Operation; General - AOR AR-210 Operating Instructions Manual

AR-210 Manual 3-1

3. OPERATION

Figure 3-1 shows the front panel of your TNC and briefly describes each LED, switch and connec-
tor. The following pages describe the operation of the unit and how to use the TNC to receive and
transmit "packets".
Before you attempt to use the TNC, be sure you are thoroughly familiar with your communications
equipment and its operation. This equipment should either be crystal-controlled or synthesized to
ensure excellent frequency stability, which is important for packet radio operation. Be sure the
transmitter you use has the ability to handle "key down" operation. Also, be sure you are familiar
with your computer terminal or computer (used in the terminal mode) and its operation.
  
1. After the TNC types the sign-on message on your terminal, you are ready to operate.
2. You can use your computer to emulate a terminal by running a terminal emulator program.
A terminal emulator program makes the RS-232C port on your computer appear as a termi-
nal input to the TNC.

GENERAL

Your TNC uses AX.25 software (built into ROM) and has following operating modes:
Commend Mode – In this mode, everything you type is interpreted as instruction for the TNC.
These instructions are in the form of command lines that terminated by a RETURN ([   ]). The com-
mands allow you you to change the TNC operating parameters, perform special functions or
change modes. If your TNC receive packets while it is in the Command Mode, you will see it
printed on the display screen. To send packets, you must direct the TNC to enter the data mode.
Data Modes – Two data modes are available; the Converse Mode and Transparent Mode. In these
modes the information you type to the TNC is assembled into packets and transmitted on the ra-
dio.
The remainder of this section first describes the terminal you will use. It then explains how to use
the commands to configure the TNC to suit you and your station and how to get started talking to
other stations on packet radio.
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