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PK-88 OPERATING MANUAL
4.2.1
'Connect' and 'Disconnect'
Packet-Radio contacts begin with a connect process that sets up the 'handshaking' be-
tween the two stations to insure error-free communications. Contacts or connections are
ended by a disconnect process that leaves both stations free to start new contacts.
Packet connections can also use digipeaters – other Packet stations that automatically re-
lay packets from one station to another over a specified route. We are going to 'connect'
the PK-88 to itself to see how this works. You have already set up the PK-88 in loopback;
therefore, the PK-88 will receive as well as send packets.
4.2.2
LED Status and Mode Indicators
The PK-88's front-panel LEDs show you the operating mode and system status at any mo-
ment. Each LED is marked with an abbreviated name.
CONV
TRANS
CMD
SEND
DCD
STA
CON
MULT
PWR
4.3
System Loopback Test Connection
This first test uses your own call sign. Type
CONNECT {MYCALL}
cmd:
*** CONNECTED to {MYCALL}
The LEDs change to show the PK-88 in Packet Mode, in CONNECTED state and in
CONVERSE Mode.
STATUS: CONV lit, CON lit
The PK-88 sends special packets to set up a connection. These packets are now leaving the
PK-88 on J3's Pin 1 and returning on Pin 4 without being transmitted over your radio.
4.3.1
Connect Message
*** CONNECTED to {MYCALL}
LED is now lit; the
yourself in Converse Mode, ready to begin. Try it. Type your message, ending the line
with a [↵]:
Hello, there.
Hello, there.
Converse
Transparent
Command
Send
Data Carrier Detect
Status
Connect
Multiple
Power
prompt does not appear on the next line. You are connected to
cmd:
Lit when in the Converse Mode
Lit when in the Transparent Mode
Lit when in the Command Mode
Lit when PTT line is active
Lit when valid data signals received
Lit when unacknowledged frames exist
(Blinks when MailDrop has unread mail)
Lit when valid connection exists
Lit when multiple connection exists
(Blinks when receive buffer is full)
Lit when DC power is applied
CONNECT
{MYCALL}.
shows that the connection is established. The CON
4 - 3
PACKET OPERATION
PK-88 - 50
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Troubleshooting
