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1997-02-01
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PACKWIN.EXE v1.2, 03/25/86
Packet Radio TNC Control Software
Copyright (c) Charles Stampf, 1986
PACKWIN evolved as a result of a need for a simple yet functional
program to interface between my computer, and my TNC (Terminal Node
Controller). As I surveyed the situation, I began to realize that
there was no single software product that was fun, fast and
uncomplicated to use.
I plan to add several other more powerful functions to this
package as time goes by and hope to receive your input and
suggestions. It seems that, at present, there is no standard or
agreed upon protocol for binary file transfer. However the next level
of this program will contain some type of simple yet effective binary
file transfer routine.
PACKWIN was written to operate on an IBM PC or a close compatible
with at least 128k available RAM. It has been tested using the TAPR
1, TAPR 2 and GLB PK-1 TNC's. Hardware handshaking between the
terminal and TNC has been implemented, as a result it is expected that
more than the "3 wire hook-up" be used at the Async port. A short
discussion of this requirement follows later on in this documentation.
PACKWIN is a compiled BASIC program making extensive use of
ASSEMBLER calls. Windows are used to provide an uncluttered area to
enter data and select program functions. The screen is usually
restored to the state prior to activating a window so that continuity
and data flow is not lost.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:
An IBM PC or close compatible, 128k RAM, ASYNC port, graphics
display (preferred) and, a TNC compatible to those mentioned above is
all that is required.
TAPR and GLB PK-1 are capable of hardware handshaking to prevent
buffer overflow during data transfer. Both TNC's use the CTS signal
to indicate when they are ready to receive data. PACKWIN uses this
signal to avoid sending data to an unwilling TNC. This signal is
located at pin number 5 on your RS-232 connector and must be
functional for the proper operation of PACKWIN.
TAPR 1, PK-1 and TAPR 2 use different signals to determine the status
of the terminal (whether or not the computer is ready for data). TAPR
2 uses the signal DTR (pin 20, RS-232) whereas TAPR 1 and PK-1 use RTS
(pin 4, RS-232). You should be sure that your configuration conforms
to these parameters. PACKWIN will handle either of these conventions.
OPERATION:
Turn on your TNC and invoke PACKWIN from the DOS prompt by typing
'PACKWIN'. You will shortly see the sign-on message followed by the
HELP menu. The HELP menu lists the available function keys and their
PACKWIN - TNC Control Software
operation. In addition, the communication port data and the states of
three toggles are presented. You are shown which port you are using,
the present baud rate and word length. The ECHO, PRINTER and ASCII
SAVE status are also displayed. These features are toggles, that is,
they can be turned on and off using the same function key. The
default communications parameters are set to COMM2, 9600 baud, 8 bit
word NO parity. They can be changed as described below.
FUNCTION KEYS:
F1 Displays the HELP menu.
F2 LOG drive. Allows changing the currently logged drive. Enter
your new drive letter (A - F). The program responds with the new
logged drive and gives available free space.
F3 Change SUBDIR. Allows you to change the currently logged sub-
directory. Enter the name of the new sub-directory preceded by
'\'; ie.'\newdir'(without the quotes). Press ENTER without an
argument to exit without any changes.
F4 Change COMM parameters. Enter the desired parameters as they are
presented. The present and new configuration are given. Press
ENTER at the COMM port menu without an argument to exit without
any changes.
F5 Immediately CLEARS the screen.
F6 ECHO toggle. Allows local echo to the screen. Pressing F6
alternately turns echo on/off. If you are getting double
characters on the screen when you type, either turn echo off at
your TNC or press F6.
F7 File VIEW. Allows you to view an ASCII file stored on disk.
Enter a valid filespec and press enter. PACKWIN responds with
the file length and creation date and displays several lines of
the file. To continue viewing simply press 'C' until the file is
complete. To discontinue viewing just press ENTER.
F8 Gives directory of currently logged disk and sub-directory.
F9 ASCII Receive. To store received data to disk press F9 and
supply PACKWIN with a valid file name. PACKWIN will store all
subsequent data received to the file. To stop saving data just
press F9 again. A message will be printed to the screen
indicating that the function has completed. In addition, the
status of this function is displayed on the HELP menu.
F10 Xmit ASCII. To transmit an ASCII file, you should first place
your TNC in the TRANSPARENT mode (MX/E on the PK-1, or TRANS on
TAPR). Then press F10. Supply a valid file name to transmit.
PACKWIN will open the file and get ready to transmit. When the
other station is ready to receive your file press 'T' to begin
transmission. PACKWIN will begin sending the file, stopping if
required, to honor a handshaking request (BUFFER FULL). You will
see the file displayed on the screen as it is being loaded to the
TNC's buffer. When the entire file is sent to the TNC you will
PACKWIN - TNC Control Software
be returned to the receive mode. It may take a while for your
TNC to 'catch up' as the buffer is emptied. You may then return
to conversational mode or continue in transparent. Pressing
ENTER without an argument at the file name prompt will exit this
routine.
Alt F1 EXIT the program. Answering 'Y' to the prompt will exit
PACKWIN. All files and devices are closed and a graceful exit to
DOS is performed.
Alt F2 PRINTER toggle. Pressing Alt-F2 will toggle printer echo.
Useful for capturing received data without saving it to a file.
Most functions can be terminated at their first menu prompt by
simply pressing ENTER.
A primitive error reporting method will display any errors that
PACKWIN cannot handle. The line and error number will be shown before
exiting to DOS. Please include this info when writing to me.
I am distributing PACKWIN via the "FREEWARE" concept. to prove
that the AMATEUR Radio community will support this method of program
development. If you feel that PACKWIN is of use to you and if you
would like to receive the latest version, one that allows BINARY file
transfer and customized COMM port parameters please consider the
donation of $15.00 to my efforts. Send me your COMM port requirements
and a blank diskette and when it is completed I will return the latest
version of PACKWIN.
Thanks to Thomas Hanlin III for his ADVBAS.LIB collection of
BASIC compiler subroutines and to Dave Evers for his ideas on pop-up
windows.
Send any error indications and or suggestions. I will attempt to
correct all errors an promise to review any and all suggestions.
73, Gud Luck
Charlie Stampf, N2CJ
Bloomer Rd.
LaGrangeville NY 12540
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY:
I, Charles Stampf, as author of the PACKWIN.EXE software contained in
this package, hereby disclaim all responsibility for any consequence
arising out of the use, misuse, or non-use of any of the material
included herein.