Software Vault: The Gold Collection/Software Vault - The Gold Collection (American Databankers) (1993).ISO/cdr39/kagold.zip/DOCFILES.ZIP/TRYTHIS.DOC

Text File | 1993-01-28 | 15KB | 350 lines

InterFlex Systems Design -- Superior Software for AEA and Kantronics TNCs

             <<   Welcome to PkGOLD and KaGOLD  >>

This functional demo program can be used several times. You can try
multiple connects, Shell to DOS, Cut/Paste, and do many experiments
with the program. The program will run for 30 minutes at a time, which
is plenty of time to work through each of the following suggested
exercises.

                         SOUND DEMO

The program starts by introducing you to the "Sound Demo" which makes
HF "sounds" on your PC speaker, and explains what you are hearing.
To skip the sound demo, answer "N" (no) to the first question. You
will be given a chance to run the "live" demo after that.

                       Things to Try

Get the program going: PKDEMO or KADEMO (depending on which you have).

Go through the Sound Demo, or Quit the Sound Demo to enter the Live Demo.

Enter the right COM port and Baud rate. Then your callsign and name.
You'll do this each time you run the program, the release edition saves
this (and other settings) to disk and "comes up" much faster.

The program will establish a link to your TNC. It may take a minute
or so the first time you run the program, but once you've got things
working, the program "comes up" very quickly.

LESSON #1: Single Connect.

   Push [F1] for the Help Index. Use the Cursor or the first few letters
   of a help topic to "pick" the topic. Cross-reference items are highlighted
   by the cursor. To backup from a cross-reference item, use [Alt-F1].

   Read about Packet Mode, Packet Operating, Packet Parameters if you wish.
   Now let's do a single connect:

   1.  Type in just a callsign, e.g. WA4EGT or type in a path, such
       as WA4EGT  or  WA4EGT VIA DANAPT if you need to digipeat.

       Note: If you don't know who you can connect to, use the
       Mheard function, [Alt-F2]. Notice that when you depress the
       [Alt] key, the "keyline" below changes to show you what each
       key does. [Alt-F2] is shown as MHEARD.

   2.  Hit the [F7] key (connect key) when you've typed in a callsign.
       Don't type C CALLSIGN, just CALLSIGN then [F7].

   3.  After connecting, use [Alt-F7] to disconnect. Choose NORMAL
       disconnect. Notice that if frames are still pending, the
       disconnect is suspended until the frames are sent and
       acknowledged.

       If there is still time in the countdown sequence, hit [Alt-F7]
       again, and select to "cancel the disconnect" request.  Then
       you will have to do step #3 again to initiate another disconnect
       request.

   4.  Go to the NETWORK VIEW screen using [F2] if you are not there
       already.

   5.  Go to the PREVIOUS SESSIONS screen using [F3]. Notice that
       the text of your previous session is there.

   6.  Return to the connected sessions using the [F4] key.


LESSON #2: Multiple Connect

   1.  Type in a callsign or path (callsign VIA ...) and hit [F7].

   2.  Do step 1 at least once more, so that you have two (or more)
       sessions going. Don't worry about being on a session screen when
       you start another session. [F7] creates session windows on the fly
       (unlike other programs with fixed parameters).

   3.  Switch between sessions using the [F4] "NEXT" key.

   4.  Switch to the NETWORK VIEW screen using the [F2] key. Notice
       the full-screen.

   5.  See a list of stations to which you are connected by depressing
       the Ctrl key (by itself).

   6.  Go to each session using the [F4] key. Enter the operator's name
       using the [Alt-n] key sequence.  Do this for each session. Names
       and QTH data is saved in a log file in the release version.

   7.  Go back to the NETWORK VIEW screen using [F2].

   8.  If text "comes in" from a session, and you are on another session
       screen, or the Previous Sessions or Network View screen, you will
       see a message "F4: <callsign>" in the bottom of the banner outline.
       Push [F4] "next" to go to that session immediately.

   9.  Go to each session using the [F4] key, and start typing a line
       but do not hit the [Enter] key to send it quite yet.  Switch
       to each session and put in a partial line.  Notice that each
       session has it's own "text entry/command entry" line. You can
       move the cursor using the "arrow" keys, overwrite or insert
       text.  The program saves the cursor "state" for each session
       as you switch from session to session.

  10.  Initiate a disconnect on each session. When all are disconnected,
       go to the previous sessions screen using [F3] and review the
       sessions.


LESSON #3: NET/ROM Node

   1.  Identify a node, or several nodes that you use and can hit
       easily.  Determine the node ALIAS. There are a number of
       advantages to using node ALIAS names, rather than callsigns,
       such as:

         a.  You can establish multiple connects to the ALIAS that
             are not possible using the node callsign.

         b.  When a routed node disappears from the nodelist, you
             will be informed with "invalid callsign" if aliases are
             used. If just the callsign is used, and the routed node has
             been dropped or disappeared, the node attempting the
             route will drop back to an ordinary connect attempt and
             eventually retry out.  Any callsign used and not found
             in the nodelist is assumed to be a direct connect from
             the node, and not a routed connect. Using ALIASES assures
             that if the node has been dropped from the routes, you
             will be immediately informed.

   2.  Assume the node is called  NRNDE.  You want to connect to W1AW
       after connecting to NRNDE. Type:

                NRNDE|W1AW

       on the command/text entry line and hit [F7]. The program will
       establish a connect to NRNDE-n and then issue a connect to
       W1AW automatically.

   3.  Establish a few connects using the NRNDE node. You will notice
       a couple of things:

          a.  Each connect goes to a different SSID of NRNDE. For example
              you might see NRNDE-10, and NRNDE-13 etc. The program
              assures that if you use the "or bar (|)" technology, that
              multiple connects to the are established automatically.

          b.  The connect progress is shown to you on the session screen.

          c.  As you make progress, you will notice the callsign in the
              status banner indicates the current connected station.

    4.  If you have a two hop connect, like NRNDE and then to SECNDE,
        you can type:

                NRNDE|SECNDE|W1AW  [F7]

        The program will establish a connect to NRNDE-n, then request
        a connect to SECNDE, and finally ask for a connect to W1AW.

        Note: BPQ nodes may require using a "port" number in the
        connect request (except when specifying a routed node in its
        internal node list).  If W1AW is on port 1 of a BPQ node in
        the example above, you would type:

                NRNDE|SECNDE|C 1 W1AW  [F7]

    5.  If you need to Digipeat into the first node, and the digipeater
        is N6WIK, try:

                NRNDE VIA N6WIK|SECNDE|W1AW [F7]


LESSON #4: Quick Connects

    1.   Using the connect paths from prior examples, you can now
         setup a few "quick connects" or "point and shoot" connects.

         Once in the program, hit [Alt-S] for setup. Then highlight
         QUICK CONNECTS, then choose ADD.

    2.   Enter the name of the remote station, hit [Enter], then
         type in the path.  For example:

         Name:   ARRL HdQrtrs
         Path:   NRNDE VIA N6WIK|SECNDE|W1AW

    3.   Do this for each callsign. Some "paths" may simply be the callsign
         of a station that is nearby, and doesn't require any special
         digipeating or node usage.

         When done, use the [ESC] key to bring you back to the program
         window area.

    4.   Press the [F7] key with a blank entry on the command line. This
         causes the program to present you with a "pick list" of your
         quick connects.  Highlight one, and hit [Enter] to start the
         connect process.  Do this for all of the entries in your Quick-
         Connects list.

    5.   Note: For emergency use, when "Tactical" callsigns are contemplated,
         enter the tactical callsign under as the NAME, and the FCC call
         in the PATH. Also enter the Tactical callsign as the "NAME" of
         the station in your NAMES list (created by [Alt-n] or in the
         setup area under Names).


LESSON #5: Changing Parameters

    1.   Enter a parameter name, such as MYALIAS and hit [F10], the
         command key.  The program will display the contents of the
         parameter.

    2.   Type a parameter and a value, such as MYALIAS FIRESTN followed
         by [F10]. This will enter the parameter value.

    3.   Type DISPLAY [F10] to see a list of parameter groups. Highlight
         one and hit [ENTER].  You may now move the cursor to a parameter
         and alter it's value.  Typing DISPLAY M [F10] jumps immediately
         to the Monitor parameters.

    4.   Hit [F10] by itself (no parameters on the command entry line).
         You will see (at a minimum) STARTUP and SHUTDOWN.  These are
         the names of special parameter files with the extension .TNC.
         Highlight STARTUP, hit [Enter] and notice that all of the
         startup parameters are loaded into your TNC.

    5.   Use [Alt-S] to get to the setup menu. Select TNC files.
         Highlight STARTUP and hit [Enter].  This is a .TNC file. You
         can edit it (we suggest not editing it unless you know what
         you wish to change).  Use [F1] help to display your options.

    6.   In the setup area, under TNC files, you will notice <new> and
         <current>.  Selecting <new> allows you to create a parameter
         file with settings you may wish to try.  Experiment.

LESSON #6: Sending CQ

    1.   On the Network View screen, hit [Alt-U] to enter the CQ/UNPROTO
         mode.  Now anything you type on the screen followed by the
         [Enter] key is sent out as "unproto" or unnumbered information
         frames.

    2.   Look at the value of your UNPROTO by typing UNPROTO [F10].
         If it is not CQ, then set unproto to CQ by typing:

                UNPROTO CQ [F10]

    3.   Each time you leave the Network View screen, the CQ/Unproto
         switch is turned off. This is done to avoid sending frames
         that are by accident. If you stay on the Network View screen,
         and are in the CQ mode, all text you type is sent out as
         [UI] frames.  You might set your UNPROTO to CQ VIA (some call).
         Then you can see your CQ frames.


LESSON #7: Changing Program Options

    1.   Use [Alt-S] to bring up the setup menu. Select Setup from
         the menu.  Explore the various menu areas.

    2.   Look at the Alt-n messages. Notice that ?CALL and ?NAME are in one
         or more messages. These are "macros" that are filled in by the
         program with the current CALL and NAME of the connected station.
         ALT-N messages are only active when connected or in [Alt-U] mode.

    3.   Look through other settings. There are several.

LESSON #8: Maildrop Access

    1.   Use [Alt-F8] to access your maildrop.

    2.   Use the L)list, R)ead, K)ill etc. commands.
         Leave the maildrop with "B" for Bye.

         binary file transfer, conferencing etc.

LESSON #9: For Multimode TNC (PK232, KAM) owners

    1.   Try the other modes. Use the enclosed "TNC" files if you
         wish. Hit [F10] (with no parameters on the command line)
         and highlight some mode, then hit ENTER.

    2.   Or change modes by simply typing the mode name then [F10].

    3.   The [ESC] key is the transmit key down and up key. In non-packet
         modes, start typing. When you want to key down and begin
         transmitting hit the ESC key. Keep typing away. When you've
         finished typing what and want your system to unkey after sending
         the text, hit ESC again. Your text will continue being transmitted
         until the text is sent, at which time it will unkey.

         To leave ARQ AMTOR, just type AMTOR [F10] or [Ctrl-F4]. To switch
         modes, type in the mode name then [F10], or use the TNC files for
         that mode by hitting [F10] and selecting a mode.tnc file.

    4.   AMTOR ARQ: Put the other station's SELCAL on the text entry line
         (e.g. WEGT) and push the [F7] or "connect" key. The TNC will begin
         Phasing in ARQ.

         To end an ARQ session use [Alt-F7] and select a "disconnect" mode.

    5.   FEC: On the PK-232, get into AMTOR mode. On the KAM, use [FEC] mode.
         Type in text, when you're ready to transmit FEC, just hit [ESC].

    6.   BAUDOT: Type BAUDOT [F10]. Set the shift and baud rate.

LESSON #10: Why use a version of our GOLD software?

We believe that our PkGOLD and KaGOLD software is the best available.
We invite you to compare our products to ANY other program, including
"new" program from the hardware companies.

We were the first to offer binary file transfers, first to support the new
Maildrop features in the AEA TNCs, first to have software for the dsp-2232,
and first to offer conference mode, YAPP transfers, auto-recognition and
exchange of data, and more.

LAST LESSON: Ordering PkGOLD or KaGOLD

    1.   Get your VISA or MASTERCARD in front of you.

    2.   Call [phone] and ask for a copy of the latest software
         for your TNC

                    or

    3.   Send us a check, money order, or your VISA or MasterCard
         number to:

                  InterFlex Systems Design Corp.
                  Post Office Box 6418
                  Laguna Niguel, CA  92607-6418

         Be sure to include your name, address, and callsign.
         VISA or MasterCard orders, please include a telephone
         number to call if any problems arise.

Note: Price: $79.95 + $5 shipping. CA residents add 7.75%.
      Subject to change. Indicate whether you want PkGOLD Enhanced
      or KaGOLD DualPort. Or buy both for $129.95 plus shipping and
      sales tax (if in California).


Good luck. We appreciate your business, and look forward to providing
you the best software available.