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Text File | 1991-03-22 | 51KB | 1,128 lines

PACK-PRO Multimode Communications Program for PC Compatibles and the Kantronics KAM Version 1.1 (c)Copyright 1991, Andrew C. Manti Jr. This program and documentation are protected under United States Copyright Laws and as such cannot be sold or in any way distributed for profit without the prior written consent of the author. While you may distribute this program through bulletin board systems, it must be distributed unmodified and without charge of any kind. As every possible use of this program cannot be forseen, PACK-PRO is provided as-is, and without warrantee of any kind. SHAREWARE REGISTRATION PACK-PRO is distributed as a Shareware product, meaning that you have the opportunity to try the program before buying it. You are free to copy and redistribute the entire file to friends or other bulletin board systems as long as the files are not modified in any way and no fee is charged. If, after trying this program you feel it is of value to you, then you are asked to pay the registration fee of $20 (US) plus applicable sales tax if you are a Massachusetts resident. Your registration fee will guarantee you telephone support as well as a copy of the next release of PACK-PRO. Releases beyond the next will be made available to you at special upgrade rates. As you can imagine, your registration fee does NOT make me a rich man, but rather helps defray the costs of further program development and distribution. (Disks, Paper, Postage, etc). If for any reason you can not afford the $20, send what you can afford. You will still be registered, receive phone support, and be able to obtain updates to the program at much reduced rates. If nothing else, send me your comments so that I can use them to make PACK-PRO an even better program. Please use the registration form at the end of this document or in the file REGFORM.DOC to register you copy. Thank you for your support! Andrew C. Manti Jr. W1VL 2 Deana Road Methuen MA 01844 PACK-PRO Pg 1. INTRODUCTION PACK-PRO is a multimode communications program designed for use with IBM PCs and compatibles and the Kantronics KAM, all mode TNC. The program is designed to take the work out of using the KAM by providing a user friendly interface for all modes except WEFAX. The program will run on floppy or a hard disk and requires a minimum of 384K of memory. An Epson or IBM compatible printer is required if you intend to use the copy to print option. Both color and monochrome monitors are supported. The main features of this program are as follows: - Operates on COM1 or COM2 of your PC - Modes: VHF/HF Packet, RTTY, AMTOR, CW, NAVTEX, ASCII - Split screen display - Brag file for RTTY/AMTOR - Unlimited nine (80 characters each) message files - Text Editor for files up to 300 lines in length - Screen review (last 6 screens) - ASCII Text file transmission - Automatic CQ generator with auto answer detection - Automatic SELCAL generation from inputed call - Capture to Disk capability - Automatic unattended mail capture for packet - Routing file capability - Multiple Monitor modes for packet - Hot key selectable baud rates and shifts - ASCII file upload/download capability for packet - Script capability for packet multiple node connects - Contest capability with serial number generator - Toggles for : - RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR tone selection - DX CQ's - Time Stamp for Packet - Packet Beacons - Mail Capture - Auto capture to disk of all packet connects - Local Echo - Capture to printer PACK-PRO Pg 2. SET-UP Initial set up of PACK-PRO is very straightforward. The program can be run from either floppy or a hard disk. Just copy the files on the distribution disk to your working floppy or a hard disk directory. The only other action required is the set up of the PPACK.SYS file. This file is used to initialize both the KAM and the program to your requirements. A sample PPACK.SYS file is included to aid in setting up your own. You may generate this file using any word processor which is capable of generating true ASCII files or by using the built in text editor feature of PACK- PRO. You invoke PACK-PRO with the dos command: PACK_PRO <ENTER> NOTE: THIS WILL BRING THE PROGRAM UP IN COLOR, IF YOU ARE USING A MONOCHROME OR B/W MONITOR, TYPE: PACK_PRO M <ENTER>. The inital shareware screen will appear. Entering the letter <E> at this point will take you immediately to the PACK-PRO editor. Any other key will load and execute PACK_PRO. To edit or create the PPACK.SYS file enter 'E' and then enter the filename PPACK.SYS at the prompt. You will then be in editor mode. Pressing <F1> while in the editor will give you a help file showing the various editing keys you may use. PACK-PRO Pg 3. The PPACK.SYS file MUST be set up in a specific format for the program to function properly. This format is as follows: Line #1 Your Call Line #2 Your AMTOR SELCAL Line #3 Drive Identifier for all Msg files (Drive Letter Only i.e A B C D etc) Line #4 CQ_Delay in Seconds (Time to wait before repeating auto CQ's). Line #5 Your QTH Line #6 Text for Beacons (up to 80 characters) Line #7 Communications port number (1,2,etc) Line #8 Terminal to TNC baud rate code as follows: 0 - 110 baud 1 - 150 baud 2 - 300 baud 3 - 600 baud 4 - 1200 baud 5 - 2400 baud 6 - 4800 baud 7 - 9600 baud (Note that most TNC's may not run reliably at over 1200 baud) Line #9 Number of stop bits (1,2) Line #10 Number of Data Bits (7,8) Line #11 Parity code as follows: 0 - None 1 - Odd 2 - None 3 - Even Line #12 Number of times to repeat CQ text in auto mode Line #13 BBS Read Message Command (usually RM) Line #14 Default start up CW speed (default is 13 WPM) Line #15 Next Sequential Serial Number (Prog will update this number automatically each time you exit. Line #16 Additional TNC Start up commands go on this line and any following. (Line #16 must be present) NOTE: All lines must be included and must end with a carriage return (<ENTER>). If you do not wish to use a specific line just leave a blank line in its place. It is assumed that your TNC has already been set up for the proper baud rate etc and that these values have been PERMed. (See your TNC manual for more information). Review the included PPACK.SYS file as an example. Be sure to change the calls and QTH information before running the program. PACK-PRO Pg 4. OTHER PROGRAM RELATED FILES The PPACK.SYS file as mentioned above is the only file required to run PACK-PRO. However, additional files will be needed if you wish to fully utilize all the features of the program. These files can be created with an ASCII editor before you begin running PACK-PRO or by using the built in editor. These additional files are: BRAG.MSG - Brag file (usually contains information on your station and equipment. Used extensively on RTTY and AMTOR.) *.MSG - Message files used with the auto message send option. These files can each contain up to nine (9) message lines of up to 78 characters each. Each line must end with a carriage return. These are very easily constructed using the built in Create Message Option. These messages are great for CW or for contesting. They may contain special characters as outlined in the MAKE MESSAGE option description later in this document. CALL_LST.SYS - This is a PATH file for packet use. This file, again generated by an ASCII editor or the built in editor, includes preset paths to specific stations. The format of this file is as follows: Station Path <CR> Be sure to leave ONE (1) space between the station name and the path. DO NOT put any spaces in the station name. For example, if the path to W1AW is W1AW V EMAS1,WRI,CCONN then the associated line in the CALL_LST.SYS file would be: W1AW W1AW V EMAS1,WRI,CCONN <CR> With this file you only need enter the station name and the program will automatically look up and connect via the path you have established. Note the use of commas to separate the digipeaters in the path. Keep in mind that the station name need not be call letters. You may use any name you feel like. If it is easier to remember JOHN rather than John's call, use JOHN for the station name. Then every time you wish to connect to John, just enter his name as the call. PACK-PRO Pg 5. This file may be as long as desired, but each line must be less than 80 characters in length. The call of the station you wish to work must be entered using the <F5> Enter Call option and called using the <Alt><F4> Make First Call option, both of which are described later in this document. CAPTURE.TXT - This is the capture to disk file. If Capture to Disk is enabled, it will contain a copy of all information which is displayed on the screen. The program will create this file automatically. Keep in mind that you may want to edit or delete this file on occasion as it can become very big, very fast. MESSAGE.00x - These files, also created by the program as needed, is where all <Ctrl><F4> option, automatically captured packet mail will be put. All messages obtained with the Auto Mail Capture option will be copied to this file, one after the other. Again you may want to review these files on occasion and delete or edit them. Each time new mail is received the .00x is incremented. *.SCR - These are script files for use in packet modes. These script files are for use when connecting to another station through a series of nodes. This differs from digipeaters and the CALL_LST.SYS file in that nodes commonly require you to connect to each individually. The script file which can have any name (extension must be .SCR) is merely an ASCII file of exactly what you would type to perform the connect. For example, to connect to W1VL through the nodes SNH, EMASS, and port 4 of METK the script file would look like this: C SNH C EMASS C 4 W1VL V METK Note that each line ends with a carriage return and only one connect command per line. These files also can be generated with any ASCII text editor or the PACK-PRO editor. PACK-PRO Pg 6. SPLIT SCREEN DISPLAY PACK-PRO operates with a "split-screen" display. This means that information coming from the TNC to the computer is displayed in the top or receive section of the screen, while data which you type or is sent from the computer to the TNC, will appear in the lower or transmit portion of the screen. In the case of non-packet modes of operation, everything you type in the transmit area, will also appear in the receive area as the information is actually transmitted. In TNC lingo, this is the XMITECHO ON. In packet modes, this will not occur so that incoming and outgoing data are not intermixed on the screen. At the bottom of the screen is a summary list of the most common hot keys. Pressing <F1> will give you a complete listing of these keys. The top line of the display will display the <F1>Help prompt, followed by the time in 24 hour format. Note that this is the time in your computer clock! When in packet modes, the existing Receive Mode will be displayed next. In other modes this will be replaced by the next serial number to be sent in Message mode, if the serial number is greater than 1. The end of this line will show the name of the message file presently loaded into memory, or if packet mail "auto capture" is on, MAIL CAPTURE ON will appear. If mail has been received, the word MAIL will be flashing. The box at the bottom of the screen is the operating status line. This contains the present mode of operation, baud rate (or CW speed), shift and transmit/receive status. The call of the station you are working will also appear on this line between the shift and transmit/receive areas. This line also shows the status of various toggles just after the mode of operation. These indicators are as follows: Toggle On Off ------ --- --- Capture to Disk [CTD] - Invert (RTTY,AMTOR) [INV] [NOR] DX Flag [DX] - Copy to Printer [PRT] - LO Tones Toggle [L] - PACK-PRO Pg 7. COMMAND KEYS AND PROGRAM OPTIONS COMMAND KEY (Hot Key) Summary: Function Keys: <F1> - Help <F2> - Select Mode <F3> - Send Brag Msg <F4> - Send Calls <F5> - Enter Call <F6> - Call CQ <F7> - Invert (Mark/Space) <F8> - Receive Mode <F9> - Delay Receive <F10> - Transmit Mode Control Keys: <Ctl><F1> Make Txt File <Ctl><F2> Edit Txt File <Ctl><F3> Send Text File <Ctl><F4> Mail Capture toggle <Ctl><F5> D/L ASCII File <Ctl><F6> U/L ASCII File <Ctl><F7> Send Script <Ctl><F8> Clr Rcv Screen <Ctl><F10> Drop to DOS Alt Keys: <Alt><A> Auto Capture <Alt> Beacon toggle <Alt><C> COM Port Select <Alt><D> DX Flag toggle <Alt><E> Local Echo toggle <Alt><F> Force Command <Alt><G> Load Msg File <Alt><H> Heard List <Alt> Initialize KAM <Alt><J> Low Tones <Alt><K> Edit Msg File <Alt><L> Lock on CW <Alt><M> Make Msg File <Alt><N> Reset S/N <Alt><O> RTTY USOS toggle <Alt> Printer toggle <Alt><R> Packet Receive Mode <Alt><S> Port Parameters <Alt><T> Time Stamp toggle <Alt> Unlock CW Speed <Alt><F1> Disk Capture toggle <Alt><F4> Make First Call <Alt><n> Send Message n <Alt><X> Exit Program Other keys: <PgUp> Screen Review <->> Increment Baud/Speed <<-> Decrement Baud/Speed <Up Arrow> Change Shift <END> End of transmission NOTE: TNC commands may be issued manually at any time. If in a Packet mode, simply type the command and press <ENTER>. If in any mode other than Packet, press the <Alt><F> Force Command hot key and then enter the command and <ENTER>. If you use the <Alt><F> combination, you must then press <F2> and reselect your previous operating mode. PACK-PRO Pg 8. The following details the options and funtions within the program. The functions are listed based on the operating mode in use. ***** ALL MODES (COMMON KEYS & FUNCTIONS) ***** END TRANSMISSION <END> - All Modes The <END> key can be used to end transmissions in all modes. In the Packet modes, this key will send ' DE your call >>' to signify to the other station that you are done transmitting. In AMTOR mode this key will send the '+?' code to indicate you are waiting for the other station to now transmit. In these two modes, a switch to receive after pressing <END> is automatic. In all other modes, this key will send the call of the station you are working (if entered with the <F5> option described later) followed by 'DE', your call and 'K'. In these modes, the program will return to receive mode as soon as all information in the transmit buffer has been sent. SCREEN REVIEW <PGUP> - All Modes This option allows you to review the six previous screens of information which have already scrolled by in the receive text area. Once this option is selected, all further monitoring of the data from the TNC is halted. The use of the following keys allows you to scroll through the previous screens: B - Back one page F - Forward one page Q - Quit and return to previous mode CHANGE SHIFT <UP ARROW> - All Modes This key will cycle through the shifts available for each respective mode. Generally, you will shift through the 170, 425, 850, and Modem shifts. The shift in use will appear in the appropriate place on the status line. PACK-PRO Pg 9. INCREASE/DECREASE SPEED & BAUD - <LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS> - All The left and right arrow keys are used to increase and decrease baud rate or cw send speed. The speed or baud being used will appear in the status line. The baud rates will increase/decrease based on the rates available for the particular mode you are in. In CW, the speed will increment or decrement in one (1) WPM steps. The default at startup is 13 WPM. Should you change modes and later return, the program will reenter the previous mode with the baud and shift parameters set as when you left. Once you exit the program, the initial values will be the program defaults. HELP SCREEN <F1> - All Modes The Help Screen gives a listing of all hot keys used by the program and a brief description of their function. SELECT MODES <F2> - All Modes This option is used to select the operating mode you wish to use. Selecting by number will place the program and TNC in the proper condition for the selected mode. If you are returning to a previously used (during the same session) mode, the program will return you with the parameters (shift, baud,etc) that you were in when you left it. SEND CALLS <F4> - All Modes This key will send the call of the station your are in QSO with (if entered with <F5>) followed by ' DE ' and your call. This will only be transmitted if in the TRANSMIT mode or after you enter TRANSMIT mode. once sent you will remain in this mode and may carry on your contact. ENTER CALL <F5> - All Modes The enter call option is used to enter the call of the station you are about to call or that has called you. In packet mode enter the call of the station you wish to connect to and use the FIRST CALL key <Alt><F4> to perform the connect. In this mode, the program will check for any CALL_LST.SYS file and any paths that may exist before accepting the call as entered. PACK-PRO Pg 10. In CW, RTTY, and ASCII modes, enter the call of the station are calling or is calling you. This entry of the call will insure that other options such as SEND CALLS will have the correct call to use. You should enter this call before making contact. In the AMTOR mode, after you have entered the call of the station, the program will automatically determine the stations SELCAL using accepted techniques. You will see the SELCAL and be asked if it is correct (in case the other station is not complying with accepted practices). If it is simply enter 'Y'. If not enter 'N' and then you will be able to enter the SELCAL manually. Once entered you will be able to use the SEND FIRST CALL <Alt><F4> option to actually make the link. RECEIVE MODE <F8> - All Modes The Receive mode option allows you to return IMMEDIATELY to the receive mode. Any information in the type ahead buffer or the TNC which has not yet been sent will be cleared. This allows you to clear the buffer, or to stop an unintentional transmission. In the packet modes, this option will issue a DISCONNECT command to the TNC, disconnecting you from the station you are talking to. TRANSMIT <F10> - All Modes The F10 key will place you in transmit mode. When in one of the packet modes, you will be placed in CONVERSE mode. Thus everything you type will be sent to the TNC for transmission. If operating Packet, the FIRST Call <Alt><F4> option should be used when making a connect. This is really the Transmit switch when operating in CW or RTTY modes. In the AMTOR mode this key can be used to seize the link. In CW, RTTY, and ASCII modes, this key will activate the transmitter and all text already in the type ahead buffer or typed real time at the keyboard will be transmitted. This allows you to prepare a transmission while the other station is transmitting. When ready to send your text, just press <F10>. After the text already in the buffer is sent, you will remain in a transmit mode. PACK-PRO Pg 11. MAKE TXT FILE <Ctrl><F1> - All Modes The Make Text File option allows you to create a pure ASCII file of up to 300 lines in length. These files may be message files you wish to upload to a Packet BBS or files you want to use to send information during a QSO (Station equipment, etc). The BRAG.MSG file mentioned earlier is a good example of this type of file. When this option is selected, you will be prompted for the filename to create. If a file by that name already exists, you will not be able to create a new one. You may however use the EDIT TXT FILE <Ctrl><F2> option to be described next to edit the existing version. This is a very simplistic text editor and does not have a great deal of features. It is intended for creation and editing of small files for use by the program. Larger files should be created and edited using your standard ASCII word processor or editor. The following editing keys can be used with this editor: < -> > - Move cursor Right < <- > - Move cursor Left <Up Ar> - Move up one line <Dn Ar> - Move down one line <PG DN> - Move down one page (15 lines) <PG UP> - Move up one page (15 lines) <DEL> - Delete character under the cursor <INS> - Toggle from Insert to Overwrite Mode <HOME> - Move to Start of line <END> - Move to End of line <Ctl><HOME>- Move to Top of File <Ctl><END> - Move to End of FIle <Alt> - Insert Line Above Cursor <Alt><D> - Erase entire line <ESC> - Exit Editor WITHOUT Saving file <Ctl><S> - Save File and Exit Editor At this time (Version 1.1) word wrap does not exist so files must be created in "typewriter mode", or in other words, press <ENTER> at the end of each line as if you were using a standard typewriter. EDIT TXT FILE <Ctrl><F2> - All Modes This option allows you to edit previously created text files in the same manner as above. When you have entered the filename at the prompt, the program will check to be sure the file exists. If no such file exists you must use the MAKE TXT FILE <Ctrl><F1> option to create it. The same editing keys mentioned above apply when editing. PACK-PRO Pg 12. SEND TEXT FILE <Ctrl><F3> - All modes This option allows you to send any existing ASCII text file. When selected, you will be asked for the filename. If the file exists it will be sent immediately. If the file does not exist, the request will be ignored and you will be returned to the program. CLEAR RECEIVE SCREEN <Ctrl><F8> - All Modes This option clears the receive portion of the screen display. DROP TO DOS <Ctrl><F10> - All Modes This option allows you to drop to dos and execute other dos commands without leaving the program. This command may not operate if you have less than 512K of RAM in your system, since the program and COMMAND.COM must be able to coexist. If the program clears the screen and then immediately returns to the program, you have insufficient memory for this funtion to work. Once you have dropped to DOS, you may execute other DOS commands, (DIR, FORMAT, ERASE, etc). Note that COMMAND.COM must be in your root directory in order for this option to work. TOGGLE COM PORT - <Alt><C> - All Modes This option will toggle between COM1 and COM2 ports. The program defaults to COM1. LOCAL ECHO TOGGLE <Alt><E> - All Modes This will toggle the program local echo on and off. If ON then everything you type in the Transmit area of the screen will be displayed. If OFF, nothing will be displayed. This defaults to ON. Note that this is NOT the local echo (or ECHO) command for your TNC. FORCE COMMAND <Alt><F> - All Modes This combination will force the TNC back into Command (cmd:) mode. Keep in mind that if you are in a mode other than packet, you must reselect the <F2> select mode command to return to the previous mode. PACK-PRO Pg 13. LOAD MESSAGE FILE <Alt><G> - All Modes This will load a message file prepared previously with the <ALT><M> Make Message File Command. Once loaded, this group of up to nine message lines (see MAKE MESSAGE FILE) will remain in memory until a new message file is selected, or you exit the program. HEARD LIST <Alt><H> - All Modes This option will display a listing of the last 18 packet stations heard. This is essentially the MH command for the TNC. Keep in mind that while this list is displayed, the TNC will not be in Monitor mode, so no additional information will be received until you return to the program. INITIALIZE KAM <Alt> - All Modes This command will reinitialize the KAM with the same parameters as when the program was started. This is handy if you have issued additional manual commands from the keyboard and now wish to return to the original setup. EDIT MESSAGE FILE <Alt><K> - All Modes This is used to edit any of the Message files created with the MAKE MESSAGE FILE <Alt><M> command. MAKE MESSAGE FILE <Alt><M> - All Modes This option is used to generate the nine (9) part message files for use by the program. When selected, a screen will appear where you can enter each of the nine 80 character messages. As you enter each message, you will be prompted for the next in that file. Entering just a carraige return <ENTER> instead of a message will save the file. The following special characters made be used in these message files: && - insert call of station in QSO with # - insert a sequential serial number ! - repeat last serial number For example a Sweepstake QSO file for W1VL in his 235th QSO with W9ZZZ might take the form: && DE W1VL NR # A W1VL 60 EMA = This would transmit as: W9ZZZ DE W1VL NR 235 A W1VL 60 EMA (BK) The next serial number to be sent can be changed with the RESET SERIAL NUMBER option. PACK-PRO Pg 14. RESET SERIAL NUMBER COUNTER <Alt><N> - All Modes This option will prompt you to change the next sequential serial number to be sent with message files. NOTE that each time you exit PACK-PRO, the Serial Number counter will be saved in PPACK.SYS. Be sure not to remove your program disk before this is saved. PRINTER TOGGLE <Alt> - All Modes This option will toggle capture to printer on and off. When on, all text displayed on the receive screen will be copied to the printer. If you are using an extremely slow printer, the use of a print spooler is recommended so as not to cause a slow down in program operation. PORT PARAMETERS <Alt><S> - All Modes This option allows you to change the computer to TNC port parameters. Note that this only changes the settings in the computer. If you wish to change TNC parameters, you must issue the appropriate TNC commands. DISK CAPTURE TOGGLE <Alt><F1> - All Modes This option allows you to capture all of the received text to a disk file named CAPTURE.TXT. This file is created by the program if it does not exist. When toggled on, all received text will be copied to this file. When toggled again (OFF), no further text is added to the file. Be cautious since this file can become very large very quickly. MAKE FIRST CALL <Alt><F4> - All Modes In the Packet communications modes, this command will use the call entered with the <F5> Enter Call option and will issue the 'Connect' command to the TNC. If Auto Capture <Alt><A> is enabled, all incoming text will be captured to the Capture.TXT file once the connect has been made. In all other modes, this option, when used after the <F5>, Enter Call, routine will make the first call to a station. The difference between this and the <F4> Send Calls option is that this option will send the calls more than once. Rather than W1ZZZ DE W1VL, this option will send W1ZZZ W1ZZZ W1ZZZ DE W1VL W1VL W1VL K K. In the AMTOR mode, this option will issue a call to the other stations SELCAL. PACK-PRO Pg 15. SEND MESSAGE n <Alt><n> (n = 1 to 9) - All Modes This option will send the message number 1 to 9 from the message file loaded using the <Alt><G> Load Message File option. The message will be sent and you will remain in the transmit mode. EXIT PROGRAM <Alt><X> - All Modes This will load a shut down sequence into the KAM and then will exit the PACK-PRO program. All open files will be closed as you exit the program. NOTE that all open files will be closed and the contents of the program's serial number counter for contesting etc. will be saved in the PPACK.SYS file. Be sure to allow time for this to occur before removing your program disk. When the program returns you to the DOS prompt after exiting, all of these clean up chores have been completed. PACK-PRO Pg 16. ***** ALL MODES E X C E P T PACKET ***** SEND BRAG <F3> - All Modes EXCEPT Packet - This key will automatically send the contents of the BRAG.MSG file if it exists. If you should press <F3> while in the receive mode, the file will be opened but will not be sent until you go to the TRANSMIT <F10> mode. As soon as you go into transmit, the file will be sent. If you are in transmit mode and press <F3> the file will not begin sending until all text in the type ahead buffer has been transmitted. CALL CQ <F6> - All Modes EXCEPT Packet - The <F6> key invokes the Auto CQ function. In this mode a CQ will be generated with the number of lines entered as the CQ number in your PPACK.SYS file. The format of the CQ will be different but appropriate for each mode. If the DX toggle has been selected (as shown by [DX] on the status line), a CQ DX will be called. Once the CQ has been transmitted, the program will go into LISTENING mode. In this mode it will listen for a preset time (set in PPACK.SYS) for a response to your call. If no response is detected after the preset time, the CQ will be repeated. This will continue until a response is heard or you press the <F8> RECEIVE mode key. When listening for a response, the program looks for your call followed by 'DE ' in an incoming text. It then takes the incoming information after this text and assumes it is the call of the station calling you. If this call is interpreted wrong or is missed, and you are receiving a call, press <F8>, then enter the call using the <F5> Enter Call functions. DELAY RECEIVE <F9> - All Modes except PACKET The delay receive option is the normal method of returning to the receive or listening mode. When this key is pressed, the TNC will return to Receive mode AFTER all text in the type ahead buffer or messages in process are sent. DX FLAG TOGGLE - <Alt><D> - All EXCEPT Packet This key combination will toggle the DX flag on and off. This flag when on will add 'DX' to all your CQ calls. If off, a normal CQ will be sent. The state of this flag is displayed on the left of the status line as [DX] if ON and nothing ' ' if OFF. PACK-PRO Pg 17. ***** PACKET ONLY ***** MAIL CAPTURE TOGGLE <Ctrl><F4> - Packet ONLY - MAIL CAPTURE allows you to receive mail from your local BBS while the rig is unattended. The <Ctrl><F4> key combination will toggle mail capture on and off. This function will only work in the 'CQ/BEACON' receive mode for packet. Once toggled on, the program waits for beacons from the local BBS's. As each beacon is received, the program will first note the call of the station, displaying it on the right side of the status line. It then watches for the word 'Mail'. Once this has been found, the program will wait to see if your call appears in the mail list. If it does, the program will automatically issue a connect request to the BBS, and then issue a Read Mail (Mine) request. The message that it receives will be put in a file called MESSAGE.00x on your default drive. The file will be created if it does not exist. As additional messages are retrieved, they will be added with extensions .002, .003 etc. These files can be erased at any time as they will be recreated as needed. Since this option does not at present erase or kill the message after it has been downloaded, please be sure to log back into the BBS and kill all messages which have already been read. DOWNLOAD ASCII FILE <Ctrl><F5> - Packet ONLY This option allows you to download an ASCII text file from your local BBS or another packet station. When selected, you will be prompted for a download command. At this prompt, enter the entire download command as you would normally do for the BBS involved. For example, to download the file 'TEST.TXT' from your local BBS you would enter 'D Files Test.Txt' then that is what you would enter at the prompt. The program will transmit the command to the BBS and at the same time will break the command down, based on the location of the '.' and open a file of the same name. Be sure to include the '.' and extension when using this command. Pressing any key while the file is being transferred will abort the save to disk on your end and return you to command mode. UPLOAD ASCII FILE <Ctrl><F6> - Packet ONLY This option allows you to upload files from you to your local BBS or another packet station. When prompted, enter the normal upload command as required by the local BBS. The program will then issue that command and begin sending the file. Naturally, the file must exist in order to be sent. The file will be transmitted, one line at a time with a 3-4 second delay between lines to allow for acknowledgements to occcur. PACK-PRO Pg 18. SEND SCRIPT FILE <Ctrl><F7> - Packet ONLY The script file option allows you to use a pre-defined file when connecting to other stations which may require the use of network nodes. Many times you cannot simply connect using vias in the path. In these cases, the script file can be used. This is a standard ASCII file with each line being one step in the connect process and ending with a carriage return. An example of this is: C W1VL C 3 EMASS C W1XYZ V NETH A file such as this would issue each of the individual commands to the TNC, wait for a connect response and then issue the next command. If at any time a 'FAILURE with' or 'BUSY from' response is received, the program will abort the rest of the script and return you to normal operating mode. AUTO CAPTURE TO DISK <Alt><A> - Packet ONLY When toggled on (see Help window), all connects made using the ENTER CALL <F5> and SEND FIRST CALL <Alt><F4> modes will automatically be captured to disk. All text being received and displayed on the screen will also appear in the file CAPTURE.TXT. This file will be created if it does not exist. Pressing the <Alt><A> combination again will disable this funtion. The program defaults to Auto Capture ON. BEACON TOGGLE <Alt> - Packet ONLY This key combination will alternately enable and disable the transmission of beacon signals. Be sure your BTEXT has the information you wish to include with your beacon if you use this option. RECEIVE MODE SELECT <Alt><R> - Packet ONLY This option will give you a choice of receive modes for packet operation. These are: - Everything - all packet information heard - CQ/Beacon - CQ's and Beacons Only - Traffic - all connected packet information - Myself - only packets addressed to you. TIME STAMP TOGGLE <Alt><T> - Packet ONLY This option will toggle the time stamping of incoming packets on and off. When on, all received packet headers will be followed by the date and time as recorded by the TNC clock. PACK-PRO Pg 19. ***** CW ONLY ***** LOCK ON CW <Alt><L> - CW Mode ONLY This key combination will lock the KAM at the speed of the CW signal presently being received. Also see UNLOCK CW SPEED <Alt> UNLOCK CW SPEED <Alt> - CW ONLY This option will unlock the TNC CW tracking of speed and allow you to start tracking another signal. ***** RTTY ONLY ***** RTTY USOS TOGGLE <Alt><O> - RTTY ONLY This option will toggle RTTY unshift on space on and off. ***** RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR ONLY ***** INVERT <F7> - RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR Modes - The <F7> key will toggle the mark and space tone polarities for these modes. The status of the tones will be indicated on the left portion of the status line as either [NOR]mal or [INV]verted. LO TONES Toggle - <Alt><J> - RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR Modes - The lo tone toggle will toggle between US and European tone sets for these modes. PACK-PRO Registration Form Version 1.1 YES, please register me as a user of PACK-PRO. I understand that payment of the requested $20 registration fee will entitle me to a copy of the next release of PACK-PRO as well as unlimited telephone support and reduced registration fees on future products as they become available. If the $20 registration fee is a problem, as it may be in this day and age, a voluntary registration fee which you feel is appropriate will still entitle you to full registration and telephone support. The next and later PACK-PRO releases will be available at reduced registration fees. NAME: _________________________ Call:____________ STREET: __________________________________________ CITY: ____________________________________________ STATE: ____________ ZIP: __________________ PHONE: (optional) ________________________________ TNC: __________ COMPUTER: _________________ DISK SIZE: _____ REGISTRATION FEE ENCLOSED: $__________ (PLEASE - MA residents add 5% sales tax) Please forward this application with the appropriate registration fee to: Andrew C. Manti Jr. 2 Deana Road Methuen MA 01844 I thank you for supporting the shareware system! NOTE: PLEASE USE THE BACK OF THIS FORM TO REPORT PROGRAM BUGS OR SUGGESTIONS. PLEASE NOTE MODE OF OPERATION ALONG WITH AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE ON WHAT WAS BEING DONE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED.