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PK-88 OPERATING MANUAL
4.10
Packet Formatting
The PK-88 uses certain special characters to control its operations. Some of
the PK-88's command parameters affect how your packets are formatted - how
your typing appears to other stations. Other commands permit correction of
typing errors before your packet is sent, cancel lines, and cancel entire
packets if necessary. Most of the special input characters are active in both
Command and Converse modes.
NOTE:
If the default command character is unsuitable for your computer's terminal
program, you can redefine each function using any ASCII character appropriate
to your needs.
See Chapter 5, the 'Command Summary' chapter for full details on how to define
these formatting and control features and commands.
4.10.1 PACLEN - Long or Short?
PACLEN sets the maximum length of your packet - the largest number of
characters that can fit in one packet. If you type more than this number of
characters (default 128) without typing a 'send-packet' character (default
<CR>), the PK-88 will send a maximum-length packet.
Experimental evidence shows that reducing PACLEN to 64 or even 32 can improve
throughput under difficult conditions such as on HF radio.
NOTE:
4.10.2 Backspace and Delete
You can erase typing errors with your <BACKSPACE> key. If your terminal lacks
<BACKSPACE>, set DELETE ON to erase characters with the <DELETE> key; set
DELETE OFF to use the <BACKSPACE> key.
You will probably want to use the same key your computer normally uses to 'rub
out' typing. If you are not sure what your rubout key does, try both settings
of the DELETE command and see which works.
When you rub out typing errors, the PK-88 tries to correct the screen display.
This works with most computers and display-type terminals. It will not work
for hardcopy terminals. If your display does not look right after you rub out
a character, try setting BKONDEL OFF. The PK-88 will not correct the display
but will show the rubout with a '\' character (<BACKSLASH>). Restore the
display correction by setting BKONDEL ON.
4.10.3 Cancel Line
If you make several mistakes, or change your mind, you can cancel the whole
line by typing <CTRL-X> rather than rubbing out the characters one at a time.
Your monitor displays a <BACKSLASH> and a <CR>:
Most console editing features and commands are disabled or not
available when connected in Transparent mode.
Some other packet systems may be unable to accept packets longer
than 128 characters.
4-18
PACKET OPERATION
PK88-70
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