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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 1
LAN-LINK Version 1.50 (c) 1988 by G3ZCZ
(C) Copyright 1988 - All Rights Reserved
By Joe Kasser G3ZCZ
POB 3419,
Silver Spring,
Md., 20901, U.S.A.
(301) 593 6136
USA Packet BBS Routing G3ZCZ @ N4QQ
World Packet BBS Routing G3ZCZ @ N4QQ.MD.USA.NA
LAN-LINK is a Personal Packet Terminal Program for the TNC1,
TNC2, KPC-2 and most of all a smart multi mode digital
communications controller for the KAM and the PK-232.
LAN-LINK is written and supported by Joe Kasser, G3ZCZ.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
2.0 Getting Started
2.1 Upgrading from YAPP.
3.0 Things You Should Know
4.0 Function Keys
4.1- Capture to Disk Toggle
4.2 Section intentionally blank.
4.3- Transmit Callsign Sequence
4.4 Section intentionally blank.
4.5- Show Packet MHlist.
4.6 Auto CQ Call.
4.7- Activate Type Ahead Buffer
4.8- Disconnect/Receive.
4.9- Put TNC in CMD mode
4.10- Put TNC in CONVERSE /Transmit mode /AMTOR FEC
5.0 Main menu
6.0 The Call Menu
6.1 Alert Call
6.2 Connect/Call
6.3 Enter Call
6.4 reMember Path
6.5 Call CQ
6.6 Retry
6.7 Show Directory
6.8 Target Call
6.9 aUto CQ
6.10 Zap BBS
7.0 Return to DOS
8.0 Files Menu
8.1 Send Brag Tape
8.2 File Directory
8.3 Erase File
8.4 Rename File
8.5 Send File
9.0 Help Menu
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 3
10.0 Log Menu
10.1 Show last Few Entries
10.2 Log Entry
10.3 Print Log
10.4 Scan Log
11.0 Message Menu
11.1 BBS Command Files
11.2 Current Messages
11.3 Scan Message
11.4 Leave Note
11.5 Old Messages
11.6 QSP LAN-LINK
11.7 QRU LAN-LINK
11.8 Time tag
12.0 TNC Menu
12.1 Set TNC Date/Time
12.2 Flush TNC Buffer
12.3 Initialize TNC
12.4 Show Calls Monitored List
12.5 Show Connect Status
12.6 Change CQ Text
12.7 Change Ctext
13.0 Parameter Menu
13.1 Turn Beacon Mode On/Off
13.2 Clear Connect Count
13.3 Turn Digipeat Detect On/Off
13.4 Display DeFaults
13.5 Set Message Count
13.6 Turn NETROM Drop Out On/Off
13.7 Turn Printer On/Off
13.8 Set CQ delay time
13.9 Turn Relay On/Off
13.10 Turn Sound On/Off
13.11 Turn Contest Mode On/Off
14.0 Q Codes [NC/L]
15.0 Run DOS Command
16.0 CommunicationS Modes
16.1 VHF PACKET
16.2 HF PACKET
16.3 ASCII (RTTY)
16.4 BAUDOT (RTTY)
16.5 MORSE (CW)
16.6 AMTOR (STANDBY RECEIVE)
16.7 AMTOR (ALIST [chirpcopy])
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 4
16.8 SIGNAL
16.9 NAVTEX
17.0 Terminal Mode Menu
17.1 Packet Terminal Menu
17.1.1 Change Packet Baud Rate
17.1.2 CQ/Beacons
17.1.3 Everything
17.1.4 Read the Mail
17.1.5 Just My Station (Solo)
17.1.6 All Traffic
17.1.7 Multiple User Connects
17.1.8 Single User Connects
17.1.9 Conference
17.1.10 Conference Bridge On/Off
17.2 AMTOR Terminal Menu
17.2.1 Force Break [ACHG]
17.2.2 Start Mode B [FEC]
17.2.3 Force LETTERS case
17.2.4 Read the Mail [ALISTEN]
17.2.5 Override ROBOT/Mailbox
17.2.6 Standby Receive [ARQ]
17.2.7 Set ROBOT/Mailbox
17.2.8 CW Identification
17.3 Baudot Terminal Menu
17.3.1 Set Baud Rate
17.3.2 Select Shift
17.3.3 NAVY MARS Message Protocol
17.3.4 USOS Off
17.3.5 SELCAL set/reset
17.3.6 CW Identification
17.4 ASCII Terminal Menu
17.4.1 Set Baud Rate
17.4.2 Select Shift
17.4.3 SELCAL set/reset
17.4.4 CW Identification
17.4 CW Terminal Menu
17.5.1 Lock to Receive Signal
17.5.2 Set Morse Speed
17.5.3 Unlock Morse Speed
18.0 Hot Keys
18.1 Alt C- Call/Connect to
18.2 Alt D- Disconnect or Receive
18.3 Alt L- Edit Log
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 5
18.4 Alt M- Message Scan
18.5 Alt R- Retry Call/Connect
18.6 Alt X- eXit to DOS
18.7 Alt Z- ZAP BBS
18.8 End- > +? [Over]
18.9 PgUp- Scrollback (Scrolls back incoming text).
18.10 The HOME Key
18.11 The DOWN ARROW key
18.12 Shift/Baudrate Control keys
18.13 Control Z (^Z)
19.0 LAN-LINK disk files
19.1 LAN-LINK.COM
19.2 LAN-LINK.SYS
19.3 LAN-LINK.RUN
19.4 LAN-LINK.LOG
19.5 LAN-LINK.DIR
19.6 CONFIG.SYS
19.7 *.MBX
19.8 *.BBS
20.0 Mailbox features
20.1 Answering Machine.
20.2 Mail Beacon (Annunciator).
20.3 How to leave a message
20.4 Remote Beacon shutdown.
APPENDIX 1. BUGS and Anomalies.
A1.1 Command/Converse mode anomalies.
A1.2 Buffer messages in AMTOR Beacon CQ mode.
A1.3 FEC +? responses in AMTOR Beacon CQ mode.
A1.4 Using a CGA card with a monochrome monitor.
A1.5 The Packet Conference Mode.
A1.6 Packet Conference Mode disconnects.
A1.7 Strange Events.
A1.8 *** DISCONNECTED.
A1.9 *** CONNECTED.
A1.10 Greek Characters on Incoming Screen.
A1.11 Dumb TNC.
APPENDIX 2. Local Area Network Capability
A2.1 LAN Protocol (G3ZCZ Version).
A2.2 Message Format.
A2.3 File Uploading/Downloading.
A2.4 Path Determination to a DX Station.
APPENDIX 3. NC/L Dictionary.
A3.1 :QBM:
A3.2 :QDB:
A3.3 :QMH:
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 6
A3.4 :QSM:
A3.5 :QSP:
A3.6 :QRT:
A3.7 :QRU:
A3.8 :QNO:
A3.9 :QJG:
A3.10 :QRV:
A3.11 :QSL:
A3.12 :QTC:
A3.13 :QYU:
A3.14 :QYD:
APPENDIX 4. USING OTHER TNC'S.
A4.1 TNC2 (MFJ 1270) Version 1.1.2
A4.2 TNC1 (HD-4040)
A4.3 Kaypro KPC-2
A4.4 KAM EPROM Version 2.8.2.
A4.5 PK-232 EPROM Version 30 AUG 1988
APPENDIX 5. Registration Form.
APPENDIX 6. Problem Reporting Form.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 7
1.0 INTRODUCTION
LAN-LINK is a Personal Digital Communications Terminal Program
for a Packet Radio TNC. The program is designed to optimize the
configuration of the TNC in each communications mode and to
provide some smart terminal features. It takes advantage of the
extra features of the PK-232 which is made by Advanced
Electronics Applications Inc. It is designed to allow anyone to
use and get the most out of their packet TNC as well as from the
PK-232 and KAM for Morse, ASCII, BAUDOT, AMTOR as well as Packet
Radio communications without having to keep the manual handy.
LAN-LINK is a sophisticated program. In its basic state it
allows you to use the TNC in an optimal manner. It configures
the TNC for you to maximize the communications efficiency in the
communications mode of your choice. That means, for example,
when working Packet on HF you need to program the TNC parameters
to different values than you would use on VHF to make maximum use
of the mode. One significant difference is the length of the
packet itself, for the longer it is, the greater the probability
of QRM destroying it. This program will adjust the packet
parameters for you.
Since the computer is now involved, other features have been
added to simplify operation, and several features have been
automated. All these operations are performed using menus and
function keys as documented below. It will take a while to learn
how to use this program in a manner that suits you, read this
document and have fun, after all, isn't that one of the purposes
of Amateur Radio.
1.1 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Function key and Menu driven.
Automatic logbook entries for Packet and Mailbox/Beacon mode
AMTOR Connects, semi automatic logbook entries for other
modes.
Log file can be processed by the DBASE Logbook Package of
PC-HAM by G3ZCZ for indexed listings, tracking of DXCC and
other AWARDS, etc.
Contest operation, sends standard message and automatically
increments QSO count.
Automatic optimized configuration of the TNC for each com-
munications mode.
All mode Function key 'OVER' feature (End).
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 8
1.1.1 PACKET RADIO
Automatic capture to disk disk of all packet radio connects.
Automatic indication of the number of Packet connects.
Local Area Network (LAN) message store and forward
capability.
Capable of automatic connect attempts to download a QTC from
an other station in the LAN.
Capable of automatic connect attempts to a packet BBS to
download your incoming messages, when your callsign appears
on the BBS mail beacon annunciator.
Capable of automatically requesting Bulletins on subjects
that interest you from your local packet BBS.
Digipeat monitoring and capture.
Alert signal to let you know when a predetermined call shows
up in a packet header on frequency.
Conference mode in multi- connect situations.
Bridge mode in multi- connect situations.
Path determination to Dx station via :QMH:.
Indicator that a specific station designated as the 'target'
call connected in Packet mode, or linked to AMTOR
Beacon/Mailbox while you were away.
Automatic NET/ROM and KA Node path set up from LAN-LINK.DIR
call/path directory file.
Selective answering machine and MAILBOX using NC/L command
dialog.
Screen indication of connect by desired station (target
call).
Automatic Beacon Mode CQ caller.
Will call CQ repetitively and either work the connect and
keep going after disconnect or signal you when a reply is
received.
1.1.2 AMTOR
Automatic CQ caller. Will call CQ repetitively and signal
you when a reply is received.
Local Area Network (LAN) message store and forward
capability.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 9
Selective answering machine and MAILBOX using NC/L command
dialog.
Function key change from monitoring FEC CQ's to QSO's in
progress (chirpcopy).
Automatic Beacon Mode CQ caller.
1.1.3 MORSE/BAUDOT/ASCII
Automatic CQ caller. Will call CQ repetitively and signal
you when a reply is received.
RTTY SELCAL.
2.0 Getting Started
MAKE A BACK UP COPY OF THIS DISK, BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE WRITE
PROTECT TAB.
If you don't have a PK232 then rename the LAN-LINK.SYS file to
PK232.SYS and rename your TNC.SYS file as LAN-LINK.SYS. For
example, if you are using a TNC2, perform the following
operations in DOS.
RENAME LAN-LINK.SYS PK232.SYS
RENAME TNC2.SYS LANLINK.SYS
Edit the LAN-LINK.SYS file replacing G8BTB with your callsign and
Selcal information. If your TNC does not support AMTOR you still
need a dummy entry in that line.
For details of the rest of the customization possibilities in the
'LAN-LIN.SYS' file, read Section 19.2.
2.1 Upgrading from YAPP
LAN-LINK uses the PK232 in a different configuration to the
way that YAPP does. In particular, LAN-LINK uses software
flow control.
To facilitate conversion from YAPP to LAN-LINK a YAPP.CNF
file is provided in this package. YAPP.CNF is a
configuration file for YAPP Version 2 that will configure
the PK232 for YAPP and then back to LAN-LINK.
If you are currently using YAPP, replace your YAPP.CNF file
with this one and load YAPP. Then terminate the program in
the normal manner by using the Alt-X key. You should then
be able to load and run LAN-LINK without any problems. Each
time you sub-sequently want to run YAPP, YAPP will set up
the PK232, execute and then reconfigure the PK232 back for
LAN-LINK.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 10
If you are using a YAPP.DIR file, rename it to LAN-LINK.DIR.
3.0 Things You Should Know
Any Terminal Node Controller (TNC) is a complex piece of
equipment. It can operate in a Command Mode, in which you tell
it to do something, or in a Converse Mode in which you are using
it to talk to other stations. Many people confuse the two when
first getting on Packet. If you monitor the channels you will
recognize command mode TNC instructions on the air, and when you
use the TNC you will receive the "error" reply when you type
something thinking that you are in the Converse Mode but are
really in the Command Mode. LAN-LINK is designed to make Packet
operation simple using Menus and high level (Function and Hot
key) commands.
Morse, ASCII, BAUDOT communication modes are HALF DUPLEX. One
station is transmitting at any time. You thus have to use the
Transmit/Converse and Receive/Disconnect function keys to turn
the transmitter on and off respectively.
AMTOR is also HALF DUPLEX but has some of the attributes of full
duplex. In this mode you control who is talking through
software, only one station can send data at a time, but you can
type characters in to the buffer and they will be transmitted
automatically when the other station turns the QSO over to you.
Once you have linked with someone, you do not use the
Receive/Disconnect function UNTIL THE QSO IS OVER. Both stations
are communicating automatically thanks to the TNC. If you want
the other operator to respond type the +? key sequence (or use
the 'END' key).
Packet Radio communications on the other hand is a full duplex
mode of communications. Once you have connected with someone,
you do not use the Receive/Disconnect function UNTIL THE QSO IS
OVER. Both stations are communicating automatically thanks to
the TNC. If you want the other operator to respond type the >
key followed by the 'Enter' key, better yet, use the 'end' key.
Note that Morse, AMTOR, ASCII and BAUDOT are character mode
communications in that each character you type is sent as you
type them. In Packet Communications, the TNC stores them up and
sends out a burst or packet when you type the 'Enter' key or you
type enough characters to fill up a packet. Studies have shown
that the human attention span when sitting at the keyboard is of
the order of 2 seconds. If you are in a keyboard to keyboard
packet radio connect, remember this and don't forget to use the
'Enter' frequently, especially before you stop to think about
what to send next.
LAN-LINK has the following functions built in to it in a menu
driven format.
Morse Code 20 wpm (10 wpm for the KAM).
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 11
BAUDOT with default of 45 WPM narrow shift (LSB). You may set
other baud rates directly, or use the left and right arrow keys
to change the baud rate (see below).
ASCII with default 110 BAUDS narrow shift (LSB). You may set
other baud rates directly, or use the left and right arrow keys
to change the baud rate (see below).
Packet VHF or HF baud rates and shifts (LSB).
AMTOR 100 BAUDS narrow shift (LSB).
All communications between the computer and the TNC normally use
the 8 BIT NO PARITY and 1 stop bit RS-232 Serial Port
configuration. You CAN THUS SEND FOREIGN LANGUAGE CHARACTERS FROM
THE KEYBOARD OR FILES. If you want to limit the character set to
the 7 bit ASCII set, set the TNC parameters accordingly. The
baud rate defaults to 1200, but you may set it to 2400, 4800 9600
or even 19200 if your CPU clock is fast enough.
Access to the TNC Command mode is provided in case the user
wishes to override any of these defaults.
IF YOU USE THIS PROGRAM, YOU STILL MUST READ THE TNC MANUAL.
Note that AMTOR and PACKET are full duplex modes of
communications. When you connect with someone, there is no need
to use the transmit and receive function keys. In fact you will
have problems if you do. Do not disconnect or break the link
until the QSO is over.
WARNING .... THIS PROGRAM OPERATES IN AN OPEN LOOP MODE. IT
REMEMBERS WHAT INSTRUCTIONS OR COMMANDS IT GAVE THE TNC. IF FOR
SOME REASON, THE TNC IS NOT SYNCHRONIZED TO THE PROGRAM YOU WILL
NOT GET CORRECT DISPLAYS ON THE SCREEN.
4.0 Function Keys
Function keys are used to perform operations common to all
communications modes, or to allow fast performance of a function
without having to go through several layers of menus. The
function keys listed below are active.
1- Capture to Disk Toggle.
3- Transmit Callsign Sequence.
5- Show Packet 'MH'list.
6- Auto CQ Call.
7- Activate Type Ahead Buffer.
8- Disconnect or Receive.
9- Put TNC in CMD mode.
10- Put TNC in CONVERSE /Transmit mode /AMTOR FEC.
End- > +? [Over].
PgUp- Scrollback (Scrolls back incoming text).
ESC- Activates the Main Menu.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 12
The action of each of the function keys is described in the
following sections.
4.1- Capture to Disk Toggle
This key toggles the "capture to disk" command. When the
"capture to disk" is active, all incoming text (including
'Echo as sent' outgoing text) is stored on a disk (floppy or
hard) in a file called 'LAN-LINK.RUN'. If this file does
not exist the first time that LAN-LINK is loaded, it is
created. From that time on, successive activations append
new data to the contents of the file.
Each time the command is activated a datestamp (or timetag)
will be written to the file.
When a Packet station connects "capture to disk" will be
activated automatically. Packet connects will thus be
recorded in their entirety automatically unless you turn off
the "Capture to disk" during the course of the QSO. "Capture
to disk" will be stopped at disconnect time unless you have
commanded it on manually.
You may later edit the file at your convenience with your
favorite word processor.
LAN-LINK will automatically close the "capture to disk" file
when you terminate the program and return to DOS.
4.2 Section intentionally blank.
4.3- Transmit Callsign Sequence
This command lets you transmit the following sequence <other
call) DE <your call>. For example if you are 4X6AA and you
are working G3ZCZ then this command would transmit the
sequence G3ZCZ de 4X6AA. You use this at the start of a
transmission in any mode except Packet.
4.4 Section intentionally blank.
4.5- Show Packet 'MH'list
This command lets you see what calls the TNC has heard
recently on the Packet channels. You can see up to 18, with
the data and time they were last logged by the TNC. Refer
to the 'MH' command in the TNC manual for the particulars of
the display.
The MH list shows up in a special window and freezes until
you depress any key. While the list is frozen, LAN-LINK is
not monitoring received data, so don't freeze it too long.
If the MH list is blank, or information comes in from the
TNC between the time you entered the command and the time
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 13
the list is sent back, subsequent text from the TNC will
show up in the MH window until the next 'Cmd:' appears or 18
lines of text have been received.
This command does not work on the TNC1.
4.6 Auto CQ Call.
This command will send a CQ sequence, wait about a minute or
so and then repeat the CQ sequence every minute or so until
it receives your call back from someone else. When it does
so, it will alert you with a Connect Alarm signal and reset
to the normal or listening mode.
When the Automatic CQ sequence is in operation, an
indication will be shown in the status window. The
indicator will be steady while the transmitter is sending
the CQ text, and will blink while the receiver is listening
for a reply.
The time delay between calls is set using 'Q' command in the
Parameters Menu (Set CQ delay time).
The automatic CQ command will only work in the TNC non
Packet modes if the 'Echo as Sent' mode is set to 'ON' per
the LAN-LINK.SYS file. In other words, you must be able to
see the CQ text slowly echo in the incoming window for the
command to work. The reason for this is that the "K K K" (
or "+?" in AMTOR) sequence is used to arm the software to
look for a reply
In AMTOR you will get the connect alarm only when the
replying station transmits the '+?' character combination.
The check for the detection of your callsign and the connect
alarm sequence only occur after a line feed character have
been received.
Under most conditions in AMTOR, many in RTTY, and some in
MORSE, LAN-LINK will recognize the callsign of the station
answering your CQ and display it in the status window. In
the event that it fails completely, the sequence '--?--'
will show up in the status window. Since the recognition
algorithm use just look for the first word following the 'DE
space' sequence and assumes that it has the callsign, be
careful to check it when operating under QRM conditions.
You can override the automatic call selection with the Enter
Callsign command in the Call Menu.
The automatic CQ sequence is canceled when an incoming call
is detected (only if the beacon or robot/mailbox mode is not
selected), if you push the disconnect command key, or if you
change communications modes.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 14
4.7- Activate Type Ahead Buffer
The use of this key sets LAN-LINK to the "Type Ahead" mode.
Any characters then typed at the keyboard will be placed
into the TNC transmit buffer. The contents of the buffer
will be transmitted over the air when the transmit command
is invoked [FK10].
This feature allows you to 'type-ahead' as you can enter
text into the transmit buffer while viewing incoming words
in the INPUT window in the screen. Any characters typed
from the keyboard will be echoed in the OUTGOING window on
the screen.
THIS command IS NOT ACTIVE IN THE AMTOR or PACKET modes.
Packet is full duplex, while in AMTOR the TNC buffers the
data until you receive the next +? sequence.
4.8- Disconnect, Disengage or Receive
This command key returns the station to the receive
communications (TNC command) mode. It may also be used to
abort the automatic CQ sequence. If you use it to abort a
CQ sequence while the transmission is in progress, you may
also want to flush the PK-232 transmit buffer the Flush
command in the TNC Menu.
In a multi connect situation the program will prompt you to
tell it which IO channel to disconnect.
In AMTOR this command key toggles LAN-LINK between the
Chirpcopy mode (listening to a QSO in progress) and
monitoring FEC transmissions (CQ calls).
In MORSE this key also disengages the receive speed lock in
the PK-232 to unlock the PK-232 from the last signal copied.
It lets you lock onto another signal faster.
4.9- Put TNC in CMD mode
This command puts the TNC into the command mode. At this
time, the program is transparent and acts as a dumb terminal
(except for placing incoming and outgoing text in the
relevant windows). you use this mode for overriding any of
the TNC default conditions. (SEE I TOLD YOU THAT YOU HAD TO
READ THE TNC MANUAL).
4.10- Put TNC in CONVERSE /Transmit mode /AMTOR FEC
This command places the TNC into the transmit or converse
mode. The transmitter is turned on and the contents of the
transmit buffer are transmitted. In the non packet
communications modes, the outgoing characters will be echoed
back from the TNC and displayed in the INCOMING window on
the CRT as they are transmitted on the air.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 15
In the AMTOR modes this key puts the TNC in the FEC mode and
turns the transmitter on.
5.0 Main menu
When you touch the ESCape key, the Main Menu appears on your
screen and provides a number choices which are described in the
following sections.
C Call Menu
D Return to DOS
F Files Menu
H Help Menu
L Log Menu
M Message Menu
N TNC Menu
P Parameter Menu
Q Q Codes [NC/L]
R Run DOS Command
S communicationS Mode Menu
T Terminal Mode Menu
X eXit LAN-LINK
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
6.0 The Call Menu
The Call Menu provides the following choices.
A Alert Call
C Connect/Call
E Enter Call
M reMember Path
Q Call CQ
R Retry
S Show Directory
T Target Call
U aUto CQ
Z Zap BBS
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
6.1 Alert Call
The Alert call feature is used in the Packet communications
mode when disconnected and the terminal set for 'TRFC' or
'CQ/BEACON'. LAN-LINK will scan the packet headers received
from the TNC, and, when it sees a packet originated (or
digipeated if the MRPT parameter in the TNC is set to 'ON'),
by the station whose call you have entered as the 'Alert'
call, it will sound an alarm at the console. The line
containing the packet header will also be displayed in light
green.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 16
This option toggles the Alert call feature on and off. If
it is off, you are prompted for the call to be monitored
for, if it is on, it is turned off. The toggle is set when
you enter a callsign, and cleared when you depress the
'Enter' key instead of a callsign.
The Alert call will be shown flashing in the status window
when in the disconnected state.
NOTE: If the terminal is set for 'CQ/BEACON' the Alert will
only sound if the specified station transmits CQ or BEACON
packets.
6.2 Connect/Call
This option works in almost the same manner in both the
Packet and Non Packet communications modes as described in
the following sections.
6.2.1 Non Packet Modes
You use this option to call a station heard on the band.
You may also use it to call 'QRZ' or even 'TEST'.
In AMTOR the link request will be sent in the ARQ mode to
the SELCAL of the desired station.
6.2.2 Packet Mode
You use this option to attempt a connect with another packet
station. In a multi connect situation the LAN-LINK will
automatically select a free IO channel to try the connect.
6.2.2.1 Names, Handles and Paths
If you so desire, you can create a directory file (default
name is LAN-LINK.DIR) and keep a list of names and
callsigns. The computer will look up a name and call the
station by its callsign. For example if you put
Joe G3ZCZ
as a line in the file, when you tell the computer to connect
to Joe, it will try to connect to G3ZCZ. If you enter
4X4HF 4X4HF V 4X1AA, 4Z4ZB, 4X4IL
you only need to type '4X4HF' to set up the correct connect
path.
6.2.2.2 NET/ROM and The Link.
You can use this feature to automate a NET/ROM path
connection. In the manual NET/ROM path setting up mode, you
would first connect to your local node, then when you are
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connected with it, connect to the next node, and so on
through any intermediate nodes within the whole path before
you finally connect with your destination station. You may
have digipeaters in any of the paths.
For example if you wish to connect to K1HTV who is in range
of the SSCT node, and you are in Washington DC, you might
first have to connect to your local NET/ROM node (ELK) via a
digipeater, then each of the intermediate nodes, SNJ3, NNJ,
WMA before you could try to connect with K1HTV.
Consider the manual sequence to make the connection. K1HTV
is the station the contact is being attempted with, and he
is located within range of the SCCT NET/ROM node. The
station attempting the connect is located in the Washington
DC area one digipeat away from the ELK NET/ROM node.
The connection to the local node is performed first. the
operator has to type ' C ELK v WB4APR-5' to make that link.
When the connect with the node is achieved, the operator
must type 'C SNJ3' to connect to the next node. Each time
the connection is made, the operator must type in the
command to make the next one, until finally the last node is
reached and a connect request can be made to the destination
station (either direct or via a digipeater). Sometimes
there may be an intermediate non NET/ROM connection between
two stations somewhere in the path.
This procedure is tedious and time consuming, because it may
take several seconds to complete each stage of the link.
LAN-LINK automates this sequence by scanning the line in the
LAN-LINK.DIR file associated with the callsign entered and
transmitting each section of the line when it recognizes the
'Connected to ' reply from each NET/ROM node in the path.
When it finally gets to the destination it sounds a chime to
alert you that the connect has been achieved.
The LAN-LINK.DIR file entry for this path is as follows.
K1HTV ELK v WB4APR-5! SNJ3! NNJ! WMA! SCCT! K1HTV
where the '!' separates each stage of the link.
The key word is K1HTV. LAN-LINK then scans the line to see
if there is a '!' in it. If there is it knows that it is
dealing with a NET/ROM path. It then tells the TNC to
attempt a connect with the characters following the key word
up to the first '!'. In this case it tells the TNC to
connect to ELK via WB4APR-5. When the TNC sends back the
connected message, LAN-LINK tells the TNC to try to connect
to the next node in the path, namely in this example SNJ3.
The sequence continues each time a connection is made until
the link is complete.
To set up a directory entry just use the format shown above.
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Place a '!' sign after the uplink path and different node
segments. Do not place one after the downlink path.
Depending on the configuration, LAN-LINK will issue a
'disconnect' command to the TNC in the event the NET/ROM or
KA-Node connect attempt fails. This feature is designed for
known paths not for general path determination.
6.2.2.3 KA-Nodes
You can connect or crossconnect via KA-Nodes using the
directory file. You must still use the ! separators as well
as two new symbols % and &. Use % for 'C' and & for 'X' in
KA-Node links..
For example, given that a path to W9TNN-2 is first to a
local KA node [JRW] then to a second node on the same vhf
frequency [W3EAX-7] and lastly via a cross connect on 40
Meters to W9TNN2-, the line in the LAN-LINK.DIR file would
be as follows.
w9tnn-2 jrw !% w3eax-7 !& w9tnn-2
You should be able to mix NET/ROM and KA-Node paths as in
n7dva ! w3eax-7 !& ww7zz !& w7zzz !% n7dva v nn7nn
The different symbols are used for the KA node to tell LAN-
LINK which replies to look for as well as what to prefix the
call with.
Depending on the configuration, LAN-LINK will issue a
'disconnect' command to the TNC in the event the NET/ROM or
KA-Node connect attempt fails. This feature is designed for
known paths not for general path determination.
6.2.2.4 Loop Backs
In the Packet communications mode, if you want to loop back
through someone else enter the '/' character followed by the
call of the station you want to loop back through. For
example if I (G3ZCZ) want to loop back through 4X6AA, I just
need to enter /4X6AA as the call to connect to and the
LAN-LINK will tell the TNC to try to connect to G3ZCZ via
4X6AA, namely issue the command 'C G3ZCZ V 4X6AA' to the
TNC.
6.3 Enter Call
This option lets you enter the call of any station calling
you into the program. If you type the enter key in response
to the prompt, you can later use the F3 (function key 3) to
transmit the sequence "de <yourcall>". You may also use the
Retry feature to call that station in the non AMTOR modes.
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In AMTOR, you use the feature to enter the callsign and
SELCAL of the station you are listening to and may want to
call.
6.4 reMember Path
You may use this option to put an entry in the LAN-LINK.SYS
file.
6.5 Call CQ
You use this command key to call CQ. In the Packet
Communications mode, the TNC will transmit a line of text
along with the CQ packet. The line of text is set up in the
LAN-LINK.SYS file described in section 19.
In the AMTOR communications mode, your SELCAL will be
transmitted along with the CQ call in the FEC mode.
6.6 Retry
This option allows you to retry a connect that for some
reason did not go through the first time. It save wear and
tear on your fingers particularly if the desired connect
path is via a number of digipeat relays or through a number
of NET/ROM NODES.
In the non packet modes, it allows you to retransmit a call
to another station without having to re-enter the call.
If you have previously used Enter feature to put a callsign
in the program when you hear that station, you can then use
the Retry command to call him later when the QSO in progress
terminates.
6.7 Show Call Directory
This option displays the contents of the LAN-LINK.SYS call
directory file.
6.8 Target Call
The Target call feature is used in the Packet communications
mode when disconnected. LAN-LINK will monitor the stations
connecting to you. When it sees a connect by the station
which you have entered as the 'Target' call, it will set the
flashing Connect Count display to show a 'happy face'.
This option toggles the Target call feature on and off. If
it is off, you are prompted for the call to be monitored, if
it is on, it is turned off. The toggle is set when you
enter a callsign, and cleared when you depress the 'Enter'
key instead of a callsign.
The Target call will be shown flashing in the status window
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when in the disconnected state.
6.9 aUto CQ
This option is the same as function key 6.
6.10 Zap BBS
This key initiates a BBS mail download sequence. It
initiates the same sequence as the BBS_Mail_Snatch. You use
this key if you connect to a BBS before you hear its beacon,
or if you have disabled the BBS_Mail_Snatch feature. This
key must be used ONLY when connected to the BBS and BEFORE
the first '>' is received. Note: it is that first '>' that
triggers the sequence. If you have already received that
first '>', send the BBS any command, and the sequence should
begin when the BBS signals that it has completed processing
that command.
The sequence performed by the BBS_Mail_Snatch is as follows:
RM To read your messages, (Configurable)
L To let you know what is new on the BBS,
LM To list ALL your messages on the BBS,
B To log you off the BBS.
LAN-LINK will wait for the '>' as the last character of the
line of text being received from the BBS, before issuing the
next command in the sequence. Your messages will be placed
in a message file <yourcall.OUT> as if someone else had left
a message for you.
When you use this command you will be asked if you want to
Upload or download. If you want to download, just push the
'Enter' key. A Download (Mail from the BBS to you) will
automatically be followed by an Upload if the *.BBS file
exists.
The 'RM' may be customized in the LAN-LINK.SYS file to 'RN'
or 'VM' depending on the software in your local BBS and your
preference as shown in section 19.
During the time that the BBS is responding to the 'L'
command with a list of new messages, LAN-LINK is scanning
the messages to see if it finds one containing a Scan Word
(See Section 19). If it does it will queue a request to
download that message.
7.0 Return to DOS
When you exit the program, the TNC is put into the VHF default
mode in which it rejects calls from any other stations. (Read
about the 'CFROM' command in the TNC manual). you can thus if
you wish leave it powered, and if you also leave the VHF radio
powered up, you will be active as a digipeater, but at the same
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time anyone trying to connect with you will receive a busy
signal. The MBX command (Reading the Mail) is also cleared at
this time.
You may customize the TNC state at shut down as shown in section
19.
8.0 Files Menu
The Files Menu provides the following choices.
B Send Brag Tape
D File Directory
E Erase File
R Rename File
S Send File
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
During the file transfer, the outgoing text will appear in the
OUTwindow. If the text is long enough and fills the TNC buffer,
you will see it stop, and then continue when the TNC is ready to
accept more text, the message sequence will resume. NOTE that
^S/^Q software flow control is used.
When you transmit a file (B or S) you are returned to the receive
mode after the file is sent except in the Packet communications
mode. In the Packet Communications mode, when the file has been
loaded into the TNC the computer will add the ^Z character to the
outgoing text to signal to the recipient that the file
transmission is over.
The computer will signal you (using the bell character, when the
file has been loaded into the TNC, Note that is not the same as
the time that the TNC has transmitted the file, because the TNC
incorporates a character buffer.
8.1 Send Brag Tape
This command allows you to transmit a standard text file
historically known as a "Brag Tape". The default name of
the brag tape file is LAN-LINK.TXT, and it should be created
with a word processor in the non-document mode.
8.2 File Directory
This command shows you the directory of the disk drive.
8.3 Erase File
This command allows you to erase or delete a file.
8.4 Rename File
This command allows you to rename a file. You could for
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example rename a document file to a "callsign.OUT" file so
that someone will receive it automatically next time they
connect.
8.5 Send File
This command allows you to transmit an ASCII file via the
PK-232.
9.0 Help Menu
This option will activate the HELP display. Help displays a brief
summary of the function and hot keys. This window will remain on
display until a character is typed at the keyboard.
10.0 Log Menu
The Log Menu provides the following choices.
F Show last Few Entries
L Log Entry
P Print Log
S Scan Log
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
10.1 Show last Few Entries
This command displays the last few log entries made during
the active session. If no QSO's have been made since the
program was loaded the display window will be blank. Up to
5 log entries will be displayed in the window. You use this
command for a quick look at which stations have connected to
you most recently in your absence.
10.2 Log Entry
LAN-LINK performs automatic logbook entries for Packet and
AMTOR Beacon mode Connects, and semi automatic logbook
entries for other modes. The Log file is compatible to that
of the CONTEST program in the G3ZCZ PC-HAM package and can
be processed by the DBASE Logbook Package for indexed
listings, tracking of DXCC and other AWARDS, etc. This is
ideal for special event stations and DX-peditions, for the
whole QSL process and further statistical analyses of their
operation has.
For this feature to work, the file LAN-LINK.LOG must be
present on the disk. If it isn't, it will be created for
you. After one logging operation has occurred, edit out the
initial text. You must perform this editing operation
before appending the contents of the logbook file to the
logbook database of the PC-HAM LOGBOOK Package. Edit the
log before appending it to the DBASE package, as there may
be some null characters at the end of the file which may be
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recognized as a blank entry by DBASE.
It is also advisable not to let the logbook file get too
big.
When an AMTOR beacon mode or packet connect occurs, the
connect is automatically logged. In the Packet mode, the
connect path is placed in the comments section of the
logbook entry. In the non packet modes, the log data entry
is set up for you with default 599 values for the reports
exchanged.
You invoke this option to enter the data into the log or set
the band and power for subsequent automatic logging. When
you invoke the command you will be presented with a typical
menu in the menu window and a current entry line in the log
window.
You should choose the character associated with each item.
For example, if you want to change the Band, enter the
letter 'B', to change the Comments, enter the letter 'O'.
Enter the text when prompted. You will then be presented
with an updated entry.
To enter the data into the logbook, use the 'L' key. To
save the data but not make a log entry use the '*'
character, for example you would do that if you want to
change the band or power information.
You may use the 'qSl sent' entry to tag the fact that you
have written out a QSL card.
The band and power information are set up from the default
values stored in the configuration file LAN-LINK.SYS. They
are displayed in the status window. If you are using the
logging command, you should change them when changing
bands/powers and exit the logging command with the '*'
character so that you don't put a blank entry into the
logbook.
Note that you can also use this command to enter the odd SSB
contact into the logbook file. If you do, use the
characters 'SSB' or 'FM' for those voice modes to remain
compatible with the rest of the DBASE logbook package.
NOTE Do not use the comma character ',' in the comments
field. If you examine the logbook file you will see that
all items are separated by comma's. If you use a comma
character in the comments you will screw up the transfer of
data into the logbook package.
The comments field in the logbook is restricted to a maximum
of 10 characters. If you try and enter more than 10, the
surplus will be ignored.
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10.3 Print Log
This command prints the contents of the LAN-LINK.LOG file in
a formatted manner to the printer. It requests the callsign
of the log entry to be displayed. If you want to print
entries for particular calls or parts of call, enter those
call or parts of calls. Valid entries are G, G3, G3Z etc.
If you want to print every entry in the log enter the
asterisk '*' character.
10.4 Scan Log
This command displays the contents of the LAN-LINK.LOG file
in a formatted manner on the screen. It requests the
callsign of the log entry to be displayed. If you want to
see entries for particular calls or parts of call, enter
those call or parts of calls. Valid entries are G, G3, G3Z
etc. If you want to see every entry in the log enter the
asterisk '*' character.
11.0 Message Menu
The Message Menu provides the following choices.
B BBS Command Files
C Current Messages
M scan Message
N leave Note
O Old Messages
P QSP LAN-LINK
U QRU LAN-LINK
T Time tag
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
11.1 BBS Command Files
This option shows you a list of the BBS command files on the
default directory. In other words, all files with the file
extension of '.BBS'.
11.2 Current Messages
This option shows you a list of the outgoing messages that
have not been sent. In other words, all files with the file
extension of '.OUT'. See Section 20 for a description of
outgoing messages in your "Smart Packet Radio Answering
Machine".
11.3 Scan Message
This feature allows you to scan messages in the computer.
After depressing the key you will be prompted for INcoming
or OUTgoing (I/O) messages. If you request Incoming
messages you will see the messages addressed to your
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callsign. After scanning your messages, the file will be
renamed to yourcall.n. where n is an incrementing number
from 1 to 999.
11.4 Leave Note
In all modes you can leave a brief note (message) for
another station. When you invoke this command the header is
written to the message file, then as you enter the text it
is stored on the disk in the usual format.
WHILE WRITING YOUR NOTE, LAN-LINK can't receive characters
from the TNC. All other features ARE INHIBITED OR LOCKED
OUT. THUS IF SOMEONE CONNECTS TO YOU, THE TNC WILL KNOW THE
BUT LAN-LINK WILL NOT. BE WARNED !!!
After you have left the note and received the 'QSL' message
from LAN-LINK, if you are in the Packet communications mode,
push function key 8 Alt-D to load the callsign of the
recipient into the beacon.
When you leave a note, leave it for the root call of the
connectee, for example to leave a note for G3ZCZ/W3 leave it
for G3ZCZ, similarly to leave a note for WB8WKA-1 leave it
for WB8WKA. LAN-LINK is smart enough to extract the root
call from any callsign it links/connects with.
11.5 Old Messages
This feature shows you a list of the messages that have been
sent. In other words, all files with the file extension of
'.OLD'.
11.6 QSP LAN-LINK
LAN-LINK contains store and forward routines for messages in
a Local Area Network (LAN) as described in Appendix 2.
When connected to another LAN-LINK station, you may use the
NC/L :QSP: command to leave a message at that station. This
QSP command automates that feature for you. It lets you
just enter the callsign of the station you wish to leave a
message for. It will then send the text sequence :QSP:
<callsign>. The other LAN-LINK HOST station will either
reply :QNO: followed by a number or :QRV: <callsign>. The
'QNO' message means that the other computer cannot accept
the message, the :QRV: message means that it is waiting for
you to send it.
If you get the :QRV: reply, go ahead and type the message,
or send the text file containing the message. If you type
the message, use a control Z (^Z) character and carriage
return to terminate the message. (In AMTOR, LAN-LINK will
translate the ^Z to :EOF: +? to terminate the message). You
will then receive either a :QSL: from the other station
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meaning that the message is accepted, or a :QNO: followed by
a number which means that something went wrong and the
message was not stored. QNO numbers are described in
Appendix 3.
11.7 QRU LAN-LINK
The NC/L QRU command allows you to upload a number of
messages to the other station. You use it when you have
messages pending on your system and want to pass them to a
third computer for storage in the LAN, while you take your
computer off-line.
You can only use this option with a station which you have
previously designated as a store and forward mail box,
namely one for which you have set up a <callsign>.MBX file
(see section 19). This command may be triggered by you
using this choice or by the connecting station sending you a
:QRU: command.
When the sequence is over, the computer sending the messages
will transmit the NC/L command word :QJG: to signal that the
sequence is complete. Should you receive it before you get
any messages, then there weren't any pending.
If you want to download messages from another LAN-LINK
system, connect to it and type the sequence :QRU: followed
by the 'Enter' character. That system will then respond to
you as if the operator there had initiated a QRU command.
Appendix 2 contains more information on the LAN capabilities
of LAN-LINK.
11.8 Time Tag
This option is used to place a date time header on a message
file previously prepared by a word processor. The name of
the file must be in the format 'CALLSIGN.OUT' (For example,
G3ZCZ.OUT). It requests the callsign of the message file.
It then opens a new file, writes the header to the new file
and copies the contents of the original '*.OUT' file to the
new one. When all is done, the original filename is change
to '*.BAK' and the new one becomes '*.OUT'.
12.0 TNC Menu
The TNC Menu provides the following choices.
D Set TNC Date/Time
F Flush TNC Buffer
I Initialize TNC
M calls Monitored List
S Show Connect Status
Q Change CQ Text
X Change Ctext
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Type in the single letter to make your choice.
12.1 Set TNC Date/Time
This feature puts the TNC into the command mode and loads
the date into it from the computer time of day clock.
This command does not work on the TNC1.
12.2 Flush TNC Buffer
This option is used to flush the program's outgoing text
buffer and that of the PK-232.
12.3 Initialize TNC
This feature sets up the defaults for the TNC from the file
LAN-LINK.SYS. If you have put batteries in the TNC, you
should normally only have to run this command when you first
power up the TNC or change the batteries.
It will also set the date and time within the TNC from the
computer clock, and, when it has loaded the configuration
file, may prompt you to set the TNC Terminal mode. If you
are using a TNC1 or a TNC2, it will not prompt you because
it assumes that they only operate on VHF packet. If you are
using a KPC-2, you may select 'H' or 'V', and of course, if
you have a PK-232, you may chose any of the options.
12.4 Show Calls Monitored List
This feature performs the same operation as Function key 5.
It is equivalent to the TNC 'MH' command.
12.5 Show Connect Status
When you are in the Packet communications mode, this command
lets you see the state of the connection. It will show you
if there are any unacknowledged packets en route to the
other station. If you have been sending text, it is
advisable to use this command before you disconnect, to
ensure that all the data has been received and acknowledged
by the other party. You may use this command in either the
TNC Command or the TNC Converse mode.
In a multi connect situation, it will show you the status on
all the IO channels.
You may also use this command to reset the status window
display after a relink or any other event which was not
reflected in the status window.
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12.6 Change CQ Text
This feature allows you to change the contents of the CQ
text message string. This is the string that is transmitted
along with the CQ call. The default value is loaded from
the LAN-LINK.SYS file.
12.7 Change Ctext
This feature allows you to change the message that will be
received by another packet station when it connects to you.
Refer to the 'CTEXT' command in the TNC manual.
13.0 Parameter Menu
The Parameter Menu provides the following choices.
B Turn Beacon Mode On/Off
C Clear Connect Count
D Turn Digipeat Detect On/Off
F Display DeFaults
M Set Message Count
N Turn NETROM Drop Out On/Off
P Turn Printer On/Off
Q Set CQ delay time
R Turn Relay On/Off
S Turn Sound On/Off
T Turn Contest Mode On/Off
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
13.1 Turn Beacon Mode On/Off
This command toggles the beacon option for the automatic CQ
caller in the AMTOR and Packet communications modes. When
it is active a [B] will be displayed in the status window.
In this mode, the Automatic CQ sequence will resume after
the AMTOR link is dropped or a Packet Communications mode
disconnect.
In the beacon mode, the last few logbook entries will be
displayed in the logpage window which overlays the outgoing
text window at the bottom of the screen.
In the Packet mode, the CTEXT message is the only
transmission from you that the other station will receive,
so make it good and don't forget to set 'CMSG ON'.
In the AMTOR Mailbox/Beacon mode, the contents of the LAN-
LINK.TXT file will be transmitted to the station who called
you. The capture-to-disk will then be turned on to record
one transmission from that station. The QSO will then be
logged to the logbook file. Don't forget to check the
entries in the LAN-LINK.LOG and text in the LAN-LINK.RUN
files in case the computer made a mistake in recognizing the
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call sign of the other station.
THE BEACON MODE IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO QSY OFF
THE CROWDED PACKET HF CHANNELS. DO NOT USE IT ON A CROWDED
HF CHANNEL OR ON AN ACTIVE VHF CHANNEL. IF YOU DO, YOU WILL
SOON FIND THAT OTHER STATIONS HAVE SET THEIR TNC'S TO REJECT
YOUR PACKETS, AND YOU WILL NOT WORK ANYBODY, YOU WILL JUST
BE A SOURCE OF QRM AND WILL BE KNOWN AS SUCH.
THE MODE IS ALSO DESIGNED FOR ROBOT BEACONS FOR THE HIGHER
FREQUENCIES. FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU LEAVE IT RUNNING ON 6 OR 10
METERS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN A SHORT OPENING WILL ALLOW A QSO
TO SOME PART OF THE WORLD, A DX CONTACT YOU WOULD HAVE
OTHERWISE MISSED. DO NOT LEAVE IT RUNNING ON 20 METERS
WHEN THE BAND IS OPEN. FURTHER APPLICATIONS ARE IN
METEORSCATTER AND OTHER "EXOTIC" MODES OF COMMUNICATIONS.
If you are using this mode in a special event station or DX-
pedition you may type characters into the transmit buffer,
while the other station is sending to you. When he, she or
even it turns it back to you, you will transmit those
characters before the sign off sequence.
In both the Packet and AMTOR communications modes, the robot
may be shut down by stations connecting to you and telling
you to QRT.
13.2 Clear Connect Count
You use this option to reset the PACKET and AMTOR beacon
mode "connect has taken place indicator" and QTC Snatch
count. These are flashing [C] and [Q] displays in the
status window. Whenever someone else connects or links up
to you the [C] display will be incremented. The number
shown with the 'C' is the number of connects that have taken
place since the Indicator was last reset. If a 'happy face'
is flashing along with the connect count, your "target
station" was amongst those connecting. The [Q] indicator
alerts you to the fact that LAN-LINK tried to connect to
another station after recognizing your call in a mail
beacon. Both are reset by this option. If you are
monitoring Packet traffic on a channel, you may not notice
that a connect has previously taken place. These indicator
alert you to check the contents of the Incoming mail file
('yourcall.OUT') for any incoming messages.
If the 'Q' count is much greater than the 'C' count you may
be copying a beacon from a station that you cannot connect
with directly.
13.3 Turn Digipeat Detect On/Off
This option toggles the digipeat display command on and off.
If the Digipeat Display is active, any signals digipeated
through you will be stored to the LAN-LINK.RUN file and a
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'beep' will be sounded for each packet being digipeated.
The status display window will also contain a [D].
13.4 Display DeFaults
This feature lets you display how LAN-LINK was configured by
the LAN-LINK.SYS file. It also displays the state of any
flags you have set/reset if they are not already shown in
the Status window. YOU SHOULD USE IT AFTER EDITING THE LAN-
LINK.SYS FILE TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS CORRECT.
13.5 Set Message Count
As an alternative to function key 8 or Alt-D, using this
option will also load a QTC 'Mail' list into your Packet
communications mode Beacon and initiate a beacon
transmission every 30 minutes (Refer to the BTEXT command in
the TNC manual). If no messages are present, or the only
message is to you (incoming or snatched), beacon
transmissions are inhibited. This conforms to good
operating practice on crowded Packet channels.
13.6 Turn NETROM Drop Out On/Off
When connecting via NETROM, the normal way of operating is
to disconnect if the connect attempt fails. You may
configure the NETROM connect attempt flag to stay connected
at the node where the failure occurred. Use the normal mode
when trying to get through on a known path, and the stay
alive mode when exploring NETROM circuits.
13.7 Turn Printer On/Off
This option toggles the printer on and off. When the
printer is turned on, any incoming data will be printed in
real time. If you intend to print files received at 1200
bauds in the packet communications mode, use a print
spooler or you may loose data. The printer is automatically
turned off in the packet mode when a disconnect occurs.
13.8 Set CQ delay time
This option allows you to change the time that the program
waits for a response after a CQ call until the following one
is transmitted. The default value is loaded from the LAN-
LINK.SYS file. You may want to experiment since the actual
time will depend on the clock frequency of the computer.
Make it a small number such as 4 or 6 when operating AMTOR
or a DX-pedition, and make it a larger number such as 30
when operating on crowded packet channels. The maximum
allowed value is 255.
13.9 Turn Relay On/Off
This option toggles the Store and forward Message Relay
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Capability of your system on and off. If the Message Relay
Capability is active (toggled on), any one who connects can
store a message in your system using the ':QSP: <callsign>'
NC/L command. If the Message Relay Capability is not active
anyone who attempts to ':QSP: a message' will receive a
':QNO: 1' "error" message. The status display window will
show a [R] when the Message Relay Capability is active. The
default state for the Message Relay Capability is loaded
from the LAN-LINK.SYS file.
When the Store and forward capability is active, the suffix
'R' will be added to the
'[ZCZ] *** LAN-LINK 1.50'
message received by anyone connecting to your system to
notify them that they can store messages. In this manner
they don't have to try to leave a message and then get
':QNO: 1' error message to find out if the feature is
toggled off.
13.10 Turn Sound On/Off
This option toggles the sound on and off. If the sound is
off, a flashing indicator will be displayed in the Status
Window. When the sound is toggled on again, a chime will
sound to verify the audio.
13.11 Turn Contest Mode On/Off
This option first toggles the contest mode. If the contest
mode is active, the word 'TEST' and the number of the next
QSO will be displayed in the status window. When the contest
mode is toggled on, this command then prompts you to set the
starting QSO number and write in the non changing or
standard message that will be transmitted as part of an
exchange of messages during a contest.
If you set the QSO number to '1' it will be transmitted in
each exchange and then incremented each time you log a
contact. If you set it to '0', it will not be transmitted
nor incremented. Use the '0' option for contests which do
not require serial numbers.
The contest feature is toggled off the next time you select
this command, or when you change the PK-232 Communications
mode (for example, switch from Morse to BAUDOT).
Note that while this does give you some semi automatic
contest operation by using command keys, there is no
checking of callsigns for duplicates built into the program.
In a contest, you enter the callsigns and call the other
station in the normal manner, then use the 'End' key to
transmit the exchange (QSO number and standard text).
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14.0 Q Codes [NC/L]
This option displays help information about the use of the
Network Communications Language (NC/L) "Q" codes.
15.0 Run DOS Command
This option allows you to enter a DOS shell. Make sure that you
restore the system to the directory which contains LAN-LINK
before you exit from the shell. If you don't, LAN-LINK will be
searching the wrong directory for files, and display ERROR
messages.
You may use the DOS shell while in QSO when you have loaded the
transfer buffers as well as while monitoring activity.
16.0 CommunicationS Modes
This menu allows you to change the communications mode of the PK-
232. If your TNC hardware cannot support those modes, don't
bother to try them. This is software not hardware, and in spite
of what people tell you, software can't do everything. The
following communications modes are available.
V VHF PACKET
H HF PACKET
A AMTOR (STANDBY RECEIVE)
B BAUDOT (RTTY)
C MORSE (CW)
M AMTOR (ALIST [chirpcopy])
S ASCII (RTTY)
G SIGNAL
N NAVTEX
Type in the single letter to make your choice. Don't forget to
select the correct Radio port on the PK-232.
16.1 VHF PACKET
This is the 1200 Baud VHF Packet mode. LAN-LINK will
optimize the TNC link parameters for this mode.
16.2 HF PACKET
This is the 300 Baud HF Packet mode. LAN-LINK will optimize
the TNC link parameters for this mode.
16.3 ASCII (RTTY)
This is the ASCII RTTY mode. LAN-LINK will configure the TNC
parameters for this mode at 110 bauds.
16.4 BAUDOT (RTTY)
This is the BAUDOT RTTY mode. LAN-LINK will configure the
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TNC parameters for this mode at 45 bauds.
16.5 MORSE (CW)
This is the CW mode. LAN-LINK will configure the TNC
parameters for this mode at 20 wpm (10 wpm for the KAM).
In this mode the ALT-D key will disengage the receive speed
lock inside the PK-232 to facilitate locking onto another
signal.
16.6 AMTOR (STANDBY RECEIVE)
When you select the AMTOR standby mode you are placed into
the 'standby receive' mode. If you are in AMTOR standby
mode, you will not be able to display signals of the
chirpcopy mode (which means that you will not be able to
display a QSO in progress).
The Alt-D key or function key 8 toggles between the AMTOR
ARQ and the ALIST communications modes.
16.7 AMTOR (ALIST [chirpcopy])
If you want to read the mail on an existing AMTOR QSO in
progress, select the AMTOR ALIST or chirpcopy mode.
The Alt-D key or function key 8 toggles between the AMTOR
ARQ and the ALIST communications modes.
16.8 SIGNAL
Use the 'G' option to select the 'SIGNAL' mode. Read the
PK-232 documentation carefully to understand how this mode
works. Once the PK-232 has identified the digital signal it
is tuned to, use the Communications Mode Select menu a
second time to select the relevant mode and then set the
baud rates and shift to display the data if necessary.
16.9 NAVTEX
Use the 'N' option to select the 'NAVTEX mode. Read the PK-
232 documentation carefully to understand how this mode
works.
17.0 Terminal Mode Menu
This menu allows you to set the terminal configuration mode. The
Terminal Menu provides different choices depending on which
communications mode you have selected.
17.1 Packet Terminal Menu
The Packet Terminal mode of operation will be shown in the
Status window at the top of the screen. If you are reading
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the mail on a station, the callsign of that station will be
shown next to the word "MAIL". If you are connected to
someone, the call (and path) will be shown prefixed by the
"*>" sequence.
In the Packet Communications mode, you are presented with
the following choices.
B Change Packet Baud Rate
C CQ/Beacons
E Everything
M Read the Mail
S Just My Station (Solo)
T All Traffic
0 Multiple User Connects
1 Single User Connects
F Conference
R Conference Bridge On/Off
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
17.1.1 Change Packet Baud Rate
In the PACKET mode you may change the RF baudrate between
300, 600, 1200 and 2400 bauds.
17.1.2 CQ/Beacons
In this mode, you will see CQ and BEACON packets on the
channel. (This corresponds to 'MONITOR 1'on the PK232).
This mode only works on the PK-232 and the KAM.
17.1.3 Everything
You can set the TRAFFIC mode to 'Everything'. It corresponds
to 'MONITOR 6' on the PK-232.
17.1.4 Read the Mail
You can read the mail on a BBS or other station and get
bulletins without connecting to that station yourself. You
use this mode to do so. you will be prompted for the call
whose packets you wish to monitor. Remember to enter the
call of the station sending the packets, not the call of the
one receiving them. (This corresponds to 'MONITOR 0' and
'MBX' callsign). This mode only works on the PK-232.
You can also use this command to monitor both sides (read
the mail) on a QSO on a busy packet channel.
You may want to turn the Digipeat Data Display mode off when
reading the mail.
If you are not using a PK-232 you will see the headers as
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well as the traffic.
17.1.5 Just My Station (Solo)
In this mode, you will only see messages addressed to you.
You will only get messages from people who connect to you.
(This corresponds to 'MONITOR 0').
17.1.6 All Traffic
In this mode you will see all of the data packet traffic on
channel. You can use this mode to check that the TNC is
working. (This corresponds to 'MONITOR 4' or 'MONITOR ON').
17.1.7 Single User Connects
This is the normal mode one on one mode of operation ('USERS
1').
17.1.8 Multiple User Connects
When you are in a multiple connect mode, an asterisk will be
shown in the status window next to the word 'PACKET'.
LAN-LINK supports two multiple connect modes, individual and
conference.
An extract of an actual 'off the air' CRT display (showing
received text only) in a multi user mode is shown below.
Note each line of text as received by the TNC is prefixed
(by the PK232) with the IO channel number and callsign of
the station its connected to.
1:4X4IL: *** CONNECTED to 4X4IL via 4X4IC, 4X6JP
0:4X4IC: joe do u read?
2:4Z4ZB: *** CONNECTED to 4Z4ZB
1:4X4IL: Look for me on PR via 4X6JP 73s and Shalom.
2:4Z4ZB: GE JOE I WILL DIS THEN U CAN GO VIA THE REP....>
1: *** DISCONNECTED: 4X4IL via 4X4IC, 4X6JP
0:4X4IC: UNPROTO CQ
2:4Z4ZB: GO AHEAD BOYS...DE ALON..>
0:4X4IC:
2: *** DISCONNECTED: 4Z4ZB
This is the normal Multi Connect Mode as described in the
TNC manual. Here you are connected to up to 10 stations
and will send different traffic to each of them. Each time
you wish to send something to a particular station, you must
select the IO channel the station is connected on before
typing the text or sending the file.
The stream change character for all TNCs in the VHF multiple
connect modes is '|' ($7C). In the KAM, it is'\' on HF and
'|' on VHF. Its the same key as now but one is in the shift
case. Be careful on HF as the '\' shows up in file
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directories and confuses the computer.
You select the channel by typing the '|' character followed
by (in the TNC) the channel number. For example if you are
connected to G8BTB on IO channel 0 and to G3ZCZ on IO
channel 1, then to talk to G8BTB you would type '|0' before
any text, and similarly to send something to G3ZCZ you would
type a '|1' before the text you're going to send me. If you
are not using a PK232, read the TNC manual to determine if
the IO streams are identified by numbers or by letters. The
TNC2 standard configuration uses letters.
17.1.9 Conference
In the conference mode on the other hand, everything that
you type at the keyboard is automatically transmitted to
each station that you are connected with. Thus if you are
linked to two stations each line will be packeted twice by
the TNC. You don't have to worry about sending the wrong
thing to the wrong person, as they will all get the stuff.
You enter this mode by selecting the 'F' option in the
Terminal Menu. You terminate the mode by selecting the '1'
option.
You connect in the usual manner using Alt-C or the Connect
option in the Call Menu. You MUST WAIT FOR A CONNECTION TO
BE ESTABLISHED OR TIME OUT before attempting to connect to
the next station. If you do not, you will get an error
message back from the TNC.
In the conference mode, as the same text is transmitted on
all IO channels, the throughput will be reduced. Slow down
your typing speed or use short packets. Should you check
the link status or call monitored list, you may not be able
to get back into the converse mode if you have too many
packets outstanding. If that happens, wait a while and then
try to set the converse mode with command key 10. You may
have to try it a few times, depending on how good your links
are.
DON'T TRY TO SEND A FILE IN THE CONFERENCE MODE, ITS NOT
DESIGNED FOR IT. KEEP THE PACKETS SHORT.
BE ALSO WARNED THAT IF YOU USE THE CONFERENCE (BRIDGE) MODE
ON BAD LINKS (SUCH AS CROWDED HF CHANNELS AND OTHERS WITH
LOTS OF RETIRES), THE KEYBOARD MAY SEEM TO LOCK UP, WHILE
LAN-LINK WAITS FOR SPACE IN THE TNC BUFFER TO OUTPUT THE
TEXT.
The conference mode will only work in the PK-232 if DCDCONN
is set to ON. So if you are using a PK-232, LAN-LINK will
do it for you when you enter the conference terminal mode in
case you forgot or/and haven't set the LAN-LINK.SYS file to
include the line 'DCD ON', At the same time set LAN-LINK.SYS
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default states to show the calls of other stations on each
incoming line in the MULTI connect modes. (Read the TNC
manual for how to do this).
The conference mode will only work in the TNC2 if DCDCONN is
jumpered so that Pin 8 of the RS-232 Interface changes state
when you connect to someone else. If you get error messages
and see the characters '|J' on your screen, then the jumper
probably isn't set.
The conference mode does not work on the TNC1.
In the conference mode, if any one of the stations
disconnects, the TNC will return to the command mode, and
you must use command key 10 to return the program to the
converse mode before you type another character of text.
17.1.10 Conference Bridge On/Off
This option toggles the conference bridge on and off. In the
Bridge Multi Connect Mode you are acting as a central
switch. You can link together up to 10 stations in one
multi way connection. In this mode any packets arriving on
any steam are echoed to all other streams that you have
'connects' on except the one that they came in on. Anything
you type will be sent to all connected streams.
In this manner, all stations will not see their own text
echoed back. Each line of text output by LAN-LINK in this
mode will contain the callsign of the station originating
the packet. Your packets will contain your call as entered
in line 1 of the LAN-LINK.SYS file. Thus for example, if
your call was KB8RP/4X and normally shows up in the packet
header as KB8RP here it will show in the data as KB8RP/4X.
Just remember that the bridge puts out a lot of packets, so
do multi way connects on a quiet frequency. You must be in
the conference mode to turn the bridge on, and any
disconnect will take the bridge down. Should that happen,
toggle it on again. A bridge will be shown in the status
window whenever the conference bridge is up.
17.2 AMTOR Terminal Menu
In the AMTOR Communications mode, you are presented with the
following choices.
C Force Break [ACHG]
F Start Mode B [FEC]
L Force LETTERS case
M Read the Mail [ALISTEN]
O Override ROBOT/Mailbox
S Standby Receive [ARQ]
R Set ROBOT/Mailbox
W CW Identification
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Type in the single letter to make your choice.
17.2.1 Force Break [ACHG]
This option forces a changeover or 'break in'. If for any
reason you want to interrupt the other station you send a
'BREAK' signal in software this way.
17.2.2 Start Mode B [FEC]
This option places the terminal into the FEC transmit mode.
This puts you on the air, anything you type will be
transmitted. Function key 10 does the same thing.
17.2.3 Force LETTERS case
This option lets you force the PK-232 receiver to the
letters case if for some reason you appear to be in the
numbers case. It will return you to the converse mode.
17.2.4 Read the Mail [ALISTEN]
This option lets you read the Mail on a QSO. Unfortunately,
when you tune in a chirpy AMTOR QSO in the ARQ or standby
mode you won't get any copy on the QSO in progress. You can
however read the mail on one by entering the ALISTEN mode.
17.2.5 Override ROBOT/Mailbox
This option lets you override the ROBOT BEACON and chat to a
station that has linked to the ROBOT. Use it after the
message in LAN-LINK.TXT has been sent, namely when the other
station is sending a message to you.
17.2.6 Standby Receive [ARQ]
This option returns you to the ARQ standby mode. You must be
in this mode to receive signals from another station who is
calling you. When you tune for CQ calls, they sound
somewhat like fast RTTY with a ringing sound similar to the
connect alarm used by LAN-LINK (but at a faster ringing
rate).
17.2.7 Set ROBOT/Mailbox
This option lets you turn on the Mailbox during a regular
AMTOR QSO so that the other station can leave a message or
download a file remotely. You must only use it when the
other station is sending text.
17.2.8 CW Identification
This option is used to send a CW identification. The CWID
is sent in the FEC mode.
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The identification consists of the sequence 'DE <your
callsign>' where your call sign is that entered into the PK-
232 as 'MYCALL'.
You use this feature if your license requires you to
identify in morse code as well as in the operating mode.
17.3 Baudot Terminal Menu
In the Baudot Communications mode, you are presented with
the following choices.
B Set Baud Rate
F Select Shift
N NAVY MARS Message Protocol
U USOS Off
S SELCAL set/reset
W CW Identification
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
17.3.1 Set Baud Rate
This feature allows you to set a desired communications baud
rate directly. You will be prompted to enter the desired
rate. Use this command to avoid having to shift through too
many intermediate states, if for example, you want to make a
direct change from 45 to 100 bauds.
17.3.2 Select Shift
This feature lets you select Wide (850 Hz) or narrow (170
Hz) shift directly. if you have a KAM, you may also select
the Commercial Shift (425 Hz).
The shift is displayed in the status window at the top of
the screen. It is shown as 'W', 'N' or 'C' for wide, narrow
or commercial respectively.
17.3.3 NAVY MARS Message Protocol
The Navy Mars option toggles the Navy MARS mode on and off.
This feature is only present on the PK-232. When On, the
feature provides the following protocol.
17.3.3.1 Any Carriage Return or Enter (CR) from the
keyboard is sent as CR, CR, (Line Feed) LF.
17.3.3.2 In a file transmission lines are terminated by
the same CR,CR,LF sequence.
17.3.3.3 In a file transmission, blank lines are sent as
a LF (without a CR).
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17.3.3.4 In a file transmission, a plus sign '+' is
replaced by a sequence of 12 "letters"
characters. There can be more than one + sign
on a line.
17.3.3.5 In a file transmission, the sequence 'NNNN' is
followed by a sequence of 12 "letters"
characters. There can only be one 'NNNN'
sequence on a line.
When the NAVY MARS feature is active a [N] will be displayed
in the status window.
17.3.4 USOS On/Off
This option toggles the Unshift on space (USOS) feature on
and off. When the USOS is on, the TNC reverts to the
letters shift each time a 'space' character is received. It
helps when displaying noisy copy.
If USOS is active, 'USOS' will be shown in the status window
at the top of the screen.
17.3.5 SELCAL set/reset
This command key toggles the SELCAL feature on and off.
When the SELCAL is activated, as shown in the status window,
the incoming text from the TNC is scanned. When either the
letters "ZCZC" or 'your callsign' (as entered in line 1 of
the LAN-LINK.SYS file) is received the "capture-to-disk" is
turned on. All subsequent text will be stored in the LAN-
LINK.RUN file until the letters "NNNN" are received. At
that time the "capture-to-disk" is turned off.
You may use this feature when monitoring commercial RTTY
broadcasts to record news and other information, or when
calling CQ to start recording all incoming text and keep the
QSO on disk.
You may use function key 1 turn the capture to disk
permanently on to override the automatic turnoff if you
wish.
17.3.6 CW Identification
This option is used to send a CW identification. You use
this if your license requires you to identify in morse code
as well as in the operating mode.
The identification consists of the sequence 'DE <your
callsign>' where your call sign is that entered into the PK-
232 as 'MYCALL'.
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17.4 ASCII Terminal Menu
In the ASCII Communications mode, you are presented with the
following choices.
B Set Baud Rate
F Select Shift
S SELCAL set/reset
W CW Identification
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
17.4.1 Set Baud Rate
This feature allows you to set a desired communications baud
rate directly. You will be prompted to enter the desired
rate. Use this command to avoid having to shift through too
many intermediate states, if for example, you want to make a
direct change from 110 to 1200 bauds.
17.4.2 Select Shift
This feature lets you select Wide (850 Hz) or narrow (170
Hz) shift directly. if you have a KAM, you may also select
the Commercial Shift (425 Hz).
The shift is displayed in the status window at the top of
the screen. It is shown as 'W', 'N' or 'C' for wide, narrow
or commercial respectively.
17.4.3 SELCAL set/reset
This command key toggles the SELCAL feature on and off.
When the SELCAL is activated, as shown in the status window,
the incoming text from the TNC is scanned. When either the
letters "ZCZC" or 'your callsign' (as entered in line 1 of
the LAN-LINK.SYS file) is received the capture-to-disk is
turned on. All subsequent text will be stored in the LAN-
LINK.RUN disk file until the letters "NNNN" are received.
At that time the capture-to-disk is turned off.
You may use function key 1 turn the capture to disk
permanently on to override the automatic turnoff if you
wish.
17.4.4 CW Identification
This option is used to send a CW identification. You use
this if your license requires you to identify in morse code
as well as in the operating mode.
The identification consists of the sequence 'DE <your
callsign>' where your call sign is that entered into the PK-
232 as 'MYCALL'.
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17.5 CW Menu
In the CW Communications mode, you are presented with the
following choices.
L Lock to Receive Signal
S Set Morse Speed
U Unlock Morse Speed
Type in the single letter to make your choice.
17.5.1 Lock to Receive Signal
This option locks the PK-232 to the speed of the incoming CW
signal.
17.5.2 Set Morse Speed
This option lets you set the CW speed.
17.5.3 Unlock Morse Speed
This option unlocks the PK-232 from the incoming CW signal.
It performs the same task as the Alt-D key. It is used to
speed up capture of a new signal or to break the lock when
the PK-232 appears to have locked up at the wrong speed.
18.0 Hot Keys
LAN-LINK also contains a number of "Hot" keys to allow you to
perform common operations with a minimum of key strokes. A list
of what is available is shown below, followed by a description of
what happens when you push each key.
Alt C- Call/Connect to
Alt D- Disconnect or Receive
Alt L- Edit Log
Alt M- Message Scan
Alt R- Retry Call/Connect
Alt X- Exit to DOS
Alt Z- Zap BBS
18.1 Alt C- Call/Connect to
This key performs the same task as the Call option in the
Call Menu. The Alt C key has been provided for those people
whose fingers have learnt YAPP and don't wish to be re-
educated.
18.2 Alt D- Disconnect or Receive
This key performs the same task as function key 8.
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18.3 Alt L- Edit Log
This key performs the same task as the Edit Log choice in
the Log Menu.
18.4 Alt M- Message Scan
This key performs the same task as the Message Scan choice
in the Message Menu.
18.5 Alt R- Retry Call/Connect
This key performs the same task as the Retry choice in the
Call Menu.
18.6 Alt X- eXit to DOS
This key performs the same task as the Exit to Dos choice in
the Main Menu. It exits the program and returns you to DOS.
18.7 Alt Z- ZAP BBS
This key performs the same task as the Zap BBS choice in the
Call Menu.
18.8 End- > +? [Over]
In the Packet communications mode this command sends your
callsign followed by the > and Line feed characters. You
may use this to signal 'OVER' in a packet contact.
In the AMTOR communications mode this command sends a
callsign sequence followed by the '+?' sequence of
characters which are the software 'OVER' signal.
In the MORSE and RTTY (Baudot and ASCII) communications
modes, this command lets you transmit the following sequence
<other call) DE <your call> and returns you to the PK-232
Command Mode. For example if you are 4X6AA and you are
working G3ZCZ then this command would transmit the sequence
'G3ZCZ de 4X6AA'. You use this at the END of a transmission
in any mode except Packet.
If you have typed something into the 'type ahead buffer'
then touch this key, the contents of the buffer will will be
transmitted followed by the callsign sequence.
18.9 PgUp- Scrollback (Scrolls back incoming text).
This key lets you repeat the display of incoming text which
has scrolled out of the incoming window. you may print it
or capture it to disk during the repeat.
A small menu displays your options when showing the scroll
back information. You may move the menu window up and down
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with the left and right arrow keys. Use the 'ESC' key to
terminate the scrollback mode.
You can save the contents scrollback buffer displayed on the
screen by turning the "capture to disk' on, and then writing
text to the window. Anything written will be captured.
18.10 The HOME Key
The home key will clear the window screen that the cursor
happens to be in at the time that the key was depressed, and
will then position the cursor at the top left hand corner of
that window.
18.11 The DOWN ARROW key
The DOWN ARROW key toggles the Normal/Reverse Sideband
command in all PK232 communications modes except MORSE. The
sideband is depicted in the status window by the up and down
arrows. If the down arrow is showing, you are set for Lower
Sideband (LSB) which is the normally used one.
If you have reversed the sidebands a flashing up arrow will
be displayed.
If you set your transceiver to LSB you will be set correctly
for all modes.
For CW operation you may set your rig to the CW position and
ignore the sideband setting. If you use FSK just set it so
that it works for you.
18.12 Shift/Baudrate Control keys
The following keys are used to control the Shift (Wide or
narrow) and the Radio link baudrate in the BAUDOT and ASCII
communications modes. In the BAUDOT and ASCII
communications modes all baud rates supported by the PK-232
may be selected.
18.12.1 RIGHT ARROW speeds up the baud rate.
18.12.2 LEFT ARROW slows down the baud rate.
18.12.3 UP ARROW toggles the shift from Wide (850 Hz)
to Narrow (170 Hz) and back.
18.12.4 DELETE toggles the USOS command (RTTY only).
The state of each of the above commands are displayed
in the status window at the top of the screen. If USOS
is active, 'USOS' will be shown. The shift is shown as
'W' or 'N' for wide or narrow respectively.
18.13 Control Z (^Z)
This key is used in the Packet communications mode to signal
the end of a file or message, when loading messages into
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another LAN-LINK system or into a BBS. In the AMTOR
communications mode, it is automatically translated into the
sequence ' :EOF: +? ' which can be used as a fast break-in
changeover or to terminate a message being stored in another
LAN-LINK AMTOR mailbox.
19.0 LAN-LINK disk files
The following disk files are associated with the program.
19.1 LAN-LINK.EXE
This is the program. You activate it from DOS by typing the
word LAN-LINK followed by ENTER in the normal manner of
invoking DOS commands.
19.2 LAN-LINK.SYS
This file contains the configuration information for both
the program and the TNC. YOU MUST EDIT IT before you run
the program on the air the first time. Use your word
processor in the NON-Document mode. There are several
things which you can customize according to your preference.
YOU CAN USE OPTION 'F' IN THE PARAMETERS MENU TO CHECK THE
DEFAULTS.
The first few lines of the default file together with an
item number are shown below.
1. G8BTB
2. GBTB
3. CQ, This is G8BTB/W3 (Silver Spring) Md. calling.
4. 2
5. 10
6. 4
7. 1
8. 1
9. KAM
10. 1200
11. LAN-LINK.LOG
12. LAN-LINK.RUN
13. LAN-LINK.DIR
14. LAN-LINK.TXT
15. Mail
16. 1
17. 1
18. 0
19. 8
20. 0
21. 1
22. 1
23. \LAN-LINK\FILES\
24. RM
25. AMSAT
ARRL
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 46
26. * end of Scan Words, start of defaults
Consider the function of each line in turn.
19.2.1 Full callsign.
The first line contains your callsign. Please do not use
G8BTB. Replace G8BTB with yours. You may use / characters
if you wish. This is the call sign that will be used in the
non- Packet modes. You may thus use "portable designators"
such as G3ZCZ/A, G3ZCZ/W3 or G3ZCZ/4X, which you cannot do
in Packet.
This is the call that will be monitored for in the Digipeat
monitoring mode. In this mode which is toggled on and off
by the Alt F key, if someone uses you as a digipeater while
you are not connected to anyone else, the event will be
logged to disk. This mode will only work if your callsign
as stored in this line is a valid (uppercase only) packet
callsign.
For example, in the PK-232, if the callsign is G3ZCZ then
the sequence >G3ZCZ> will be recognized as a digipeat and
the event logged. Thus 4X6AA*>G3ZCZ>4Z4ZB would be logged
as a digipeat event.
If you have a / character in your callsign, and use the base
call for packet identifying the location in the CQ text,
then the function will work if you place the "portable
location" as a suffix. For example, if the call is G3ZCZ/4X
and the packet identification is G3ZCZ, then the digipeat
monitor will work. If the call was entered as 4X/G3ZCZ the
digipeat monitor would check for 4X and would not appear to
work.
Store your callsign using UPPERCASE characters if you want
the DIGIPEAT DETECT option to work (IE. G3ZCZ). If you use
lower case (ie. g3zcz), recognition will never take place.
The TNC automatically converts case to upper case in the non
packet communications modes.
If you are using an SSID (e.g. G3ZCZ-8) in the packet
communications mode, you should enter the whole call
INCLUDING the SSID.
19.2.2 The SELCAL.
The second line contains the AMTOR SELCAL configured for
your callsign. You use it again later to tell the PK-232
what the SELCAL is. This line just tells it to LAN-LINK.
If you are not using a PK-232 or KAM, the line must still be
there.
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19.2.3 The CQ Text.
The third line contains the line of text transmitted by the
PK-232 in a CQ call (in any mode except for MORSE). Think of
this message as a CQTEXT line. Edit this line as well.
19.2.4 The Default Band.
The fourth line contains the band information. The default
value is 2 for 2 Meters. Use the Meter value for the band
to keep the display correct. It is displayed in the status
window. If you normally operate on another band change the
default value in the file to reflect your custom default
state.
19.2.5 The Default Transmitter Power.
The fifth line contains the value for the transmitter power.
The default value is 10 for 10 watts. It is displayed in
the status window. If your transmitter uses a different
power level change the default value in the file to reflect
your custom default state.
19.2.6 The CQ Delay.
The sixth line contains a number which tells the program how
long to wait for a reply before transmitting a CQ call when
in the beacon (automatic) mode. A value of 4 corresponds to
about 2 minutes. This value of time will vary depending on
the clock speed of your computer. You may have to
experiment with different values. A value of 0 inhibits the
beacon mode. The maximum value is 255.
19.2.7 The Message Relay Flag.
The seventh line configures the LAN store and forward
capacity of your system also known as the Message Relay
Capability. If it is a 0 your computer will not accept
messages for forwarding. If it is a 1, it will accept them.
See Appendix 2 for details about LANs.
Remember, if you configure your computer to store and
forward messages, you have a moral obligation to deliver
them.
The state of this feature shows up as an [R] in your status
display and in the connect message which is transmitted to
the other station at connect time.
19.2.8 The Communications Port
This line contains the default Communications port. The
default value is 1. You may set it at any value between 1
and 4.
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If you only have one com port, set the 'SYS' file to com1
even if your card is configured as COM2. LAN-LINK will
ALWAYS assume COM1 for a single card.
19.2.9 The TNC type.
This line tells the program which TNC you are using. The
PK-232 command set is slightly different to those of TNC2 in
the packet mode and is very different to those of the KAM in
the non packet modes. Thus the command dialog has to be
changed somewhat to make the 'SOLO, TRAFFIC, CQ/BEACON and
MAIL' terminal modes work correctly for different TNC's.
Valid TNC's are PK232
KAM
KPC
TNC1
TNC2 (don't type the '.').
The TNC2 used to test LAN-LINK was an MFJ 1270. The KPC
includes software changeover from HF/VHF. Most TAPR TNC2
clones should work with the TNC2 setting.
19.2.10 The Terminal Baud Rate.
This line tells LAN-LINK what baud rate the TNC is set to.
This is the baudrate on the RS-232 line between the TNC and
the computer. Valid baud rates for LAN-LINK are 300, 1200,
2400, 4800, 9600 and 19,200. If you specify something else
LAN-LINK will default to 1200.
If the TNC does not use an interrupt driven serial port you
may experience problems when using baud rates greater than
1200. The PK-232 does not like baud rates faster than 2400,
and sometimes not even that. The PK232 seems to drop the
first character of some lines at 4800 bauds. Use 1200
until you have tested and are sure that a faster one will
work.
This program has been tested on a TNC2 using a terminal baud
rate of 9600 bauds and worked correctly. it also works
correctly on a KAM at 2400 Bauds.
19.2.11 Logbook File.
This is the name of the file to be used as your logbook.
The default name is LAN-LINK.LOG.
19.2.12 Capture to Disk File
This is the name of the file used to capture incoming text
to disk. The default name is LAN-LINK.RUN.
19.2.13 Call Directory File.
This is the name of the file used as your call directory.
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The default name is LAN-LINK.DIR.
19.2.14 Brag Tape.
This is the name of the file used as your bragtape. The
default name is LAN-LINK.TXT.
19.2.15 Mail_Snatch Trigger Word.
You can set the mail snatch trigger in the BBS Mail beacon.
Most BBS's use word 'Mail' and a string of calls to indicate
the presence of messages. If your BBS uses something else,
you may customize LAN-LINK on this line to tell it what word
your BBS uses.
Note that if your BBS uses 'QTC' you may end up calling
yourself if you disconnect while traffic is flowing on the
LAN.
19.2.16 The QTC _Snatch or Automatic Connect Attempt Flag.
If the value entered on this line is a 1, then the
QTC_Snatch Flag is enabled. if the value on the line is a
0, then the flag is disabled.
If the QTC_Snatch flag is enabled, LAN-LINK scans the
contents of packets appearing in the Inwindow on the screen
while the terminal is disconnected. Should it recognize the
three text strings 'LAN-LINK', ':QTC:', and 'your callsign'
in the contents of a packet, it will then issue a connect
request to the callsign of the LAN-LINK station that origin-
ated the beacon transmission. If the connect is made, the
other station will send you the message automatically which
LAN-LINK will "capture to disk". The connect will time out
and terminate a few minutes later.
The normal connect request will be made DIRECT to the
station. If you expect messages from stations you can only
connect with via a digipeater, place the path in your LAN-
LINK.DIR directory file. It should be there anyhow if you
connect to the station regularly. For example, if you
expect messages from 4Z4ZB whom you can only work if
digipeated via 4X1AA then place an entry like
4Z4ZB 4Z4ZB V 4X1AA
in the LAN-LINK.DIR file.
The QTC_Snatch leaves your messages in a message file
<yourcall.OUT>. It is triggered by the first > in the
initial connect response of LAN-LINK 1.50R> (note the '>')
and terminated by the 'over' at the end of the message ie.
G3ZCZ/W8> (note the '>'). If you train stations not using
LAN-LINK who want to leave you messages to trigger your
QTC_Snatch, by transmitting the following unaddressed packet
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'LAN-LINK :QTC: YOURCALL',
your system will connect to them. (For example to leave a
message for me, they would send
'LAN-LINK :QTC: G3ZCZ '
as an unaddressed packet [in converse mode when not
connected, or in their beacon text].)
If they then send you a '>' on a line by itself, followed by
the message itself, and terminated by an other '>' as the
last character of the line, the message will end up in a
message file rather than in the LAN-LINK.RUN file and you
can scan it fast using the Alt M key. It goes without
saying that the message itself should not contain the '>'
character. If it does,by the way, the first part of the
message will be in the message file, while the remainder
will be in the LAN-LINK.RUN file.
19.2.17 The BBS_MAIL_Snatch flag.
This line controls the BBS_Mail_Snatch. If the
BBS_Mail_Snatch is enabled, when a BBS sends a packet
announcing 'Mail', if your callsign is in the first line of
that message, LAN-LINK will issue a connect request (again
via the path in LAN-LINK.DIR) to that BBS. When connected,
it will act as if you have initiated a ZapBBS command. The
Zap counter will be incremented each time a BBS_Mail_Snatch
takes place.
Set this line as follows, 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled.
19.2.18 Flag for Shut Down.
You may customize the shut down sequence of the TNC. You
have the choice of QRT, QRV and QRV + CTEXT Toggle as
described in the following sections.
Set this line as follows, 0 = QRT, 1 = QRV 2 = QRV + CMSG
toggle..
19.2.18.1 QRT
Turns the TNC into a VHF Digipeater and turns CONOK OFF
(CFROM NONE for the PK-232). In this condition the TNC
will reject connect requests.
19.2.18.2 QRV
Allows you to stay alive on turnoff. It will send
MON OFF (MON 0 for the PK-232)
^S
to the TNC at shutdown without touching CONOK/CFROM
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{PK-232}, and
^Q
at turn on. You will then have to initialize the
terminal and communications mode after reading your
mail. Connects should then be logged at the time you
read the mail, not at the time they took place.
19.2.18.3 QRV + CTEXT TOGGLE
This is the same as the QRV state but CMSG is toggled
on/off. When stations connect to you while LAN-LINK is
active, they will not receive the CText message. When
other stations connect to you while LAN-LINK is not
active, they will receive the CText message
19.2.19 TNC Data Bits
You can set the number of data bits on the RS-232 line
between the computer and TNC to 7 or 8. Use 7 with a TNC 2
if you have problems with greek characters.
Set this line to either 7 or 8.
19.2.20 TNC Parity
Use this line to set the Parity bit on the RS-232 line
between the computer and TNC as described below.
0 = None, 1 = Odd, 2 = Even, 3 = Mark, 4 = Space.
19.2.21 Number of TNC Stop Bits
You can set the number of stop bits on the RS-232 line
between the computer and the TNC to 1 or 2. Use 1 at all
terminal (not packet) baud rates except 300.
Set this line to 1 or 2.
19.2.22 DCD Status Bit.
If you are using a KAM or a PK-232 then this line should be
set to 1. If you are using another TNC, if you can set the
TNC so that pin 8 on the RS-232 interface changes state when
connected, do so and set this line to 1. If you can't, then
set this line to 0. If this line is 0, the multiple connect
modes will not work so don't attempt to invoke them. If
this line is o, the words '*** CONNECTED' and '***
DISCONNECTED' when seen in the LAN may cause spurious
apparent connects and disconnects in LAN-LINK.
Set this line to 0 = not connected, 1 = connected.
19.2.23 QBM Download Directory.
This is the directory the :QBM: command will search to find
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 52
a file to be downloaded. The default value is \LAN-
LINK\FILES. Set them up using DOS. If you are using a hard
disk, put LAN-LINK in a LAN-LINK subdirectory.
19.2.24 Read Request Command.
This is the command LAN-LINK issues to the BBS during a Zap
sequence to request your mail. The default value is RM for
Read Mine. On a WA7MBL BBS you may change it to VM for a
Verbose Read of the full packet headers. On a W0RLI BBS you
may change it to RN to only request new messages. If you do
change it, use the 'F' option in the Parameters Menu to make
sure it is correct. If it isn't correct, the Zap BBS
feature will not work,
19.2.25 Scan Words.
In the ZAP BBS feature you can now ask the program to scan
the lines read from the BBS and if it sees any of the scan
words in the line, it will queue a request for that bulletin
by number. You can only set 10 such Scan words (should be
enough) and request up to 63 messages/bulletins at a time.
NOTE that words that show up in the BBS prompt line are
ILLEGAL. For example if your BBS prompts you with
N4QQ BBS>
then 'N4QQ' and 'BBS' should not be used as Scan Words.
19.2.26 * marks end of list ****************************
This line marks the end of the list of Scan words.
19.2.27 The Remaining lines.
The remaining lines contain commands to the TNC. For
further information about them refer to the TNC manual.
LAN-LINK assumes different defaults in some instances to
those set in the TNC. The SYS file contains only those that
are different to the TNC default reset state.
NOTE: If you are not using a TNC1 you MUST set the HEADERLN
parameter to ON. The packet headers and the text of the
packets must show up on your screen on separate lines. You
must also have the "Echo as Sent" feature set ON ('EAS ON'
for PK-232 and 'XM' ON ' for the KAM).
19.3 LAN-LINK.RUN.
This file contains incoming data from the TNC recorded while
the 'capture to disk' function was active. You may change
the default name of the 'capture to disk' file in the LAN-
LINK.SYS file.
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19.4 LAN-LINK.LOG.
This file contains the log entries. It will be created
automatically to initialize the logging function. The
format of the logbook file is the same as that created by
the G3ZCZ CONTEST.BAS REV 2 program and is designed to be
appended into the G3ZCZ LOGBOOK DATABASE package presented
as part of the PC-HAM software package. It should be edited
with a word processor in the non document mode to delete the
first line and clean it up before the file is appended to
the DBASE logging package data files.
19.5 LAN-LINK.DIR.
This is the directory file as described in Section 6.1.2.
You use it to store connect, NET/ROM, KA-Node or digipeat
paths as well as name/callsign relationships.
Examples are
Joe G3ZCZ
Alon 4Z4ZB V 4X6AA
Milt 4X6AA
LR 4X6LR
hf-il 4x4hf v 4z4zb 4x4il
hf-rj 4x4hf v 4z4zb 4z4rj
You create this file with your word processor in its non
document mode. You must leave AT LEAST one space character
between the first (key) word and the connect path. When you
type in the key word, the program does not care about upper
or lower case. You may also use the 'reMember Path' option
in the Call Menu to make entries in this file.
If you already have a YAPP.DIR file just rename it to LAN-
LINK.DIR and add the NET/ROM and KA-Node paths.
NOTE: All path entries in LAN-LINK.DIR must be on a single
80 column line.
19.6 CONFIG.SYS.
You must have a CONFIG.SYS file on the boot disk if you are
going to use the disk logging features. This file must
contain the line
FILES = 20
See the DOS manual for more information about the CONFIG.SYS
file.
19.7 *.MBX.
These are the files associated with the stations you have
designated as LAN store and forward mailboxes. Thus if for
example you want to use 4Z4ZB as a store and forward
mailbox, you will have to create an ASCII file called
4Z4ZB.MBX using the non-document mode of your word
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processor. In this file you will put a list of the call
signs of the stations 4Z4ZB can connect to reliably. If for
example you want 4Z4ZB to be able to store messages from you
to 4X6AA, 4X6LR, G3ZCZ, ON8IK, F0WN,and G8BTB, you would put
those call signs in the file, one call on a line as follows.
4X6AA
4X6LR
G3ZCZ
ON8IK
F0WN
G8BTB
When the QRU function is invoked either by you manually or
by 4Z4ZB connecting to you and sending you the command :QRU:
, any messages present on your system addressed to any of
those stations (E.G. G3ZCZ.OUT and ON8IK.OUT) will be
transferred from you to 4Z4ZB just as if you had tried to
QSP the messages manually or as if G3ZCZ or ON8IK had
connected directly to you. The file names will be changed
to *.OLD.
You must create one file for each designated store and
forward station, ie. 4Z4ZB.MBX, G3ZCZ.MBX etc.
19.8 *.BBS.
These are BBS AUTO-Upload Command files.
Each file is named for the callsign of the BBS that you wish
to access. It must have exactly the name as the callsign of
the BBS. Thus if the BBS is W9TTN-1 the name of the file
must be W9TNN-1.BBS, or if the BBS is 4Z4ZB then the file
must be called 4Z4ZB.BBS. The file must be an ASCII file.
That means the word processor must be used in the non-
document mode to create it.
This file contains the command sequence that you would have
typed at the keyboard if you were accessing the BBS
manually. The ONE difference is that the text of a message
(you are uploading with the S command must be followed by
the character string :EOF: (on a separate line) as
illustrated by the example below.
The BBS 'S' command (including its variations such as 'SP')
is the only multiple line command allowed. You can thus put
all the single line commands such as H, ?, L, and R in the
command file.
A 'multiple command' is defined in this instance as a
command which allows you to enter multiple lines before the
BBS will send back a '>' character (IE one that the BBS
tells you to type in text and terminate it with the Control
Z character).
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The contents of A TYPICAL *.BBS file are shown below as an
example.
k 1234
s g8btb
Test Message
This is a test message.
:EOF:
sp G3ZCZ @ N4QQ
Greetings
The text of this message is greetings from LAN-LINK.
:EOF:
lm
r 567
r 593
NOTE: the 'K 1234' command was used to delete a message that
had already been read. If you use 'KM' as you may delete
mail BEFORE reading it. The outgoing mail was placed next
in the file in case of an abnormal disconnect. The lm
command was used to record the message numbers, and to see
what old messages were still present on the BBS. Lastly a
list of messages to be read was included (the numbers had
been recorded in the last BBS_Mail_Snatch). There were also
no blank lines in the file.
Each message ended with the :EOF: character string, but
there was no need for any special end of BBS file character.
In the event of a BBS Mail_Snatch, if the *.BBS file exists
for that BBS, the file will be processed and the contents
sent. Thus if you don't get a chance to send the mail,
before LAN-LINK downloads the mail from the BBS, it will
send it for you.
When the BBS has accepted the commands the name of the file
is changed from *.BBS to *.OLD ( IE. the file name KE8X.BBS
is changed to KE8X.OLD).
In the real world however, message formats are non standard,
and can contain any set of characters. The algorithm
developed here transmits the next line in the *.BBS file
when LAN-LINK see's a 'trigger' character_string unless one
of the 'inhibitor' character_strings is also present on the
line of the message text received by LAN-LINK.
These 'trigger' character_strings are '>' (as the last
character of the line of text ), 'Enter', 'Subject', 'Sj:'
and 'Msg:'. The 'inhibitor' character_strings are 'R:', '<'
and 'Message'(R: as in routing headers and < and Message as
in Message-Id: <message number> in message headers).
This should cover most simulated manual BBS message reading
(WA7MBL and W0RLI/VE3GYQ) and avoid false triggering due to
'>'s showing up in message and routing headers.
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NOTE than when LAN-LINK finishes processing the *.BBS file,
it will send a 'B' command to the BBS to terminate the
session. This feature is designed to minimize the time you
spend connected to the BBS by allowing you to scan the
message list when automatically receiving your mail, prepare
your replies and download requests off-line and then later
read the incoming messages or files without tying up the
BBS. It thus positively disconnects you from the BBS.
NOTE: If you upload the 'KM' command from your *.BBS file,
you may delete messages before reading them. Do delete
'read' mail from your local BBS. Don't clutter his disk
with your read mail. The 'LM' command is built into LAN-LINK
to remind you of what you have out there.
20.0 Mailbox features
This section describes the mail box and message handling features
built into LAN-LINK.
20.1 Answering Machine.
LAN-LINK contains an AMTOR (Robot beacon CQ mode only) and
PACKET mode SMART "answering machine" facility. You can
leave messages on your disk (in the same directory as the
LAN-LINK.* files, if you are using a hard disk), for
different stations. When someone connects to you, if you
left a message for him, he (or she or even it as the case
may be) and only that station will receive it automatically.
No one else will normally be able to download that message.
20.2 Mail Beacon (Annunciator).
To ensure that people know that you have left a message for
them a 'MAIL for' list is loaded into your Packet Beacon and
transmitted every 30 minutes (Refer to the BTEXT command in
the TNC manual) as ':QTC:' followed by a list of calls. If
no mail is pending, or the only message in your system is
one addressed to you, the beacon transmissions are
inhibited. This conforms to good operating practice on
crowded channels (at least inhibiting the beacon does).
The mail beacon in the AMTOR mode is transmitted as part of
the beacon autocq message. It is automatically updated when
a message is transmitted. If you don't set the beacon (see
below) you will not transmit a mail beacon text in your
AMTOR CQ message.
The Mail beacon text is set up either when you tell the
computer to set it up or when you disconnect a packet QSO
from another station.
In this manner you may update the list while the program is
running, for example by using Sidekick to write a message,
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or preferably the NOTE feature.
Any station using LAN-LINK can be configured to
automatically attempt a connect (QTC_Snatch) when seeing
their callsign in someone else's LAN-LINK :QTC: beacon mail
message list.
If for some reason the message got lost (e.g. because the
link was marginal), :QSM: will get you a repeat of that
message.
20.3 How to leave a message.
You can use the note feature or type the message as a non-
document file on Wordstar, or if you use another word
processor, you must leave the message as an ASCII text file.
If you use the Note feature, the message will be given a
header as if it came in from someone else. if you use a
word processor to write the message, you will have to write
in a header or show somehow that the message is not 'live'.
You may then later time tag a message header on message
files created by the word processor. In this way people
will realize that it is an automatic message by seeing the
header. On the other hand, you may wish to fool people into
thinking that you are home.
You just name the message file as the callsign of the
station to whom you wish the message to be sent at connect
time. You must also give it the filetype of 'OUT'.
For example a message for G3ZCZ would be stored on the disk
as a file named 'G3ZCZ.OUT', and similarly a message to
4X6AA would be stored on disk as '4X6AA.OUT'.
Once the message has been sent, an entry to that effect will
be made in the LAN-LINK.RUN data capture file. The message
file will then be renamed and given the file extension
'.OLD'. At that time any previously existing mail file with
the file extension '.OLD' will be deleted. This stops the
addressee receiving the message on successive connects if
you can't delete it for some reason (you forget) while at
the same time, the message is still available to you in case
you need it.
You should use a separate utility program if you want the
calls in the mail beacon sorted. You may for example wish
to sort them alphanumerically or in the order of the date
that they were left in your answering machine.
Incoming messages triggered by the QTC_Snatch will be left
in a message file ( <yourcall.OUT> ), which can be scanned
by using the Alternate 'M' function key. If you have non
LAN-LINK friends, train them to trigger the QTC_Snatch by
simulating a beacon, and pre-fixing and ending their text
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 58
with lines containing the '>' as the only character. Better
yet, give them a copy of LAN-LINK and tell them to register
it.
20.4 Remote Beacon shutdown.
I recognize that some stations may abuse the beacon facility
of this program. I have thus built into the program a
'remote shutdown' capability. If someone running LAN-LINK
has their beacon timer set too often, connect to them in the
AMTOR or Packet Communications modes, and tell them to
:QRT: which will clear their beacon mode and take them off
the air for a while at least.
In the Packet communications mode, the CQ beacon is shut
down but the 30 minute mail beacon is not touched. In the
AMTOR communications mode, the CQ delay time is set to 255.
The Mailbox will thus still be active in both modes, but
will not beacon on the air at the frequency it was set at.
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 59
APPENDIX 1. ANOMALIES (and BUGS)
A1.1 Since the Program has no way to check the command/converse
mode status of the TNC, you may see various Cmd: and error
messages from the TNC when using the menus or function key
commands. Ignore them for now. If you get an error
message, try using the function key again.
A1.2 In the AMTOR Beacon CQ mode, if the other station drops the
link while you are recording the text, BEFORE the callsign
has been recognized as a valid callsign, LAN-LINK will time
out before logging the QSO and restarting the CQ sequence.
If someone else calls in before the time-out has occurred,
the text from both stations should be captured to disk, but
the log entry may not show both stations, thus the 'LOG'
must be compared with the 'RUN' file for QSO purposes.
LAN-LINK in the Beacon/Mailbox mode, normally logs the
contact at the end of the line in which it recognized the
callsign as a valid callsign.
A1.3 In the AMTOR Beacon CQ or Mailbox mode, if another station
sends a +? in the FEC mode, the beacon will attempt to send
the LAN-LINK.TXT file. The PK-232 however is not in the
converse mode at that time and will interpret the text of
the file as commands. If by some chance, the text
corresponds to a valid command the PK-232 will execute it
and put the PK-232 in an unknown state and you may not
notice that it did. As such I recommend that the first
character of each line in the file LAN-LINK.TXT be a non
valid command character such as a number or a period (.) or
another punctuation sign.
A1.4 If you are using a CGA card with a monochrome monitor, the
text you type into the OUTWINDOW will be fainter than the
incoming text. This is because it is set to light green.
If you are using a Hercules compatible card you will not
notice any difference.
A1.5 The conference mode has been tested on a PK-232, KAM, a
SANYO MBC-675 which has a clock speed of 4.7MHz and other PC
clones with faster clock speeds. If you have problems with
intermittent selection of IO channels try slowing down your
CPU clock. There is a software delay loop in the program
that is used to allow the TNC time to switch IO streams
after receipt of the stream change command. This delay is
there because LAN-LINK tests for a connect on each channel
before outputting any text, so that it does not send
unaddressed packets on non connected IO channels.
A1.6 A Packet conference Mode disconnect returns the TNC to the
command mode, even if you remain connected to one or more
other stations.
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 60
A1.7 Strange Events.
If the TNC does not use an interrupt driven serial port you
may experience problems when using baud rates greater than
1200. The PK-232 DOES NOT LIKE LAN-LINK to use RS-232 baud
rates faster than 2400, and sometimes not even that. Use
1200 until YOU have tested and ARE SURE that a faster one
will work.
IF YOU HAVE ANY STRANGE PROBLEMs AND ARE USING an RS-232
TERMINAL BAUD RATE to the TNC WHICH IS GREATER THAN 1200,
set the Terminal Baud Rate to 1200 and see if the problem
goes away.
A1.8 *** DISCONNECTED
In the Packet communications mode, when you are connected to
someone and the TNC sends this text string to the computer,
LAN-LINK thinks you have been disconnected and resets. This
normally only happens when a true disconnect occurs.
However, if the text shows up in the middle of a line being
sent to you, it WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AND THINK THAT YOU
HAVE DISCONECTED if the DCD_Flag is not set in the SYS file,
and the TNC does not use the DCD signal on pin 8 of the RS-
232 interface.
A1.9 *** CONNECTED
In the Packet communications mode, when you are monitoring
traffic on the LAN someone sends this text string, LAN-LINK
thinks you have been connected if the DCD_Flag is not set in
the SYS file, and the TNC does not use the DCD signal on pin
8 of the RS-232 interface.
A1.10 Greek Characters and other garbage in the Incoming Screen.
If you see greek characters in the Incoming screen you
probably have the wrong parity set in the TNC. first make
sure that the RS-232 baud rate is correct. If it is, take
the batteries out of it and reset it. If that fails, play
with the parity. LAN-LINK sets the serial port to 8 bits,
no parity. If you still can't get it to work, set the
interface to 7 bits in the SYS file.
A1.11 Dumb TNC
If the TNC seems to respond to commands but is not sending
anything back, you may have one of two problems. You may
have a bad RS-232 cable with on wire disconnected. If the
computer can operate the TNC in another communications
program, try to reset the TNC, take the batteries out, etc.
You may also have a not-so-compatible PC.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 61
APPENDIX 2. Local Area Network Capability
VHF Packet radio systems can be considered as part of a Local
Area Network (LAN) in which messages can be left by one station
in the computer belonging to a second station. At HF the same is
true, but the area becomes greater. The basic problem here is
that people can only send and receive messages to or from you
when you are on-line. To compensate for this, BBS stations were
developed which allowed both messages and bulletins to be stored
by anyone for later retrieval.
LAN-LINK allows you to store messages in your computer so as to
use it as an automatic answering machine. By storing the
messages in a file called by the name of callsign, with the file
extension '.OUT', anyone connecting to the computer will get
their message without having to request it. LAN-LINK also
extends that concept to cover the eventuality of you wanting to
take your computer off-line for some reason. You may now load
the message into any other computer you can connect to using
elements of the Q code adapted to the High Level Network
Communications Language (NC/L) proposed in my book Software for
Amateur Radio, (Book number 1560) published by TAB Books, Blue
Ridge Summit, Pa. 17214 U.S.A.
A2.1 LAN Protocol (G3ZCZ Version)
The protocol is as follows. When connected to someone who has
their LAN-LINK configured as a host, if you want to store a
message you send the following instruction to the other station
:QSP: <callsign> where <callsign> is the call of the station
that the message is for, not the callsign of the host station in
whose computer you are storing the message. [Note use only one
space character after the :QSP:]. LAN-LINK sends the :QSP:
message automatically using QSP option in the Message Menu.
For example if you want to store a message for 4Z4ZB in 4X6AA's
computer which is configured as a Store and Forward system, you
would first connect to 4X6AA and then send the command as
:QSP: 4Z4ZB .
Better still use QSP option in the Message Menu to automate the
sequence.
The computer at 4X6AA will respond either with a statement saying
that it is ready for you to go ahead, or send a message saying
that it can't comply. If it is ready you get a positive reply
which will take the form :QRV: <callsign> which if you know the
Q code, means " I am ready to accept a message for <callsign>".
At this time you may go ahead and send the message. If you type
the message at the keyboard, you may use either a control Z (^Z)
character or the character sequence :EOF: followed by a carriage
return (the ENTER key) to terminate the message. If you have
first written the message into a text file you may then send it
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 62
using the 'Send File' option of the Files Menu and the
termination sequence is automatic.
Once you have completed the message, the other (host) computer
will either reply that the message has been successfully stored
or give you an error message.
If the message is stored and ready to be sent next time the
addressee connects to that computer, you will see the message
:QSL: on your screen. If something went wrong, you will get back
a negative message taking the form :QNO: followed by a number.
The number tells you why the operation failed.
A2.2 Message Format
The message is stored just as if you had left it in your system
(except that a header is added identifying the time of reception
and the call of the sending station). It will contain a header
showing the date and time it was received and your callsign.
Should a message for that station already be in the system, yours
will be appended to it. In the event the your upload is aborted,
the amount of text received before the abort occurred will be
stored as the message.
When you disconnect from the other LAN-LINK host station, its
mail beacon will be updated.
Once the message is loaded in the host, it can only be deleted by
the operator of the host station. When the addressee connects to
the host and receives the message, the file type will change from
'.OUT' to '.OLD'.
A2.3 File Uploading/Downloading.
There comes a time when you want to leave a file on your system
for someone to download later. You can do this by using NC/L to
control the transfer. You must leave the file in a subdirectory
defined in the LAN-LINK.SYS FILE called \LAN-LINK\FILES. You
must first create it if it does not exist. The station who wants
the message just asks for it using :QBM: <filename>, note they do
not need to use the full subdirectory path. They must however
leave a single space character between :QBM: and the filename.
In AMTOR the Mailbox must be turned on for remote functions.
For example, you have the latest ARRL DX bulletin, and you want
to pass it on. You could pass it to selected people by copying
the file to individual messages with the filetype '.OUT', e.g.
4X6AA.OUT, 4Z4ZB.OUT or even G3ZCZ.OUT if you want me to get it,
which wastes a lot of disk space.
On the other hand you could tell people that the file was
available for downloading, either in the CTEXT connect message
line which everyone gets when connecting to you by configuring
LAN-LINK accordingly, or in individual ('.OUT') messages.
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If you include the following in your CTEXT message
"ARRLDX.015 now available"
people will know that to download it, they just have to type the
line ':QBM: ARRLDX.015' (one space character between :QBM: and
the file name) to get the file. LAN-LINK is not designed as a
BBS, however, if you copy the contents of the \LAN-LINK\FILES
subdirectory into a file called DIR (USE DIR > DIR in DOS),
anyone can get a list of the files you have stored in it for
downloading by typing :QBM: DIR. Since they do not get the real
directory, just what was in it at the time you copied it into the
file 'DIR', you may keep "hidden" files in this subdirectory.
You may thus leave a file for someone to download, tell them that
its there by leaving them a message (which they will get
automatically when they connect) and no one else connecting will
know that it is there.
:QDB: allows you to upload text or ASCII files.
A2.4 Path Determination to a Dx station
If you want to establish a digipeat path to a station somewhat
out of your direct range, you need to know which of the stations
that you can connect to can hear that desired DX station. If you
could get a call monitored (MH list) from the stations that you
connect to, you would be able to see if the station you are
connected to has heard your desired DX station.
LAN-LINK uses the :QMH: command to request such a list. When
LAN-LINK receives a :QMH: command, it drops back to the TNC
command mode and issues a 'MH' command to the TNC (except to a
TNC1 which does not support it). It stores the list received in
a temporary buffer, and then returns to the converse mode and
transmits the list back to the station it is linked to.
By judicious use of :QMH: you can determine paths to other
stations. Note however, that just because one station can hear
another station, it does not mean that it can work it. For
example, the station you are connected to may be using a power
level of 1 watt or so, while the station 200 miles away that it
heard was using 100 watts. Test the path yourself, or/and leave
a message asking how reliable the connect path between those two
stations is.
If you and a small group use a non standard packet channel for
inter-group communications, you may also use the :QMH: function
to find out who the station you are connected with, has heard
recently, when you first sign on the LAN channel.
APPENDIX 3 BASIC NC/L DICTIONARY
Messages can be transferred into any other LAN-LINK computer you
can connect with using elements of the Q code adapted to the High
Level Network Communications Language (NC/L) proposed in my book
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 64
Software for Amateur Radio, (Book number 1560) published by TAB
Books, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. 17214 U.S.A.
NC/L command words are summarized in the following paragraphs.
There is no command word to request your message. To receive
your message, you do do nothing, you will receive your mail
automatically when connecting/linking with a LAN-LINK station.
You cannot normally read messages addressed to another person.
A3.1 :QBM:
To download a file, send
:QBM: filename.type
The filename.type is the file you want. For example
:QBM: dir
:QBM: help
:QBM: LAN-LINK.doc
A3.2 :QDB:
To upload files to another LAN-LINK system send
:QDB: filename.typ
Files will be uploaded into the same sub-directory as LAN-
LINK, and will have a message header inserted at the top of
the file to allow the operator to know who uploaded the
file. If the operator then wants to make the file available
for downloading, he or she can move it to the \LAN-
LINK\FILES sub-directory. The '.TYP' following the filename
is optional.
If you attempt to upload a file which has the same name as
one that already exists on the remote system, you will
receive a :QNO: 14 'error' message.
This command is the reverse of :QBM:.
A3.3 :QMH:
To request a call monitored list ('MH') from the LAN-LINK
station that you are connected with, send
:QMH:
A3.4 :QSM:
To request a repeat of a message from a station using LAN-
LINK, send
:QSM:
This command will be valid as long as the host station has
not deleted the <yourcall>.OLD file on his disk. If the
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file does not exist, you will receive a :QNO: 2 'error'
response.
A3.5 :QSP:
To leave a message, send
:QSP: callsign
the callsign is that of the station you wish to leave a
message for.
A3.6 :QRT:
To shut down an AMTOR/Packet mode Mailbox/beacon station
which is causing QRM, link or connect to the station and
send
:QRT:
A3.7 :QRU:
To upload messages from one LAN-LINK/PK232COM (1.38+) system
to your computer, send
:QRU:
You may only use the QRU function with stations designated
as Store and Forward mailboxes. Put a list of stations that
you can connect to reliably in your <callsign>.MBX file and
send it to other stations in your LAN also using LAN-LINK.
They will then be able to dump their mail messages on you
and you on them. If they do the same and send you their
file, then you will be able to send messages via them for
stations that they can work.
While QRU gives you the capability to bulk upload messages
to another station in your local area, when you take your
machine off line, it may also be used to transfer messages
between two LANs via well sighted gateway digipeaters.
A3.8 :QNO:
'NO' or error number is a response to a request.
The following error numbers are associated with message
store and forward operations.
? What you typed was not an NC/L command.
1 Computer not configured as Store and Forward system.
2 Requested ASCII file/ message (:QBM:) does not exist.
3 You made an error in the name of the callsign for whom
the message is intended (It must be at least 3
characters long).
4 File creation error in host system.
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 66
5 Error occurred during reception and storage of message.
Could be that the computer ran out of space on the
disk, or something else went wrong in storing the
message.
6 :QRU: You are not authorized as a store and forward
mailbox.
7 :QRU: Error in opening <callsign>.MBX file.
8 :QRU: Error in closing <callsign>.MBX file.
9 :QRU: Sequence Error in callsign of message to go. The
bad callsign will be shown after the error number.
14 :QDB: File Name In Use Error. The name you gave the
file you want to upload already exists on that system.
Try a different name.
90 NC/L defined function not implemented in this release.
99 LAN-LINK compatible program, but requested function has
not been implemented.
A3.9 :QJG: is a response to :QRU:
It confirms that the QRU sequence is complete. There are no
more messages pending.
A3.10 :QRV: callsign is a response to :QSP: callsign.
The computer is ready you to send the message. End the
message with a control Z (^Z) character, or the sequence
:EOF: .
A3.11 :QSL: is a response to a command.
It confirms receipt of message to that callsign or that a
file has been successfully uploaded and stored to disk. It
is also used to acknowledge receipt of a ':QRT:' command.
A3.12 :QTC: massage list.
If LAN-LINK receives :QTC: it will respond with the beacon
text showing the mail queue.
:QTC: precedes a list of callsigns for whom messages are
stored up on a computer. It is used in Packet Beacon tran-
smissions or AMTOR Beacon mode CQ calls.
PROPOSED EXTENSIONS
A3.13 :QYU: YAPP format file upload.
A3.14 :QYD: YAPP format file download.
APPENDIX 4. USING OTHER TNC'S.
LAN-LINK is designed for the PK-232. However the PACKET mode
capabilities can be used on other TNC's. There are minor
differences in the command dialog between different TNC's. The
dialog differences affecting the operation of LAN-LINK are built
into the program and set when the TNC type is read from the LAN-
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 67
LINK.SYS file at the program load time. The non packet modes
will obviously result in error messages if attempted on a packet
mode TNC.
The following notes apply to different TNC's or digital
communications controllers.
A4.1 TNC2 (MFJ 1270) Version 1.1.2
A4.1.1 Default Commands.
Rename the LAN-LINK.SYS file as PK232.SYS. Rename the TNC2.SYS
file as LAN-LINK.SYS and edit it using your word processor in its
non document mode to customize it to your station.
A4.1.2 Program differences.
The following functions DO NOT WORK because the TNC does not
support them.
All NON PACKET modes.
Software controlled HF/VHF switching.
Software controlled baudrate switching.
CQ/BEACON Packet terminal mode.
TNC Transmit Buffer flush.
A4.2 TNC1 (HD-4040)
A4.2.1 Default Commands.
Rename the LAN-LINK.SYS file as PK232.SYS. Rename the TNC1.SYS
file as LAN-LINK.SYS and edit it using your word processor in its
non document mode to customize it to your station.
A4.2.2 Program differences.
The following functions DO NOT WORK because the TNC does not
support them.
All NON PACKET modes.
Day/Time functions.
'MH' and remote :QMH: functions.
MAIL Packet terminal mode.
CQ/BEACON Packet terminal mode.
TNC Transmit Buffer flush.
Conference and multi-connect modes.
A4.3 Kaypro KPC-2
A4.3.1 Default Commands.
Rename the LAN-LINK.SYS file as PK232.SYS. Rename the KPC.SYS
file as LAN-LINK.SYS and edit it using your word processor in its
non document mode to customize it to your station.
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 68
A4.3.2 Program differences.
The following functions DO NOT WORK because the TNC does not
support them.
All NON PACKET modes.
MAIL Packet terminal mode.
CQ/BEACON Packet terminal mode.
TNC Transmit Buffer flush.
A4.4 KAM EPROM Version 2.8.2.
A4.4.1 Default Commands.
Rename the LAN-LINK.SYS file as PK232.SYS. Rename the KAM.SYS
file as LAN-LINK.SYS and edit it using your word processor in its
non document mode to customize it to your station.
A4.4.2 Program differences.
The following functions DO NOT WORK because the TNC does not
support them.
TNC Transmit Buffer flush.
The SIGNAL communications mode.
The NAVTEX communications mode.
The Alt-D key in the MORSE Communications mode.
The BAUDOT NAVY MARS Protocol is also not available.
A4.5 PK-232 EPROM Version 30 AUG 1988
Turn the 'BBS OFF' if you want the Alert Call and Digipeat Detect
features to work otherwise turn it on.
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LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 69
APPENDIX 6 LAN-LINK REGISTRATION FORM.
To: Joe Kasser G3ZCZ
P O BOX 3419
SILVER SPRING
MD 20904.
CALL ________________ TODAY'S DATE _____________
NAME ______________________________________________
ADDRESS ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
CITY ___________________________________________
STATE _________ POSTCODE ______________________
TNC TYPE _____________________
I enclose a check for $35.00. Please register me as a user of
LAN-LINK. I am currently using Version ________________ which
I obtained from _________________________________________.
Please send me the latest version of LAN-LINK or if a more recent
one does not exist at this time, QSL my registration and add my
name to the list to receive a free update when it becomes
available.
Signature
Comments, likes, dislikes, wish list, etc.
My favourite operating modes are ______________________________.
Additional Features I'd like to see in future releases of LANK-
LINK.
Keep Conference Bridge Up __________
YAPP Binary File compatibility __________
Export Logs to dBASE 3 __________
Expanded Contest Operation __________
More AMTOR __________
Others
_________________________________________________________________
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
LAN-LINK VERSION 1.50 PAGE 70
APPENDIX 7 LAN-LINK PROBLEM REPORT
Name ______________________________________ CALL _______________
Street __________________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State _____ ZIP __________
Tel ____________________ LAN-LINK version _____________________
1. Describe your computer system.
Manufacturer ____________________ Model ___________TNC __________
DOS Version ________________ Clock Frequency _________ MHz.
List peripheral equipment and cards installed in your computer.
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
What memory resident programs were installed when the problem
occurred?
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
2. Describe the problem in detail.
3. Describe the sequence of events or keystrokes that led to the
problem.
4. Any other information that may help in locating the problem.
Use additional sheets of paper if necessary. ATTACH copy of your
LAN-LINK.SYS file. Mail to: Joe Kasser, P O Box 3419, Silver
Spring, MD. 20901.
LAN-LINK.DOC (c) G3ZCZ 1988
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