Chapter 1 - Introduction; Introduction; Scope; General - Advanced Electronic Applications PK-88 Operating Manual

PK-88 OPERATING MANUAL
1.1

Introduction

The PK-88 Operating Manual describes the general characteristics and operation of your PK-
88 Packet Controller. This Operating Manual will help you to install, adjust and operate your
system.
1.1.1

Scope

The Operating Manual provides detailed information on installation and operation of the
PK-88. The manual describes the PK-88's features, system components and basic opera-
tion on Packet Radio. Information on theory of operation, hardware and software descrip-
tions, protocols and troubleshooting instructions is also available.
1.1.2

General

The PK-88 can be used with any standard communications terminal or computer equipped
with an RS-232C ASCII serial data port and an appropriate communications program or
terminal emulator. For information on operation with nonstandard interfaces or terminals,
please contact the manufacturer.
1.1.3

Application

The PK-88 Packet Controller is a digital link between your radio and your computer or ter-
minal. The PK-88 provides all decoding, encoding and transmitter control routines needed
to send and receive Packet-Radio. You can use your computer or any ASCII data terminal
with the same communications program or terminal emulator that you use with a tele-
phone line modem.
1.2

Specifications

As part of its program of product improvement, the manufacturer reserves the right to
change this product's specifications. Changes will be made to the information in this docu-
ment and incorporated in revisions to this manual. Specifications are subject to change with-
out notice.
1.2.1

Description

The Model PK-88 is an asynchronous PAD (Packet Assembler/Disassembler) or data con-
troller that includes a built-in modem for Packet-Radio operation. The PK-88 hardware
HDLC system converts serial, asynchronous, ASCII data to the internationally accepted
AX.25 Packet-Radio protocol via an EIA standard RS-232 serial port. In addition, a Host
mode, raw HDLC and KISS ('Keep It Simple, Stupid') TNC protocols are available for appli-
cations other than AX-25 protocols.
Operating Modes:
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
Packet-Radio per AX.25, half- or full-duplex.
MailDrop - personal mailbox system
Host Mode with Raw HDLC and KISS TNC protocol for service with
TCP/IP and specialized applications.
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INTRODUCTION
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