Specifications

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. As a test you should
connect to your own maildrop via a digipeater or network node to make
sure the radio link is working properly and the user prompts are what
you desire.
7.7.5.2 AMTOR MailDrop Command Settings
Once the Packet side is working properly, the AMTOR side of things on
Radio Port 1 must be configured. First be sure that MYSELCAL and
MYIDENT are entered properly. You may want to customize the AMTOR
MailDrop prompt (TMPROMPT) or compose a message to ALL that tells
remote users about your system. Finally, remember to turn TMAIL ON
and enter the AMTOR mode of the PK-900 to start the AMTOR MailDrop.
7.7.5.3 Dual Port MailDrop Operation Notes
With the above parameters set, packet connections to the MYMAIL
callsign on Radio Port 2 will be sent to your MailDrop if you or a
remote AMTOR station is not using it. If you or any other station is
using your MailDrop, the remote user attempting the packet connection
will be sent a "*** Busy" message.
Similarly, a remote AMTOR station linking to you will be given access
to your MailDrop provided no one else is using it. If you or a remote
packet station is using your MailDrop, the AMTOR station may link to
you, but will not be given access to your MailDrop. For this reason,
you may wish to disable Radio Port 1 (by turning the RADIO parameter
to 0/2) when logging into your own MailDrop for maintenance. This
will prevent remote AMTOR stations from linking with you.
If you will be Reverse Forwarding messages into the Packet network, be
sure to check your MailDrop often for new messages. Remember that you
must use the Edit command in the MailDrop to select which messages
will be Reverse Forwarded.
Note: At this time unattended operation below 30 MHz is not legal
for US amateurs unless they hold a Special Temporary
Authorization (STA) from the FCC. US amateurs must be sure
to have control of their HF transmitters when any device
such as the PK-900 AMTOR/Packet MailDrop is in operation.
7.8 AMTOR Switching-Time Considerations
For operation in AMTOR Mode A (ARQ), your transceiver or transmitter-
receiver combination must be able to change between transmit and
receive within 20 milliseconds. Most semiconductor-based radios can
easily meet this specification. Many older tube-type radios that use
electromechanical relays also operate very well in AMTOR Mode A (ARQ).
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