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Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 What is KAM-PRG? KAM-PRG is a terminal program that is specifically written to support the Kantronics All Mode Terminal Node Controller. It was developed using Turbo Pascal 5.0 and a set of Pascal units call Topaz. KAM not only provides the terminal emulator but also has a full set of data base functions which allow the amateur operator to maintain his or her logbook and a set of NTS messages. The data base are compatible with the DBASE-III and FOXBASE products. KAM-PRG does not provide a WX-FAX (weather fascimili) interface. 1.2 Flexibility - KAM-PRG may be configured to function with either the COM1 or COM2 serial ports at speeds from 300 to 9600 baud. - Fully configurable color selection, terminal screen layout, and file location are just a few of the adjustable parameters. - Provides all of the common file handling functions of the popular communications programs including ASCII file transmit and re- ceive, screen buffer captures, and access to quick message lines by two key selection. - Built-in help functions for the Q-signal system, the RST report system, and a FAST lookup database for prefix -> country conver- sions. - Supports all modes, CW, AMTOR, RTTY, PACKET (VHF/HF). 1.3 Ease of Use - Function key <F1> help available at all times. Direct access to desired functions from the help screen. - Mode sensitive status and hot-key lines. Keeps you informed as to the current condition of the KAM and the KAM-PRG system. - Call List Database of frequently called stations for use in both HF and VHF packet modes. - Fully scrollable receive buffer of 1000 lines. Receive buffer may be written to disk file of users choice. - Receive function operates independent of transmit buffer. Create outgoing text while the other op' is transmitting. - Dual cursor operation during transmit. Normal cursor shows keyboard input, color highlight cursor shows current character being transmitted. Particularly useful during CW operation. - Removes operator from the cryptic TNC protocol language. All change of mode transmit/receive, etc are handled by KAM-PRG. Operator makes selections by function key and Hot (alt) key combinations. 1.4 Distribution of KAM-PRG KAM-PRG is public domain software. It is intended that it serve as a learning tool as well as a truly functional piece of software for the amateur community. The following conditions are place upon its dis- tribution: - KAM-PRG must be copied in its entirety. That is, the distribu- tion must include the executable files, the documentation, and the Pascal source code. - You may not sell or trade KAM-PRG for money or any valuable consideration, except for a nominal charge for postage, handling and reproduction. - KAM-PRG may not be distributed in conjunction with any other product, hardware or software, without the express permission of Clermont Computer Consultants. Electronic Bulletin Board Systems, Public PC Users Groups, and Amateur PBBS systems may add KAM-PRG to their public domain libraries subject to the conditions above. ShareWare distributors may add KAM-PRG to their libraries subject to the conditions above, only after writing for and receiving my written consent. It must be prominently stated that 1) KAM-PRG is Public Domain software, and 2) that the fee charged is for reproduction, and mailing only. 1.5 The most recent version of this software is always available from the author at: Clermont Computer Consultants 29 N. Ravenwood Drive Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609) 624 0076. A reproduction, distribution and small reward for programming excellence is requested. Please send a check for $20.00 U.S. with any requests for updates. If you are having trouble bringing KAM-PRG on- line I am usually available during the hours of 1700 - 2200 Eastern Standard (Daylight Savings) Time. Messages can be left for me @ WB2DRD. 1.6 Disclaimer W1HKJ, David Freese and Clermont Computer Consultants make no warran- ty, expressed or implied, concerning this program's merchantability or fitness for any particular use. In no event is David Freese or Cler- mont Computer Consultants liable to you for any damages resulting from your use of the program. Chapter 2 Getting Started with KAM-PRG 2.1 System Requirements KAM-PRG has the following minimal requirements: - IBM PC, XT, AT, PS-2 or compatible with at least 320 K bytes of memory. - DOS 2.0 or later - Two 360K disk drives, or a single 1.2M drive, or a single 720K / 1.44M drive, or a hard drive. - Either COM1 or COM2 port available for serial communications. - the Kantronics All Mode Terminal Node Controller, running ver- sion 2.83 or greater ROM software, or the Kantronics UTU-XT/P. 2.2 Setting KAM-CFG up on a disk KAM-PRG is distributed as two self extracting ZIP files. 1) KAMPROGS.EXE, and 2) KAMSOURC.EXE. Place a bootable system disk in drive A:, making sure that at least 243K of free space is available on the disk. Put the distribution diskette (or downloaded program) in drive B:. Log onto the A drive and type the following command: B:KAMPROGS The program will self-extract the required runtime files placing them on drive A. 2.2.1 Files include with KAM-PRG. The following files are included in the KAMPROGS.EXE archive: Length Method Size Ratio Date Time CRC-32 Attr Name ------ ------ ----- ----- ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- 202560 Implode 93165 55% 12-09-89 20:23 df0fbeac --w KAM.EXE 863 Implode 422 52% 03-14-90 10:50 8efd2271 --w KAM.CFG 16000 Implode 2691 84% 12-02-89 14:50 6132f0f9 --w KAM.IMG 13849 Implode 4208 70% 11-30-89 02:08 2a14b601 --w COUNTRY.LST 10096 Implode 6165 39% 04-08-90 13:46 4d8b1fcc --w KAMSETUP.EXE ------ ------ --- ------- 243368 106651 57% 5 KAM.EXE Main KAM-PRG program file KAM.CFG ASCII text file containing all configurable param- eters with default values. KAM.IMG Binary Image of all User and Help Screens used by the program. COUNTRY.LST ASCII text file containing the Prefix/Country list as found in the 1987 Call Book. This file can be contracted or expanded as the user desires. Place new entries in proper alpha-numeric sequence and strictly observe the line lengths used in the file. The On-Line prefix/country display will automatically accommodate the new database. KAMSETUP.EXE Use this file if your KAM is brand new from the factory, or you have set the KAM parameter ABAUD to 0. The KAM.EXE program expects to find the KAM in a communicative mode. That is, ABAUD has been set to agree with the baud rate parameter found in KAM.CFG. This WILL NOT be true if ABAUD is 0. The program will lock up under this condition. The file KAMSOURC.EXE contains the following: Length Method Size Ratio Date Time CRC-32 Attr Name ------ ------ ----- ----- ---- ---- ------ ---- ---- 2644 Implode 998 63% 11-26-89 15:39 2b04f39e --w KAM-VID.PAS 6854 Implode 1937 72% 11-26-89 17:13 3d2c9eda --w KAM-RCV.PAS 1245 Implode 443 65% 11-26-89 15:39 45d36083 --w KAM-CLR.PAS 18067 Implode 4195 77% 11-26-89 15:39 32907aed --w KAM-SET.PAS 520 Implode 227 57% 11-26-89 15:39 e3ffd06d --w KAM-HLP.PAS 9699 Implode 1942 80% 12-09-89 20:20 a2668ff0 --w KAM-KBD.PAS 965 Implode 544 44% 12-09-89 20:22 de69eaa3 --w KAM-CON.PAS 1865 Implode 697 63% 11-26-89 15:39 d81a41d8 --w KAM-TYP.PAS 4853 Implode 1738 65% 11-28-89 03:10 4338a238 --w KAM-XMT.PAS 3234 Implode 858 74% 11-26-89 15:39 aed37b1f --w MAKIMAGE.PAS 18125 Implode 4631 75% 12-09-89 20:16 bbc47022 --w KAM-IO.PAS 2226 Implode 666 71% 11-26-89 15:39 9b67e01a --w KAM-DOS.PAS 14196 Implode 4260 70% 11-26-89 18:59 48075b14 --w KAM-LOG.PAS 23933 Implode 6389 74% 11-26-89 19:17 dbf7a1c6 --w KAM-NTS.PAS 2279 Implode 1021 56% 11-26-89 15:39 6b203fda --w KAM-VAR.PAS 8673 Implode 2536 71% 11-26-89 17:13 eafa83e8 --w KAM-AUX.PAS 1743 Implode 948 46% 11-30-89 02:16 5a7e6cfb --w KAM.PAS 819 Implode 426 48% 11-30-89 02:21 ff54de17 --w KAM-CLST.PAS 1706 Implode 433 75% 11-22-89 17:26 97fe8030 --w PRM-SCRN 1796 Implode 734 60% 12-15-86 17:35 3607f576 --w QSG-SCRN 1944 Implode 531 73% 12-15-86 17:44 dcc5036f --w RST-SCRN 1864 Implode 733 61% 12-02-89 14:50 a8b364b7 --w HLP-SCRN 13849 Implode 4208 70% 11-30-89 02:08 2a14b601 --w COUNTRY.LST 16199 Implode 4312 74% 04-08-90 13:35 1b35cca5 --w KAMSETUP.PAS ------ ------ --- ------- 159298 45407 72% 24 These files are written in Turbo Pascal version 5.0 and use Topaz units sold by The Research Group 100 Valley Drive Brisbane, CA 94005 (415) 571-5019 These units are necessary to compile and link the source code. They provide the DBASE interface functions of KAM-PRG. 2.3 First-time SetUp of KAM-PRG Before executing the program, you should prepare the KAM.CFG file to be compatible with your DOS environment. Open the KAM.CFG file with your non-document editor and modify the lines as follows: PARAMETER PRESET VALUE COMMENT Xmt background ..... 1 background color for transmit Xmt foreground ..... 15 foreground color for transmit Rcv background ..... 2 background color for receive Rcv foreground ..... 14 foreground color for receive Status background .. 7 background color for status line Status foreground .. 4 foreground color for status line Prompt background .. 4 background color for data prompts Prompt foreground .. 15 foreground color for data prompts Aux background ..... 3 background color for auxiliary Aux foreground ..... 0 foreground color for auxiliary Help background .... 2 background color for help screen Help foreground .... 15 foreground color for help screen Status_line ........ 18 line # for status line position Rcv_start_line ..... 2 line # for beginning of receive Rcv_end_line ....... 17 line # for end of receive Aux_line ........... 1 line # for auxiliary status info Xmt_start_line ..... 19 line # for beginning of transmit Xmt_end_line ....... 24 line # for end of transmit Transmit port ...... 1 1 = COM1, 2 = COM2 Interface baud rate. 9600 communications rate in baud Packet MARK freq.... 2125 MARK for HF Packet/RTTY/AMTOR Packet SPACE freq... 2295 SPACE for HF Packet/RTTY/AMTOR CW Xmt WPM ......... 24 Initial CW code speed CW turn-off delay... 1 wait 1 second Xmt turn-on delay... 2 # of milliseconds between transmit Xmt turn-off delay.. 50 on/off, used by RTTY and AMTOR Time Zone ..........0 GMT = 0, etc. Initial msg file ...normal.msg ie: C:\HAM\BUFFERS\NORMAL.MSG Log Path/File.......hamlog C:\HAM\LOG\1990LOG NTS database file...HAMGRAM.DBF C:\HAM\NTS\MESSAGES HF switch char .....] Packet select character for HF/VHF VHF switch char ....[ communications (see KAM STReamsw) The KAM TNC is capable of communicating with the host computer at 9600 baud and I recommend you use that rate. The actual on-air PACKET baud will be 300 on HF and 1200 on VHF/UHF. Bit rates for RTTY and AMTOR are selectable during program operation. 2.4 Initial Set Up of KAM TNC. Turn the KAM and your computer off. Connect the two using the config- ured communications port. Connect the KAM to your HF/VHF gear in accordance with the KAM instruction manual. I recommend beginning with the VHF/UHF equipment. Then proceed to bring up the HF gear in the following modes (increasing order of complexity): CW, RTTY, PACKET, AMTOR. Turn your computer on and boot it using DOS 2.0 or later. Make sure that the KAMSETUP.EXE and KAM.CFG are both in the default directory. Execute the program KAMSETUP.EXE. The following prompt will appear: This program should only be used to initialize a factory fresh KAM, or one which as been configured to ABAUD = 0. This can occur by software reset, or internal KAM hardware reset (for example: when a ROM update has been installed. Do you wish to continue? <y/n> Press 'Y' Attempting to set KAM via com port 1 to baud rate 9600 Operation may take several seconds to finish. Press any key to abort. If the program performs correctly it will give the final message: KAM has been permanently set to 9600. and conclude. 2.4.1 Alternate Set Up Procedure Using PROCOMM, BOYAN, MIRROR or some other general purpose communica- tions program. Turn the KAM off. Bring your communications program on-line at the desired baud, for example 9600. Turn the KAM on and wait for a readable message to appear on your screen. Immediately press the asterisk '*'. The KAM will now be set to the same baud as the computer. This is only temporary however. Type the following commands into the KAM. ABAUD 9600 ( or the configured baud) PERM This sets the KAM to desired baud and makes that a permanent setting. You may reset this by using ABAUD 0, or by hardware reset (internal to the KAM). 2.5 On-Line Help. - You may obtain help on the main function key and hot-key usage by pressing <F1>. Subsequent function key or hot-key may be pressed from the help screen to immediately enter that mode or function. Chapter 3 Main Display & Operating Modes 3.1 Main Display 3.1.1 The main display consists of a transmit window, a receive window and three information bars. The default configuration for the windows and information bars is: ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Auxiliary Status Bar │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ Receive window │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Main Status Bar │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ │ │ Transmit Window │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ Program Usage Bar │ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ 3.1.2 Auxiliary Status Bar - This line is used to display auxiliary information and prompts when required. It normally shows the name of the file from and to which the one-line message buffers are read or written. (see the KAM.CFG file). When a program element requires operator input, such as the name of a file, it will usually appear in the auxiliary status bar in a unique color. 3.1.3 Receive Window - This multi-line window will contain the most recently received data. It is a true window onto a 1000 line text buffer. In the CW, AMTOR, RTTY and ASCII modes it performs word- wrapping so that the incoming text is easier to read. The entire buffer is available for review. This may be accomplished by pressing the PAGE-UP key. Note that doing so will change the Main Status Bar information. 3.1.4 Main Status Bar - The left hand portion of the main status bar always indicates the present mode of operation for both the KAM and KAM-PRG. The right hand portion of the status bar shows the present date and time properly computed to Greenwich Mean Time (if the time zone parameter is set to a non-zero value in the KAM.CFG file). The center portion of the main status bar shows information which is dependent on the KAM-PRG operating mode. In the HF/VHF PACKET mode it contains the signal 'Call:' possibly followed by a callsign. The callsign shown will be the most recently selected from the CALLSIGN list. In the CW, AMTOR, RTTY and ASCII modes the center portion will indi- cate whether the unit is RECEIVING or TRANSMITTING. Whether T/R switching is being performed automatically or manually, and a reminder that the control-T, and control-R keys are used to switch in the manual mode. 3.1.5 Transmit Window - The transmit window is a multi-line scrolla- ble area for entering transmitted text. When transmit data is taken from either external files or from one of the 10 transmit buffers it is shown sequentially in the area. During low speed transmissions, such as CW and RTTY, two cursors are maintained. The first is at the place of next character entry. The second is over the character presently being transmitted by the KAM. This allows the operator to type ahead and still be aware of the outgoing data stream. If too many lines of text are entered ahead of the transmit cursor, text will be lost off the top of the window. IT IS NOT lost to the transmit buffer stream. The transmit position cursor will disappear and then re-appear when the it reaches visible text. This will probably only be apparent when transmitting a long text file in the CW mode. 3.1.6 Program Usage Bar - A one line text area which gives the opera- tor some quick hot key information relating to the current mode of operation. Please note that this is not all inclusive and a complete set of hot key combinations is always available by pressing <F1>, the help key. 3.2 Operating Modes 3.2.1 KAM-PRG properly interfaces with the KAM in the CW, AMTOR, RTTY, ASCII, HF-PACKET, and VHF-PACKET operating modes. It provides a layer of isolation between the operator and the KAM control language. This isolation is particularly beneficial in CW, AMTOR, ASCII and RTTY modes as it allows the operator to concentrate on the QSO and not the control language. It is frustrating to have to look up a desired control language sequence in the middle of a QSO. Mode selection is make by alternate-M activation. 3.2.2 Changing Operating Mode. Press the <alternate-M> key combina- tion. This brings up a window containing a list of available modes. Select the desired mode. It may take the program a few seconds to make the transition to the new mode. This is due to clearing the KAM buffers from the previous mode. 3.2 VHF-PACKET Operation VHF-PACKET is the default mode for KAM-PRG. VHF-PACKET operation is indicated by the words "KAM PACKET" on the left hand side of the main status bar. Hot key commands which are specific to the packet mode are indicated on the program usage bar: ALT <D>is<K>onnect <L>calllist <H>f <V>hf id <Z>cmd <X>exit <F1>help The alt<K> and alt<D> commands are specific to the callsign shown in the center of the main status bar. A packet callsign must appear in that location for these commands to be effective. The alt<L> calllist command brings up a browse window access to a dbase III file containing information relevant to commonly called stations. Alt<H> and alt<V> all switching between the HF and VHF radios. Alt forces an identification packet to be immediately sent. Alt<Z> is used to return to the 'cmd:' mode when in a connect or converse mode. This key combination is used as KAM-PRG captures all control-C key sequences. Alt<X> is use to exit KAM-PRG in all modes of operation. The operator is given a second chance if the alt<X> is accidentally pressed. Function key <F1> always brings up a help screen 3.3 HF-PACKET Operation All HF packet operations are identical to VHF. 3.4 CW Operation CW Operation is indicated by the following main status bar: CW 24 xmt, 24 rcv RECEIVE MAN T/R date time The default CW wpm given in the KAM.CFG will always be the starting transmit and receive code speed. The program will begin in the re- ceive mode, and use manual switching between send and receive func- tions. In both manual and automatic mode, the operator may type into the transmit buffer as fast as convenient. If the CW wpm is set to 24 and the operator can type at 60 wpm, he or she will easily keep ahead of the outgoing code. The transmit buffer is 1024 characters long, so you do not need to worry about overflow. 3.4.1 Manual Operation The control-T key combination acts as transmit/receive toggle. Type your outgoing text into the transmit buffer. When ready to transmit, turn the transmitter on using the control-T toggle. You may pause the transmission at any time with the control-P combination. This is also a toggle. To return to transmit, press control-P a second time. If you wish to abort the transmission before the end of text is reached press the control-T combination. Notice that the character currently be transmitted is highlighted by either a reverse video or color unique cursor. You may continue to enter text while characters are being transmitted. 3.4.2 Automatic Operation Transmit/receive switching can also be made automatic. The alt<A> key combination is used as a toggle to switch between the two modes. This will be indicated by MANUAL being replace by AUTO on the main status bar. In automatic CW operation the transmitter will be turned on immediate- ly upon entering new text into the transmit buffer. It will remain on so long as new text is continued to be entered. Characters will begin to be sent immediately. The "CW turn-off delay" in the KAM.CFG file determines the time delay before inactivity returns the program to the receive mode. The default is 1 second. If you are not a power typist this may be too short. Beware that in the automatic mode you will be chased by the 'rabbit' as my friend KB2FJ likes to say. Its best to be a good typist in this mode. 3.4.3 CW Prosigns The Program Usage Bar shows the characters used for the special CW prosigns: AS % AR + BT = SK # KN ( 3.5 Radio TeleTYpe (RTTY) Operation This mode is indicated by the following on the main status bar: RTTY 45 baud, 170 shift RECEIVE MAN T/R Automatic and manual switching is possible between transmit and re- ceive and is accomplished identically the same as in the CW mode. The pause function is also available. 3.5.1 Selection of new BAUD Alternate is used to select a new BAUD from a rotating table of entries. As each new BAUD is selected it is so indicated by the entry on the main status bar. Changing BAUD may take a second or two de- pending on the state of the KAM at the time of change. 3.5.2 Selection of new SHIFT Alternate <S> is used to select a new SHIFT from a rotating table of entries. As each new SHIFT is selected it is so indicated by the entry on the main status bar. This also may take a second or two depending on the KAM state at the time of change. 3.5.3 INVERT / NORMAL Most amateur RTTY transmissions on the HF bands with the following convention: LOWER SIDEBAND SIGNAL │ │ : │ │ : │ │ : │ │ : ─────┴──────────────┴───────────────────┴────────── SPACE MARK SUPPRESSED 2295 2125 CARRIER For example, the carrier might be at 14.1000 MHz, the MARK at 14.09788 MHz and the SPACE at 14.09771 MHz. NOTE that LSB is usually used. Some stations will operate on the opposite sideband for various rea- sons, not the least of which is to avoid interference in a congested band. You may still communicate with these stations without having to switch sidebands and re-tune their signal. Alternate is used to set the KAM to the RTTY INVERT mode. MARK and SPACE signals are reversed before decoding in the KAM. The same reversal takes place on transmit. 3.5.4 Tuning in RTTY signals. If you are new to the world of RTTY you may at first find it a little difficult to get good reception. Here are some hints. o always begin with the BAUD at 45 and the SHIFT at 170 Hz, put the KAM in the NORMAL position. o tune across the incoming signal until the KAM LED bar graph shows a full deflection of the signal across the MARK and SPACE regions. o if proper decoding does not take place try toggling the INVERT/NORMAL function. o next begin increasing the BAUD one at a time, repeating the first three steps above for each selection. o finally change the SHIFT one at a time, repeating the first four steps above for each selection. You will soon learn to recognize a BAUD and SHIFT by its tuning char- acteristics and peculiar sound. It won't take long before you start 'hearing' CQs and RYs. Most RTTY operation of 40 - 10 meters is at 45 or 50 BAUD and 170 Hz SHIFT. LSB (or NORMAL) is also the most common on those bands. You will most likely hear the old 850 Hz SHIFT on the 80 meter band. It also seems that is where most of the mechanical RTTY'rs hang out. My experience on 20 meters is that most are running a computer and a TNC of some sort. 3.5.5 RTTY Courtesies You are the proud owner of a fine IBM or Clone or you wouldn't be using this program. Not all folks have your nice wide 80 character screen. There are a lot of RTTY operators (particularly overseas) that use C-64 computers with 64 character wide screens. The last character in the INVERT (or NORMAL) indicator is at the 60 character point in your text. When you reach that point, hit the ENTER key to force a CR/LF pair. That way you will keep the other OPs screen from becoming cluttered. Operate on RTTY the same way you would on CW. Give brief exchanges without a lot of flourishes. You can save some typing time by trans- mitting an ASCII file or a sequence of buffers. Use these for station data, and personal particulars. But please don't use wasteful lines of asterisks, equal signs, plus signs ad-nausium. I'm not interested in your artistic talents, I'm interested in you. Spend more time telling me about yourself, about the last good book you read, or where your going on your next vacation. Most RTTY operators send both the other and their own callsigns on every transmission. TOTALLY UNNECESSARY! The 10 minute rule applies. If you really feel that you must id. Just send the DE W1HKJ for example. That should suffice. RYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRY You may see that appear on your screen quite often. Some operators also think that looks very pretty on every transmission. I have it loaded up in one of my transmit buffers. But only send it when re- quested to do so. It's a carry over from the days when everyone used mechanical RTTY machines. Not all of the machines were synced to the same a.c. line frequency, and the RY line gave the receiving station a chance to re-sync the machine. Again in the days of computers this is not necessary. 3.6 ASCII Operation This mode is indicated by the following on the main status bar: ASCII 110 baud, 170 shift RECEIVE MAN T/R NORMAL date time All operations in this mode are the same as for RTTY. 3.7 AMTOR Operation This mode is indicated by the following on the main status bar: AMTOR Listen Only RECEIVE MAN T/R date time and the Program Usage Bar: ALT <K> call station <L> listen mode <A> A/B mode FEC mode B 3.7.1 Receiving an AMTOR CQ. With the program in the AMTOR Listen mode, tune across the band look- ing for signals in the same way your would while tuning RTTY. The AMTOR CQ signal is sent in FEC mode B. This mode is 100 BAUD and sounds much higher pitch and more continuous than RTTY. On 20 meters you will find AMTOR commonly between 14.068 and 14.080 MHz. RTTY between 14.080 and 14.100 MHz and HF PACKET between 14.100 and 14.110 MHz. The calling station will usually end the transmission by announcing the SELCAL (selective call) to be used in connecting to the station. 3.7.2 Connecting to a station calling CQ. Press the alt<K> key combination. A prompt will appear requesting the SELCAL to be use for the connect. Enter the other stations SELCAL and press ENTER. The KAM will immediately go into a calling mode. If a connect is made it will be indicated by both the CON/LOCK and the STA/VAL LEDs being lit. Your transmitter will also be rapidly switch- ing between the transmit and receive modes. You MUST HAVE A MODERN transceiver or transmitter/receiver combination to operate AMTOR. The required switching times are very short and this mode very hard on older equipment with slow relays. I operate my KENWOOD 440 in all KAM modes with not difficulty. 3.7.3 Calling CQ in AMTOR. Press the alt to put the KAM in the FEC mode B. Type several lines of CQ. I suggest the following format CQ CQ CQ CQ DE W1HKJ CQ CQ CQ DE W1HKJ (WHKJ) CQ CQ CQ CQ DE W1HKJ CQ CQ CQ DE W1HKJ (WHKJ) CQ CQ CQ CQ DE W1HKJ CQ CQ CQ DE W1HKJ (WHKJ) KKK Press alt<A> to put the KAM in the A/B mode. This is the required mode to allow another station to make the connect. 3.7.4 Reversing the connect In AMTOR the role of 'sending' and 'receiving' is made by a very simple protocol. When you are ready to turn the QSO over to the other station you do so by typing a '+?' at the end of the line. The KAM takes care of the T/R function. 3.7.5 AMTOR disconnect You may disconnect by pressing the alt<L> to put the KAM back into the listen mode. Don't do so without first indicating your intent to the other station (courtesies). It is usual for the CONNECTING station to also be the DISCONNECTING station, but it is not necessary. Chapter 4 Transmit Buffers 4.1 Ten transmit buffers are available for quick insertion into the transmit data stream. These buffers are read from and written to the file NORMAL.MSG unless otherwise configured in KAM.CFG. Function key <F5> is used for all transmit buffer maintenance. 4.2 Transmitting a buffer - Select a transmit buffer by using the alternate key combined with a number key. For example: buffer number 3 is inserted into the transmit stream by pressing alt<3>. 4.3 Viewing and Modifying Buffers - Access to the buffers is made by pressing <F5>. The transmit/receive screen is replaced by a data access screen. The ten buffers are each 80 characters long. Each buffer is accessed by using the up and down arrow keys. The buffer which can be modified is highlighted. You can type into the buffer using wordstar entry keys. Press <ESC> to return to the transmit/receive screen. 4.4 Saving the Buffers - Press alt<F5> to save the buffers to a file. You will be prompted for the filename. The default will be that given in the KAM.CFG file. 4.5 Reading a Buffer File - Press shift<F5> to read a new buffer file. You will be prompted for the filename. The default will be that given in the KAM.CFG file. 4.6 Modifying the buffer file directly - Each buffer file is a simple text file containing ten lines where each line does not exceed 80 characters. You may modify the file using a text editor. Make sure that the editor treats the file as a non-document. Chapter 5 File Transmission 5.1 Plaintext (ASCII) files can be transmitted in any mode. The file to be transmitted is opened by pressing function key <F7>. You will be prompted for a filename. Use this method to transmit station information or other data that is too large to fit into the transmit buffers areas. Chapter 6 Receive Buffer 6.1 The receive buffer in KAM-CFG consists of 1000 lines of 80 char- acters each. The receive window only shows the last several lines in the buffer. Access to the entire receive buffer can be made by press- ing the Page-Up key at any time. The receive window will then show the receive buffer beginning with the first line of text received. Movement through the buffer is made with the up and down arrow keys. When you are finished press <ESC> to return to the normal transmit/receive screen. 6.2 Saving the Receive Buffer - Function key <F6> is used to save the receive buffer. You will be prompted for a filename with a default given. Chapter 7 Data Base Use 7.1 KAM-PRG uses and maintains three distinct data base files: DEFAULT NAME USE HAMLOG.DBF DBASE-III compatible file provides full log keep- ing functions using a pop up menu. HAMGRAM.DBF DBASE-III compatible file containing a complete message generation and storage system. COUNTRY.LST ASCII text file containing cross reference data of Prefix to Country. Much faster than using the callsign book. 7.2 LOG BOOK DATA FILE HAMLOG.DBF is the default log book file. You may alter the log name in the KAM.CFG configuration file. This file is a DBASE-III compati- ble file containing the following data dictionary: FIELD NAME TYPE SIZE CALLSIGN CHAR 9 NAME CHAR 10 DATE DATE 10 TIME CHAR 5 FREQ NUMBER 10:5 POWER NUMBER 4 MODE CHAR 3 RST_OUT CHAR 3 RST_IN CHAR 3 COMMENT CHAR 30 QSL_SENT DATE 10 QSL_RCVD DATE 10 7.2.1 HAMLOG INDEX FILES - Two index files are maintained by the logging procedures. A DATE-TIME index and a CALLSIGN index. These index files are NOT Dbase compatible. If you modify (add, delete, or sort) the HAMLOG.DBF file using DBASE, FOXBASE or some other general purpose data base program the INDEX files will be corrupted. The index files have the filename HAMLOG.DTM and HAMLOG.CLL. If the index files become corrupt - DELETE the files at the DOS prompt. The pro- gram will automatically rebuild the index files the next time you run it. 7.2.2 Accessing the Data Base - Function key <F10> will bring up a pop-up window over the lower half of the screen. The form shown is : ┌┤Index [ callsign ] ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │Record # of File Last Update : │ ├─────────────────┬───────────────────┬─────────────────┬─────────────────┤ │Callsign │Name │Date │Time │ ├─────────────────┼───────────────────┼─────────────────┼─────────────────┤ │Freq │Power |Mode │RSTout │RSTin │ ├─────────────────┴───────────────────┼─────────────────┼─────────────────┤ │Comment │QSLsent │QSLrcvd │ ├─────────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────┴─────────────────┤ │Next Prev Top bOttom Go Find Edit Add Del Browse paCk Index Quit │ └┤<F1> = Help├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ 7.2.3 A new database will always be initialized with a blank record as the first record. To record your first log entry use the EDIT function. For subsequent records use the ADD function. Context sensitive help is available by pressing <F1>. If you are at the initial data base form the help will describe each of the available functions. If you are in the middle of making a field entry, the help will describe the keystrokes for inserting text, deleting text, over- laying text, etc. 7.2.4 Pressing for index will toggle the index between callsign and date-time. The date-time is the default index and the last entry in the log book will be the one shown on initial entry via <F10>. 7.2.5 The <F>ind function performs the search based on the index selected. I usually use this to find a previously worked callsign. My log now has over 2000 entries covering a period of three years. Finding a previously worked station is instantaneous! 7.2.6 rowsing through the database. Press to bring up a browse window in the upper half of the screen. Use the up and down arrow; or Page-Up / Page-Down keys to move through the data base. When a desired entry is highlighted press <ESC>. The highlighted entry will now be the one which appears in the data base entry form. 7.2.7 Return to the main transmit/receive screen by pressing <Q>uit. 7.3 NTS MESSAGE DATA FILE 7.3.1 KAM-PRG maintains a data base of NTS messages which have been transmitted. These messages are in a DBASE-III compatible file with the following data dictionary: DATA FIELD TYPE SIZE MSG_NBR C 4 PRECEDENCE C 1 HANDLING C 1 HANDL_EXT C 5 STATION C 10 ORIGIN C 15 FILE_TIME C 4 FILE_MONTH C 3 FILE_DAY C 2 ADDRESSEE C 25 ADDR1 C 25 ADDR2 C 25 CITY C 25 STATE C 2 ZIP C 5 PHONE C 13 TEXT_1 C 65 TEXT_2 C 65 TEXT_3 C 65 TEXT_4 C 65 TEXT_6 C 65 SIGN C 25 SIGN_ADR1 C 25 SIGN_ADR2 C 25 SIGN_CITY C 25 SIGN_ST C 2 SIGN_ZIP C 5 SIGN_PHN C 13 7.3 NTS Data Base Access - Press the hot key alt<N> to access the NTS data base. The transmit/receive screen will be replaced with a data entry form which relates directly to the NTS message format. The last message sent (or a blank message for a new data base) will be in the fields. 7.3.1 Data entry and movement through the data base is very similar to making log book entries. The main difference is that prompts and selectable data entries are provided. The casual preparation of an NTS message does not require much of a learning curve. The word count is performed automatically. 7.3.2 Data Entry Format: ┌─┤ 1 of 1 ├──┤HAMGRAM.DBF├─┤04/14/90├───────────────────────────┐ │ Nbr P Handling Inst OrigSta Place of Origin Time Mon Day │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ HX │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ To: Phone # │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ From: Phone # │ │ │ │ ┌──────────────────────┤ │ │Word Count : │ └──────────────────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────┘ N)ext P)rev T)op b(O)t G)o S)rch E)dit A)dd D)el B)row Pa(C)k W)rite Q)uit <F1> for HELP 7.3.3 Writing the message to an ASCII file. Pressing the <W> select key will write the message in NTS format to a file name MSGnnnnn where nnnnn is the assigned message number in the data entry form. 7.3.4 Return to the transmit receive screen by pressing <Q> for quit. 7.3.5 The file MSGnnnnn may now be sent as a plain text file trans- mission. 7.4 COUNTRY LIST 7.4.1 The file COUNTRY.LST is an ASCII file with the following format: PREFIX COUNTRY AA-AL.......United States of America AP..........................Pakistan A2..........................Botswana A3.............................Tonga A4..............................Oman where each line may contain no more that 36 characters. 7.4.2 Accessing Prefix/Country list - Press function key <F9> to bring up a pop-up scrollable window of the prefix to country list. 7.4.3 Quick location of a prefix can be obtained by pressing the first letter of the prefix. 7.4.4 The file can be maintained using a non-document editor. Be certain to observe the limitation of 36 characters per line. You should also maintain the alpha-numeric sort of entries. Adding or deleting lines will not effect the <F9> operation. Chapter 8 Capturing Incoming Text 8.1 Two methods are available for capturing incoming text. The receive buffer may be saved to a text file as previously described. The incoming text may also be sent to a file as it arrives. This is accomplished by pressing alt<C>. You will be prompted to enter the name of the capture file. 8.2 Incoming text will continue to be sent to the named file until the next alt<C> is pressed. The file will be closed. This is particular- ly useful for downloading files or messages from a PBBS. Chapter 9 Modifying Program Parameters 9.1 All of the parameters contained in the KAM.CFG file may be set from within the KAM program. Press alt to obtain a full screen window on the configurable parameters. The use of the parameter modification screen should be self-explanatory. 9.2 After setting the parameters you will be prompted to save the new parameters to a new file, the default file, or not at all.