Specifications

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.
In translating AMTOR/PACTOR input to packet output, the Gateway bundles the
characters and sends them in packets every 10 seconds. The AMTOR/PACTOR user
should be aware that the packet station may receive the data characters anywhere
from 0 to 10 seconds after they’ve been sent from the Gateway.
No-activity timers: When the TNC’s CHECK timer runs out on a packet channel
involving the Gateway, the Gateway stations are disconnected; CHECK defaults to 5
minutes. For AMTOR and PACTOR Gateway access, if “Traffic” status has not been
achieved for 5 minutes, the Gateway terminates the link gracefully and disconnects
any related packet connection on Port 2.
The MDMON command controls the monitoring of Gateway activity in addition to
monitoring Maildrop activity.
To operate AMTOR or PACTOR modes normally (no gateway), disable the cross-
mode gateway by setting XGATEWAY OFF. Subsequent user connect attempts to your
MYSELCAL or MYPTCALL will go to the TNC, not the Gateway.
Making changes in the OPMODE, RADIO, or MODEM command settings while a user is
connected won’t kill the gateway session. However, it is a good idea to check first to
see if it’s in use—do this by entering CSTATUS before changing the TNC’s configura-
tion.
It’s important to set the receiver’s volume and the DCD threshold control on the
AMTOR/PACTOR radio port so the DCD display follows the presence or absence of
signals. This prevents the Gateway SEND and CONNECT commands from interfering
with other stations. If DCD is active at the time of a command that transmits, the
Gateway sends the user a Channel busy message.
You can set ARXTOR ON and leave OPMODE set to PACTOR. This gives both AMTOR
and PACTOR users access to the Gateway (and/or the Maildrop.)
You can designate upper/lower case AMTOR operation for better packet interfacing
by setting CODE 2 (Cyrillic method), CODE 7, or 8. The AMTOR user, of course, must
set the comparable commands in his own TNC.