/1200 bauds Mode: Packet Host: HB _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - values specifying the Packet data rate in bits per second from each Radio Port of the PK-900 to the radio.
PAGE 232
________________________________________________________________________________ Help Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: Not Supported ________________________________________________________________________________ While in Command Mode, type the command "H" to read the abbreviated on-line HELP file.
PAGE 233
________________________________________________________________________________ HOMebbs call Default: (none) Mode: Packet/MailDrop Host: HM _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call - Call Sign of your HOME BBS with which you have made prior arrangements to Auto-Forward. ________________________________________________________________________________ This is the Call Sign of your local or HOME BBS that you will use for Reverse Forwarding messages.
PAGE 234
________________________________________________________________________________ HPoll ON|OFF Default: ON Mode: Host Host: HP _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The HOST Mode program must poll the PK-900 for all data (default). OFF The HOST Mode program must accept data from the PK-900 at anytime.
PAGE 235
________________________________________________________________________________ IO ["n"] Default: none Mode: All Host: IO _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - A hexadecimal value used to access the PK-900's memory and I/O locations, or read values stored at a specified ADDRESS.
PAGE 236
________________________________________________________________________________ KIss "n" Default: 0 Mode: Packet Host: KI _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - Is a HEX number from $00 (KISS disabled) through $FF that enables the KISS mode selected from the table below. ________________________________________________________________________________ The KISS mode must be entered to prepare the PK-900 for KISS operation.
PAGE 237
________________________________________________________________________________ KISSAddr "n/n" Default: 0/1 Mode: Packet Host: KA _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - Is a number from 0-15 signifying the KISS address of the TNC's radio port. ________________________________________________________________________________ Radio port addressing is available in the high nibble of the KISS command byte.
PAGE 238
________________________________________________________________________________ LIte ON|OFF/ON|OFF Default: OFF/OFF Mode: Packet Host: LI _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The PK-900 will attempt to use the HF Packet Lite extensions. OFF The PK-900 uses AX.25 Level 2 Version 1.0 or 2.0 protocol. ________________________________________________________________________________ Enables AEA's Packet Lite HF extensions to the AX.25 packet protocol.
PAGE 239
_______________________________________________________________________________ MARK "n" Default: Current modem mark frequency Mode: Command Host: Mk _________________________________Parameters_____________________________________ "n" - 500 to 3000 specifies the transmit mark frequency in Hz. _______________________________________________________________________________ The MARK command is used to select a non-standard mark tone transmit frequency. The mark tone frequency range is 500 to 3000 Hz.
PAGE 240
________________________________________________________________________________ MBEll ON|OFF/ON|OFF Default: OFF/OFF Mode: Packet Host: ME _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON - Will send 3 BELL characters to the terminal when the callsign(s) of the station(s) monitored match the MFROM and MTO lists. OFF The PK-900 will not send BELL characters to the terminal due to MONITORED packets.
PAGE 241
________________________________________________________________________________ MCon "n/n" Default: 0/0 (none) Mode: Packet Host: MC _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 6 signifies various levels of monitor indications ________________________________________________________________________________ Use MCON for selective monitoring of other packet traffic while connected to a distant station.
PAGE 242
________________________________________________________________________________ MDigi ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet Host: MD _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON - I and UI frames having your call sign (MYCALL or MYALIAS) as the next digipeater in the field are displayed, regardless of connected status. OFF Normal monitoring as determined by the monitoring mode commands.
PAGE 243
________________________________________________________________________________ MEmory "n" Default: none Mode: All Host: MM _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - A hexadecimal value used to access the PK-900's memory locations, or read values stored at a specified ADDRESS. ________________________________________________________________________________ The MEMORY command works with the ADDRESS command (ADDRESS $aabb) and permits access to memory locations.
PAGE 244
________________________________________________________________________________ MHeard Immediate Command Mode: Packet/AMTOR MailDrop Host: MH ________________________________________________________________________________ MHEARD is an immediate command that displays a list of up to 18 most recently heard stations. Stations that are heard directly are marked with a * in the heard log. Stations that have been repeated by a digipeater are not marked.
PAGE 245
________________________________________________________________________________ MODem "n/n" Default: 11/4 Mode: All Host: Mq _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n/n" 1 to 12/1 to 10 signifies modem numbers from the list below ________________________________________________________________________________ The MODEM command determines what Modem is selected for both Radio Ports of the PK-900.
PAGE 246
________________________________________________________________________________ Monitor "n/n" Default: 4/4 (UA DM C D I UI) Mode: Packet Host: MN _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 6 signifies various levels on monitor indications ________________________________________________________________________________ The Monitor command determines what kind of packets on each Radio Port are displayed when the PK-900 is NOT connected to any other packet statio
PAGE 247
________________________________________________________________________________ MProto ON|OFF/ON|OFF Default: OFF/OFF Mode: Packet Host: MQ _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Monitors all I and UI frames as before. OFF Monitors only those I and UI frames with a PID byte of $F0.
PAGE 248
________________________________________________________________________________ MStamp ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet Host: MS _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Monitored frames ARE time stamped. OFF Monitored frames ARE NOT time stamped. ________________________________________________________________________________ The MSTAMP command activates time stamping of monitored packets.
PAGE 249
________________________________________________________________________________ MTo ALL/NONE or YES/NO call1[,call2..]/ALL/NONE or YES/NO call1[,call2..] Default: none/none Mode: Packet Host: MT _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call - ALL/NONE or YES_list/NO_list (list of up to eight call signs, separated by commas). ________________________________________________________________________________ MTO determines what packets are monitored on each radio port.
PAGE 250
________________________________________________________________________________ MXmit ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet Host: Mx _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Monitor transmitted packets in the same manner as received packets. OFF Do not monitor transmitted packets. ________________________________________________________________________________ When MXMIT is ON, transmitted packets are monitored in the same manner as received packets.
PAGE 251
________________________________________________________________________________ MYcall call[-"n"]/call[-"n"] Default: PK900/PK900 Mode: Packet, PACTOR Host: ML _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call Your call sign "n" 0 - 15, indicating an optional substation ID, (SSID) ________________________________________________________________________________ Use the MYCALL command to load your call signs into your PK-900.
PAGE 252
________________________________________________________________________________ MYGate call[-"n"] Default: none Mode: Packet Host: MY _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call The Call Sign you wish to use for the Gateway. "n" Numeral indicating an optional substation ID (SSID) or extension. ________________________________________________________________________________ Call is the call sign of the Gateway, default "none.
PAGE 253
________________________________________________________________________________ MYSelcal aaaa Default: none Mode: AMTOR Host: MG _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ aaaa Specifies your SELective CALling code (SELCALL) ________________________________________________________________________________ Use the MYSELCAL command to enter the SELCALL (SELective CALLing) code required in AMTOR ARQ (Mode A) and SELFEC operating modes.
PAGE 254
________________________________________________________________________________ NAVStn all, none, Yes\No (letters) Default: All Mode: NAVTEX Host: NS _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ letters - all, none, YES List, NO List. List of up to 13 letters which may or may not be separated by spaces, commas or TABs.
PAGE 255
_______________________________________________________________________________ NOmode ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: All Host: NO _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The PK-900 switches modes only upon explicit command. OFF The PK-900 changes modes according to NEWMODE. ________________________________________________________________________________ When NOMODE is OFF (default), your PK-900 switches modes automatically according to NEWMODE.
PAGE 256
________________________________________________________________________________ NULLs "n" Default: 0 (zero) Mode: All Host: NU _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" - 0 to 30 specifies the number of characters to be sent to your computer or terminal after or when NUCR or NULF are set ON.
PAGE 257
________________________________________________________________________________ PACLen "n/n" Default: 128/128 Mode: Packet Host: PL _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 255 specifies the maximum length of the data portion of a packet. 0 Zero is equivalent to 256.
PAGE 258
________________________________________________________________________________ PARity "n" Default: 3 (even) Mode: All Host: PR _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 3 selects a parity option from the table below.
PAGE 259
________________________________________________________________________________ PK ["n"] Default: none Mode: All Host: PK _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" a hex number used to access the PK-900's memory and I/O locations. ________________________________________________________________________________ PK (Peek/Poke) permits access to memory locations. o o o To use the PK command: Set the memory address into the ADDRESS command.
PAGE 260
________________________________________________________________________________ PT200 ON|OFF Default: ON Mode: PACTOR Host: PB ________________________________________________________________________________ PACTOR uses an adaptive data rate selection scheme. The normal data rate is 100 baud. If PT200 is ON (default) and conditions permit, the data rate will be automatically shifted to 200 baud. If the error rate becomes too high at 200 baud the data rate will automatically be reduced to 100 baud.
PAGE 261
________________________________________________________________________________ PTList Immediate Command Mode: PACTOR Host: PN ________________________________________________________________________________ PTList is an immediate command that switches your PK-900 into the PACTOR listen mode. You can usually monitor a PACTOR contact between two connected stations using the PACTOR listen mode.
PAGE 262
________________________________________________________________________________ QHpacket "n/n" Default: 10/2 (Modems 10/2) Mode: Packet Host: QH _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n/n" Modem numbers to be selected when the HF Packet mode is entered. ________________________________________________________________________________ QHPACKET sets the PK-900 modem that will automatically selected when the HF Packet mode is entered.
PAGE 263
________________________________________________________________________________ QSignal "n" Default: 2 (Modem 2) Mode: Signal Host: QS _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" Modem number to be selected when the SIGNAL mode is entered. ________________________________________________________________________________ QSIGNAL sets the PK-900 modem that will automatically selected when the SIGNAL Identification mode is entered.
PAGE 264
________________________________________________________________________________ QWide "n" Default: 7 (Modem 7) Mode: All Host: WI ________________________________________________________________________________ "n" - Modem number to be selected when WIde shift is selected. ________________________________________________________________________________ QWide sets the PK-900 modem that will be selected when the command WIDE is set ON.
PAGE 265
________________________________________________________________________________ RBaud "n" Default: 45 bauds (60 WPM) Mode: Baudot RTTY Host: RB _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" Specifies the Baudot data rate in bauds from the PK-900 to the radio. ________________________________________________________________________________ RBAUD sets the radio ("on-air") baud rate only in the Baudot operating mode.
PAGE 266
________________________________________________________________________________ REDispla "n" Default: $12 Mode: All Host: RD _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to $7F (0 to 127 decimal) specifies an ASCII character code. ________________________________________________________________________________ REDISPLA changes the redisplay-line input editing character.
PAGE 267
________________________________________________________________________________ RESTART Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: RT ________________________________________________________________________________ RESTART is an immediate command that reinitializes the PK-900 while retaining the user's settings. The effect of the RESTART command is the same as turning the PK-900 OFF, then ON again. RESTART does not reset the values in bbRAM. See the RESET command.
PAGE 268
_______________________________________________________________________________ RFRame ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Baudot and ASCII RTTY Host: RG _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Check received Baudot and ASCII characters for framing errors. OFF Print received Baudot and ASCII characters regardless of errors.
PAGE 269
________________________________________________________________________________ SAmple "n" Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: SA _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 20 to 255 specifies the sampling rate in baud. ________________________________________________________________________________ This operating mode is for advanced users interested in decoding unknown synchronous data transmissions.
PAGE 270
________________________________________________________________________________ SELfec aaaa[aaa] Immediate Command Mode: AMTOR FEC Host: SE _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ aaaa Specifies the distant station's SELective CALling code (SELCALL).
PAGE 271
________________________________________________________________________________ SIgnal Immediate Command Mode: All Host: SI ________________________________________________________________________________ SIGNAL is an immediate command that causes the PK-900 to enter the Signal Identification and Acquisition Mode (SIAM). The PK-900 will respond with: Opmode Opmode was now BAudot SIgnal After a few seconds the PK-900 will show the signals baud rate. later it will identify the signal type.
PAGE 272
________________________________________________________________________________ SQuelch ON|OFF/ON|OFF Default: OFF/OFF Mode: Packet Host: SQ _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Your PK-900 responds to positive-going squelch voltage. OFF Your PK-900 responds to negative-going squelch voltage.
PAGE 273
________________________________________________________________________________ STOp "n" Default: $13 Mode: All Host: SO _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to $7F (0 to 127 decimal) specifies an ASCII character code. ________________________________________________________________________________ Use the STOP command to select the user STOP character (default ) you will use to stop output FROM the PK-900 TO the terminal.
PAGE 274
________________________________________________________________________________ TDBaud "n" Default: 96 Mode: TDM Host: TU _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" Specifies the data rate in bauds of the TDM signal you are receiving. _________________________________________________________________________________ The default value of n is 96.
PAGE 275
________________________________________________________________________________ TEST Immediate Command Mode: Command Host: TE ________________________________________________________________________________ TEST initiates the PK-900 self test function. For the modem self test to operate, both radio ports must have the loopback jumpers installed. The self test feature tests operating voltages, both radio channel modems and all keying lines.
PAGE 276
________________________________________________________________________________ TMPrompt text Default: (see text) Mode: AMTOR/MailDrop Host: Tp _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ text Any combination of characters and spaces up to a maximum of 80 bytes. ________________________________________________________________________________ TMPROMPT is the command line sent to a calling station by your AMTOR MailDrop in response to a Send message command.
PAGE 277
________________________________________________________________________________ Trans Immediate Command Mode: All Host: Not Supported ________________________________________________________________________________ TRANS is an immediate command that switches the PK-900 switch from the Command Mode to Transparent Mode. The current state of the radio link is not affected. Transparent Mode is primarily useful for computer communications.
PAGE 278
________________________________________________________________________________ TXdelay "n/n" Default: 30/30 (300 msec.) Mode: Packet, Baudot and ASCII Host: TD _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 120 specifies ten-millisecond intervals. ________________________________________________________________________________ The TXDELAY command tells your PK-900 how long to wait before sending packet frame data after keying your transmitter's PTT line.
PAGE 279
________________________________________________________________________________ UBit "n" ON/OFF Default: 0 Mode: All Host: UB _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 255 specifying a User BIT that may be set ON or OFF.
PAGE 280
UBIT 7: OFF: In Morse receive, the character ..-- prints as a "^". ON: In Morse, the character ..-- prints as a . UBIT 8: Not used in the PK-900. UBIT 9: ON: UBIT 10: OFF: Polling in the HOST mode is subject to HPOLL and must be done for all changes in status. ON: Status changes (e.g.
PAGE 281
UBIT 18: OFF: In Packet operation, the FRACK (or FRICK if enabled) timer is used to retry packets that were not acknowledged. ON: An experimental Master/Slave relationship is established when a Packet connection is made. This is designed for meteor scatter operation and is described in detail under the FRICK command. UBIT 19: ON: UBIT 20: OFF: In the Analog receive mode, each 8 bit sample is sent to the computer as an 8 bit byte of data.
PAGE 282
________________________________________________________________________________ UCmd "n x" Default: 0 Mode: PACTOR Host: UB _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to 15 specifying a User BYTE that may be set. "x" 0 to 255 specifiying the value of the specifice byte to be set.
PAGE 283
________________________________________________________________________________ Unproto call1 [VIA call2[,call3..,call9]]/call1 [VIA call2[,call3..,call9]] Default: CQ/CQ Mode: Packet Host: UN _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ call1 Call sign to be placed in the TO address field. call2-9 Optional digipeater call list, up to eight calls.
PAGE 284
________________________________________________________________________________ USOs ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Baudot RTTY Host: US _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON Letters (LTRS) case IS forced after receiving a space character. OFF Letters (LTRS) is NOT forced after receiving a space character.
PAGE 285
________________________________________________________________________________ WHYnot ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: Packet Host: WN _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ ON The PK-900 generates a reason why received packets are not displayed. OFF This function is disabled. ________________________________________________________________________________ During packet operation, the PK-900 may receive many packets that are not displayed.
PAGE 286
________________________________________________________________________________ WIdeshft ON|OFF Default: OFF Mode: All Host: WI ________________________________________________________________________________ The WIDESHIFT command allows backwards compatibility with hostmode software designed for use with the PK-232. This command coupled with the QWIDE command selects a modem for wide shift operation such as 850 Hz shift used on some VHF data repeaters. Some MARS stations use 850 RTTY on HF.
PAGE 287
________________________________________________________________________________ XBaud "n" Default: 0 Mode: ASCII/Baudot Host: XB _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" Specifies an exact baud rate used in receiving ASCII and Baudot RTTY. ________________________________________________________________________________ XBAUD enables hardware decoding of ASCII and Baudot signals using the PK-900's 8530 Serial Communications Controller IC.
PAGE 288
________________________________________________________________________________ Xmit Immediate Command Mode: Baudot/ASCII/Morse and FAX Host: XM ________________________________________________________________________________ XMIT is an immediate command that keys your radio's PTT line on Radio Port 1 and prepares the radio to receive outbound data and Morse characters from the PK-900. XMIT switches your PK-900 to either Converse or Transparent Mode, depending on the setting of CONMODE.
PAGE 289
________________________________________________________________________________ XON "n" Default: $11 Mode: All Host: XN _________________________________ Parameters: __________________________________ "n" 0 to $7F (0 to 127 decimal) specifies an ASCII character code. ________________________________________________________________________________ XON selects the PK-900 Start character that is sent to the computer or terminal to restart input from that device.
PAGE 290
________________________________________________________________________________ ZStatus Immediate Command Mode: All Host: ZS ________________________________________________________________________________ This command is primarily of interest to HOST mode programmers. ZSTATUS is an immediate read-only command that returns a data byte in hexadecimal indicating the status of the unit as shown in the table below.
PAGE 291
PK-900 COMMAND LIST COMMAND DEFAULT 3Rdparty 5Bit 6Bit 8Bitconv AAb ABaud AChg ACKprior ACRDisp ACRPack ACRRtty ADelay AFilter ALFDisp ALFPack ALFRtty AList AMTOR ANalog ANSample ARq ARQE ARQTmo ARQTOL AScii ASPect AUdelay AUTOBaud AWlen Ax25l2v2 AXDelay AXHang BARgraph BAudot BBSmsgs Beacon BItinv BKondel BRight BText CALibrat CANline CANPac CASedisp CBell CCITT CFrom CHCall CHDouble CHeck CHSwitch OFF Immediate Command Immediate Command OFF (empty) 110 bauds Immediate Command OFF/OFF 0 ON 71 4 OFF ON O
PAGE 292
COMMAND DEFAULT CMdtime CMSg CODe COMmand CONMode Connect CONPerm CONStamp CONVerse CPactime CRAdd CStatus CText CUstom CWid DAYStamp DAytime DCdconn DELete DFrom DIDdle DIRect Disconne DISPlay DWait EAS Echo ERrchar EScape FAx FAXNeg FEc Flow FRack FREe FRIck FSpeed FUlldup GRaphics HBaud HEAderln Help HEReis HId HOMebbs HOST HPoll Id ILfpack JUstify K KILLONFWD KIss 10 (1000 msec.
PAGE 293
COMMAND DEFAULT KISSAddr LAstmsg LEftrite LIte Lock MAildrop MARK MARsdisp MAXframe MBEll MBx MCon MDCheck MDigi MDMon MDPrompt MFIlter MFrom MHeard MId MMsg MODem Monitor MOrse MProto MRpt MSPeed MStamp MTExt MTo MWeight MXmit MYAlias MYALTcal MYCall MYIdent MYGate MYMail MYPTcall MYSelcal NAVMsg NAVStn NAvtex NEwmode NOmode NUCr NULf NULLs Nums OK Opmode PAcket PACLen 0 Immediate Command ON OFF/OFF Immediate Command OFF 1200 OFF 4/4 OFF/OFF none, (calls) 0/0 (zero) Immediate Command OFF OFF (see text)
PAGE 294
COMMAND MNEMONIC FUNCTION PACTime PACTor PARity PASs PASSAll PErsist PPersist PRType PT PT200 PTConn PTHuff PTList PTOver PTSend QHpacket QMorse QRtty QSignal QTDm QTor QVpacket QWide RAdio RAWhdlc RBaud Rcve RECeive REDispla RELink RESET RESptime RESTART REtry RFec RFRame RXRev SAmple SELfec SEndpac SIgnal SLottime SPACE SQuelch SRXall STArt STOp TBaud TClear TDBaud TDChan TDm TEST AFTER 10 Immediate Command 3 (even) $16 OFF/OFF 63/63 ON/ON 2 (Epson) Immediate Command ON Immediate Command 0 Im
PAGE 295
COMMAND MNEMONIC FUNCTION TIme TMail TMPrompt TRACe Trans TRFlow TRIes TXDelay TXFlow TXrev UBit UCmd Unproto USers USOs Vhf VOltage WHYnot WIdeshft WOrdout WRu XBaud XFlow Xmit XMITOk XOff XON ZFree ZStatus $14 OFF (see text) OFF Immediate Command OFF 0 (zero) 30 OFF OFF 0 0 CQ/CQ 1/1 OFF ON/ON Immediate Command OFF OFF OFF OFF 0 ON Immediate Command ON $13 $11 Immediate Command Immediate Command Inserts the time (in DAYTIME) in text Enables AMTOR and PACTOR MailDrop Sets an
PAGE 296
3/93 6
PAGE 297
APPENDIX B 1/93 B-1
PAGE 298
PAGE 299
PAGE 300
PAGE 301
PAGE 302
APPENDIX B 1/93 B-2
PAGE 303
APPENDIX B 1/93 B-3
PAGE 304
APPENDIX B 1/93 B-4
PAGE 305
APPENDIX C PK-900 Display Board PARTS PICTORIAL 1/93 C-1
PAGE 306
PK-900 Main Board Logic Section PARTS PICTORIAL 1/93 C-2 APPENDIX C
PAGE 307
PK-900 Main Board Logic Section PARTS PICTORIAL 1/93 C-3
PAGE 308
3/93 C-4
PAGE 309
PAGE 310
PAGE 311
PAGE 312
3/93 D-4
PAGE 313
D APPENDIX E - SPECIFIC RADIO CONNECTIONS This appendix provides radio connection information from your AEA/Timewave data controller to approximately 400 different models of amateur transceivers. Each radio listed references a connection figure and possibly a note on connections. Notes are below on this page. Connection figures appear following the table of radios. All PIN type wiring connections are viewed from wiring/solder side of plug.
PAGE 314
D PK-900 OPERATING MANUAL ALINCO ALD-24T ALR-22HT ALR-22T ALR-72T DJ-100 DJ-120T DJ-160T DJ-162T DJ-180T DJ-200 DJ-500 DJ-560T DJ-580T DJ-F1T DJ-G1T DR-110T DR-112T DR-119T DR-1200T DR-130T DR-430T DR-510T DR-570T DR-590T DR-592T DR-599T DR-600T AZDEN All W/ 12-PIN CONN All W/8-PIN AMP PCS-2000 PCS-5000 PCS-6000 PCS-7000 COLLINS KWM-380 DRAKE T4X T4XB T4XC TR-22 TR-3 TR-33 TR-4 TR-4C TR-4CW TR-6 TR-7 UV-3 Figure 1 1 1 1 45 45 5 5 5 45 45 5 5 5 5 1 1 2 2 50 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 Figure 46 4 46 4 4 4 Figure 6 Figur
PAGE 315
D IC-3200 SERIES IC-3210 SERIES IC-3220 SERIES IC-3230 SERIES IC-375 SERIES IC-37A IC-38A IC-3S SERIES IC-4 SERIES IC-402 IC-449 SERIES IC-45 SERIES IC-451 IC-47 SERIES IC-471 SERIES IC-475 SERIES IC-48 SERIES IC-490 SERIES IC-4G SERIES IC-4S SERIES IC-4SR SERIES IC-502 IC-505 IC-551 SERIES IC-551 SERIES IC-560 IC-575 IC-575 SERIES IC-60 IC-707 IC-720 IC-720A IC-725 IC-725 IC-726 IC-726 IC-728 IC-728 IC-729 IC-729 IC-730 IC-735 IC-735 IC-737 IC-737 IC-740 IC-740 IC-745 IC-745 IC-751 IC-751 IC-761 IC-761 1
PAGE 316
D TM-421 TM-431 TM-441 TM-531 TM-531 TM-541 TM-621 TM-631 TM-631 TM-641 TM-701 TM-721 TM-731 TM-731 TM-732 TM-741 TM-742 TM-941 TM-942 TR-2200 TR-2300 TR-2400 TR-2500 TR-2600 TR-3200 TR-50 TR-7400 TR-7500 TR-751 TR-7600 TR-7730 TR-7750 TR-7800 TR-7850 TR-7930 TR-7950 TR-851 TR-9000 TR-9130 TR-9500 TS-120 TS-130 TS-140 TS-140 TS-430 TS-440 TS-440 TS-450 TS-450 TS-450 TS-490 TS-50 TS-50 3 53 3 3 53 3 3 3 53 47 53 3 3 53 47 47 47 47 47 11 11 33 32 31 3 3 11 32 3 37 36 36 36 36 36 36 3 36 36 36 11 11 3 35 3 3
PAGE 317
D All W/ 4-PIN AMP ALL W/.
PAGE 318
D
PAGE 319
D
PAGE 320
D
PAGE 321
D
PAGE 322
D 9/99 E-10
PAGE 323
D
PAGE 324
Original AEA Warranty – obsolete – PK-900 is no longer in production (12/17/02) LIMITED WARRANTY ADVANCED ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS, INC. warrants to the original purchaser that this product shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. In order to obtain warranty service: 1) Complete and mail the warranty registration card within 10 days to Advanced Electronic Applications, Inc.
PAGE 325
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 1 PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement Thank you for your purchase of Timewave’s Gateway firmware option for the PK-900! Please read the enclosed sheet, PK-900 EPROM Installation Instruction, for instructions on how to install your new firmware. New feature outline: • Cross-mode Gateway includes packet/AMTOR, packet/PACTOR and packet/ packet operation. (See the new GUSERS and XGATEWAY commands for details). • AEA packet “node” helps eliminate the need for digipeating.
PAGE 326
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 2 This page intentionally left blank.
PAGE 327
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 3 Gateway Operation Your PK-900 now has a capability never before offered in a multi-mode controller: the ability to “gateway” from packet-to-AMTOR, packet-to-PACTOR, and of course packet -to-packet. Under your command, you can allow packet users, connecting to Port 2, the ability to monitor and link to other AMTOR, PACTOR and even packet stations using your HF radio on Port 1.
PAGE 328
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 4 Note: With each station connected to your node, you’ll lose a “logical” channel. So, if you have GUSERS set to 3, and three source stations have connected to three destination stations through your node, they’ll take up six channels. Users can instruct your Gateway to set up another connection either on the same radio port or the other one if XGATEWAY is ON.
PAGE 329
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 5 The commands’ functions are: B(ye) This is similar to the Bye command used in the AEA Maildrop and BBS stations. When a user enters a B, the Gateway will “disconnect.” C(onnect) n Similar in operation to the CONNECT command in the packet mode. (Also used to connect in AMTOR and PACTOR instead of using the ARQ and PTCONN commands, respectively.
PAGE 330
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 6 whatever the user sends, goes to the destination station as data instead of to the Gateway as a command. Normally, when someone disconnects from your Gateway, no link will remain. However, if a user adds the word STAY as the last argument in a Connect request, (e.g., C callsign STAY), the user will remain connected to your Gateway even after disconnecting from the destination station.
PAGE 331
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement S(end) 7 Your Gateway responds with. . . +++ Sending. To end, type ’=’. . . . and sends all subsequent data in the broadcast format appropriate to the selected port’s operating mode. The data characters are held until the user sends a (RETURN), whereupon the held data is broadcast. In all operating modes, the user can stop sending “unproto” by sending the “=” character—the Gateway will then issue a command prompt.
PAGE 332
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 8 PORT 1 to initiate a cross-port connection. Typing “Port” by itself shows the current value of PORT, the operating mode on that port, and the user’s ID to be used on that port. Port 1 AMTOR and PACTOR users can only access Port 2 (packet), so the PORT command isn’t implemented for them. L(isten) None of the Gateway’s local commands affect monitoring—packet frames are shown to the user as if MONITOR and MCON were set to a value of 4 (UI, I, C, D, UA and DM frames).
PAGE 333
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 9 +++ Note: Over = “+?”, End = . You’re receiving. KB7B DE VE7ZZY HI NAME IS RALPH +? HI, RALPH . . . Note that the Gateway reports CONNECTED to ?. When using four-character identification, AMTOR has no provision for identifying the calling station. The caller generally identifies within the transmission text. L(isten) The Gateway TNC is placed in ARQ Listen mode (Mode L). If the Gateway TNC’s ARXTOR command is ON, it will also copy AMTOR FEC (Mode B).
PAGE 334
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 10 L(isten) Your Gateway is placed in PACTOR-Listen mode. If the ARXTOR command is ON, it will also monitor AMTOR FEC and ARQ. If in doubt, use the PORT command to see which mode is being copied. S(end) The Gateway is placed in PTSEND. Transmission ends when the user sends “=”. AMTOR (in) / Packet (out) With XGATEWAY OFF, your TNC accepts AMTOR calls to your MYSELCAL as normal AMTOR link-ups.
PAGE 335
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 11 +? HELLO HI, NAME IS WALT ... The other way is to call CQ in Unproto mode and wait for a response: S +++ SENDING. TO END, TYPE ’=’. +? CQ DE KB7B-15 FROM AMTOR= KB7B DE N7ML-7 GA+? +++ CONNECTED TO N7BCD AT N7ML-7 +? HI, NAME IS WALT. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “FROM AMTOR”? HELLO ... One thing to keep in mind when accessing VHF packet from AMTOR is that the data rates on the two radio ports are widely different.
PAGE 336
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 12 The PACTOR Maildrop (TMAIL ON) has priority over the PACTOR Gateway. The Maildrop command (“G”) gives access to the Gateway as in AMTOR (see above). If a packet user is already connected to your Gateway on Port 2 and has issued the PORT 1 command to access PACTOR, the Gateway detects PACTOR calls only to the packet user’s callsign, not your MYPTCALL. There is no PORT command for PACTOR access—the PACTOR user is given access to packet on Port 2 automatically.
PAGE 337
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 13 L +++ Listening OFF KB7B de N7ML (B,C,D,J,L,N,S,?) > S(end) The Gateway sends UI frames with a destination of “CQ.” The source field is the user’s callsign with the SSID decremented by one. The Gateway holds the data characters until the user sends a (RETURN), whereupon the held data is broadcast. Error messages to the connected station (user) Bad An invalid callsign in response to the AMTOR prompt Enter your callsign.
PAGE 338
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 14 PACTOR Port 1 if it was already in use by another Port 2 Packet user of the Gateway. Not while listening While listening, the user issued a Send or Connect command, or tried to change Ports. User must first type “Listen” again to toggle listening off. Miscellaneous Every 9.5 minutes, the Gateway sends a Packet ID frame containing the Gateway callsign. The ID frame is sent even if the HID command is OFF.
PAGE 339
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 15 The local TNC commands CTEXT, CMSG, MTEXT, and MMSG have no effect on Gateway operation. See the following pages for information about the new commands available to you and enhancements to the current ones. PACTOR & AMTOR operation with ARXTOR The ARXTOR command has been added to enhance PACTOR operation. When ARXTOR is turned ON, your DSP1232 will recognize either PACTOR or AMTOR link attempts.
PAGE 340
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 16 AList Mode: AMTOR Immediate Command Host: AL In AMTOR Listen (and PACTOR Listen) modes, monitored link attempts are now displayed like this: >W1AW The callsigns are shown one per line and are meant to resemble the way the TNC monitors packet connect frames. Since neither mode supports identification within the calling blocks, no source callsign can be shown.
PAGE 341
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 17 ARXTOR is defaulted OFF to accommodate old application programs that have no provision for handling a spontaneous change of modes from PACTOR to AMTOR. ARXTOR is most versatile when in the PACTOR or PTLIST operating mode.
PAGE 342
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 18 Two new settings of the CODE command have been added to support the European and APLINK implementations of upper/lower case AMTOR. CODE 7: TOR lowercase CODE 7 applies to AMTOR operation only. It codes upper and lowercase letters using the NULL character as a shift while in LTRS case. This protocol is used by APLINK stations, European mailboxes, the AMT-3 and G4BMK software.
PAGE 343
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 19 The EXPERT command controls your access to the TNC’s command set. Because some new TNC owners understandably find the large number of available commands confusing or daunting, this command limits the newcomer’s access to the commands to the simplest or most often used. Generally, about half of the total number of commands are available to you after a RESET (EXPERT OFF).
PAGE 344
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 20 DELete ERrchar HEReis PASs PTOver RECeive REDispla SEndpac STArt STOp TIme XOff XON Ax25l2v2 CFrom CONMode CONPerm DFrom FUlldup GUsers HBaud LIte MAXframe NEwmode NOmode PACLen PASSAll RAdio RELink REtry SQuelch TRIes USers Vhf XGateway XMITOk Novice cmd: DISPLAY F ASPect Novice FAXNeg FSpeed Novice GRaphics Novice LEftrite PRCon Novice PRFax PROut PRType Novice cmd: DISPLAY I Unproto Novice AAb Novice Beacon BText CBell CMSg Novice CText Novice HId Novice HOMebbs M
PAGE 345
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement QMORse QPTor QRtty QSignal QTDm QTor Novice Novice Novice Novice cmd: DISPLAY R ABaud Novice ACRRtty ADelay Novice ALFRtty ANSample Novice ARQTmo ARQTOL ARXTor Novice ATxrtty BItinv CODe CRAdd DIDdle Novice EAS Novice MARsdisp MOPtt Novice MSPeed Novice MWeight NAVMsg NAVStn PT200 Novice PTHuff Novice Retain Retain 21 PTRound Novice RBaud Novice RFec RFRame RXRev Novice SRXall TDBaud TDChan TXRev Novice USOs Novice WIdeshft Novice WOrdout Novice XBaud cmd: DISPLAY T AC
PAGE 346
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 22 MHeard Mode: Packet and AMTOR/PACTOR Maildrop Immediate Command Host: MH The MHEARD display has been enhanced to support the “Nodes” command in the gateway. Previously, stations heard directly were displayed with an asterisk (“W1AW*”) and digipeated stations were shown without (“W2SZ”). Digipeating isn’t used as much as it used to be. Most stations now use nodes so this release discards the asterisk.
PAGE 347
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 23 MOPTT doesn’t affect the Morse IDs generated by the MID command (in Packet mode) and by the CWID character (in other digital operating modes). MYAlias call[-n]/call[-n] Mode: Packet Default: none Host: MA Parameters: call “n” Alternate packet callsign may be used by other stations to connect to your station.
PAGE 348
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 24 In PTCONN, this command accomplishes the same thing as sending the PTOVER character. The OVER command is useful in Host mode when sending transparent data (CONMODE TRANS). To change from ISS to IRS, you would normally send the PTOVER character, but in Transparent mode, the character would be sent as data and would not change the link direction. The OVER command changes the direction without the need to change CONMODE to CONV first.
PAGE 349
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 25 RESTART, but the contents of the Maildrop and the NAVTEX message history buffers are preserved.
PAGE 350
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement 26 XGateway ON|OFF Mode: Packet, AMTOR and PACTOR Default: OFF Host: XG Parameters: OFF ON Stations connecting to your MYGATE callsign don’t have access to the other radio port. Stations connecting to your MYGATE callsign can cross-connect to the other radio port. XGATEWAY must be turned on to allow cross-port connections; the PORT command (see GUSERS) must be enabled in order to accomplish this.
PAGE 351
PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement This page intentionally left blank.
PAGE 352
28 PK-900 Gateway Option Supplement
PAGE 353
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 1 GPS Operation Overview This chapter describes how to configure and connect your TNC for GPS operation. Why do GPS in the TNC? All Timewave TNCs can run with Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS™) software. The TNC, however, has special firmware which makes Stand Alone Tracking and Ultimeter II® compatibility possible. Timewave also offers an APRS Adapter Cable for the TNC which makes Hardware Single Port Mode (HSP) operation possible.
PAGE 354
2 / TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum Hardware Configurations There are four different hardware configurations you can use when operating within an APRS system, each for a different purpose: 1. A computer running APRS, a GPS receiver, a TNC, an APRS Adapter Cable (optional), and a radio: This complete configuration allows you to track all users on the system in your area (including yourself), and send/receive messages and bulletins.
PAGE 355
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 3 out the use of a computer running APRS which usually does the parsing) and then beacon the information over the ham bands. Because the TNC can work both as a stand alone tracking device and as a connected APRS component, this TNC can be of aid in natural disaster situations, during public service events, and search and rescue missions, among other things.
PAGE 356
4 / TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum The TNC can be connected to the ULTIMETER II weather station, interpret the weather data, and transmit the weather and location information in packet so other APRS users can see your location and the weather at your location. The remote polling features of the TNC make it easy to set up a weather station in a remote location and receive the remote weather data via APRS at your house, office, or wherever.
PAGE 357
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 5 Note: The NMEA sentence $GPRMC is the recommended sentence for tracking moving objects as it contains time, latitude, longitude, course, and speed information. 6. Now type GPSAuto ON, then press ENTER. This will cause the TNC to look for GPS data (coming from an attached GPS receiver) the next time it is powered on, and if it sees GPS data the TNC will automatically switch to GPSMode 1. 7.
PAGE 358
6 / TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum Follow these steps to connect the APRS Adapter Cable to your equipment: 1. Look at the APRS adapter cable. It looks like this: Notice the words on the outside of the rectangle; they say TNC, Computer, and GPS. This is how the Cable should be connected. 2. Connect the APRS Adapter Cable to the serial port on the TNC. The male side of the Adapter Cable, labeled TNC, should be connected to the female serial port on the TNC. 3.
PAGE 359
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 7 with different connections, we can’t provide you with schematics on how to build this cable.) 3. Get the APRS software program running. APRS will ask you some questions, simply answer the questions and your TNC and APRS will be ready for dual port mode operation.
PAGE 360
8 / TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum Connecting the APRS adapter cable Once you’ve made your adapter cable, connect as described previously. Schematic Diagram for the APRS Adapter Cable TNC/ULTIMETER II® Stand Alone Weather Station Set Up Connect the ULTIMETER II to the TNC following the illustrations of Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5. Once the connections are made, follow the directions below to configure the TNC. 1. Connect your TNC to your computer and get it running following the directions in Chapter 2.
PAGE 361
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 9 6. Now type Beacon E 60, then press ENTER. This will cause your TNC to transmit its beacon text every five minutes. APRS must see the beacon text containing the position information and a weather symbol character before it will display your weather information. 7. Now you need to program the GNMEA1 sentence to match the output of the ULTIMETER II. Type GNMEA1 #, then press ENTER. This will cause the TNC to begin parsing the ULTIMETER II data starting with the # digit.
PAGE 362
10 / TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum GLOCtx “n” Default: 0 (00 sec.) “n” - 0 to 255 sets the location timing in ten-second increments. “0” - Zero disables automatic location transmissions. GLOCtx is used to periodically transmit GPS data received on the serial port. GLOCtx is programmable from 0 (never) to 2500 seconds in 10 second intervals. A transmission will only occur if, GPSMode = 1 or 2, GLOCtx is not zero, and the correct NMEA information is received on the serial port.
PAGE 363
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 11 4. Apply power to the GPS receiver (NOT THE TNC YET). 5. Be sure that the GPS receiver is outputting its NMEA data before powering up the TNC. 6. Power up the TNC and within 4 seconds, you should notice the TNC transmit LED lighting to transmit its location. GPSMode “n” Default: 0 Disabled This is a variable ranging from 0-3 that selects a specific mode of operation specific to GPS. Three CTRL-C’s returns unit to GPSMode 0. Mode 0 = Normal Packet TNC operation.
PAGE 364
12 / TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum 5. GSYMchar 6. Unproto To remotely program the TNC, the programming station must have its Unproto destination callsign set to match the GPOLLcall of the TNC. Example: Let’s say you have a TNC in your car as a stand alone tracker with its GPOLLcall set to CAR. In your house, you would program your TNC’s Unproto to CAR (U CAR). Now place your TNC in converse mode by typing either (K or CONVerse).
PAGE 365
TNC GPS Upgrade Addendum/ 13
PAGE 366
Welcome to DSP for the PK-900 Enclosed find your DSP upgrade kit. Follow the instructions carefully and you should have no problem in getting the unit on the air. If you do have questions, Timewave has technical support available at (651) 489-5080 and DSP@timewave.com You will want to experiment with different parameter setting in order to optimize your new DSP Multi-mode controller. We have found that changing the value of Audelay will improve performance in many stations.
PAGE 367
PK-900/DSP Upgrade Kit Thank you for purchasing the PK-900/DSP upgrade. Here are the tools you will need: Wire Cutters Phillips Screwdriver Needle node pliers Flat head screwdriver Solder pencil and solder Solder sucker tool or solder wick for cleaning the pads on C69, C89 and the U55 “VIA” Please check the contents of the kit at this time.
PAGE 368
5) Locate the “VIA: hole by U55 (closest to pins 2 & 3 (See figure B) You will also need to clean the solder from the VIA by U55. Observe the same precautions as above and do not overheat the board. 6) Remove screw in corner by U60 7) Insert metal standoff supplied into the hole of the screw just removed. a) Inspect the PK-900/DSP board for damage, bent pins or chips that may have become unseated. Reseat if necessary.
PAGE 369
PAGE 370
Figure B VIA REMOVE
PAGE 371
HA[0..16] HA[0..16] Vd+5 HA[0..16] HD[0..7] HD[0..
PAGE 372
CE OE GND D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 14 27C512 D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 Vd+5 R3 4.7K JH103 Vd+5 1 2 3 4 R1 4.
PAGE 373
PK-900/PSK Sound Card Interface Upgrade Kit A.
PAGE 374
TIMEWAVE TECHNOLOGY INC. LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY WARRANTY WHO IS COVERED This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser of the A.06265. WHAT WE WILL DO If your A.06265 fails in normal use because of a defect in workmanship or materials within one year of the date of purchase, we will repair or replace (at our option) the equipment at our factory without charge to you. Timewave will pay for the return of the warranty-repaired unit to you.
PAGE 375
Table of Contents Introduction 1. PSK Sound Card Interface Board Installation 2. PSK Sound Card Interface Board Settings 3. PSK Sound Card Interface Connections 4. PSK Sound Card Interface Operation 5.
PAGE 376
Welcome to PSK for the PK-900 Thank you for purchasing the PSK Soundcard Interface upgrade kit for the PK-900 and PK-900/DSP. The Timewave part number of this kit is A.06265. Follow the instructions carefully and you should have no problem in getting the unit on the air. If you do have questions, Timewave has technical support available at (651) 4895080 and service@timewave.com Please read before installing this upgrade kit.
PAGE 377
PK-900/PSK Upgrade Kit Section 1 PSK Sound Card Interface Board Installation Installation steps If you have purchased a PK-900 DSP upgrade kit, install it before you install the PSK upgrade kit. Please check the contents of the kit at this time. You should have received: 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 PK-900/PSK Upgrade assembly Eprom I.C. ver. 7.3 PAL I.C. ver. C (not used with PK-900/DSP units) cables – 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm stereo phone jack – 6 ft.
PAGE 378
3) Remove the two serrated nuts from the RX IN AUDIO jacks. Use a special nut driver made for this purpose if you have one. If not, use a spanner wrench if you have one. A pair of needle nose pliers can be used as a spanner wrench if you are very careful not to slip and scratch the panel or break the tips on the pliers. 4) Remove 4 screws holding chassis top - two on each side of the PK-900 top cover. 5) Disconnect the cables connecting the PK-900 front panel and the mother board.
PAGE 379
Installation with a DSP Daughterboard 1) Skip this step if Eprom U7 on the DSP daughterboard is ver. 7.3. If Eprom U7 is ver. 7.2 or lower, locate and remove U7. 2) Use an IC removal tool if you have one. If not, slide the flat blade of the screwdriver under one end of the chip and elevate carefully. Do the same thing at the other end of the IC and it will pop out cleanly. BE SURE the screwdriver is between the IC and the chip socket, NOT between the chip socket and the board.
PAGE 380
.Installation with a DSP Daughterboard Connections Follow the next steps to connect the wires from the back panel as shown in Figure A and B. 1) Connect PSK enable J5 on PSK board (grey wire) to PB0 (hole from lead of R253 closest to left side of PK-900). 2) Connect J1 (+12V) (red wire) to D21 (1N4004 smaller diode on the left closest to the heatsink) anode lead on PK-900 main board.
PAGE 381
Installation without a DSP Daughterboard 1) Locate and remove U36, U37 and U44 (See Figure A.) 2) Use an IC removal tool if you have one. If not, slide the flat blade of the screwdriver under one end of the chip and elevate carefully. Do the same thing at the other end of the IC and it will pop out cleanly. BE SURE the screwdriver is between the IC and the chip socket, NOT between the chip socket and the board. 3) Install the new 32 pin eprom in U36.
PAGE 382
Installation without a DSP Daughterboard Connections Follow the next steps to connect the wires from the back panel as shown in Figure A and B. 1) Connect PSK enable J5 on PSK board (grey wire) to PB0 (hole from lead of R253 closest to left side of PK-900). 2) Connect J1 (+12V) (red wire) to D21 (1N4004 smaller diode on the left closest to the heatsink) anode lead on PK-900 main board.
PAGE 383
11
PAGE 384
12
PAGE 385
Section 2 PK900/PSK Sound Card Interface Board Settings Jumper settings JH1 Jumper must be ON for units with a DSP board installed. It must be OFF for all other units. JH3 and JH4 Jumpers adjust the receive gain to the input of the PK-900/PSK according to following table: JH3 OFF ON OFF ON JH4 OFF OFF ON ON Relative Gain High Medium (Factory Default) Low Low Trimpot settings Trimpot RV1 adjusts the receiver audio signal output level to the sound card input.
PAGE 386
Section 3 Sound Card Interface Connections for the PK-900/PSK The Sound Card interface connections are made to the gold connectors labeled “SOUND CARD AUDIO” on the back of the PK-900/PSK. Timewave supplies cables to connect the sound card to the PK-900/PSK. The cables are supplied with each PK-900/PSK and upgrade kit. This connection information is provided for the user’s convenience. PK-900/PSK TO INPUT Connection To Sound Card Audio input.
PAGE 387
System Block Diagram PK-900/PSK Multimode Controller Computer Computer CPU Computer OUT Sound Card IN Serial RS-232 To Computer Speakers Serial RS-232 PK-900/PSK Sound Card Audio Port PK-900 CPU Sound Card Data Audio PK-900 Modems Isolation Transformers PK-900 Data Audio DSP Filters Sound Card Adaptor Data Audio PTT Radio Port 1 AFSK IN AFSK OUT PTT IN Radio Transceiver 15
PAGE 388
Section 4 Sound Card Interface Operation for the PK-900/PSK To use the sound card interface, you will need a PC software program for the mode you wish to use. PK-Term for Windows and Digipan are two programs that include PSK-31. PK-Term fully supports the PK-900/PSK for seamless automatic sound card operation. Programs like Digipan may not support the new PK-900 SCD command to select the PK900 Sound Card mode and switch the PK-900 PTT output between transmit and receive.
PAGE 389
Section 5 PK-900/PSK Sound Card Interface Schematic Diagrams 17
PAGE 390
JH1 +12 VDC From PK-900 DSP Cap bypass R18 +12 J1 0 +12VDC C12 10uF R8 10K C2 .01 uF C1 J3 .01 uF 8 C6 R15 C5 10 uF R12 LM317_SO8 4 10uF K1 RELAY_DPDT D1 1N4004 R4 10K JH4 RX Gain - default on 270 C9 R17 R16 0 0 J8 Sound Card Audio in C13 PAD J12 R10 3.3K RV2 500 J9 4 U1B 6 C7 P S J10 R1 C8 0 5 1 uF J7 From PK-900 Audio out TX Audio R22 620 10 uF OPAMP_DUAL Sound Card Signal Ground PAD R3 10K 7 Sound Card Speaker Out PAD 3 6 XFMR 1.
PAGE 391
J4 PAD JH1 C5 1 nF 3 2 1 J5 J1 C6 1 nF JHS3 PHONEJACK STEREO PAD J6 PAD JH2 3 2 1 J7 JHS3 C7 1 nF J2 C8 1 nF PHONEJACK STEREO PAD J3 PHONEJACK STEREO Title: Project: Timewave Technology Inc. TW P/N: Date: File: Engineer: 9-Dec-2002 N:\PRODUC~1\PK-900\PK900PSK\PCBOAR~1\PK900P~1\PK900JAC R.
PAGE 392