Page 1 Kantronics KPC–3 Plus Users Guide: Introduction, Getting Started, Modes of Operation, Command Reference, and Hardware Specifications...
Page 2: Contact Us
14830 W. 117 Olathe, Kansas 66063 Orders / Inquiries (913) 825-0680 FAX (913) 322-9234 E-mail sales@kantronics.com Website: www.kantronics.com Service / Technical Support (913) 825-0390 (8 AM to 12PM and 1 to 5 PM Central Time, M-F) FAX (913) 322-9234 E-mail service@kantronics.com...
Page 3: Revisions
2011-07-31 Updated contact information, minor text revisions. The KPC-3 Plus is a Kantronics hardware and software design incorporating the AX.25 Level 2 Version 2 Packet protocol as adopted by the American Radio Relay League. We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically correct as of the date of the current printing.
Page 4: Warranty Registration
Warranty Registration Please take the time to fill out the warranty registration form (or a copy of the form) and mail it to Kantronics, including a copy of your sales receipt, to register your purchase. Kantronics must receive warranty registration within 60 days of purchase of the Kantronics KPC–3 Plus to be valid.
Page 5: License Agreement
1. License. In consideration of payment of the License Fee, which is included in the price of the product, the Licensee (you) is granted by the Licensor (Kantronics Company, Inc. - Kantronics) a non-exclusive right to use the SOFTWARE and associated documentation. No ownership rights to the SOFTWARE or its Documentation are transferred from Kantronics to you.
Page 6 AGREEMENT, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT. Any questions concerning this Agreement or any other matter relating to Kantronics, Kantronics products, or business practices, may be sent to us by any of the means on our contact information page.
Page 7: Table Of Contents
K-Net Network node .................................... 114 K-Net Node Commands ..................................115 WEFAX Mode ....................................137 Other Modes of Operation ................................. 139 Modem Mode ..................................... 140 Kantronics Host Mode Operation ..............................141 KISS Mode ......................................142 Command Reference ..................................146 Introduction ......................................146 Commands ......................................151...
Page 8 Appendix A: Advanced Installation ..............................209 Precautions ......................................209 Cable Wiring ...................................... 209 Connecting to the Computer (DSUB-25) ............................209 Connecting to your Radios ................................. 212 Appendix B: Advanced Information ..............................215 Assembly and Disassembly ................................215 Hard Reset......................................215 Calibration/Equalization ..................................
Page 9: Limited Warranty
3. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Repair or replacement of the Applicable Product, as provided herein, is the sole remedy available to you against Kantronics, and in no event will Kantronics be responsible for any other liability or damages or for...
Page 10 Applicable Product to receive a Return Authorization Number. (As a practical matter, problems can often be solved in such a manner without the product having to be returned to Kantronics for repair or replacement.)
Page 11 Warranty shall be at your expense. Any product returned for warranty service, which Kantronics determines to be without defect or not covered by this Limited Warranty shall be subject to the minimum charge for labor and the product will be returned to you at your sole expense.
Page 12: Return/Repair Procedures
It may be useful to perform a ―Hard Reset‖. (See Hard Reset section.) If service or repairs still appear necessary after you have checked the items listed above, it may be wise to call, fax, e- mail or write Kantronics to determine if the problem can be solved without returning the unit. Return Procedures When calling, report the product name and ask for the Service Department.
Page 13 In case of unit problems, first contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product. If you must return a Kantronics product to us, please observe the steps outlined below. It will save you, the customer, and Kantronics unnecessary difficulties and expense.
Page 14: Radio Frequency Interference Statement
If you wish return by courier service, include your account number. To be eligible for repair under warranty, we must have a record that you sent your Warranty Registration and proof of purchase to Kantronics, and the item(s) must still be within the warranty period at the time the return is authorized.
Page 15: Rfi Suppression
Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help. The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user‘s authority to operate the equipment. The user is also cautioned that any peripheral device installed with this equipment must be connected with a high-quality shielded cable to insure compliance with FCC limits.
Page 16: Fcc Declaration Of Conformity
NOTE: This equipment, Kantronics‘ KPC–3 Plus, has been tested and found to comply with the essential emission and immunity requirements of the EMC Directive FCC Title 47, Part 15, Subpart B. The test results are on file at the corporate offices of Kantronics. Type of Equipment:...
Page 17: Introduction
Introduction Welcome Welcome to the Kantronics KPC-3 Plus, your pathway to amateur radio packet communication. Please review this chapter before you install your KPC-3 Plus as part of your packet radio station. Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual This user‘s guide provides documentation on the KPC-3 Plus and packet radio, including the following: What equipment you will need for your packet radio station.
Page 18: Package Contents
serve as a digipeater for other stations serve as a network node point for other stations, using KA-NODE and/or the optional K-Net feature And much more. Package Contents Check to see that you have the items listed below (later you will see how these items are used in your system): KPC-3 Plus unit parts to use in assembling cabling...
Page 19: Our Assumptions About You
Our Assumptions about You We assume that you are familiar with the following or that you can get help on these topics if necessary: general familiarity with your radio equipment and its intended uses basic use of your computer and its operating system, including copying disks and files, working with directories, and identifying and using the serial (COM) ports on your computer basic electronics needed if you are going to build or upgrade hardware yourself,...
Page 20 Packet radio gives you the ability to send essentially error-free digital communications to other packet radio stations. As a sender or receiver, you see just the messages, or files, being sent and received. But there is much going on beneath the surface. You will get more out of packet radio, and have an easier time getting started, if you have at least a basic understanding of what is involved in packet radio communication.
Page 21 Let‘s assume that an originating station, WØXI, wants to send the message ―HELLO‖ to a destination station, KBØNYK. Also, assume that WØXI knows that his signal might not reach KBØNYK‘s station directly, but that it can be picked up and repeated by an intermediate station, NØGRG, and then received by KBØNYK.
Page 22 Now that WØXI is in ―conversation‖ mode, the operator types in the message, Step 4. ―HELLO‖, and presses the ENTER key on the computer to indicate the end of the message and the beginning of the message‘s journey. The computer sends the message, ―HELLO,‖ to the TNC for processing. Step 5.
Page 23 the series of 1‘s and 0‘s in the incoming bit-stream, and identifies the burst as an AX.25 packet of information containing the message, ―HELLO.‖ Also, and most significantly, NØGRG registers that the packet designates NØGRG as the first (and only) intermediate station on a path between a source, WØXI, and a destination, KBØNYK.
Page 24 Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments An efficient way to send a message from one place to another is to break the information into small segments, called packets or frames, and send each packet separately. Note: The correct technical term is ―data frame‖, not ―packet‖ or ―frame,‖ but we will use the term ―packet,‖...
Page 25 communication is ended by the parties, or until the sender ―times out‖ after trying a number of times to get feedback and not succeeding. Hint: In most cases, communication by packet radio is like mail, not the telephone, in that it is not done in real-time, but via messages that are routed from one station, or ―node,‖...
Page 26 which there are several kinds) and unnumbered packets. To learn more about these, see the documentation for the KPC-3 Plus‘ MCOM command. As noted at the beginning of this section, the organization of amateur radio packets is defined by the AX.25 protocol. Now it is useful to give a brief discussion of this protocol, and another that fits ―within‖...
Page 27: Inside A Tnc - The Kpc-3 Plus
Inside a TNC – the KPC-3 Plus To better understand the workings of your packet radio station, it is helpful to have an overview of the major components of the TNC device at the center of your station. In the early days of packet radio, TNC‘s consisted primarily of a modem for communicating with a transceiver and a special-purpose microprocessor called a PAD (i.e., packet assembler/disassembler) used to process packets of information and communicates with a computer or terminal.
Page 28 Micro-processor Modem (optional) Real Time Clock KPC-3 Plus Firmware/EPROM RAM (Random Access Memory) Kantronics software, The KPC-3 Plus ships with stored in 128K of RAM, which may ―Electrically Programmable be replaced by up to 512K of Read-Only Memory‖ RAM (e.g. to accommodate a bigger PBBS Mailbox).
Page 29: Installing Your Kpc-3 Plus
Installing Your KPC-3 Plus The goal of this chapter is to guide you as quickly as possible through the steps of setting up your packet radio station. The major steps involved in installing (i.e., connecting the parts) your packet radio station are as follows: connect your KPC-3 Plus to a power source and confirm that the unit powers on when it should,...
Page 30: The Major Components Of Your Station
KPC-3 Plus. The center post is the positive connection and the sleeve is negative (ground). Note: All Kantronics‘ TNC's can operate without the computer being connected, once they have been configured. For example, you can receive and store messages in the...
Page 31 personal mailbox inside the KPC-3 Plus without using your computer. And your KPC-3 Plus can serve as a relay station for other stations without your computer being connected. This independence from the computer is possible because the TNC contains the intelligence necessary to carry out these functions, once it is appropriately configured and attached to a transceiver.
Page 32 The computer-end of your RS232 cable must be female, to connect to the computer's male serial (COM) port. Hint: Since, the KPC-3 Plus‘ ―Computer‖ port has a female DSUB-25 connector, the KPC-3 Plus end of your modem cable must have a male DSUB-25 connector. Be sure the cable between your KPC-3 Plus and the computer is correctly wired.
Page 33: How The Parts Of Your Station Are Connected
How the Parts of Your Station are Connected The following diagram shows how the components of your KPC-3 Plus packet radio station will be connected and the kinds of connectors that will be used. As you assemble your station, you may wish to refer to this diagram. With this overview, we are now ready for step-by-step instructions for installing your station, which we will do in the following order: The three different ways you can power the KPC-3 Plus...
Page 34: Connect Your Kpc-3 Plus To A Power Source
Connect Your KPC-3 Plus to a Power Source As illustrated on the right side of the station cabling diagram on page 33, there are three ways to supply power to your KPC-3 Plus. You may use external power by connecting the KPC-3 Plus to a 12 V dc source on your bench You may use external power by connecting the KPC-3 Plus to a 120-V ac power source using a 12-V dc adapter.
Page 35 The steps are: Step 1. You may order from Kantronics, as an option, a Kantronics 120-V ac to 12-V dc 300-mA power adapter, or you may purchase the needed 120-V ac to 12-V dc 300-mA power adapter from a third party, Step 2.
Page 36: Connect Your Kpc-3 Plus To Your Computer
Step 1. Open the KPC-3 Plus case Step 2. Confirm that a battery connector (pig tail, snap connector) has been installed or install one, as described above, if needed. If there is a protective clip over the battery connector, remove it Step 3.
Page 37 Make Your Serial Cable This section is for those making your own cable instead of purchasing one. We assume that if you are making your own cable you are familiar with the process and just need to know: (1) what parts are needed, and (2) how the parts are connected. Parts needed: a male DSUB-25 connector, to connect to the KPC-3 Plus‘...
Page 38 <——> 5 CTS <——> 7 SG CASE 1-B: Wiring if computer has a 25-pin connector and the cable has 9 (or more) wires. Same as in CASE 1-A, and also: KPC-3 Plus Computer <——> 1 FG <——> 6 DSR <——> 8 DCD <——>...
Page 39: Configure Your Kpc-3 Plus
The software (terminal program) requirements are also the same as that used for a telephone modem. Installing the RS232 Cable Once you have purchased or made your serial communication cable, connect it as follows: Step 1. Make sure that power to both your computer and your KPC-3 Plus is turned OFF.
Page 40 install and start terminal software in your computer to enable communication between your KPC-3 Plus and your computer, use the terminal communication software to establish communication with your KPC-3 Plus, including setting the speed of communications back and forth, and configure your KPC-3 Plus to prepare it for your use, including giving the KPC-3 Plus your CALLSIGN and setting KPC-3 Plus parameter values.
Page 41 Now turn on the KPC-3 Plus. AUTOBAUD The first time your KPC-3 Plus is used, it runs an AUTOBAUD routine to assure that the KPC-3 Plus baud is the same as that of whatever communication software you are using. The KPC-3 Plus‘ AUTOBAUD routine works as follows: AUTOBAUD sends and resends the message ―PRESS (*) TO SET BAUD‖...
Page 42 Required TNC Parameter Settings The following TNC parameter settings are needed: COMMAND = $03 (CTRL+C) (default = $03, so unless this has been changed, you do not need to do anything). CANLINE default = CTRL+X (HEX $18) CANPAC default = CTRL+Y (HEX $19) PASS default = CTRL+V (HEX $16) Optional Parameter Settings The following TNC parameters are generally used with their default settings when...
Page 43: Connect The Kpc-3 Plus To A Transceiver
Problem: Go to Terminal Screen, but Nothing Happens One possibility is that the current COM port does have a device on it, but it is not a TNC. It might be a mouse or an internal phone modem, for example. To see if it is a mouse, go to the TERMINAL Screen, start moving your mouse and see if sequences of characters appear as you move the mouse.
Page 44 Note: If you need further assistance on your radio cabling, contact the radio manufacturer, your dealer, or a local amateur who has already installed a TNC. Kantronics is not likely to have pin assignments for specific transceiver models. The following diagrams, used for example only, show wiring connections between the male connector for the KPC-3 Plus‘...
Page 45 These diagrams may also apply to transceivers from other manufacturers, but you need to check to be sure how your transceiver needs to be wired. See the section on ―Interfacing Hand-Held Radios‖ in the ―Advanced Installation‖ appendix for further information.
Page 48 Your Transceiver’s Microphone Connections to the KPC-3 Plus. For the microphone on your transceiver, you may wish to make notes of the following connections, which you will use, for wiring your assembly: identify and make a note of the microphone input (which will be wired to pin 1, transmit audio on the KPC-3 Plus‘...
Page 49 See figure below. 11. If your radio is equipped with a single metal connector, such as the Kantronics dvr 2-2, then this same cable with connector attachment technique should be...
Page 50 Wiring between your Transceiver Microphone and the KPC-3 Plus: Follow the notes taken above and wire the cable assembly in the following order: Step 1. Using a user-supplied microphone connector appropriate for your transceiver and the notes taken above, attach wires as follows: Attach the wire from pin 1 (transmit audio) on the DSUB-9 to the microphone connector‘s input pin, Attach the wire from pin 3 (push-to-talk) on the DSUB-9 to the...
Page 51 Important: Keep your wiring notes for future reference. This completes the construction of your transceiver cable assembly. Now it needs to be connected. Connecting the Transceiver Cable Assembly Now you are ready to use this cable assembly to finish assembling your packet radio station.
Page 52 Now the receive volume control on your transceiver is properly adjusted for sending signals to your KPC-3 Plus. Your KPC-3 Plus is now installed and ready to use. You may now go to the ―Getting Started‖ chapter, to learn how to do the basic operations with your KPC-3 Plus. If you do not see the receive LED light, check the cabling between the radio and the KPC-3 Plus.
Page 53: Connecting To A Gps Device (Optional)
Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional) To use your KPC-3 Plus with a GPS device, you can connect the data output from the GPS device to either the DSUB-25 ―Computer" port (i.e., serial port) on the back of the KPC-3 Plus or alternately, to a pin on its radio port. Since you need to remove the computer‘s serial modem cable from the KPC-3 Plus‘...
Page 54: Getting Started
Getting Started This chapter gives you important information and examples to get you started using your packet radio station. We assume you have installed your station and familiarized yourself with the use of with your KPC-3 Plus, as covered in the chapters on ―Installing your KPC-3 Plus‖. If you have not yet installed your station, we suggest that you do so before continuing with this chapter.
Page 55: The Front Panel Of The Kpc-3 Plus
The Front Panel of the KPC-3 Plus You have already used the POWER switch on the KPC-3 Plus to turn power on and off. This is a good time to get familiar with all the indicators on the front panel of the KPC-3 Plus.
Page 56: Giving Commands And Transmitting Data
KPC-3 Plus (sent to HyperTerminal and displayed on your computer screen) such as the following: KANTRONICS KPC3PMX VERSION 9.1 (C) COPYRIGHT 2002 -2005 BY KANTRONICS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DUPLICATION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF KANTRONICS. cmd: The last line of this message (―cmd:‖) is the KPC-3 Plus‘...
Page 57: Newuser Commands
TRANS (Transparent) Mode A second way to transmit data is to instruct the KPC-3 Plus to ignore the ―control characters‖ (e.g., ―backspace‖) and just transmit every character as data. This is called the ―TRANS‖ (transparent) mode of communication. For example, if data received by the KPC-3 Plus for transmission in TRANS mode includes ―backspace‖...
Page 58 ECHO - When ON characters you type on the keyboard will be echoed back to your terminal. When OFF characters you type will not be echoed. HELP - Displays a complete list of all available commands on your screen. INTFACE - Selects the NEWUSER command set or the complete (TERMINAL) command set.
Page 59: Using Newuser Commands
MONITOR - When ON allows the KPC-3 Plus to display monitored packets on the screen. When OFF, no packets will be displayed unless someone actually connects to you. MHEARD - Displays a short list of stations that have recently been heard by your KPC-3 Plus.
Page 60: Connect To Your Mailbox
The KPC-3 Plus will send a short ―HELP‖ message about the command, for Step 3. display on your monitor. View Current Values of Parameters To see the current value of parameter(s) for any variable (other than the ―immediate‖ commands, like CONVERS, that are simple actions, not settings): Step 1.
Page 61: Monitor Communications From Nearby Stations
Step 1. Go to COMMAND mode (if you are not already there), where you will see the ―cmd:‖ prompt. Type CONNECT call (where ―call‖ is your MYPBBS) and press the ENTER Step 2. (return) key to enter the command. By default, MYPBBS is the callsign you entered right after the autobaud routine, with ―-1"...
Page 62: Communicate Directly With A Nearby Station
Amateur packet-radio activity in the US is typically on VHF, on 2 meters, with 145.010 MHz being the most common packet-radio frequency. The most common baud is 1200. To monitor communications from nearby stations (after you have tuned in to an appropriate frequency): Step 1.
Page 63 Once the connection has been made, you‘ll receive a message back on your Step 3. screen from the KPC-3 Plus that says *** CONNECTED to KBØNYK (or, if you are using relay stations, *** CONNECTED to KBØNYK via WØXI, NØGRG). At that point you are ready to start talking to the other station since the KPC-3 Plus has already automatically switched into the CONVERS mode.
Page 64: Modes Of Operation
Modes of Operation This chapter covers the major ways in which you may use your Kantronics TNC. For details on particular commands, see the ―Command Reference‖ chapter. Packet Mode of Operation This section adds to the information presented earlier (in the Getting Started and other sections) on how packet radio uses digital information for communication.
Page 65 Command Mode In order to change parameters, or give any other instructions to the TNC, you must be in Command Mode. This is the mode you will be in when you first turn on the TNC or after resetting it. Once you have left Command Mode for any reason, there is a parameter called COMMAND that determines what special character you will use to return to Command Mode.
Page 66 while pressing ―C‖. You will be going between Command and Convers Modes depending on whether you want to talk to the TNC or have the TNC packetize what you type to go out on the air. A Simple Connect Once you see a station you would like to connect to, be sure you are in Command Mode, and issue a connect request.
Page 67 Digipeating Everything we have done so far will only be heard by those within range to hear your signal. With packet radio it is possible to go farther than that. The DIGIPEAT parameter in the TNC comes defaulted ON. This makes your TNC a possible relay station, or digital repeater —digipeater, or just digi for short.
Page 68 GPS Mode of Operation section of this chapter. Gateways In Kantronics‘ multi-port devices (e.g., Kantronics‘ KAM Plus, KAM XL, and KPC-9612 Plus), a Gateway is also available. Using a gateway is similar to digipeating except that the retransmission of the packet takes place on another radio port of the TNC other than where it was received.
Page 69 This practice has been adopted to reduce collisions with packets being digipeated, since these packets must (by the AX.25 protocol) be acknowledged end-to-end. Kantronics‘ current TNCs (e.g. KPC-3, KPC-3 Plus, KPC-9612, KPC-9612 Plus, among others), use the PERSIST/SLOTTIME algorithm to gain channel access.
Page 70 number was 83, then the TNC would not start the key-up of the transmitter since 83 is greater than the 63 PERSIST value. Instead, it would wait an additional 100 ms, and if the channel is still clear, generate a new random number. This time, let‘s say it comes up with the number 27.
Page 71 Let‘s assume that station A sends frame number 3 to station B. Station B does not receive the frame and therefore no acknowledgment is received by station A. With version 1, the entire packet is retransmitted (with the same frame number) to station B and this continues until station A receives an acknowledgment from station B.
Page 72 Software Flow Control Software flow control sends special characters on the TXD and RXD lines of the RS232 cable. These are the same lines used for sending regular data between the TNC and computer. Software flow control normally sends a <Ctrl+S> to stop data and a <Ctrl+Q> to restart data.
Page 73 HyperTerminal uses hardware flow control, but some communication software does not. Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode In the Convers Mode there are many special characters. To list a few: Command Default Description SENDPAC <Ctrl+M> Causes a packet to be formed DELETE <Ctrl+H>...
Page 74: Remote Access To Your Tnc
Within 1 second type a second <Ctrl+C> Within 1 second type a third <Ctrl+C> Wait 1 second and the cmd: prompt should appear If the guard time of one second before and after the three <Ctrl+C>s is not there, the TNC assumes that they are data and sends them to the radio, so be sure to allow at least one second before and after the three <Ctrl+C>s.
Page 75 If you fail to properly decode the password, the TNC will send three new lines of numbers. You will be given a maximum of three attempts to properly decode the password string. If you fail in three attempts, the TNC will disconnect you and disable connects to the MYREMOTE for 15 minutes.
Page 76: Pbbs (Personal Mailbox)
BBS and forward any messages it has. Using Your PBBS In order to use any Kantronics TNC PBBS (even your own), first get the cmd: prompt on your TNC, and then connect to the callsign of the PBBS. For instance, if your MYPBBS is NØKN-1, you would connect to it simply by typing ―C NØKN-1".
Page 77 TNC is turned ON (without blinking) when someone is connected to your PBBS. PBBS Commands The commands available to users connecting to your Kantronics TNC PBBS (and you connecting directly) are as follows: B(ye) This command is entered by the PBBS user to disconnect from the PBBS.
Page 78 This command is available only to the system operator (SYSOP) or to a user at the keyboard of a computer connected directly to the TNC (i.e., not to a remote connection, except for the SYSOP). For an explanation of this command, see the section below on ―Editing Message Headers.‖...
Page 79 Using the LC command by itself will cause the PBBS to list the TO field of all BULLETINS in the mailbox. This will just be a list of the actual TO fields, and not a list of the messages. If you specify a category (i.e. LC RACES) the PBBS will list the full message headers of all BULLETINS addressed to that category.
Page 80 Reads a specific message by number. Only PRIVATE messages addressed TO you, or sent by you, may be read, as well as any BULLETIN or TRAFFIC messages. After you read a PRIVATE message addressed to you, the STATUS flag will automatically be set to Y—it has been read.
Page 81 call is the callsign of the station the message is addressed to. bbcall is the callsign of a full service BBS to deliver the message to. haddr is the complete Hierarchical address designator for the BBS system or destination of the message (see the section below on ―Hierarchical Addresses‖ for more detailed information).
Page 82 Messages entered from the local keyboard connected to the TNC do not require editing in order to be reverse forwarded, but must include at least an @BBS field to enable the reverse forwarding. Listing Messages When you list messages with any of the LIST commands, you will get a display similar to the one shown below.
Page 83 Reading Messages To read a message (e.g., a bulletin such as that in the previous section listed as being to ALL), use the READ command (see PBBS command section for details on using this command). Editing Message Headers The following command can be used to edit message headers: E(dit) n [BPTYNFH] [>tocall] [<fromcall] [@BBS] “old”...
Page 84 And the subject or text of the message When a message is listed, the ―tocall‖ and ―fromcall‖ appear in the TO and FROM columns, respectively. If a message has been entered with an ―@BBS‖ for forwarding, the complete hierarchical address is shown when the message is read: MSG2 02/10/92 10:30:58 FROM KBØNYK TO HELP @wa4ewv.#stx.tx.usa.noam The @BBS is also listed when using the semi-colon (;) option with any of the list...
Page 85 SID is enclosed in square brackets and consists of the unit name, firmware version, and the supported feature set. For example the Kantronics KPC-3 Plus SID is: [KPC3P-9.1-HM$] This is the unit name (KPC3P), version number (9.0) and the feature set (HM$). The H means it supports Hierarchical forwarding, the M stands for Message ID, and the $ indicates BID support.
Page 86 You can customize a greeting message to be sent to a user who connects to your PBBS by using the PTEXT command. This command accepts up to 128 characters as a text string to be sent to the user immediately after the SID is sent. If it becomes necessary to disconnect a station from your PBBS, you can use the local terminal connected to your TNC to accomplish this (see DISCONNECT MYPBBS).
Page 87 ―F‖ and will remain in the PBBS. Selecting a Home Full-Service BBS. One important use of your Kantronics PBBS is to connect to the national system of packet-radio based BBSs, which was described earlier in the ―historical note‖ at the...
Page 88 beginning of the PBBS section. You can use a ―home‖ full service BBS for sending and receiving mail, much as you would use a P.O. Box at a postal facility. The full-service BBS should always be on and available to handle mail for you. Each PBBS user should select one (and only one) PC-based, full-service BBS for sending and receiving mail.
Page 89 command (RH or V) that will display more routing information. A routing list from a bulletin appears below. R:931012/1107 27268@NØKN.#NEKS.KS.USA.NOAM R:931012/1025 16433@N0LLY.#NEKS.KS.USA.NOAM R:931011/2021 928@N0OER.#NEKS.KS.USA.NOAM R:931008/1814 20728@N0OBM.#NCKS.KS.USA.NOAM R:931008/2003 19520@NX0R.#NKS.KS.USA.NOAM R:931008/1153 30798@AG0N.#WNE.NE.USA.NOAM R:931007/1147 35850@N7MMC.#SEWY.WY.USA.NOAM R:931007/1712 49403@KT0H.#NECO.CO.USA.NOAM R:931007/1639 63792@KA0WIN.#SECO.CO.USA.NOAM R:931004/1529 46383@N5IST.#WTX.TX.USA.NOAM By examining this list from the bottom up, we may see that the message entered the system on October 4, 1993 at 15:29 (R:931004/1529).
Page 90 When you enter a message into your Kantronics PBBS and supply the routing information, that message may be forwarded automatically to another BBS. When the message is forwarded from your Kantronics mailbox, an R: line is included as the originating BBS. This line includes the same information as any other BBS.
Page 91: Gps Nmea Interfacing
GPS NMEA Interfacing Most Kantronics‘ TNCs, e.g. KPC-3 Plus, KPC-9612 Plus, KAM XL, and others, support the GPS mode, explained below. Each contains firmware to interface with a GPS device supporting the NMEA 0183 interface standard; commands to configure and control unproto (path) retransmissions of the NMEA strings, and provides RAM storage for location messages (strings) for later retrieval.
Page 92 Technical note: Many GPS vendors simply use “TTL” voltage levels (+5 V and 0 V), but use the same polarity as RS232. These units are capable of driving a Kantronics TNC RS232 serial data port input pin. However, some GPS vendors invert the sense of this signal (true TTL), and these units will not directly interface with a TNC.
Page 93 Configuring a Kantronics TNC for GPS Operation To configure your Kantronics TNC in GPS Mode you must set several command parameters from your PC keyboard as follows: select the GPS strings you will be capturing in each of the Location Text buffers...
Page 94 In addition to transmitting the beacons periodically, your TNC can store the transmitted beacons in a location buffer (LTRACK) for later review. The size of the LTRACK buffer is set by a command from the keyboard. Setting Parameters in the TNC To add GPS capability to your portable packet station, enter the required GPS parameters into your TNC (from your PC), set ABAUD to 4800, and then cable your TNC to the NMEA data port of your GPS unit.
Page 95: Gps Operations
GPS Unit Initialization from the TNC Some GPS receivers require reception of a special string of characters for initialization before they will send any information. You can tell your TNC to send the initialization string to your GPS unit by entering the required string using the GPSINIT command. For instance, if your GPS receiver requires the string $PGRMO,GPGGA,1 to be sent, you would give the command GPSINIT $PGRMO,GPGGA,1...
Page 96 minutes from the time the user sets the time that the beacon should be transmitted. As an example, if you set the BLT command for LT 1 (BLT 1) with the command: BLT 1 EVERY 00:30:00 START 00:00:01 the TNC would transmit a beacon at 00:00:01 (time after midnight) and every 30 minutes after that.
Page 97 The LT buffers will be transmitted based on the BLT and LTP commands and stored according to the LTRACK command even when the TNC is not in GPS Mode. GPS Command Summary The following GPS commands are listed here for convenience and explained in detail in the Command Reference section.
Page 98 Advanced GPS (or APRS) Digipeating The ―UI‖ digipeating commands described in this section add flexibility in reporting GPS (or APRS) station positions. It is an established procedure of the reporting stations to digipeat with generic callsigns and through a number of repeaters (e.g., ―APRS‖ repeaters).
Page 99 Kantronics‘ TNCs have a suite of UI digipeating commands that can be used to deal with inefficiencies that can arise when a number of digipeaters are transmitting in the same area, at the same time, using the same generic names.
Page 100 The purpose of the UIGATE (which is in multi-port devices only) is to prevent heavy high speed UI frame activity from congesting (―flooding‖) the low speed (port 1) frequency. Each of these commands is documented in the ―Command Reference‖. Note: Digipeater priority for call signs is as follows: UIDIGI, UIFLOOD, UITRACE, MYCALL, MYNODE, MYALIAS (e.g.
Page 101 WØXI>GPS,C,B*,TRACE: <UI>:5 WØXI>GPS,A,C,B*: <UI>:5 WØXI>GPS,C,A,B*: <UI>:5 WØXI>GPS,C,B,A*: <UI>:5 All digis hear the first UI frame and store it. Due to the setting of UIDWAIT, some stations may wait longer than others to digipeat; hence, when they do, they may have several frames stored up - for example, the original and a digipeat from another station.
Page 102 In this example, we demonstrate cross-band (gateway) digipeating, using selected Kantronics‘ TNCs. A UI frame is launched on HF and repeated on VHF four times. A KAM Plus and two KPC-3 Pluses (with call signs C, B, and D) are configured as digipeaters and another KAM Plus (call sign A) is set to launch a UI frame from its HF port.
Page 103 Etherington, Michael, ―FM subcarrier network extends differential GPS nationwide‖, Mobile Radio Technology, February 1994. Kaplan, Elliot, ―The global positioning system (GPS)‖, Communications Quarterly, Summer 1994. Langley, R., ―The mathematics of GPS‖, GPS World Magazine, July/August 1991. ―NMEA 0183 ASCII Interface Standard‖, (NMEA 0183 version 2.0), NMEA, P.O. Box 50040, Mobile, AL 36605.
Page 104: Ka-Node
KA-Node Overview Most Kantronics TNCs (e.g., KPC-3 Plus, KPC-9612 Plus) include, as a part of their firmware, the Kantronics KA-Node, a packet networking node. If you turn this node on, others may use your station (unattended) not only as a digipeater, but as a node, enabling them to find pathways to other stations and making those pathways more efficient.
Page 105 Personal Mailbox. Some Kantronics TNCs, such as the 9612 Plus, are multi-port. These multi-port KA- Nodes can support cross-connects, Xconnects; that is, users may connect on one port and then connect out another port, which may be attached to another radio set to a different frequency.
Page 106 To use the KA-Node as a means of connecting to some other node or end-user, you must first connect to the KA-Node. At the cmd: prompt on your TNC, issue a connect request to the callsign of the KA-Node, let‘s say it‘s been named LAW. When you make connection you will see the following messages on your display: *** CONNECTED TO LAW ### CONNECTED TO WILD NODE LAW (NØGRG) CHANNEL A...
Page 107 ###LINK MADE ###CONNECTED TO NODE KC (NØAPJ-2) CHANNEL A ENTER COMMAND B,C,J,N,X, or Help ? At this point you are ―patched‖ through the KA-Node LAW to the node KC. When LAW issued the connect request to KC it used your own call but subtracted a count of one from your SSID.
Page 108 The cross-connect (XCONNECT) command is a unique feature of the KA-Node. This command allows cross linking between two frequencies through the node in much the same manner as the Kantronics unique gateway, but with local acknowledgment of packets. For example, suppose you just connected to node LAWKAN and wish to cross-connect to NØGRG whose station is tuned to the frequency of the other port of the node.
Page 109 The response you receive will be: ### LINK MADE ### CONNECTED TO NØGRG You can also determine from the response to the NODE command, which port a node is on. Below is an illustration of a KA-Node response to a NODE command: LAWKAN* 12/02/87 15:45:00 N66046/X 12/02/87 15:49:15 OLAKAN/X 12/02/87 16:15:21...
Page 110 Causes the KA-Node to initiate a disconnect. Connect callsign [Stay] Causes the node to issue a connect request to ―callsign‖ in the usual AX.25 mode. If the connect is successful, a link will be made to the next node or end-user station called. The optional Stay feature provides a way to disconnect without loosing the entire link.
Page 111 NET/ROM and TheNet nodes. The format of the list is similar to that of the JHEARD list above. Xconnect callsign Note: The Xconnect callsign command is available only in KA-nodes in Kantronics‘ multi-port TNCs. Causes the node to issue a connect request to ―callsign‖ (in the usual AX.25 format) on the opposite port of the KA-Node.
Page 112: Introduction To Basic Packet Networking
Introduction to Basic Packet Networking A network node is a "collection point" in a packet network. It is at these node locations that packets are collected and routed to other nodes and end-users. Many network nodes operate at high data rates, usually at 9,600 or 19,200 baud. End-user access to the network is usually at a lower baud (1200 baud) and on a different frequency.
Page 113 Basic Networking Guidelines The intent of this section is not to dictate how to configure a packet network. However, certain goals and concepts of design should be carefully considered. The primary goal of any data network should be the efficient transfer of data from point A to point B (high speed), coupled with ease of use (low frustration level).
Page 114: K-Net Network Node
K-Net Network node Quick Start The factory default values in the K-Net PROM have the network node operation disabled. To enable the K-Net node, the NETALIAS and the NETCALL must be entered. The NETALIAS is usually a mnemonic that gives users an idea about where the node is located (other network nodes do not care what the alias is).
Page 115: K-Net Node Commands
This will cause the KPC-3 Plus to do an "internal connect" to the K-Net node alias SUTNE, much like connecting to your own PBBS. When you connect to your K-Net node in this manner, you will not receive a command prompt (cmd:). Hitting the Enter key will display the commands available to you.
Page 116 DESTINATION NODE - A destination node is a node that your node knows how to connect to, either directly (i.e. neighbor node), or, in the case of a distant node, by using one or more intermediate network nodes. All known destination nodes (neighbor nodes and distant nodes) are displayed with the NODES command, All neighbor nodes are destination nodes, but all destination nodes are not necessarily neighbors.
Page 117 This would add the YORK node with the netcall of WA0CPS-1 to the nodes table. Since WK5M-1 is an existing route (neighbor) a new route is not added. EXAMPLE - Addnode CRT:KG5DT-1 1 WK5M-1 700 K-Net responds: Node added In this case, the optional obscnt (obsolescence count) has been specified as zero. This special case is useful in the event that your node is not able to hear this neighbor's node broadcasts (i.e.
Page 118 K-Net responds: Route added and locked This adds the W4NGA-1 node to the routes table with a locked quality of 0. This node, and any distant nodes associated with it, will not appear in the nodes table since the locked in quality of zero is probably less than MINQUAL. NOTE - The W4NGA-1 node can be completely ignored by putting its NETCALL (W4NGA-1) in the SUPCALLS list and turning LLIST ON (from the command prompt - cmd:).
Page 119 The node will transmit a packet addressed to CQ from the node-modified callsign of WA0CPS-15. WA0CPS-15>CQ: This is Ed in York, Nebraska Please connect to me for a short QSO. The node automatically subtracts Ed's SSID (0) from 15 (15 minus 0 = 15) since the callsign WA0CPS is already being used in the circuit.
Page 120 EXAMPLE - DELRoute 1 W0XI-1 110 K-Net responds: Route deleted EXAMPLE - DELRoute 1 WK5M-1 110 K-Net responds: Route unlocked In this case, the route was not deleted, and the "Route unlocked" response simply indicates that the route is not locked in the routes table. This response will be received if this neighbor is used as a route by other destination nodes in your nodes table.
Page 121 LINKS The LINKS command displays a list of current AX.25 links existing in the node. Links displays the callsign of the two connected stations, the AX.25 State (normally 5), the Port number, the Type of link (U = Uplink, D = Downlink, and X = Crosslink), and the AX.25 Version in use (1 or 2).
Page 122 This command sets the limit on the number of times a packet originated by an uplink (normally a user) at this node may be transferred through other nodes. Each time a message is handled by a node, the time-to-live for that message is decremented. If the L3TTL counter reaches zero, the message is discarded.
Page 123 L4WINDOW n (n = 1 - 127) Default 4 The L4WINDOW sets the maximum number of outstanding frames that may exist in the network for a given circuit. When the node has L4WINDOW unacknowledged frames, it will not transmit any more frames until a level 4 info-ack is received. Network nodes may allow up to 127 outstanding frames across the system.
Page 124 This list shows the three best routes K-Net will attempt to use (in descending order) to connect to the YORK node. The first number is the route quality, the second number is the obsolescence count, and the third number is the assigned port. NODESINT n (n = 0 - 255) Default 60...
Page 125 This command sets a text message that is sent to users when they enter the PORTS command after connecting to your node. EXAMPLE - Ports 145.01 MHz @ 1200 baud This text can be cleared by entering a % as the port text (PORTS %). QUALITY m/n (n = 0 - 255) Default 255/70...
Page 126 ROUTES The ROUTES command will display the list of neighbor nodes. In order for a new neighbor to be contained in the nodes and routes tables, MINQUAL must be equal to or less than QUALITY. The routes table shows the port number, the neighbor callsign, quality value, the number of destination nodes in the nodes table that use this neighbor as a route, if the route is in use, and if the route is locked.
Page 127 STATS This command displays a summary of statistics concerning level 3 and level 4 activity on this node. A typical display: KARL:WK5M-1} Time active 3986 min Buffers: 200 max, 199 available, 169 min, 0 out Known nodes: 19 L4 Connects: 26 sent, 5 rcvd L4 Frames: 205 sent, 392 rcvd, 6 resent, 0 resequenced L3 Frames Relayed: 2303 This shows that the node has been active for 3986 minutes, there are 200 buffers in the...
Page 128 KSLVN:WD0EMR-1} K-Net Packet Switch v1.0 (145) Uplink 1 (WA0PWS) <-> Circuit (KSBLC:WZ0M-3 WA0PWS) Circuit (KSLAW:WK5M-1 WA0CPS) <-> Downlink 1 (WA0CPS-15 KB0VA) Uplink 1 (KA0DNV) KSLVN:WD0EMR-1} K-Net Packet Switch v1.0 (145) There are currently 145 buffers available (145) at the KSLVN:WD0EMR-1 node. Uplink 1 (WA0PWS) <->...
Page 129 Static Node The default values for the K-Net node will cause every neighbor node that you hear to be included in both the routes table and the nodes table (QUALITY = 255/70 and MINQUAL = 70). Initially, this may be a bit of a problem since weak neighbor nodes and their distant nodes may be saved in your nodes table.
Page 130 node should know about, and your neighbor's neighbor will also have "good" nodes, as well as your neighbor's neighbor's neighbor, and so on. Once "good" neighbors have been established, the quality to assign to each neighbor will have to be determined experimentally in order to control the listing of marginal destination nodes that will appear as a result of receiving neighbor node broadcasts.
Page 131 useable network configuration that makes good use of all possible paths. Coordination of efforts and philosophies should result in an expanding network that is low in frustration and fun to use. Node Stacking Although the K-Net firmware in the KPC-3 Plus provides a quick and easy method to increase network usage and efficiency, as the network grows there will be an increasing demand to provide an even higher level of service to the community.
Page 132 NET/ROM or TheNET firmware), and a special serial cable to connect the KPC-3 to the other TNC. Construction of the serial cable is straightforward. Using two male DSUB-25 connectors, connect pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 3, pin 3 to pin 2, and pin 7 to pin 7. KPC-3PMX (Ver.
Page 133 When a K-Net node has data to send to the other nodes in the stack, it first checks the RTS line for a true (logic high) state. If RTS is true, then the node drops CTS and the data is sent to the other nodes in the stack. The dropping of CTS by any node in the stack will inhibit all the other nodes from using the serial port by forcing RTS false (logic low), thus avoiding data collisions within the node stack.
Page 135 TheNET X1-J I K-Net Cross-reference Guide This cross-reference guide is included to assist in the coordination of node parameters if an X1-J node is located in your area. The basic X1-J PARMS can be listed by connecting to an X1-J node and giving the P command. This should precipitate meaningful discussion among node sysops in an attempt to arrive at a "Network Standard"...
Page 136 22. Active Check (T3) cmd: CHECK 23. AX.25 Digipeat cmd: DIGIPEAT 24. Validate Callsigns 25. ID Beacon cmd: IDINT 26. CQ Broadcasts CQBC 27. ACL (Access Control List) cmd: SUPCALLS/LLIST To completely ignore uplinks from and downlinks to specific user callsigns and neighbor node callsigns (not alias) cmd: BUDCALLS/CONLIST To allow uplinks from and downlinks to only...
Page 137: Wefax Mode
By coincidence, the signal format used for WEFAX broadcasts, 800 Hz shift key (FSK), is compatible with the modem housed within most Kantronics TNCs (e.g., KPC-3, KPC-3 Plus, KAM Plus). In order to receive WEFAX charts, which are typically hand drawn maps of atmospheric pressure, surface temperature, or wind velocity/direction over a wide range of sea, you must use a special program for your computer.
Page 138 Washington, DC 4.795, 10.185, 12.205, 14.672 In addition, many of the frequency guides for sale by various radio equipment suppliers list WEFAX station frequencies. Tuning WEFAX Signals on HF WEFAX broadcasters use an 800 Hz shift key (FSK) format, using mark and space frequencies of 1500 and 2300 Hz respectively.
Page 139: Other Modes Of Operation
Procomm Plus. Remote Sensing and Control You can use two (or more) packet radio stations, each containing a Kantronics TNC, to implement remote sensing and/or remote control, as follows: remote control of another TNC: from a local Kantronics TNC-based radio...
Page 140: Modem Mode
Remote Sensing and Control Example: controlling the level of liquid in a tank Central Kantronics OPERATING RULES for controlling the level of the liquid: 1. If the level is "low" or less, turn the Pump ON. TNC Based 2. If the level is "full" or more, turn the Pump OFF.
Page 141: Kantronics Host Mode Operation
MODEM, and follow the text on your PC screen. Kantronics Host Mode Operation Kantronics‘ Host Mode allows your TNC to communicate with computer software that is more sophisticated than standard terminal programs such as HyperTerminal. Software, such as Kantronics‘ HostMaster II+, that supports this mode will automatically set your TNC INTFACE command to HOST mode and perform a soft reset.
Page 142: Kiss Mode
KISS Mode Amateur packet radio communications can use the TCP/IP suite of protocols instead of AX.25 by switching to KISS mode and running software that supports the KISS code designed by Phil Karn (see references at end of this section). The KISS protocol specifies the communication between a TNC and a host (e.g., computer).
Page 143 XKISS software you are using. DAMA (Slave Mode) Capacity All of Kantronics‘ current amateur TNCs (KAM Plus, KPC-3 Plus, and KPC-9612 Plus) support the DAMA protocol (slave mode) as used by many amateur radio operators in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and other parts of Europe.
Page 144 Reference section for details): DAMA {ON|OFF} Set DAMA to ON to have your Kantronics TNC operate as a DAMA slave station once a connection is established with a DAMA master station. When DAMA is OFF, the TNC will operate in its carrier-sense-multiple-access mode (CSMA). For details, see the CD, SLOT, and PERSIST commands in the Command Reference section of this manual.
Page 145 TheNetNode (TNN) Copyright 1994, NORD><LINK e.V., c/o Klaus-Dieter Vieth, Goergesstrasse 3, D-38118 Braunschweig, Germany. NET/ROM is a trademark of Software 2000, Inc. CAUTION! The DAMA firmware in Kantronics‘ TNC is based on documentation published in the ARRL Computer Networking Conference papers (see Bibliography) and documentation provided by NORD><LINK, the developers of DAMA.
Page 146: Command Reference
Command Reference Introduction This chapter documents all KPC-3 Plus commands. There are many commands which affect operation of the KPC-3 Plus. Some commands affect performance under specific conditions, some change parameters affecting general operation and others direct a one-time action. The user changes parameters and issues instructions to the KPC-3 Plus by typing commands composed of English-like word abbreviations and variables which are numbers or strings of characters chosen by the user.
Page 147 The KPC-3 Plus scans an internal list of commands—which is NOT in alphabetical order—and selects the first match with the string you enter. The command name is followed by a space. After the space, there may be one or more parameters that need to be used, or that may optionally be used, with the command.
Page 148 n (range) Any number within the range is permissible. The unit of measure (s, ms, baud, count, etc.) for the number will be given in the description. These are decimal numbers. n ($00 - $FF) Special functions: Some parameters are used to control special functions, such as specifying the character to use to enter the Command mode from the Convers mode or specifying the character to use for ―backslash‖.
Page 149 but rather than indicating that something is ―on‖ or ―off‖, they select one of two ways of doing things. Some of these parameters have the values EVERY or AFTER indicating operating modes for data transmission. The possible choices are separated by a vertical bar. Some of the flag parameters will allow many choices, such as ON|OFF|TO|FROM.
Page 150 When you are at the Command Mode prompt, you enter a command for the KPC-3 Plus by typing the command name (in upper or lower case) and any required and optional parameter values (argument settings or values). The command name and each parameter value must be separated from each other by at least one space.
Page 151: Commands
Commands All KPC-3 Plus commands are documented below, in alphabetical order. The underlined characters in a command‘s name show the short-cut version of the command. Required or optional parameters are shown after the command name, as are allowable ranges of values, where appropriate.
Page 152 Entering the ANALOG command returns a string of 8 values, based on the current voltage readings from 8 A-to-D lines. Only the first two of these values are relevant to the user, reporting two external voltages. At any given time, each of the 8 A-to-D lines will have a voltage value somewhere in the range of 0 - 5 V dc.
Page 153 AN6, input (6), is intended for internal use. It reports the current status of the RTS pin for the serial port, which is either 0 (or near 0) for logic low or 255 (or near 255) for logic high. AN7, input (7), is intended for internal use. It reports the current status of the DTR pin for the serial port, which is either 0 (or near 0) for logic low or 255 (or near 255) for logic high.
Page 154 For more information, see the book AX.25 Amateur Packet-Radio Link-Layer Protocol Version 2.0 October 1984, which can be obtained from the ARRL. AXDELAY n (n = 0 - 255) default 0 The value of ―n‖ is the number of 10 millisecond intervals to wait, in addition to TXDELAY, after keying the transmitter before data is sent.
Page 155 When ON, the sequence backspace-space-backspace is sent to the attached terminal when the DELETE character is entered. When OFF, the backslash character ―\‖ is sent to the terminal when the DELETE character is entered. See also: delete, redisplay BLT n {EVERY | AFTER} hh:mm:ss [START hh:mm:ss] [CLEAR] (n = 1 - 4) default EVERY 00:00:00 (for each of the 4 LT strings) This command (used with GPS) sets the interval between beacons for the associated...
Page 156 See also: beacon BUDLIST [ON|OFF] [NONE | {+|-}call | call1,call2,...] where call={callsign | {<|>}callsign | callsign{>|<>}callsign} default OFF NONE BUDLIST is used to determine which received packets will be monitored. When OFF or NONE, BUDLIST will allow monitoring of all packets, even if it has callsigns in its list. The maximum number of callsigns allowed in BUDLIST is 10.
Page 157 This command is used to change the cancel-line input editing command character. When in Convers or Command Mode entering a <Ctrl+X> will cancel all characters input from the keyboard back to the last un-PASSed carriage return (unless PACTIME has expired, CPACTIME is turned on, and you are in Convers Mode). See also: canpac, cpactime, pass CANPAC n (n = $00 - $FF)
Page 158 CHECK n (n = 0 - 255) default 0 This ―timeout‖ command is used to prevent a ―hang-up‖ in a connected mode when a link failure occurs as a result of conditions beyond control of the connected stations. The value entered for ―n‖ is the number of 10 second intervals to wait during ―no activity‖ before making a periodic check (poll) to determine that a connected state still exists.
Page 159 When OFF, the custom connect text stored in CTEXT will not be sent to the connecting station upon receiving a connect request. When ON, the custom CTEXT string will be sent. When CMSG is set to DISC, the custom CTEXT string will be sent to the connecting station, and then your TNC will disconnect from that station.
Page 160 already in Convers or Transparent Mode when the connection is completed, the mode will not be changed. If you have typed part of a command line when the connection is completed, the mode change will not take place until you complete the command or cancel the line input.
Page 161 When OFF, connect requests from other TNCs will not be acknowledged and a <DM> packet will be sent to the requesting station. The message ―connect request: (callsign of whoever is trying to connect to you)‖ will be output to your terminal if INTFACE is TERMINAL or NEWUSER.
Page 162 CRSUP {ON | OFF} default OFF This command was added to the first multi-mode TNCs (such as the Kantronics UTU and KAM) to accommodate the practice by radio teletype (RTTY) operators of adding an extra carriage return (CR) at the end of each line (i.e., CR, CR, linefeed (LF) ). This was done to give the carriage of the old mechanical teletypes time to return across the page.
Page 163 CTRL [A | B] {n | ON | OFF | LONG | MUTE m} (n=1-20) immediate This command causes the KPC-3 Plus to activate the specified output line (A or B) to the radio port as indicated. If A or B output is not specified, both outputs are affected. For instance, to pulse the A output (CTLA on the schematic) 3 times, you would give the command ―CTRL A 3".
Page 164 DAMA {ON | OFF} default OFF When ON the TNC can operate as a DAMA slave station once connection is established with a DAMA master station. When OFF the TNC operates in standard Packet mode (i.e., CSMA—Carrier Sense Multiple Access). See also: damachck DAMACHCK n (n = 0 to 255)
Page 165 DAYSTR setting Displayed Date/Time mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss 07/16/02 12:14:22 d.m.y h:mm:ss 16.7.02 12:14:22 d.mm.yy h:mm 16.07.02 12:14 mmm d 20yy h:mm CST JUL 7 2002 12:14 CST TIME hh:mm DATE: mmm dd, 20yy TIME 12:14 DATE JUL 07, 2002 This command is used to define how date and time are to be displayed; it is not used to enter an actual date and time (which you do by using DAYTIME).
Page 166 speed up the clock. Each count corresponds to 0.64 seconds increase or decrease per 24 hours. Ambient temperature will affect the clock to some degree. DAYTWEAK has no effect on the (optional) battery-backed clock (BBC); that clock is set only by using the DAYTIME command. The software clock stops when a soft reset or powering off occurs, and upon power on the software clock is set to the value of the BBC, if installed.
Page 167  DISCONNE [MYPBBS | MYNODE x ] (x=KA-Node circuit) immediate When given without options, ―disconnect‖ will initiate an immediate disconnect request on the current I/O stream. A successful disconnect results in the display of ―*** DISCONNECTED‖. If the RETRY count is exceeded while waiting for the connected station to acknowledge, the TNC moves to the disconnected state on that stream.
Page 168 See also: Display Listings section  DWAIT n (n = 0 - 255) default 0 DWAIT defines a delay to be used to avoid collisions with digipeated packets. The value entered for ―n‖ is the number of 10 ms intervals, after last hearing data on the channel, for the KPC-3 Plus to wait before it begins its own key-up sequence.
Page 169 FILTER {ON | OFF} default OFF When ON, this command will inhibit the printing of control characters (hex $00 - $1F) which may be present in monitored packets. This will be useful if you are monitoring channel traffic, which includes binary file transfers, or higher level protocols (networks talking to each other).
Page 170 FULLDUP {ON | OFF | LOOPBACK} default OFF When OFF (i.e., half duplex), the data carrier detect signal is used as a packet collision avoidance signal. When ON, the modem is run full duplex, and carrier detect does not inhibit transmission. The full duplex mode may be useful especially for satellite operations using duplex radio setups.
Page 171 GPSPORT [baud] [NORMAL | INVERTED] [CHECKSUM | NOCHECK] default 0 NORMAL CHECKSUM This command allows for a second serial input port for a GPS unit, using a firmware UART. If ‗baud‘ is non-zero, the XCD pin in the radio port can be used as a GPS input during regular operation of the KPC-3 Plus.
Page 172 GGA and GLL strings do not include a date. The ZDA string does not include a ―valid‖ bit. Some GPS units do not include a ―valid‖ bit with the GLL string. HBAUD n (n = 300, 400, 600, 1200) default 1200 This baud specifies the rate of data exchange between the radio stations.
Page 173 When ON, an ID packet will be sent every 9.5 minutes, provided that packets are being digipeated through your station, or routed through your KA-Node, or into your PBBS. This command should be ON if digipeating, KA-Node or pbbs is enabled. If OFF, periodic identification packets will not be sent.
Page 174 When INTFACE is set to HOST, the TNC will talk to the attached computer using the Kantronics HOST mode and users communicate with the TNC using ―host mode‖ software (for more information, see the HOST Operation section of this manual).
Page 175 KNTIMER n (n = 0 - 255) default 15 If there is no activity (data) on a KA-Node circuit for n minutes, the KA-Node will disconnect both the input and output sides of the KA-Node circuit. Setting KNTIMER to 0 disables this feature. See also: rnrtime LCOK {ON | OFF} default ON...
Page 176 LGETCHAR specifies a hot key functional in command or converse mode. This key causes the unformatted strings from the LTEXT buffers to be output to the RS232 port. This key performs the same function as the command ―LT RESTART‖. Set it to 0 to disable it.
Page 177 LTP n dest [via call1[,call2,...]] (n =1-4) default GPS (for n = 1-4) This command sets the destination callsign and the digipeaters used to transmit the LT strings. n specifies which string (1-4). The destination callsign defaults to GPS; however, you may want to change it to APRS, LOCATE, POSIT, or some other destination.
Page 178 MAXFRAME sets an upper limit on the number of unacknowledged information packets, which can be outstanding at any one time. The TNC will send MAXFRAME number of packets in a single transmission, if they are available. See also: paclen MAXUSERS n (n = 1 - 26) default 10 This command causes the TNC to allocate the memory required for the maximum...
Page 179 <D> Disconnect request <DM> Disconnected Mode <UA> Unnumbered Acknowledge In addition, the following bracketed information will be added to the Information packets as appropriate: <UI> Unconnected Information frame <Is> Information frame (connected); s = send sequence number See also: ax25l2v2, monitor, mresp For details on control packets, see the book AX.25 Amateur Packet-Radio Link-Layer Protocol Version 2.0 October 1984, available from the ARRL.
Page 180 stations, an asterisk would show by the call or alias of the last digipeater heard. When listed short, the asterisk would show beside NØGRG. Whenever PASSALL is ON, packets will not be checked for errors and no additions will be made to the MHEARD list. If the C option is used, the list is cleared.
Page 181 When ON, monitored packets include the following AX.25 response packets, if MONITOR and MCOM are ON. If connected, MCON must also be on. The bracketed information will appear at the end of the header information. The ―<‖ and ―<<‖ characters are used to bracket and denote packets received as version 1 or version 2, respectively.
Page 182 MXMIT {ON | OFF} default ON When ON, the KPC-3 Plus will display transmitted packets as monitored data on your terminal. Repeated packets will be displayed as they are sent over the radio. The frames to be displayed will be controlled by the MONITOR, MCOM, MCON, and MRESP commands, and will obey the settings of TRACE, MSTAMP, HEADERLN, 8BITCONV and FILTER commands.
Page 183 This command accommodates differential GPS operation. In GPS mode only, if a UI packet is received addressed to the call in MYDGPS, the data from the UI packet is output on the RS232 port. MYDROP n (n = 0-15) default 0 This command sets the KISS address of the radio port in the KPC-3 Plus.
Page 184 NET/ROM and G8BPQ nodes. K-Net, TheNet, NET/ROM and G8BPQ nodes are identified as: ALIAS (CALLSIGN) and Kantronics‘ KA-Nodes will be identified as: MYNODE (MYCALL) An asterisk "*" indicates that the station was heard through a digipeater. The date/time the station was last heard is also displayed. If the S option is used, i.e. NDHEARD S, then only the callsigns of the stations heard will be displayed.
Page 185 NETBUFFS n (n = 1 - 255) Default 32 The NETBUFFS command sets the number of node buffers available in the node. If the NETBUFFS reach zero, node operation may become unstable. Changing NETBUFFS will cause a soft reset as memory is reallocated. Each NETBUFF allocated uses 320 bytes of RAM.
Page 186 nodes that are listed in your nodes table are reliable paths. The value that you enter for NETDESTS should be greater than this number, allowing room for other nodes as they become available. In any case, never allow the node destination table to become so large that it is filled with unusable and unreliable destination nodes.
Page 187 NEWMODE {ON | OFF} default ON When ON, the TNC will return to Command Mode if the station on the current I/O stream disconnects. The TNC will not return to Command Mode if the station disconnecting is on a different stream. When OFF, a disconnect will not cause the TNC to change modes.
Page 188 have a 1kbyte mailbox. In this case, if n is larger than 5, a message saying ―not enough RAM‖ will be returned to you. Note: While you need to enter all the letters of the command name to change the value of NUMNODES, you can enter the short-form, NU, to see the current value of NUMNODES.
Page 189 PASSALL {ON | OFF} default OFF This command enables the attempt to display corrupted packets when PASSALL is ON. If a packet contains beginning and ending flags, the TNC will attempt to decode the address field as well as the data field and display the packet as specified by other commands such as MONITOR.
Page 190 After the PBBS has initiated a forward, it will also request a reverse forward if PBREVERS is ON. Note that full-service BBS systems must be configured to allow your station to reverse forward mail to you. Note: Your PBBS will not forward or reverse forward unless HTEXT is set. See also: pbrevers, htext PBHEADER {ON | OFF} default ON...
Page 191 several PBBS commands (LISTMINE, READMINE, and KILLMINE) operate on mail addressed to your callsign (MYCALL) or to your MYPBBS. PBLIST allows you to add up to ten more callsigns to the set of callsigns included as ―mine‖ for use with the ―mail‖ indicator and the PBBS commands (LISTMINE, READMINE, and KILLMINE).
Page 192 When the second parameter is set to FIXED, the user cannot change the listing order. When the second parameter is set to VARIABLE, the user may change the order in which messages will be listed by using the LO command within the PBBS. See also: PBBS section PBMAIL {ON | OFF} default OFF...
Page 193 This command controls the maximum number of connects allowed to the PBBS. This command causes a soft reset if n is different from its previous value. PERSIST n (n = 0 - 255) default 63 This command, used with SLOTTIME, implements an algorithm for channel access to send packets.
Page 194 PID {ON | OFF} default OFF When OFF, only those packets with a protocol ID of $F0 (pure AX.25) are displayed. When ON, all packets are displayed. Some of the information in non-AX.25 packets (for example: TCP/IP, NET/ROM or TheNet) can cause some computers to lock up. Net/Rom, TheNet and G8BPQ nodes have a PID of $CF, TCP/IP uses $CC and $CD, and standard AX.25 is $F0.
Page 195 REDISPLA n (n = $00 - $FF) default $12 <Ctrl+R> This command is used to change the REDISPLAY input editing character. The parameter n is the ASCII code for the character you want to type in order to REDISPLAY the packet or command currently being entered. You can type this character to cause the TNC to redisplay the packet you have begun.
Page 196 See also: intface, maxusers, myremote, numnodes, pbbs, restore RESTORE DEFAULT immediate When RESTORE D is given, the KPC-3 Plus will revert to its factory default settings, perform its AUTOBAUD routine, and erase PBBS memory (deleting all messages and non-default PBBS parameter settings). See also: reset RETRY n (n = 0 - 15)
Page 197 the KPC-3 Plus with the MYREMOTE callsign) to send a string to a unit attached to the KPC-3 Plus serial port. The string content could be used to change the configuration of a GPS unit. RTEXT text (text up to about 250 characters) default (blank) This command sets the password string for use when accessing the MYREMOTE or when performing SYSOP functions in the PBBS remotely.
Page 198 SCREENL n (n = 0 - 255) default 0 This value is used to format what is sent to your terminal. A ―CR‖ sequence is sent to the terminal at the end of a line when n characters have been printed. A value of zero inhibits this action.
Page 199 Entering LONG will cause the TNC to display the status of all streams allowed by MAXUSERS, PBBS, NUMNODES, and MYREMOTE. The current KA-NODE input and output (IO) stream is also indicated. A pound sign ‗#‘ (octothorpe) indicates that there is unacknowledged data in the buffers for that stream. The number immediately following the # is the number of bytes outstanding.
Page 200 station following the stream identifier of the connection (controlled by STREAMEV). This is especially useful when operating with multiple connections allowed. See also: mcon, monitor, streamev STREAMEV {ON | OFF} default OFF When OFF, the stream indicator is displayed only when a change in streams occurs. When ON, the stream indicator will be displayed with every incoming packet.
Page 201 The maximum number of callsigns allowed in SUPLIST is 10. Up to 10 callsigns may be entered at once, using the format shown after the command name, and the new list of from 1 to 10 callsigns will replace whatever list was there before. The SUPLIST command can be used to add a single callsign (+callsign), so long as there is room for the new callsign on the list (if there is not, the TNC responds with ―EH?‖...
Page 202 A telemetry beacon is sent every n*10 seconds. If n = 0, the beacon is disabled. The telemetry beacon is a UI frame sent to BEACON. If there is a current UNPROTO digipeat path, it will be used to transmit the telemetry beacon. The data in the UI frame is in the form: ―T#nnn,an0,an1,an2,an3,an5,bbbbbbbb‖, where: ―nnn‖...
Page 203 TRFLOW {ON | OFF} default OFF This command allows the TNC to respond to software flow control from the computer while in the Transparent Mode. When TRFLOW is OFF, software flow control is not used in the Transparent Mode. Hardware flow control will be expected from the computer by the TNC.
Page 204 TXFLOW {ON | OFF} default OFF This command allows the TNC to send software flow control (XON and XOFF) to stop and restart the flow of data from the computer while in the Transparent Mode. When TXFLOW is OFF, hardware flow control must be used between the computer and TNC. RTS and CTS must be connected between the TNC and computer for hardware flow control.
Page 205 the packets waiting to be digipeated will be subject to the same wait times as not-to-be- digipeated packets awaiting transmission. By subjecting ―special‖ to-be-digipeated packets to a delay determined by slottime and persist, it is more likely that to-be-digipeated packets of two or more stations in the same vicinity would not collide.
Page 206 call1 = destination address (this is really just a ―dummy‖ address, as no connection takes place, people often put their name or CQ here) call2 ... call9 = optional stations to be digipeated through. A maximum of 8 digipeat addresses (callsigns or aliases) can be specified. This is referred to as a path. Each callsign may also have an optional Secondary Station Identifier (SSID) specified as -n, where n = 1 - 15.
Page 207 See also: daytweak, WEFAX Reception in Modes of Operations section XFLOW {ON | OFF} default ON When ON software flow control will be implemented according to the settings of START, STOP, XON, XOFF. For normal software flow control set XFLOW ON, START $11, STOP $13, XON $11, XOFF $13.
Page 208 per step. From a count of 256 and above, the voltage is increased linearly but in larger steps (approximately 15 mV per step) until 4 V (max) is reached at a count of 502. XMITOK {ON | OFF} default ON When ON, transmitting functions are enabled.
Page 209: Appendix A: Advanced Installation
Appendix A: Advanced Installation This appendix gives you additional information on installation and configuration beyond that given in the chapter on “Installing your KPC-3 Plus”. We assume you have already read that chapter. Precautions The KPC-3 Plus is grounded through its connections to your transceiver, computer, and power supply.
Page 210 Cable Wiring All Kantronics software requires five wires between the computer and the KPC-3 Plus. The pins that must be connected from your KPC-3 Plus to the computer for these programs are TXD, RXD, SG, RTS, and CTS. If you are using other software, you should refer to that documentation to determine the cable requirements for proper operation.
Page 211 RTS - REQUEST TO SEND: The KPC-3 Plus checks this line to see if it is permitted to send data to your computer. This pin is controlled by your computer software program to provide this information to the KPC-3 Plus. This pin is used for hardware flow control. CTS - CLEAR TO SEND: The KPC-3 Plus uses this line to signal your computer when it can no longer accept data from the computer, or to signal that it is again ready to accept data.
Page 212: Connecting To Your Radios
If you are using a baud above 9600 baud and have an older computer, we strongly recommend that you consider installing special high-speed, buffered UARTS in the serial port of your computer. These UARTS are available through many parts suppliers and will improve the reliability of high-speed communications.
Page 213 Pin 4: This pin is the CONTROL B output from the KPC-3 Plus which may be used as a control line to your radio or other devices. It is an open-drain circuit, and will apply a ground on this pin when controlled by the CTRL command in your KPC-3 Plus (not to exceed 50 V dc or 200 mA).
Page 214 A 0.1 F capacitor (non-polarized) usually is required in the transmit audio line from the TNC to any handheld transceiver (HT) radio. Even if a capacitor is not required for connection to a particular radio, it can still be installed, and the transmit audio (packets) will pass through to the radio.
Page 215: Appendix B: Advanced Information
Appendix B: Advanced Information Assembly and Disassembly Should you require access to the KPC-3 Plus to reposition jumpers or for other purposes, disassemble as follows: 1. Turn off power to your KPC-3 Plus and remove all cables from the unit. 2.
Page 216: Calibration/Equalization
5. Observe on the computer display (your terminal program must be set at 1200 baud): CHECKSUM OK RAM OK 100,000 BYTES NO CLOCK REPLACE TEST JUMPER 6. Turn power off. 7. Return jumper J11 to the normal position (one pin only). 8.
Page 217: Ptt (Push-To-Talk) Watchdog Timer
3 to 3.5 kHz deviation from your radio. Equalization. If you have another Kantronics user nearby, have that station transmit a calibrate square wave and choose the R option in your calibrate mode to measure the status of receive equalization.
Page 218: Kpc-3 Plus Jumpers
KPC-3 Plus Jumpers Jumper Locations To locate jumpers listed below, use the schematic shipped with the unit and (for locations on the printed circuit board) the parts layout in Appendix E. Printed Schematic Circuit Jumper # Location Location Name . battery option battery option modem input impedance...
Page 219 pin 9 is connected to the reset circuit. This allows you to perform a soft reset by applying a momentary ground to pin 9. Default: ground. J6: (Reset/input) This three-pin jumper, in conjunction with jumper J5 or J7 provides an alternate means to supply dc power to the unit or to perform a reset without powering down the unit.
Page 220 J19: MX fulldup option. (does not apply in SMT version) J20: MX fulldup option. (does not apply in SMT version)
Page 221: Appendix C: Options For The Kpc-3 Plus
Appendix C: Options for the KPC-3 Plus Low Power Operation Your KPC-3 Plus is capable of very low power operation. In order to achieve the lowest power consumption possible, you must turn the front panel LEDs off with the command LEDS OFF.
Page 222: Replacing The Lithium Battery
Install the clock chip with pin 1 toward the right (as you are looking at the unit) in socket U15. You will need to initialize the clock with the current date and time after installing the clock chip. Just enter the DAYTIME as described in the commands section of this manual.
Page 223: Appendix D: In Case Of Difficulty
Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty Your Kantronics KPC-3 Plus is manufactured to very stringent quality standards. If you have followed the installation procedures outlined in this manual, it is highly unlikely that you will encounter a failure. If you do have difficulty, use the procedures described in this section to assist in isolating and correcting the problem.
Page 224: Cannot Return To Command Mode
2. If using a ―fixed level‖ (i.e., the RCV LED stays on all the time) Receive Audio from the radio, which the volume and squelch do not change, set the CD parameter to SOFTWARE. Cannot Return to Command Mode The single most common cause of this is that the STOP character (and usually XOFF) have been inadvertently set to the same as the COMMAND character.
Page 225: Appendix E: Additional Information
Appendix E: Additional Information Specifications Size: 0.8" x 5.2" x 5.2" (21 mm x 133 mm x 133 mm) Weight: 11 oz (0.32 kg) Power Requirements: 6 V dc to 25 V dc, less than 30 mA (LEDS on, unit active) 6 V dc to 25 V dc, less than 15 mA (LEDS off, unit inactive) Power Plug Polarity: Center pin positive Watch Dog Timer: Approximately 2-1/2 minutes...
Page 226: Messages From The Kpc-3 Plus
This message appears on your screen when you enter the Calibrate Mode, and it prompts you to press M to generate a MARK tone, R to receive a Kantronics Calibrate signal, S to generate a SPACE tone, T to transmit a Kantronics Calibrate signal, - or + to adjust XMITLVL while transmitting, or X to return to the Command Mode.
Page 227 CHECKSUM OK When performing a hard reset, this message indicates that the Kantronics firmware EPROM has passed the internal checksum test. cmd: This is the Command Mode‘s prompt for input. Any characters entered after the TNC prints ―cmd:‖ will be used as command input and not packet data.
Page 228 LCSTREAM determines if lower-case characters are permitted when switching streams. KANTRONICS KPC3PMX VERSION 9.1 (C) COPYRIGHT 1988-2007 BY KANTRONICS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DUPLICATION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF KANTRONICS. A message such as this (different for each product, but with this format) appears...
Page 229 Both TNCs involved in the connection are unable to accept any more data. CONNECTED to (callsign v path) Your TNC is currently connected to the indicated station, using the path given. CONNECT in progress Your TNC is attempting to establish a connection. Device busy Your TNC is unable to accept any more data from the remote station at this time.
Page 230 NO KNOWN NODES An NDHEARD list has been requested and the TNC has not heard any other nodes (e.g., KA-Nodes). NOT ENOUGH RAM This message indicates that you have attempted to set the NUMNODES, MAXUSERS, or PBBS to a value, which requires more RAM memory than is currently available.
Page 231 Value out of range If the syntax of the command is legal, but the value specified is too large or too small for this command, the value out of range message is returned. A $ is used to point to the bad value. Whenever one of the parameters is changed, the previous value is usually displayed.
Page 232: Ascii Chart
ASCII Chart Ctrl Code Code Code Code ― & ‗ < >...
Page 233: Kpc-3 Plus Parts List
KPC-3 Plus Parts List 4.7 kΩ 2032 .1uF 3P_SIH .001uF .1uF 3P_SIH 100K_X5_SIP 150 kΩ .001uF .1uF 3P_SIH 3.9 kΩ .001uF 33pF 3P_SIH 10 kΩ .001uF 33pF 3P_SIH 1 MΩ .001uF .1uF 2P_SIH 3.3 MΩ .001uF .1uF 2P_SIH .001uF 3P_SIH 10 kΩ...
Page 234: Kpc-3 Plus Mx Parts List
KPC-3 Plus MX Parts List 10 kΩ 2032 .1uF 2P_SIH 10 MΩ .001uF 18pF 2P_SIH 4.7 kΩ .001uF 18pF 3P_SIH 10 kΩ .001uF .1uF 3P_SIH 100 kΩ .001uF .1uF 3P_SIH 3.3 MΩ .001uF 2P_SIH .001uF 180pF 3P_SIH 10K Ω .001uF .001uF 3P_SIH .001uF...
Page 235: Kpc-3 Plus Parts Layout
KPC-3 Plus Parts Layout...
Page 236: Kpc-3 Plus Mx Parts Layout
KPC-3 Plus MX Parts Layout...

Kantronics KPC–3 Plus User Manual

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Introduction

Installing Your KPC-3 Plus

Getting Started

Modes of Operation

PBBS (Personal Mailbox)

GPS NMEA Interfacing

KA-Node

Introduction to Basic Packet Networking

K-Net Network Node

Command Reference

Commands

Appendix A: Advanced Installation

Appendix B: Advanced Information

Appendix C: Options for the KPC-3 Plus

Appendix D: in Case of Difficulty

Appendix E: Additional Information

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