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░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓ ░▓░▓ ░▓ ░▓░▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓▓ ░▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ░▓ ░▓▓ ░▓ ░▓ ░░ ░░ ░░ ░░ ░░░ ░░ ░░░░░░░░░ ░░ ░░░ ░░ ░░ Version 2.3A June 19, 1990 Written by Dick Lichtel,KD4JP PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:1 1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 What is PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Program Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Getting the PAKRATT-232 ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The How, What and Disclaimers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Shareware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.1 Program Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Running off a Floppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Running off a Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 What File Does What . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Modifying the DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT Files . . . . . . . 8 Directory Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 PAKRATT-232 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Printing to a File or Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.1 Running PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 PAKTERM Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Choosing A COM Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 COM Port Caveats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Modifying the .CFG File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Up And Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Initializing the PAKRATT-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Handling Initialization Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.1 Using a Mouse With PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Which Mouse Button Does What ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 What If I Haven't Got a Mouse ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 5.1 Configuring PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Configuring The PAKRATT For the 1st Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Obtaining Help For The Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . 13 The 1st Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Changing the Parameters' Default . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The 2nd Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The 3rd Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The 4th Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 6.1 The Files Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Saving Your Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Saving the Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Reloading the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Loading The Parameters' Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Setting the Default Parameter Filename . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Saving the Keyboard Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Specifying a Text Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Specifying a FAX Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Specifying an External File Transfer Program . . . . . . . . . . 20 7.1 Line Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 8.1 The Communications Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:2 Changing the Screen Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Changing PAKTERM's Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 9.1 Operating With PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 More About the 24 Hour Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SIAM Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Function Key Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 General Operating Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Changing Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Command Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Transmit and Receive Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Data Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Sending a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Scroll Back Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Defining Macro Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Obtaining Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Keyboard Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 10.1 Packet Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Normal Packet Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Packet PakMail Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 External File Transfer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 11.1 AMTOR Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 12.1 BAUDOT/ASCII Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 13.1 Morse Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 14.1 FAX Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 15.1 Dumb Terminal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 16.1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Message and Note Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Viewing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Editing a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Shelling to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 17.1 QSO Log Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Adding a QSO to the Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Editing A QSO Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Search The QSO File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Specifying Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Searching For a QSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Printing an Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Deleting an Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Clearing the Search Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Default Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Changing Your Default Station Information . . . . . . 50 Specifying the Log and QSO Default File . . . . . . . 50 Changing the Line Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Clearing the QSO Entry Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Getting Help While in the QSO Log Facility . . . . . . . . . . . 51 PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:3 The MiniLog Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 18.1 OS/2 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 19.1 Future Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 20.1 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 21.1 Link Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 22.1 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 List of Packet Status Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 23.1 PAKTERM Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:4 1.1 Introduction * What is PAKTERM ? PAKTERM is a terminal program designed for AEA's PAKRATT-232 (Tm). PAKTERM requires an IBM PC or clone with at least 256K of memory, a monochrome or color adapter, and a serial port. You must be running MSDOS 3.0 or later. PAKTERM also runs under OS/2 in the DOS compatibility box. PAKTERM supports communications ports 1 through 4. PAKTERM can take advantage of the 43 line mode of an EGA or VGA adapter, allowing for more information to be displayed on the screen. PAKTERM also supports a Microsoft (c) compatible mouse. Why use PAKTERM ? PAKTERM operates the PAKRATT-232 in host mode to provide a more effective means of communication between the host computer and the PAKRATT. PAKTERM is a window oriented program; the Operating Screen is broken up into 3 different windows. Data that is received is shown in the Receive Window. Below the Receive Window is the Transmit Window where the characters you type are displayed. The bottom window, the Status Window, keeps track of the condition of the data link. Most of the PAKRATT's immediate commands have been assigned to function keys. The function keys have been assigned various responsibilities depending upon the operating mode (e.g Packet, AMTOR ). This feature allows you to make, say an FEC call, with one touch of a function key. PAKTERM also features keyboard macros. Keyboard macros are text strings that are assigned to a particular keystroke and are sent when that keystroke is typed. For example, the message "CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ DE KD4JP" can be sent with a keystroke like ALT-1. Most all that can be done with the keyboard can also be done with a mouse. The mouse makes it easier to navigate around PAKTERM's menu system. There are 4 different setup screens which allow you to set the multitude of parameters without having to remember the proper syntax of each of the commands. The default values for these parameters are stored in a file so the PAKRATT-232 can be initialized to your specific configuration each time PAKTERM is run. Different parameter files can be created allowing for different operating modes or conditions using a different set of parameters. PAKTERM also allows files to be sent (uploaded) to other stations and information being received to be saved to a file (captured). PAKTERM has note files. which can be used to store operating frequencies, names, calls, or whatever. The files can be viewed while operating. PAKTERM also has message files to store text that is frequently transmitted. Files can be viewed or edited from within PAKTERM. PAKTERM does not have its own editor but instead allows you to specify your own favorite editor to edit files. PAKTERM's file viewing function allows you to view files while operating. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:5 PAKTERM also has a 900 line scroll back buffer. You can page up and down within this buffer as well as search for specific text strings contained in the buffer. This size of the buffer is adjustable. PAKTERM also supports the PakMail feature of the PAKRATT-232MBX. PAKTERM can save and restore those mail messages stored in the PAKRATT. With this feature enabled, PakMail messages will not be lost when powering down the PAKRATT-232 or leaving PAKTERM. PAKTERM has it's own QSO Log routine. Actually, PAKTERM has 2 Log routines. The first is the MiniLog facility which allows you to enter QSOs from the Operating Screen. The other is a full featured QSO Log routine. Both routines feature the ability to search through your Log to find a QSO based upon certain keywords. Both routines also provide a means to automatically insert the date and time as well as you station equipment in to the Log. The QSO Log routine will also print out any QSO Log entry in either a QSL or standard format. Multiple QSO Log files are also supported. PAKTERM allows you to call AEA's program PKFAX from within PAKTERM and call an external program such as YAPP to handle binary file transfers * Program Requirements This manual assumes a working knowledge of the PAKRATT-232 and its commands as well as Microsoft's DOS 3.x. DOS 3.x is required because previous versions of DOS do not allow the size of the DOS environment table to be changed. PAKTERM uses the environment table to specify the time zone information. If you use the DOS environment to specify a long PATH string and/or use the DOS environment to set other information, the environment may not be large enough to handle the extra information PAKTERM requires. The default size of the DOS environment is 128 bytes. Changing the size of the environment will be discussed in Section 2.1. PAKTERM uses the DOS EXEC and SHELL functions. These functions do not always work properly in DOS 2.1 because of a bug in DOS. This does not mean PAKTERM will not run, but the potential for the system to crash is there. This bug has been fixed in later versions of DOS. PAKTERM will run with a minimum of 256K of RAM. More memory may be require if your editor has significant memory requirements or to execute PKFAX. PAKTERM will execute PKFAX without any problems with 640K of memory. PAKTERM supports the latest ROM revisions (Oct 89) to the PAKRATT-232, including the PakMail features. If you have an older version of the ROM set, some features of PAKTERM will not work with your PAKRATT-232. This is not a catastrophic problem but PAKTERM will report an "Unknown Command" error if you attempt to use a command or set a parameter not supported by your PAKRATT-232. * Getting the PAKRATT-232 ready The batteries in the PAKRATT-232 should be removed. PAKTERM saves all the default parameters in a file and will initialize the PAKRATT-232 each PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:6 time it is run so the batteries are not really necessary. If you decide to leave the batteries in, you should RESET the PAKRATT before running PAKTERM for the 1st time. * The How, What and Disclaimers PAKTERM was written using Microsoft Quick C 2.0, Microsoft C 6.0 and the Microsoft Macro Assembler 5.1. This manual was written using WordPerfect 5.1. As for the usual disclaimers, no warranty is implied or expressed. Nor am I responsible for the loss of wages , damage to equipment, or divorces from the use of this program. The purpose for writing this program was to create a program that overcame some of the annoying features of other programs as well as the challenge of doing so. * Shareware There are two versions of PAKTERM, one version is Shareware, the other is not. The Shareware version does not have the QSO Log routines, the MiniLog routine, support external programs like FAX, or support saving and restoring PakMail messages to disk. The Shareware version states that it is Shareware along with the version number and the revision date in the opening screen. The Shareware version can be distributed freely as long as none of the files are modified and the executable, document, and help database files are included. The Product version simply states the version number and the revision date. The Product version is obtained only by registering with me. Registering keeps you up to date with the latest version of PAKTERM. You will automatically be notified on any changes to the program and of any upgrades. You will also receive a new version of PAKTERM if you find any bugs in the program. 2.1 Program Setup * Running off a Floppy To install PAKTERM on a floppy simply copy the following files to a formatted floppy: PAKTERM.EXE (the main program) HELP.FIL (datafile used to create the helpfile for PAKTERM) Keep the original files in a safe place. * Running off a Hard Disk To install PAKTERM on a hard disk, first create a subdirectory called PAKTERM. (The directory can actually be called anything you want). Move to the subdirectory you created using the CHDIR command (e.g. CHDIR \PAKTERM). Now copy the files from the PAKTERM disk. (e.g copy a:\*.*). PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:7 * What File Does What PAKTERM will later create the following files: PKDEF_.CFG (Configuration File) PKDEF_.DEF (Default Parameter File) PKMES.1 thru PKMES.5 (Message Files) PK.MAC (Default Macro File) PK.LOG (Default Capture File) PKNOTE.1 & PKNOTE.2 (Note Files) PKHELP.1 (Help File) PKMAIL.MES (PakMail File) QSO.LOG (Default QSO Print Out file) PKCALL.DEF (Default Station Information) PKCALL.DAT (Default QSO Database File) After PAKTERM has been run, you can delete the file HELP.FIL ONLY IF you have a backup of HELP.FIL. PAKTERM uses this file to generate PKHELP.1. PAKTERM will create PKHELP.1 if it does not exist. Always delete PKHELP.1 when copying PAKTERM to another drive and allow PAKTERM to generate it from HELP.FIL. Neither file should be edited as doing so may cause PAKTERM to incorrectly read the files. * Modifying the DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT Files You also need to change or create the file CONFIG.SYS. Your CONFIG.SYS file should contain the following statements: BUFFERS=30 (if you don't have a hard disk set BUFFERS=3) FILES=15 If you get the DOS error, out of environment space, add the line: SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /P /E:256 to your CONFIG.SYS file. You must have DOS 3.x to use the /E switch on the SHELL command. See your DOS manual for more information. Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file also needs to be changed. Add the line: SET TZ=EST5EDT This sets the time zone information to Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours behind UTC and Daylight Savings Time is used in the area. If you live in California, then SET TZ=PST8PDT. If your area does not use daylight saving at, all leave off the EDT (i.e. SET TZ=EST5). If your area does use Daylight Savings even though it is not in effect presently, EDT MUST be PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:8 specified. Remember to set the date and time on your computer before running PAKTERM ! If you have DOS 3.3 or later, you should install the FASTOPEN utility, especially if you make use of the QSO Log facility. If you have a disk cache utility, you should also install it. * Directory Assistance The file PKHELP.1 must be on the same drive and in the same subdirectory as PAKTERM. The files, PKDEF_.DEF and PKDEF_.CFG, which PAKTERM creates, must also in the same place as PAKTERM. HELP.FIL must also be in the same directory as PAKTERM. PAKTERM uses this file to create PKHELP.1. * PAKRATT-232 Preparation Before running PAKTERM for the first time, turn the PAKRATT-232 off. Wait a few seconds before turning it back on to be sure the PAKRATT-232 has been reset. If the batteries in the PAKRATT-232 were not removed, PAKTERM may not be able to initialize the PAKRATT-232 (The TBAUD parameter must be set to 9600 if you don't reset the PAKRATT). You should always power up your PAKRATT-232 AFTER you boot up your computer, but before running PAKTERM. This completes the setup operation. * Printing to a File or Printer To DOS, the printer is just another file. When you are prompted by PAKTERM for a filename to store data, you can redirect the output to the printer. Specifying PRN or LPT1 will redirect the data to the printer. PRN is short for the default printer and LPT1 is short for printer port 1. 3.1 Running PAKTERM * PAKTERM Options To execute PAKTERM, first move to the drive and directory where PAKTERM resides then type PAKTERM. PAKTERM has three options available; the -H, -M and -N switches. The proper format is: PAKTERM [-H] [-M or -N] The -H switch puts the screen in 43 line mode. This only works with an EGA or VGA adapter. The default is 25 rows. The [] around the -H switch means the -H is optional. Do not type the [] on the command line or PAKTERM will not recognize the -H option. The -M switch enables the saving and restoring of PakMail Messages. The file PKMAIL.MES will be read if found and the messages stored in this file will be restored to the PAKRATT-232. When exiting PAKTERM, PakMail Messages will also be stored in this file. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:9 The -N switch disables the saving and restoring of PakMail Messages. The -N and -M switches should not be used together. If both -N and -M are specified, the switch which is last on the command line will take precedence. The -N and -M switches override PAKTERM's default settings for the restoration of PakMail Messages. The saving and restoration of PakMail Messages is discussed in Section 8.1. * Choosing A COM Port When first run, PAKTERM will prompt for a communications port #. Move the cursor to the proper communications port and press RETURN. Only Com Ports 1 - 4 are supported presently. If you have a mouse, the mouse cursor will be shown. Click the left button on the proper communications port # that is to be used. ╔═ Enter Com Port # ═╗ ║COM Port 1 ║ ║COM Port 2 ║ ║COM Port 3 ║ ║COM Port 4 ║ ╚═════════════════════╝ PAKTERM then creates a file called PKDEF_.CFG in which the configuration information is saved. Once created, these values will be read in by PAKTERM from this file each time PAKTERM is run. You will be prompted for the communications port information only if the file PKDEF_.CFG does not exist. The information stored in PKDEF_.CFG ranges from the screen colors for the various types of menus to the communications port information. The names of the default text editor, FAX program, and external file transfer program are also stored in this file. * COM Port Caveats COM ports can be different things to different people, and usually different things to different machines. Especially when dealing with COM3 and COM4. These ports have different addresses depending upon the board used. The PAKTERM defaults for the COM ports are as follows: Port IRQ Port Address COM1 4 3F8 COM2 3 2F8 COM3 4 3E8 COM4 3 2E8 IRQ is the hardware interrupt line used, and the port address is the physical address of the port. Some COM boards use port addresses 3F8 and 2F8 for COM3 and COM4 respectively but use IRQ 5 instead. I have noticed this on AT type COM boards. If you are confused, check your COM board documentation. If you find that the defaults for COM3 or COM4 won't work as they are described above and insist on using COM3 or COM4, you can edit the file PKDEF_.CFG and change the port address and IRQ. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:10 * Modifying the .CFG File It is possible to edit the .CFG to make PAKTERM run with your serial port. This is not a trivial task and should not be undertaken by the faint of heart. The .CFG must be edited with an editor that will not insert <CR><LF>s in to the file. The 9th number in the .CFG is the IRQ interrupt. That number will be set to either 3 or 4. The next 21 numbers are the colors for the various menus and screens. The next number is used by the QSO Log routine. Next should be the filename of the Parameter Default file. The next number (shown in hex) will be the port address. Be sure you know what you are doing, or PAKTERM won't run. If all else fails, delete the .CFG and re-run PAKTERM. If you are still confused, your best bet is to use COM1 or COM2. * Up And Running After the communications port is chosen, PAKTERM will display the PAKTERM logo and introduction. To initiate communications with the PAKRATT-232 press any key. Initially, the baud rate will be set to 9600 baud. You can change the baud rate from within PAKTERM. If the PAKRATT has been previously powered on, PAKRATT will abort if the baud rate of the PAKRATT-232 does not match what the default is for PAKTERM. * Initializing the PAKRATT-232 PAKTERM will initialize the PAKRATT-232's parameters using the values stored in the file PKDEF_.DEF. These parameters can be changed later on from the Setup Screens. A window will appear on the screen and the PAKRATT's parameters are shown in the window as they are initialized. ╔═ Initializing PK-232 ══╗ ║8BITCONV ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ * Handling Initialization Error Messages Since some parameters such as SELCAL & MYCALL may have not yet been set, an Error Message will be displayed saying so. ╔══════ Error ══════════════╗ ║Call Sign ║ ╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝ ╔═ Initializing PK-232 ══╗ ║MYSEL ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ Simply hit a key to continue initializing the PAKRATT-232. This Error Window may pop up at other times when the PAKRATT-232 receives bad data or an Unknown Command from PAKTERM. Unknown Command errors can result when using older versions of ROMS in your PAKRATT-232. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:11 After you leave PAKTERM, you need not turn off the PAKRATT-232. If you decide to run PAKTERM again PAKTERM will attempt to establish communications with the PAKRATT using the default baud rate. PAKTERM will again initialize all the parameters as they have been stored in the file PKDEF_.DEF. If you have changed the PAKRATT's TBAUD parameter and not saved the new baud rate to the configuration file, you will have to power off the PAKRATT. 4.1 Using a Mouse With PAKTERM As mentioned, PAKTERM can utilize a Microsoft compatible mouse. The mouse can be used to select items from menus or change the state of parameters in the setup screens. * Which Mouse Button Does What ? A word about mouse operation is necessary before we proceed. When mouse operation is supported, the mouse cursor will be displayed. The left mouse button is used to select items from in a menu or screen. The right button is used to call the Help routine. When selecting an item from a menu, click the left button on the desired menu item. The last item on most all menus allows you to exit the menu. The mouse also comes in handy when an Error Window appears. By clicking the left button on the message at the bottom of the window, the window will close and you can continue. This is also true of the Help Windows. A typical Error Window will look like this: ╔══════ Error ══════════════╗ ║Unknown Command ║ ╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝ Clicking the left bottom on the message "Hit Any Key to Continue" will cause the window to disappear and allow the program to continue. The right button is used exclusively to display a Help Screen. The right button is only active in the Operating Screens and the Setup Screens. The right mouse button mimics the ALT-H keystroke which also brings up the Help Screen. The left mouse button is also used to move the cursor around the Setup Screens and to toggle certain parameters in the screens. Parameters which accept ON and OFF as their values can be toggled back and forth using the left button. Other parameters such as RBAUD can be cycled through the possible values by clicking the left button on the parameter's argument. * What If I Haven't Got a Mouse ? If you don't have a mouse, don't panic. The cursor can be moved about the menus using the cursor keys and when the cursor is over the proper menu item, press RETURN. Pop-up windows also look for a key to be pressed to close them. The window will tell you what key you need to press. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:12 5.1 Configuring PAKTERM PAKTERM allows you to configure the PAKRATT-232 and PAKTERM itself according to the way you like to operate. Both the configuration of PAKTERM and the PAKRATT can be stored to disk and will be read when PAKTERM is run again. * Configuring The PAKRATT For the 1st Time Once the communications port information has been entered and the default parameters sent to the PAKRATT, another menu will be displayed; ╔═══════════════════════════════╗ ║SETUP Default Parameters ║ ║FILES Menu ║ ║Set Colors ║ ║Return to Communications Menu ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════╝ This menu is only shown when PAKTERM is run for the 1st time or if the .DEF file has been deleted. Move the cursor to the menu item desired and press RETURN or position the mouse cursor and click the left button. The Setup Screens allow you to change the various PAKRATT-232 parameters. The FILES Menu allows you to save the values of the parameters; specify a new filename to store the parameters; save the present PAKTERM configuration and save the macro key definitions. All this will be discussed in the next couple of sections. The Set Colors Menu item allows you to change the colors of the various menus and screens. Changing the screen colors will be discussed in section 8.1. The last item, "Return to Communications Menu" will bring you into the Communications Menu where you can choose the operating mode. You can also call these menus from the Communications Menu. * Setup Screens The Setup Screens allows you to change the various PAKRATT-232 parameters. Move the cursor to SETUP and press the RETURN key to display the Setup Screens. PAKTERM can display a brief Help message explaining each parameter in the Setup Screen but the PAKRATT-232 manual is still the definitive source. The Setup Screens are composed of 4 different screens. The 1st contains the parameters specific to Packet operation. The 2nd screen contains the parameters for BAUDOT, ASCII, AMTOR and Morse operation. The 3rd screen contains keystroke definitions specific to the PAKRATT-232, such as SENDPAC. This screen contains the FAX, NAVTEX, and TDM parameters. The last screen shows the parameters which accept long text strings or multiple call signs such as UNPROTO, MBX, and MFROM. * Obtaining Help For The Setup Screen PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:13 To display a Help Screen for any of the parameters shown in the Setup Screens, place the cursor over the parameter and press ALT-H. A Help Screen will be displayed explaining the parameter. To exit the Help Screen press ESC. If you have a mouse, position the mouse cursor over the parameter and click the right mouse button. To exit the Help Screen, click the left button over the message in the bottom border of the window. * The 1st Setup Screen The 1st Setup Screen will look something like this: ╔══════════════ Packet Setup Screen ════════ ALT-H:Help ════════════╗ ║ 3RDPARTY OFF 8BITCONV ON ACKPRIOR OFF AUDELAY 000 ║ ║ ALFPACK OFF AX25L2V2 ON AXDELAY OFF AXHANG 00 ║ ║ BBSMSGS OFF CASEDISP 0 CHECK 030 CHCALL OFF ║ ║ CMDTIME 001 CMSG OFF CBELL OFF CONSTAMP ON ║ ║ CPACTIME OFF DAYSTAMP OFF DWAIT 016 FRACK 04 ║ ║ FULLDUP OFF HBAUD 300 HEADERLN ON HID OFF ║ ║ ILFPACK OFF MAILDROP OFF MAXFRAME 4 MBELL OFF ║ ║ MCON 0 MDIGI OFF MDMON OFF MID 000 ║ ║ MONITOR 4 MPROTO OFF MRPT ON MSTAMP ON ║ ║ MYA KD4JP MYC KD4JP PACLEN 128 PASSALL OFF ║ ║ PERSIST 063 PPERSIST ON RELINK OFF RESPTIME 010 ║ ║ RETRY 10 SLOTTIME 010 SQUELCH OFF TRACE OFF ║ ║ TRIES 00 TXDELAY 045 USERS 01 VHF OFF ║ ║ WHYNOT OFF XMITOK ON ║ ║ BEACON [EVERY] Interval[000] PACTIME [AFTER] Interval[010] ║ ║ MFILTER [07],[13],[00],[00] ║ ╚═══════════════════════════ ESC to Continue ═══════════════════════╝ * Changing the Parameters' Default Certain parameters require different types of inputs. For parameters which accept a number or a text string, move the cursor to the parameter value and type the number or text string. MYC or DWAIT are examples of such parameters. For parameters which toggle between ON and OFF, move the cursor to the parameter value and press RETURN. WHYNOT and VHF are examples of such parameters. The parameters HBAUD, RBAUD and ABAUD will cycle through the possible baud rates each time the RETURN key is pressed. If you have a mouse, move the mouse cursor to the applicable parameter. If the parameter toggles, click the left button to toggle the parameter. If the parameter requires a number or a text string, click the left mouse button to move the normal cursor before entering the number or text string. For parameters that require text strings, PAKTERM will accept a limited number of characters for the text string. The number of characters varies, depending upon the parameter. If the number is exceeded, the string will be cleared and the excess characters will compose a new string. For example, MYC and MYA accept up to 10 characters. If a1bcd was typed followed by a RETURN for MYC your call would become A1BCD. If you typed PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:14 a1bcdefghij-1, A1BCDEFGHI is sent to the PAKRATT-232 as your call. J-1 would then over write A1BCDEFGHI in the window and would make up the beginning of a new callsign. You can backspace (rubout) the j-1 and re-type the callsign. Until you enter another callsign, the PAKRATT thinks your call is A1BCDEFGHI. Note that for MYC and MYA, the call will be displayed in uppercase in the Setup Screen. If the text string contains illegal characters, the PAKRATT-232 will issue an Error Message. That Error Message will be displayed by PAKTERM in an Error Window. The same is also true for numbers. Some commands will accept 3 digits while others will accept only 1. When entering a number with fewer digits than the maximum accepted, enter the number followed by a RETURN. Numbers will always be displayed containing the maximum number of digits, filled with leading 0's if necessary. Some parameters, such as BBSMSGS, are not supported by earlier versions of the PAKRATT-232's ROM. In this case, an Error Message will be displayed when ever this parameter is changed (or initialized for the 1st time). Press a RETURN when the Error Message Window appears on the screen to continue. The words "Unknown Command" will be displayed in the Error Window. This message shows you that the PAKRATT-232 does not understand the command BBSMSGS. PAKTERM supports the latest ROM set (Oct 1989). Press ESC to exit the 1st setup screen or click the left mouse button on the message in the bottom border of the screen. * The 2nd Setup Screen The 2nd Setup screen contains the parameters for AMTOR, RTTY, ASCII and MORSE operation. This screen operates identically to the 1st setup screen. Clicking the left mouse button on parameters such as AFILTER, toggle it's state ON and OFF. The same can be done by moving the cursor to that parameter and pressing the RETURN key. MYSEL and MYALT accept a character string of up to 4 characters. If for example, kdjp was typed, the characters as typed (in lowercase) are displayed until the 4th character is typed. The string of 4 characters are then sent to the PAKRATT-232. The new SELCAL is shown in uppercase letters on the screen. If 5 characters were typed, say kd4jp, the 1st 4 letters would be sent to the PAKRATT-232 as the SELCAL. The 5th letter, P, would begin a new SELCAL. PAKTERM will wait for 3 more characters to be entered or for a RETURN to be pressed. You can use the backspace key to edit the string and enter the proper SELCAL. The 2nd Setup Screen looks something like this: ╔════════ AMTOR/RTTY/ASCII/MORSE Setup Screen ════ ALT-H:Help ══════╗ ║ ║ ║ ABAUD 110 ADELAY 4 ACRRTTY 000 AFILTER OFF ║ ║ ALFRTTY ON AQRTMO 045 CCITT ON CODE 0 ║ ║ CRADD OFF DIDDLE OFF ECHO ON EAS ON ║ ║ MARSDISP OFF MSPEED 20 MYALT KRJP MYIDENT KDYUPPP║ ║ MYSEL KDJP MWEIGHT 10 RBAUD 045 RFEC OFF ║ ║ RXREV OFF SRXALL OFF TXREV OFF USOS OFF ║ ║ WIDESHFT OFF WRU OFF ║ ╚═════════════════════════ Esc to Continue ═════════════════════════╝ PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:15 The parameter MYIDENT is your 7 character SELCAL. To generate this SELCAL, PAKTERM will accept your normal callsign (up to 7 characters) and send it to the PAKRATT. The PAKRATT will translate it to the proper 7 character SELCAL and PAKTERM will display it on the screen. The guidelines for creating a 7 character SELCAL are difficult enough; it is best to use this method for creating the 7 character SELCAL. To exit this screen, press ESC or click the left mouse button on the message in the bottom border of the screen. * The 3rd Setup Screen The 3rd screen again works identically to the previous 2 screens. This screen allows certain command keystrokes to be defined, such as SENDPAC and TIME. These parameters accept hexadecimal digits (0-F). These command keys are described in the PAKRATT-232 manual. The hex numbers are the ASCII code for the keystroke. For example, a $01 is the ASCII code for Control-A. This screen also contains parameters for FAX, NAVTEX and TDM operation. FAX, NAVTEX and TDM operation are described in the PAKRATT manual. The 3rd Setup Screen looks something like this: ╔═══ FAX/NAVTEX/TDM Setup Screen ═══ ALT-H:Help ═══╗ ║ BITINV 00 ASPECT 2 PRTYPE 002 ║ ║ CANLINE 18 FAXNEG OFF TDBAUD 096 ║ ║ CANPAC 19 FSPEED 2 TDCHAN 0 ║ ║ COMMAND 03 GRAPHICS 1 ║ ║ CUSTOM 0015 JUSTIFY 00 ║ ║ CWID 06 LEFTRITE ON ║ ║ HEREIS 02 NAVMSG [All ][ ] ║ ║ RECEIVE 04 NAVSTN [All ][ ] ║ ║ REDISPLA 12 PRFAX ON ║ ║ SENDPAC 0D PRCON OFF ║ ║ TIME 14 PROUT OFF ║ ╚═════════════════ Esc to Continue ════════════════╝ To exit this screen, press ESC. If you have a mouse, click the left mouse button on the message in the bottom border of the screen. * The 4th Setup Screen The final Setup Screen contains the parameters which require long text strings (such as CTEXT) or multiple arguments (such as DFROM). Move the cursor to the parameter desired and press RETURN. If a text string is required, a small window will appear and you will be prompted for the text string. The character Control-P is used as the passthru character. The passthru character allows you to insert certain control character in your text, such as a RETURN. Normally a RETURN is interpreted as the end of the text. If you type a ^P then a RETURN, the RETURN is inserted in the text, PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:16 and you can continue typing the text. See your PAKRATT-232 manual for more information on the passthru character. The passthru character cannot be redefined. Note that in human mode, the PAKRATT-232 normally uses a ^V for the passthru character. In host mode the PAKRATT-232 defines the passthru character as a ^P. The YES/NO/NONE/ALL arguments for MTO, MFROM, DFROM and CFROM will cycle each time the RETURN key is pressed. If you have a mouse cursor, move the mouse cursor to the desired parameter and click the left mouse button. To enter a callsign as an argument for the above command, move the cursor to the appropriate box and type the callsign. The parameter MBX behaves a little differently because it accepts either callsigns or a NONE argument. You can enter either 2 callsigns or the word NONE. Unlike MTO, you cannot press the RETURN key over the word NONE. NONE must be specifically typed in. ╔═══════════ PK-232 Message Setup Screen ════ ALT-H:Help ═══════════╗ ║ UNPROTO: CQ ║ ║ ║ ║ BTEXT : % ║ ║ ║ ║ CTEXT : % ║ ║ ║ ║ AAB : % ║ ║ MBX :[None ][ ] ║ ║ MDPRMPT:Enter Message, ^Z (CTRL-Z) to End ║ ║ ║ ║ CFROM :[All ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ DFROM :[All ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ MFROM :[All ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ MTO :[None] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║ ╚══════════════════════════ Esc to Exit ════════════════════════════╝ When done, press ESC to return to the previous menu. If you have a mouse, click the left button on the message in the bottom border of the window. 6.1 The Files Menu The FILES Menu allows you to save or load the Default, Macro and Configuration files. This is where you can also specify a text editor which PAKTERM will call to edit files. The Configuration file stores the com port #, baud rate, and screen colors. The Default file stores the PAKRATT-232 PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:17 default parameters. PAKTERM stores the parameters normally in a file called PKDEF_.DEF. The FILES Menu can be chosen from the Communications Menu or from the Configuration Menu which is displayed when PAKTERM is run for the first time. The FILES Menu looks something like this: ╔═════════ Files Menu ══════╗ ║Save Configuration ║ ║Save Parameter Defaults ║ ║Load Configuration ║ ║Load Parameter Defaults ║ ║Set Parameter Default File ║ ║Set Macro File ║ ║Save Macros ║ ║Load Macros ║ ║Specify Editor ║ ║FAX Program ║ ║External Xfer Program ║ ║Return To Previous Menu ║ ╚═══════════════════════════╝ Move the cursor to the menu desired or click the left mouse button on the desired menu item. All these files must be in the same subdirectory in which the program is run. Be sure to save the parameter defaults after you have changed them in the Setup Screens otherwise the old values will be loaded then next time PAKTERM is run. Remember to save the Configuration after you change the baud rate, com port #, screen colors, or specify a text editor. * Saving Your Configuration The "Save Configuration" item allows you to save the communications port information, baud rate, screen colors, the name of the text editor, and the name of the default file (the .DEF file) to the file PKDEF_.CFG. If PKDEF_.CFG cannot be found, you will be prompted for the communications port information before this information is saved to PKDEF_.CFG. * Saving the Default Parameters The "Save Defaults" item saves the parameters shown in the Setup Screens to the .DEF file. The filename where the parameters are stored can be changed by choosing the "Set Default File" item from this menu. The default filename for the default file is PKDEF_.DEF. * Reloading the Configuration The "Load Configuration" item reads the file PKDEF_.CFG and restores all the variables stored in this file. The file PKDEF_.CFG must be on the same drive and in the same directory that PAKTERM is run from. * Loading The Parameters' Default Values PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:18 The "Load Defaults" item reads the parameter values from the .DEF file and re-initializes the PAKRATT-232. The parameters will be displayed in a window as they are sent to the PAKRATT-232. * Setting the Default Parameter Filename PAKTERM has the provision for multiple Default files. Default files will have the extension .DEF. This menu item allows you to give the Default file a new name. When you specify another .DEF file, you can then load from or save to this new .DEF file. If you save the Configuration, the name of the new .DEF file will be placed in the PKDEF_.CFG file and the new .DEF file will be read when the PAKTERM is run. The default .DEF filename is PKDEF_.DEF. The .DEF file must be on the same drive and in the same directory that PAKTERM is run from. PAKTERM always attaches the extension .DEF to the filename regardless of what you type. * Saving the Keyboard Macros PAKTERM allows the keystrokes ALT-1 thru ALT-0 to be defined as Macro Keys. Each keystroke can be defined as a text string of up to 60 characters. The macros definitions are stored in a file called PK.MAC. This file is created only if used, and you must specifically save the Macro definitions if you plan on using them again. The definition of Keyboard Macros will be discussed in Section 9.1. The Save Macros and Load Macros functions write and read the macro file. PAKTERM automatically reads the default Macro File if it exist, so the macro keys are defined and ready to use when you begin operating. * Specifying a Text Editor The "Specify Editor" item allows users to specify the text editor that is to be used to edit text files. You will be prompted for the editor name. If the editor is not in the subdirectory specified in your PATH, you must include the path with the filename, e.g. C:\foo\editor.exe. The editor name is stored in PKDEF_.CFG. If you use an editor such as WORDSTAR, WORD, or WORDPERFECT, be sure to save the file in ASCII format not in the editor's own format. Remember to re-save the Configuration File to store the editor information. Rather than specifying a text editor, you could also specify the name of another program you might wish to run, like another Log program. PAKTERM will think the other program is an editor and prompt you for a filename. You can specify arguments to your program by substituting the filename for the program's arguments. PAKTERM will then spawn the process with the filename (or arguments) as the process's argument. When you exit the program, you will be returned to PAKTERM. * Specifying a FAX Program The "FAX Program" menu item allows you to specify the name of an external program to display FAX pictures. This file must reside in the same directory as PAKTERM. It is best to specify the name of a batch file that then moves to the directory that the FAX program resides, calls the FAX PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:19 program and returns back to the PAKTERM directory. PAKTERM sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 prior to executing the FAX program (or batch file) and leaves the PAKRATT in host mode. Remember to re-save the configuration so the filename will be stored in the configuration file. Section 14.1 discusses the creation of the batch file for executing PKFAX. * Specifying an External File Transfer Program The "External Xfer Program" menu item allows you to specify the name of an external program to handle binary file transfers. Again is best to specify the name of a batch file rather than the program itself since PAKTERM expects the program to reside in the same directory as PAKTERM. PAKTERM sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 baud prior to executing the file. PAKRATT leaves the PAKRATT in host mode. PAKTERM configures the PAKRATT for the default expected by YAPP. YAPP is a Packet terminal program written by Jeff Jacobsen with binary file transfer capability. PAKTERM will reset all the default parameters as well as the PAKRATT's internal clock when control is returned back to PAKTERM. Remember to re-save the configuration so the filename will be stored in the configuration file. Section 10.1 discusses the creation of the batch file for executing YAPP. * 7.1 Line Editing For entering text strings for such things as filenames and Macro Key definitions, PAKTERM has some simple line editing features. When prompted for text, say a filename, a window will appear and the default parameter, in this case the default filename, will be shown in the window. In the top border will be a description of what is being asked for. For example: ╔══ Enter CAPTURE File ══╗ ║ PK.LOG ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ You can type over the filename to specify a new capture filename or just type over certain letters. The backspace key deletes the character to the left; the delete key deletes the character under the cursor. Pressing the insert key toggles on and off the insert mode, and the cursor will change to a ▒ type of cursor when in the insert mode. The normal underline cursor is shown when in the overtype mode. In the insert mode, as characters are typed they will be inserted in the text. The left and right cursor keys also position the cursor in the text. Press the RETURN key to 'enter' the text string. Note that the RETURN key truncates the text string so wherever the cursor was positioned in the string will be where the string will be truncated. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:20 In the above example, if you would like to use the default file for the capture file, just press RETURN, and PK.LOG will be used. If you move the cursor to the letter O and hit RETURN, the filename becomes PK.L. If you press the escape key, any changes you made will be ignored. Under certain conditions, the ESC key will also serve to cancel a command, such as opening a capture file. 8.1 The Communications Menu The Communication Menu shows the communication modes available. PAKTERM supports the various modes of the PAKRATT-232. Move the cursor to the desired choice and press RETURN. If a mouse is attached, position the mouse cursor on any item and click the left button. ╔═ Communications Menu ╗ ║PACKET ║ ║AMTOR ║ ║RTTY ║ ║ASCII ║ ║MORSE ║ ║SIGNAL Screen ║ ║Dumb Terminal ║ ║FAX ║ ║Setup Screens ║ ║Change Colors ║ ║Files Menu ║ ║PAKTERM Parameters ║ ║Shell to DOS ║ ║Call Editor ║ ║Exit Program ║ ╚══════════════════════╝ If you choose an operating mode (like Packet), a Receive, Transmit, and Status Window will be displayed on the screen. The top window is the Receive Window; the window below is the Transmit Window. The window at the bottom is the Status Window. In the Dumb Terminal mode the Receive Window occupies the full screen except for 1 Status Line at the top. * Changing the Screen Colors "Change Colors" allow you to change the screen colors. You will be shown a menu of the various screens and menus. To exit, press escape or click on the message found in the bottom border of the window. Each item in the menu is shown in the color it would normally be displayed in on the screen. The Screen Colors Menu looks something like this: PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:21 ╔═══════════ Screen Colors Menu ══════════╗ ║SETUP Text SETUP Border Help Text ║ ║Help Border Status Text Status Border║ ║Rx Text Tx Text Echoed Text ║ ║Error Text Error Border Prompt Text ║ ║Prompt Border Browse Text Browse Border║ ║QSO Text QSO Border Search Text ║ ║Search Border Log Text Log Border ║ ╚══════════════ Esc to Exit ══════════════╝ The SETUP text and SETUP border colors define colors for the Setup Screens. The Help text and borders colors define the colors Help information is displayed in. The QSO text and border colors define the colors of the QSO Log menus. The Search text and border defines the colors for the QSO search screen. The Log text and border defines the colors for the QSO Log entry screen. The echoed text color defines the color for echoed text from the PAKRATT-232. This includes "link messages" from the PAKRATT-232 (like the *** CONNECTED *** message you get when first connected to another station in Packet). The text shown in the Dumb Terminal mode is shown in the same color as text in the Rx window. The Status Line for this mode is shown in the same color as the border of the Status Window. To change the color of an item, move the cursor to that item and press RETURN. You can similarly chose an item by clicking the left button on the item. You will then be shown two windows sequentially; one for the possible Foreground colors and one for the Background colors. ╔ Foreground ╗ ╔ BACKGROUND ╗ ║(Black) ║ ║ (Black) ║ ║Blue ║ ║ Blue ║ ║Green ║ ║ Green ║ ║Cyan ║ ║ Cyan ║ ║Red ║ ║ Red ║ ║Magenta ║ ║ Magenta ║ ║Brown ║ ║ Brown ║ ║Gray ║ ║ Gray ║ ║DK Gray ║ ╚════════════╝ ║Blue ║ ║Green ║ ║Cyan ║ ║Red ║ ║Magenta ║ ║Yellow ║ ║White ║ ╚════════════╝ Again move the cursor to choose the color desired. The cursor will be positioned to the default color initially. When a Foreground color is chosen the menu for the Background colors will be displayed. When a Background color is chosen the item will be shown in the menu with the new colors. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:22 If a monochrome monitor is used, all colors will be set to white foreground with a black background initially. * Changing PAKTERM's Default Parameters PAKTERM also allows you change a few things specific to PAKTERM's operation. The menu item PAKTERM Parameters allow you to change the number of lines in the Receive Window, the baud rate, the com port, whether "Unknown Command Errors" are displayed, whether to initialize the mouse cursor, and whether to initialize the PAKRATT-232 after exiting the dumb terminal mode. Once you have chosen this item from the Communications Menu, another menu will be shown. ╔════ PAKTERM Parameter Menu ═══════╗ ║Unknown Command Errors (Enabled) ║ ║Initialization of PK 232 (Enabled) ║ ║Com Port Number (Port 1) ║ ║Specify Baud Rate (9600) ║ ║Initialize Mouse Cursor (Disabled)║ ║Rx Window (25 line mode) (15) ║ ║Rx Window (43 line Mode) (28) ║ ║Save/Restore Mail (Disabled)║ ║Scroll Back Buffer Size (500) ║ ║Return to Previous Menu ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════╝ The 1st item, "Unknown Command Errors", determines whether or not PAKTERM will display an "Unknown Command" Error Message as a response to command being sent to the PAKRATT-232 that it does not understand. This error can occur when an older ROM revision is being used since the PAKRATT-232 will not be able to understand these new commands. Clicking the left mouse button on this item will toggle it between enabled and disabled. When enabled, "Unknown Command" errors will be displayed. The 2nd item, "Initialization of PK-232", determines whether or not PAKTERM will re-initialize the PAKRATT-232 after exiting the dumb terminal mode. When enabled, PAKTERM will re-initialize the PAKRATT-232. Though disabling this feature results in a significantly faster return from the dumb terminal mode, you must be careful not to change any of the PAKRATT-232's parameters while in the Dumb Terminal mode because they will not be accurately represented in the Status Window or in the Setup Screens. You can re-initialize the PAKRATT's parameters from the Files Menu by choosing the Load Default menu item. The 3rd and 4th items allow you to change the com port number and the baud rate between the computer and the PAKRATT-232. If either of these items are chosen, PAKTERM will sever the link to the PAKRATT-232 and attempt to re-establish it. If you change the Comm port, PAKTERM will display a message window: PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:23 ╔═════════════════════════════╗ ║Connect PK 232 to Proper Port║ ╚══ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝ Connect the PAKRATT-232 to what ever port you specified and press a key. The 5th item, "Initialize Mouse Cursor", tells PAKTERM to set the mouse cursor to a predefined value. If you have a mouse connected to your system and you don't see a mouse cursor on the screen, you should enabled this option. Some mice, such as the Mouse Systems mouse, need to have the mouse cursor set. Others like the Logitech mouse, don't. Items 6 and 7 specify the numbers of lines in the Receive Window. From this number the size of the Transmit Window is calculated by the formula: Tx wind+w = (Total # of screen lines) - (# lines in the Rx window) - 5. You can have up to 15 lines in the 25 line mode and 33 lines in the 43 line mode. The default number of lines is shown in () in the menu. The "Save/Restore Mail" item determines whether or not PAKTERM will save the mail messages stored in the PAKRATT-232. When the PAKRATT-232 is powered down, any mail messages stored in the PAKRATT-232 will be lost. PAKTERM can read these messages and store them to a file and re-load them again. PAKTERM stores these messages in a file called PKMAIL.MES. PAKTERM will restore the messages in the original order, with the same date and approximately the same time as when they where first stored in the PAKRATT-232. If the save mail messages option has been enabled and the file PKMAIL.MES cannot be found, an Error Message will be displayed stating so. Saving the messages stored in the PAKRATT-232 may take a few seconds. This is because the PAKRATT-232 intermixes the PakMail message data from incoming data that has accumulated in the PAKRATT's buffer. PAKTERM attempts to sort out which is which. Thus a large amount of data may have to be sorted through before the full message can be retrieved and stored to disk. The "Scroll Back Buffer Size" item determines the number of lines in the scroll back buffer. You can have a few as 20 lines or a maximum of 900 lines. If you re-size the scroll back buffer downward, lines in the beginning of the buffer will be lost. If you increase the size of the buffer, all data will remain intact. Note: You may not be able to take advantage of the full 900 lines in the scroll back buffer if there is not enough memory in your system. PAKTERM dynamically allocates the buffer memory and will adjust the size of the buffer to fit the amount of memory you have. Also, a large QSO buffer may consume the remaining memory in your system and not allow you to execute other programs such as an external editor. With a 900 li+w scroll back buffer, PAKTERM will normally require up to 320K bytes of memory. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:24 To exit this menu, choose the last item on the screen. If you have changed the baud rate and/or the com port #, a window will appear stating that the link is being re-initialized. If you want these changes to be permanent, go to the Files Menu and save the Configuration. 9.1 Operating With PAKTERM * More About the 24 Hour Clock Another word about the 24 hour clock is warranted. As mentioned previously, the local time and date as well as the GMT time is displayed in the right corner of the Status Window. The PAKRATT-232 is automatically initialized to the GMT time. For the GMT time to be displayed correctly, the DOS command SET TZ=EST5EDT must be placed in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This command can also be typed in before running the program. (EST is the time zone, 5 is the # of hours different from GMT and EDT means daylight saving time is used in your area). The GMT time is displayed in the top right corner of the Status Window, the local time is displayed below that. The date is displayed below the local time. If the SET TZ command is not used, PST8PDT is assumed. * SIAM Mode The Signal Analysis Mode (SIAM) creates its own window and places the PAKRATT in SIAM mode. The results of the PAKRATT's analysis is displayed on the screen. The F1 key toggles the WIDESHFT parameter. If you want to enter the mode detected by the PAKRATT, press RETURN or click on the message "<RET> to Accept" at the bottom of the window. If you click the left button on the text F1 Toggle Wideshft, the Wideshft parameter will be toggled between on and off. Be sure to wait until the SIAM function returns a valid mode before pressing RETURN. The Signal Analysis screen looks like this: ╔═══ Wideshft [OFF] ══════════ Signal Analysis ══════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ 0.45 45 BAUD, BAUDOT RXREV OFF ║ ║ 0.63 44 BAUD, BAUDOT RXREV OFF ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚════ F1 Toggle Wideshft ═══ <Ret> to Accept ═════ Esc to Exit ══════╝ If an allowable mode is selected, you will be dispatched to the proper communications screen just as if the mode was chosen from the PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:25 Communications Menu. The baud rate or Morse speed and RXREV parameter will be set according to the results obtained from the Signal Analysis. Press ESC to exit this screen or click the left button on "ESC to Exit" at the bottom of the window. * Function Key Definitions The function keys are defined differently depending upon the mode. For instance, F2 changes the Baud Rate in ASCII or BAUDOT, changes the transmit speed in MORSE or makes a ARQ call in AMTOR F1 .......Open/Close Capture File Shft F1...Send A File Ctrl F1...View A File Alt F1....Hold/Unhold Capture File F2 .......Change Baud Rate (ASCII/BAUDOT),Change Speed (Morse), ARQ call (AMTOR), MDCHECK/Mail Menu (Packet) F3 .......XMIT (BAUDOT/ASCII,Morse), FEC Call(AMTOR), Or CONNECT(Packet) F4 .......RECV (BAUDOT/ASCII), SELFEC(AMTOR), Or DISCONNECT(Packet) F5 .......LOCK (Morse), Force Letters (BAUDOT/ASCII, AMTOR, or Packet ID Shft F5...Force Figures (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR) F6 .......Invert Rx (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR) Shft F6 ..Invert TX (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR) F7 .......TCLEAR (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR,Morse) Or Toggle CONMODE (Packet) F8 .......AMTOR Standby or Toggle CONPERM (Packet) F9 .......HBAUD(Packet),ACHG (AMTOR) F10 ......VHF (Packet),ALIST (AMTOR),WIDESHFT (BAUDOT/ASCII) Alt-C ....Clear RX Window Alt-D ....Shell to DOS Alt-E ....Call Editor Alt-H ....Display a Help Screen Alt-L ....Call MiniLog routine Alt-M ....Enter Keyboard Macros Alt-K ....Command Menu (depends on mode) Alt-Y ....Call External File Xfer Program (Packet) Alt-T ....Clear TX Window Alt-S ....Setup Screens Alt-Z ....Communications Mode Menu Alt-1 thru 0... Execute keyboard macro Up .......Next Tx channel (Packet) Down .....Previous Tx channel (Packet) END ......MHEARD (Packet) or +? (AMTOR Mode A) HOME......Call QSO Log Routine PgUp......Call Scroll Back Buffer Routine CTRL-PgUp.Clear Scroll Back Buffer * General Operating Information Once an operating mode had been chosen, the Operating Screen will look something like this: PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:26 (Receive Window) ═══════════════════════════ ESC to Exit ════════════════════════════ (Transmit Window) ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║ ║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ The Status Window will display the operating mode and information which appertains to the operating mode. The window also indicates whether the PAKRATT-232 is transmitting or receiving (in modes other than Packet). The date and time (in both GMT and local time) is also displayed. To exit any of the Communications Screens, press ESC. If you have a mouse, click the left mouse button on the message at the bottom of the Receive Window. Clicking the right mouse button is equivalent to typing ALT-H. A Help Screen defining the function keys for the particular operating mode will be shown. * Changing Operating Modes Clicking the left mouse button on the operating mode shown in the Status Window will bring up a menu with the possible operating modes. This menu can also be displayed by typing an Alt-Z. ╔═ Choose a Mode ╗ ║ PACKET Screen ║ ║ AMTOR Screen ║ ║ RTTY Screen ║ ║ ASCII Screen ║ ║ MORSE Screen ║ ║ Previous Screen║ ╚════════════════╝ This menu allows the operating mode to be changed without having to go back and forth between the Communications Menu. The Transmit and Receive Windows will not be cleared. * Command Menus PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:27 Clicking the left mouse button anywhere in the Receive or Transmit Window will display a menu with the commands available in that particular operating mode. The Command Menu can also be displayed by typing an Alt-K. ╔═ PACKET Command Menu ═══╗ ╔══ AMTOR Command Menu ═══╗ ║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Send A File ║ ║Send A File ║ ║View A File ║ ║View A File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Connect ║ ║ARQ Call ║ ║Disconnect ║ ║FEC Call ║ ║PACKET ID ║ ║SELFEC Call ║ ║Toggle CONMODE ║ ║Force Letters ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Force Figures ║ ║Clear Tx Window ║ ║TCLEAR ║ ║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║ ║ACHG ║ ║SETUP Screens ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Define Macro Keys ║ ║Clear Tx Window ║ ║MHEARD ║ ║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║ ║MDCHECK/Mail Menu ║ ║SETUP Screens ║ ║Shell to DOS ║ ║Define Macro Keys ║ ║Call Editor ║ ║Shell to DOS ║ ║Return to Previous Screen║ ║SETUP Windows ║ ║External Xfer Program ║ ║Call Editor ║ ║Return to Previous Screen║ ║Return to Previous Screen║ ╚═════════════════════════╝ ╚═════════════════════════╝ ╔═ RTTY/ASCII Command Menu ═╗ ╔═══ MORSE Command Menu ══╗ ║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Send A File ║ ║Send A File ║ ║View A File ║ ║View A File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Force Letters ║ ║Lock ║ ║Force Figures ║ ║TCLEAR ║ ║TCLEAR ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Clear Tx Window ║ ║Clear Tx Window ║ ║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║ ║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║ ║SETUP Screens ║ ║SETUP Screens ║ ║Define Keyboard Macros ║ ║Define Keyboard Macros ║ ║Shell to DOS ║ ║Shell to DOS ║ ║Call Editor ║ ║Call Editor ║ ║Return to Previous Screen║ ║Return to Previous Screen ║ ╚═════════════════════════╝ ╚═══════════════════════════╝ * Transmit and Receive Buffers The transmit buffer is 1K bytes and the receive buffer is 32K bytes. This seems adequate for normal operation. Data is transferred from the PAKRATT to PAKTERM only when under the following conditions: PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:28 While in one of the Operating Screens While in the Dumb Terminal Mode Shelled to DOS Using the QSO Log Editing a file Viewing a file This means if you are looking at the Setup Screens, no data is being transferred from the PAKRATT to PAKTERM. This puts you at the mercy of the PAKRATT's internal buffer. If you are receiving data from another station, the PAKRATT's internal buffer may overflow if you spend a long time in the Setup Screens. While editing a file or doing any of the fore mentioned activities, PAKTERM polls the PAKRATT-232 every 1-2 seconds for data. If data is available it will be transferred from the PAKRATT-232 to PAKTERM's internal buffer. The data will be displayed once you are back in an Operating Screen. * Data Capture PAKTERM allows for capturing of incoming data for viewing at a later time, or for unattended monitoring. The F1 key toggles the CAPTURE feature on and off. You will be prompted for a filename to store the information. If you wish to redirect the output to your printer, specify the filename as PRN. When the Capture facility is on, the word CAPTURE will appear in the Status Window. The default filename for the Capture file is PK.LOG, but you can specify any valid DOS filename. The Alt-F1 key suspends and releases (holds/unholds) data flow to the Capture file. When a Capture file is opened, pressing Alt-F1 will suspend or hold the data from the Capture file. The word HOLD will be displayed in the Status Window where the word Capture had appeared. Pressing Alt-F1 again will release the Capture file, and data will again be stored in the Capture file. The word CAPTURE will then appear in the Status Window. * Sending a File PAKTERM also allows files to be sent (or uploaded) to another station. When you press Shift-F1, you will be shown a menu of possible files to upload shown below. PAKTERM provides for up to 5 message files to be defined. The contents of these files can be entered using any text editor. Message files will be discussed in Section 16.1. By choosing the File option, any text file can be sent to the other station. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:29 ╔══ Upload Menu ═╗ ║Message File 1 ║ ║Message File 2 ║ ║Message File 3 ║ ║Message File 4 ║ ║Message File 5 ║ ║File ║ ║Previous Screen ║ ╚════════════════╝ If a file upload is in progress, the word UPLOAD will appear in the Status Window. ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ AMTOR RX:Normal 13:27 ║ ║ Recv TX:Normal ARQ Rx Traffic CAPTURE UPLOAD 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ File uploading is a very handy feature. For instance, a file can be created containing your station description or even a CQ message. Anything that you intend to send repeatedly should be stored in a file or a message file. PAKTERM uses a simple form of handshaking for Packet and AMTOR file uploading. When in Packet, PAKTERM checks the number of unacknowledged Packets and will only transmit a Packet when the number of unacknowledged Packets is 0. When in AMTOR, PAKTERM will not send data to the PAKRATT-232 when there is an error. A Link Error is indicated in the Status Window by the word ERROR. To abort a file upload, press the ESC key. Since the ESC key also exits you from the communications screen, be careful not to press the ESC twice. You cannot use the mouse to abort an upload. * Scroll Back Buffer PAKTERM has a Scroll Back Buffer which can hold up to 900 lines of data. The size of the Scroll Back Buffer can be changed from the PAKTERM Parameters Menu, discussed in Section 8.1. As data is received, it is stored in the buffer. PAKTERM will also retain the color information for the data. When the information is later reviewed, the text will have the same colors as it did when it was displayed on the screen. To activate the Scroll Back Buffer routine, press the PgUp key. If you have a mouse, click the left mouse button on the PgUp message on the bottom border of the Status Window. When the PgUp key is pressed, the Receive Window will become the Scroll Back Window and the dividing line between the Receive and Transmit Windows will become the Status Line for the Scroll Back Window. The size of the Scroll Back Window will be the same size as the size of the Receive Window. The screen will look something like this: PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:30 (Scroll Back Window) Line#:001 File:QSO BUFFER Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC (Transmit Window) ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║ ║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ The number of line at the top of the Scroll Back window is shown on the right side of the buffer Status Line. The routine used for the Scroll Back Buffer is the same as the one which is used to view files. QSO BUFFER is displayed as the name of the file. The Home key positions you at the beginning of the buffer. The End key moves you to the end of the buffer. The PgUp and PgDn keys move you up or down 1 screen page at a time. The up and down arrow keys (displayed as up and down arrows on the screen, but my printer won't print those characters) move you up or down one line at a time. The F1 key allows you to jump to any line in the buffer. You will be prompted for the line number to jump to. The line you specified will be displayed at the top of the window if possible. PAKTERM will not let you display past the end of the buffer and PAKTERM will attempt to fill the window with text. If you try to jump to the last line in the buffer, PAKTERM will display the last page of the buffer since it cannot place the last line in the buffer at the top of the window. If the number of lines in the buffer is less than the buffer window, the remaining lines will be filled with blanks. The F3 key brings up a Search Menu to allow you to search for specific text in the buffer. The menu looks something like this: PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:31 (Scroll Back Window) Line#:001 File:FOO.TXT Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC ╔══════════════╗ ║Search String ║ ║Search Forward║ ║Search Back ║ ║Back ║ ╚══════════════╝ (Transmit Window) ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║ ║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ To begin searching, you must first specify the string to search for. The "Search String" item will prompt you for the string to search for. The search is case specific, you must match lower and upper case exactly or PAKTERM will not find a match. Once a search string has been entered, you can search forward or backwards in the buffer from the current position in the buffer. The line which contains a match will be displayed at the top of the screen if possible. If you have a mouse, you can click the left mouse button on any of the commands in the buffer Status Line to execute that command. For example, clicking on the word "Search" will cause the Search Menu to appear. To return back to the Operating Screen, press the ESC key or click the left mouse button on the word ESC. While you are reviewing the buffer, PAKTERM will continue to poll the PAKRATT-232 for incoming data so the PAKRATT's buffer will not overflow. When you return back from the Scroll Back routine, the data will be displayed in the Receive Window (rather quickly). As mentioned earlier, the Scroll Back Buffer will hold up to a maximum of 900 lines of data. When the maximum number of lines has been reached, PAKTERM will throw away some of the lines at the beginning of the buffer. The number of lines thrown away depends upon the size of the buffer. PAKTERM discards the first 25 % to make room for more data. PAKTERM PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:32 initially sets the buffer size to 500, but you may set it to another value from the PAKTERM Parameters Menu. * Defining Macro Keys The keystrokes ALT-1 through ALT-0 can be defined such that PAKTERM will send a text string when that keystroke is pressed. The ALT-M key will bring a the Macro Key Definition Window: ╔═══════════════════════════ Key Definitions ════════════════════════╗ ║ALT-1 : ║ ║ALT-2 : ║ ║ALT-3 : ║ ║ALT-4 : ║ ║ALT-5 : ║ ║ALT-6 : ║ ║ALT-7 : ║ ║ALT-8 : ║ ║ALT-9 : ║ ║ALT-0 : ║ ╚═══════════════════════════ ESC to Exit ════════════════════════════╝ Move the cursor to the keystroke to be defined and press RETURN. If you have a mouse, click on the desired keystroke. A window will appear and you will then be prompted for the text string. Once a keystroke is defined, pressing that keystroke will cause the text to be sent as if you entered it from the keyboard. PAKTERM automatically reads the macro file before initializing the PAKRATT-232. Press ESC or click the left mouse button on the message at the bottom of the window to exit. Remember to save the macro key definition by choosing the Files Menu from the Communications Menu. * Obtaining Help A Help Screen shows the function key definitions when ALT-H is pressed from an Operating Screen. A Help Screen will also be displayed when the left mouse button is clicked on the word Help in the Status Window. If the right mouse button is clicked anywhere in the Transmit or Receive Windows, the Help Screen will also be displayed. Because the function definitions are different in each mode, this feature is helpful in keeping track what key does what. Press any key to close the Help Screen. If you have a mouse, clicking the left mouse button on the message at the bottom of the window. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:33 ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║PACKET: HELP SCREEN ║ ║Function Key Alt-Keys ║ ║ ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ ║ ║F1..........Open/Close Capture File Alt-B....Not Used ║ ║Shift F1....Send A File Alt-C....Clear Rx Window ║ ║Ctrl F1.....View A File Alt-D....Shell to DOS ║ ║Alt F1......Hold/Unhold Capture File Alt-E....Call Editor ║ ║F2..........Not Used Alt-L....Call MiniLog Routine ║ ║F3..........Connect Alt-M....Define Keyboard Macros║ ║F4..........Disconnect Alt-K....Packet Command Menu ║ ║F5..........Packet ID Alt-S....SETUP Screens ║ ║Shift F5....Toggle Beacon Setting Alt-T....Clear Tx Window ║ ║Alt F5......Toggle Beacon Interval Alt-Y....File Xfer Program ║ ║F6..........Toggle MDMON Alt-Z....Change Mode ║ ║Shift F6....Toggle MAILDROP Alt-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 ║ ║F7..........Toggle CONMODE ....Execute Keyboard Macro ║ ║F8..........Toggle CONPERM Cursor Keys ║ ║F9..........Toggle HBAUD Up Arrow.....Next Channel ║ ║F10.........Toggle VHF Down Arrow...Previous Channel ║ ║ESC..Return to Communications Menu End..........MHEARD ║ ║ Home.........Call QSO Log ║ ║ PgUp.........Scroll Back Buffer║ ║ CTRL-PgUP...Clear Buffer ║ ╚═════════════════════ Hit any Key to Continue ═══════════════════════╝ * Keyboard Editing PAKTERM allows editing of the text you type, on a word by word basis, before it is sent to the PAKRATT-232. That is, PAKTERM does not send what you type until the a space, a ?, or a control character is pressed. This means you can use the backspace key to rubout characters you don't want and re-type the character or characters. The maximum number of characters in 1 word is 128. When 128 characters have been entered the text will be sent to the PAKRATT. This feature of PAKTERM mimics the WORDOUT function of the PAKRATT, but unlike the WORDOUT function, word editing cannot be disabled. In Packet operation, the PAKTERM only sends text when the SENDPAC character is entered or when 128 characters have been entered. Since the SENDPAC character is used to tell PAKTERM to send the line, you can use the backspace key to edit the entire line. 10.1 Packet Operation Packet Operation is composed of two parts; normal Packet operation and PakMail Operation. PakMail is supported only with the PAKRATT-232MBX. * Normal Packet Operation The Status Window for Packet contains a variety of information specific to Packet. The Packet status, the number of unacknowledged Packets, the number of retries, and the channel number are displayed in the Status Window. These are abbreviated by the letters: S:, U:, R:, and CH: respectively. If a particular channel is not connected to anyone, the word PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:34 Disconnected is shown in place of a callsign. PAKTERM displays the callsign of the station you are connected to. As the channel is changed, the callsign of the station connected to on that channel will be displayed. ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║ ║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ The word CONPERM shown in the example Status Window above reflects the status of this parameter. CONPERM can be toggled using the F8 key. CONVERSE (CONMODE) can be toggled by pressing the F7 key or by clicking the left mouse button on the word CONVERSE. When in TRANSPARENT mode, the word TRANSPARENT will be displayed. Your PAKRATT-232 manual more fully describes CONVERSE and TRANSPARENT operation. The parameter MDM (MDMON) can be toggled by pressing the F6 key. You can also click the left mouse button on the word OFF which is to the right of MDM. The parameter MAIL (MAILDROP) can be toggle by pressing the Shift-F6 key. You can also click the left mouse button on the word OFF which is to the right of MAIL. The channel number can be changed using the up and down arrow keys. The number of stations that you can be connected to is set by the parameter USERS which can be set from the 1st Setup Screen. If you have a mouse, clicking the left button on the channel number will increment the channel number. Channel numbers range from 0 to 9. By pressing the F10 key or clicking the mouse on the words HF or VHF you can toggle the parameter VHF on and off. When VHF is set to off, the word HF will appear in the Status Window. When VHF is on, the word VHF will appear. Below it is the value of the HBAUD. Pressing F9 or clicking the mouse on the value will cycle the value of HBAUD (similarly to the way it is cycled in the 1st Setup Screen). You can list the stations your PAKRATT-232 has heard so far by pressing the END key (MHEARD). A window will appear showing the stations heard. Those stations marked with a * designate stations directly heard by your station. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:35 ╔═════════ Stations Heard ════════╗ ║ 13:17:20 DY5VA ║ ║ 13:15:32 WA2SPN* ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╚══ <RET> to exit ═ ESC to Clear ══╝ The PAKRATT remembers the last 18 calls, if DAYSTAMP is ON then the date will also be displayed. Press the RETURN key to continue. The ESC key will clear the list and continue. If you have a mouse, you can click the left button on either RETURN or ESC and get the same response. * Packet PakMail Operation To invoke the PakMail features of the PAKRATT-232MBX, press the F2 key . You can also choose the MDCHECK option from the Packet Command Menu. The line dividing the Transmit and Receive window changes to reflect that you are now in PakMail. ════ PakMail ═══════════════ Esc to Exit ══════════════════════════ You must have MAILDROP set to ON, or you will receive a "Unknown Command " Error Message. Now every time you press F2 (or choose MDCHECK/Mail Menu from the Packet Command Menu, you will be shown the Mail Menu. ╔═══ Mail Menu ═══╗ ║ Bye ║ ║ Kill Message ║ ║ List Messages ║ ║ Read Message ║ ║ Send Messages ║ ║ Back ║ ╚══════════════════╝ Bye exits PakMail. You can also exit PakMail by pressing the ESC key. You can also click the left button on the "ESC to Exit" message in the Transmit/Receive Window dividing line. When you kill or read a message you will be prompted for the message. If a message is read, it is displayed in the Receive Window. To see what messages are available, choose List Messages. The headings for the messages will be displayed in the Receive Window. Msg # From To Date Time 1 KD4JP KD4JP 12-Jan-90 13:20:48 PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:36 If there are no messages, an Error Window will appear displaying the message: ╔══════ PakMail Error ══════╗ ║Message Not Found ║ ╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝ This Error Message will also be displayed when you attempt to kill or read a message that does not exist. When reading or listing messages, the PAKTERM's response may be slowed if there is a large amount of incoming data stored in the PAKRATT's internal buffer. This data is intermixed with the PakMail data and PAKTERM must sort through the data to figure out which is which. If this occurs, PAKTERM will throw away the data and display just the PakMail data. When sending a message, you will be prompted for the callsign of the station you are sending a message to. The line dividing the Transmit and Receive Windows will change to: ════ PakMail ════════════Enter A ^Z to End Message═════════════════ As you type the message, the text will be shown in the Transmit Window. You can also upload a message similarly to the way you would upload a file to another station. Press Shift-F1 and choose a file. The contents of the file will be place in the message. To end a message, type a Control-Z and a RETURN. The dividing line will change back. Messages that are uploaded from a file will not be displayed in the Transmit Window. If you attempt to send a message when there is not enough memory to hold another message in the PAKRATT, an Error Window will appear displaying the message: ╔══════ Error ══════════════╗ ║No Free Memory ║ ╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝ If you attempt to send a message which is larger than the available memory in the PAKRATT-232, the message will be truncated. You cannot sign in to your mailbox while another station is connected to you or while a connect is in progress. As mentioned in section 8.1, if you have enabled the Save Mail option, all messages stored in the PAKRATT-232MBX will be saved to the file PKMAIL.MES when you exit PAKTERM. The mail messages will then be restored when PAKTERM is again run. * External File Transfer Program PAKTERM provides for a hook to call an external file transfer program such as YAPP. The name of the program is specified in the Files Menu. It is best to specify the name of a batch file than call the program directly. The batch file or program must reside in the same directory as PAKTERM. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:37 PAKTERM sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 and leaves the PAKRATT in host mode prior to executing the file. PAKTERM will reset the TBAUD parameter baud to it's default value, reset the PAKRATT's internal clock and PAKTERM will reset all the default parameters. An example of a batch file to call an external file transfer program is shown below. CD \YAPP YAPP CD\PAKTERM Remember to always return back to PAKTERM's directory before returning control to PAKTERM. This feature has only been tested using the YAPP program. The YAPP configuration file should have the statement ^AOHON^W to place the PAKRATT in normal human mode. It is best to place the PAKRATT back in host mode before returning to PAKTERM, but this is not a necessary requirement. Other programs may have different requirements. 11.1 AMTOR Operation The Status Window for AMTOR is shown below. RX: and TX: show the status of the RXREV and TXREV parameters. These parameters can be changed using either the function keys or by clicking the left button of your mouse on these parameters. ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ AMTOR RX:Normal 13:27 ║ ║ Recv TX:Normal ARQ Rx Traffic 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ ARQ Rx will be displayed when listening in the ALIST mode, AMTOR Stndby will be displayed when listening in FEC mode. If you have a mouse, clicking the left button on ARQ Rx will toggle the PAKRATT-232 in to the AMTOR Stndby mode. Clicking on AMTOR Stndby will toggle the PAKRATT-232 back into the ARQ Rx mode. Pressing the F8 key will place the PAKRATT-232 in AMTOR Stndby and F10 will place it in ARQ Rx mode. When in the FEC transmit mode, the word FEC will be displayed. When connected to another station in ARQ mode, the word ARQ will be displayed. The word Traffic means data is being received; PAKTERM continually shows the status of the link. If erroneous data is received, the word Traffic will be replaced with ERROR. Likewise when no data is being received, the word Idle will be display. The END key is pre-defined to be the same as +? (changeover). When making an ARQ call ( by pressing the F2 key or choosing that item from the AMTOR Command Menu) you will be prompted for the SELCAL of the other station. PAKTERM accepts up to 7 characters for the SELCAL to accommodate the new 7 character SELCAL format. When a 7 character SELCAL is PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:38 entered, after the 7th character is typed, the prompt window will disappear. The ARQ call will then begin. Then making a 4 character SELCAL call, you must press a RETURN to being the ARQ call. As mentioned previously, clicking the left button in the Receive or Transmit Window will bring up the AMTOR Command Menu. This can also be done by pressing ALT-K. The Function keys are also defined to support the various AMTOR commands. Section 9.1 defines the Function Keys. 12.1 BAUDOT/ASCII Operation For BAUDOT and ASCII operations, the Status Windows look similar to each other. If you have a mouse, clicking the left mouse button over the word Normal will toggle RXREV and TXREV between Normal and Inverted. RXREV is abbreviated by the letters RX. Likewise, TXREV is shortened to TX. By clicking on the baud rate, the baud rate will be rotated through the possible baud rates as discussed previously in the Setup section. Clicking on the word Recv (or pressing F3) will place the PAKRATT-232 in the transmit mode. The word Xmit will then replace the word Recv. Clicking on the word Xmit (or pressing F4), will place the PAKRATT-232 back into the Recv mode. Clicking the mouse on the value of Wideshft (ON or OFF) next to the parameter WIDESHFT will cause Wideshft to toggle ON and OFF. This can also be done using the F10 key. ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ BAUDOT 45 Baud RX:Normal Wideshft:ON 13:27 ║ ║ Recv TX:Normal 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ ASCII 110 Baud RX:Normal Wideshft:OFF 13:27║ ║ Recv TX:Normal 17:27Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ As mentioned previously, clicking the left button in the Receive or Transmit Window will bring up the ASCII or BAUDOT Command Menu. This can also be done by pressing ALT-K. The Function keys are also defined to support the various BAUDOT/ASCII commands. Section 9.1 defines the Function Keys. 13.1 Morse Operation For Morse operation, both the transmit and receive speed is shown in the Status Window. To lock the incoming receive speed, press F5. To unlock the receive speed, press ALT-Z and choose Morse operation. The F4 (receive) key will also unlock the receive speed. By clicking the left mouse button over the word Recv (or press F3), PAKTERM will place the PAKRATT-232 in the transmit mode. The word Xmit will then be display. Likewise, by clicking over the word Xmit (or press F4), the PAKRATT-232 will be placed in receive mode. The Morse transmit speed can be changed by PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:39 pressing the F2 key or by clicking the left mouse button over transmit speed. You will then be prompted for the new transmit speed. The receiving speed will vary according to the incoming data unless locked. ╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗ ║ MORSE TX:20 WPM 13:28 ║ ║ Recv RX:20 WPM CAPTURE UPLOAD 17:28Z║ ╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝ As mentioned previously, clicking the left button in the Receive or Transmit Window will bring up the MORSE Command Menu. This can also be done by pressing ALT-K. The Function keys are also defined to support the various MORSE commands. Section 9.1 defines the Function Keys. 14.1 FAX Operation PAKTERM supports FAX from the Dumb Terminal mode and from the Communications Menu. When FAX operation is called from the Communications Menu, PAKTERM calls the file specified in the Files Menu as the FAX program name. If you specify PKFAX.EXE as the program, PKFAX and all it's assorted files must reside in the same directory as PAKTERM. It is best to create a batch file to move to the directory PKFAX resides in, execute PKFAX, then return back to the PAKTERM directory. For example, a batch file called PKFAX.BAT might contain: CD \PKFAX PKFAX.EXE CD \PAKTERM When you exit PKFAX, you will be returned back to PAKTERM. PAKTERM sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 to match that expected by PKFAX. PAKTERM leaves the PAKRATT in host mode. When control is returned back to PAKTERM, TBAUD is set back to the default value. PAKTERM also resets the PAKRATT's time and restores the default FAX parameters. Consult the AEA documentation on the operation of PKFAX. When in the Dumb Terminal mode, FAX operation as described in your PAKRATT manual is supported. FAX pictures cannot be displayed on the screen but they can be printed on your printer provided the printer is hooked up to the special RS-232/Printer cable provided by AEA. 15.1 Dumb Terminal Mode A Status Line is shown on the top line of the screen like so: 4/12/90 13:57 Terminal Mode...ESC to Exit 17:57Z QSO Log Typing ESC will return you from the dumb terminal mode to the Communications Menu. Similarly, you can return to the Communications Menu by clicking button the left on the message "Esc to Exit" found in the Status Line. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:40 The ALT-B key sends a break to the PAKRATT-232. Use ALT-B to 'unlock' the PAKRATT-232 if it does not respond to commands. The following keys are defined while in the Dumb Terminal Mode: F1...........Open/Close Capture File Shft-F1......Upload a File Ctrl-F1......View a File Alt-F1.......Hold/Unhold Capture File ALT-B........Send a BREAK ALT-C........Clear the screen ALT-H........Help Screen ALT-K........Command Menu ALT-M........Define Macro Keys ALT-1 thru ALT-0........Execute Macro Key HOME.........Call QSO Log ESC..........Exit Dumb Terminal Mode Clicking the left mouse button will also cause the Terminal Command Menu to be displayed. This is the same as typing ALT-K. ╔═ Terminal Command Menu ══╗ ║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Send A File ║ ║View A File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Define Keyboard Macros ║ ║Send a BREAK ║ ║Return to Previous Screen ║ ╚══════════════════════════╝ When capturing incoming data or uploading a file, the words CAPTURE and/or UPLOAD will appear in the Status Line on the top of the screen. The storing of data to the capture file can be suspended and released using the ALT-F1 key. FAX is supported in this mode as well, but FAX pictures cannot be displayed on your screen presently, though they can be redirected to your printer. Your PAKRATT-232 manual explains more fully operating FAX with your PAKRATT-232. TDM and NAVTEX are also supported in the Dumb Terminal Mode. Your PAKRATT-232 manual has more information on NAVTEX and TDM operation. As the internal ROM of the PAKRATT is updated, various new commands are added to the command set that may not yet be available through the Setup Screens of PAKTERM. These commands can be issued in the Dumb Terminal Mode. These changes will remain in effect until changed again or until the PAKRATT-232 is powered down. An attempt will be made to keep up with the latest changes by AEA. 16.1 General Information PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:41 * Message and Note Files PAKTERM supports 5 message files and 2 note files. The message files are named PKMES.1 thru PKMES.5. The note files are called PKNOTE.1 and PKNOTE.2. Message files can be used to store such things as station equipment listings or any miscellaneous messages that are sent frequently. They can be sent to other stations by using PAKTERM's upload feature (shift-F1) discussed in Section 9.1. Note files are used to store information, notes, frequency lists and other miscellaneous information. These files may be referred to at any time. The Note and Message files must be in the same subdirectory as PAKTERM. These files can be viewed by the File Viewing function (Ctrl-F1). * Viewing Files While in any mode except SIAM and FAX, you have the ability to view a file by pressing the Ctrl-F1 key. You will first be shown a menu of possible files to view. ╔═ Specify File to View ═╗ ║Message File 1 ║ ║Message File 2 ║ ║Message File 3 ║ ║Message File 4 ║ ║Message File 5 ║ ║Note File 1 ║ ║Note File 2 ║ ║File ║ ║Previous Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ You can even view a capture file that is presently open. The view routine cannot display files which have more than 8196 lines. An Error Message will be displayed stating that the file is too big. Lines which are greater than 80 characters in length will wrapped around on the next line. Control characters will displayed as ASCII, including tabs. Line feeds and carriage returns are not displayed. The top line on the screen will be the Status Line and the remaining 24 lines will be the text window. If you selected the 43 line option when starting PAKTERM then the remaining 42 lines will be the text window. The colors of the file and Status Window can be changed from the Screen Colors Menu discussed in Section 8.1 The Status Line will look something like this: Line#:000 File:FOO.TXT Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC The line number shown in the Status Window is the number of the line at the top of the window. The name of the file is also shown on the Status Line. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:42 The PgDn and PgUp keys page up or down through the file. The up and down cursor keys can be used to step up or down one line at a time through the file. (The "U" and "D" shown in the menu are really show as up and down arrows on the screen but those characters are control characters which confuse my printer). The Home key goes to the beginning of the file and the End key jumps to the end of the file. The F1 key allows you to jump to any line in the buffer. You will be prompted for the line number to jump to. The line you specified will be displayed at the top of the window if possible. PAKTERM will not let you display past the end of the buffer and PAKTERM will attempt to fill the window with text. If you try to jump to the last line in the buffer, PAKTERM will display the last page of the buffer since it cannot place the last line in the buffer at the top of the window. If the number of lines in the buffer is less than the buffer window, the remaining lines will be filled with blanks. When you press the F3, the Search Menu will be displayed. Line#:000 File:FOO.TXT Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC ╔══════════════╗ ║Search String ║ ║Search Forward║ ║Search Back ║ ║Back ║ ╚══════════════╝ To search for text in the file, you must first specify what to search for. When you choose "Search String", you will be prompted for a text string. The search in case sensitive, lower case letters will not match will uppercase letters and visa versa. To begin search choose either "Search Forward" or "Search Back". If a match is found, the line containing the matching string will be display as top of the window if possible. If no match is found, an Error Window will appear stating so. If you have a mouse, you can click on any of the commands in the Status Window to execute them. For example, clicking the left button on "PgUp" will execute a page up. Likewise, if you click on "Search", the Search Menu will appear. Press ESC to return to the Operating Screen. You can also click the left mouse button on the word ESC. * Editing a File The Note, Capture, and Message files can be edited with any ASCII text editor. They can be edited by using the Call Editor function from within PAKTERM. When editing a file, you will first be shown a menu of possible files to edit. The menu is the same as the one above for browsing through a file. You must specify the name of the editor before you can edit a file. See the section 6.1 on specifying a text editor. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:43 ╔═ Specify File To Edit ═╗ ║Message File 1 ║ ║Message File 2 ║ ║Message File 3 ║ ║Message File 4 ║ ║Message File 5 ║ ║Note File 1 ║ ║Note File 2 ║ ║File ║ ║Previous Menu ║ ╚════════════════════════╝ Be sure that the files are saved in ASCII text format; otherwise you may get garbage. What you get depends upon the default storage mode of your word processor. Some word processors do not store their files in ASCII text format and insert control characters into the text. * Shelling to DOS It is recommended that DOS 3.x be used because of a bug in DOS 2.1 that may cause the system to crash if the DOS SHELL function is called. PAKTERM uses this function to shell to DOS. While in DOS, you can do most anything, but a few words of caution are noteworthy. Do not start up any TSR (like Sidekick). First, they will disappear after PAKTERM exits. Second, they could interfere with PAKTERM's operation. TSRs should be loaded before executing PAKTERM. Do not run programs that modify the serial port you are using for PAKTERM. This includes running other terminal programs or the DOS MODE command. PAKTERM will abort with a Link Error if any of the serial port parameters have been modified. Because PAKTERM is still resident, the amount of memory available to run other programs is limited. Some programs may not be able to run because of the memory constraints. 17.1 QSO Log Facility As alluded to earlier, PAKTERM provides a means of keeping a Log of QSOs. PAKTERM can also search for previous contacts made on certain frequencies, in a certain mode, and/or on a certain date. The line editing considerations discussed in Section 7.1 also apply here. You can overtype and insert text in any of the fields. You must remember to move the cursor to the end of the text before hitting a RETURN otherwise the text will be truncated at the position where the RETURN was hit. PAKTERM uses a sequential file for the QSO Log because of the free format of the search routine. Searching through large files may take a second or two. Searches can be rather slow if you are using a floppy based system. A disk cache program should significantly improve performance. Increasing the number of buffers in your CONFIG.SYS file may also improve performance. * Adding a QSO to the Log PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:44 The QSO Log Facility can be called from any Operating Screen and from the Dumb Terminal Mode. Pressing the HOME key will cause the QSO entry field to be displayed in the center of the screen. The QSO Menu will appear in the upper left corner of the screen. ╔═══ QSO Menu ══════╗ ║Entry ║ ║Edit Entry ║ ║Search ║ ║Defaults ║ ║Clear Entry Field ║ ║Help ║ ║Quit ║ ╚═══════════════════╝ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Call: Name: URST: ║ ║ Freq: QTH : RST: ║ ║ Time: Date: QSL R: ║ ║ Mode: Ant : QSL S: ║ ║ 10-X: Rig : ║ ║ Pwr : Oper: ║ ║ Rem1: ║ ║ Rem2: ║ ║ Rem3: ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ To add a QSO to the Log, chose the "Entry" item from the menu. The QSO Menu will disappear and the QSO Entry field will look like this: ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Call: Name: URST: ║ ║ Freq: QTH : RST: ║ ║ Time: Date: QSL R: ║ ║ Mode: Ant : QSL S: ║ ║ 10-X: Rig : ║ ║ Pwr : Oper: ║ ║ Rem1: ║ ║ Rem2: ║ ║ Rem3: ║ ╚══-F1-Write--F2 Time/Date Stamp--F3 Defaults--ESC Quit-══╝ You can move the cursor around the field and begin typing. You can also click the left mouse button on an item in the field and then begin typing. When a string has been entered, you can again move the cursor about the field. By pressing F2, the present time and date will automatically be entered into the proper positions in the field. Pressing F3 will place the default information for Mode, Freq, Oper, Rig, Pwr and Ant into the proper fields. This default information is stored in a file call PKCALL.DEF. Pressing ESC exits this mode without saving the information to the Log file. Pressing F1 causes the information to be written before exiting this mode. You can also use your mouse by clicking the left button on any of the messages on the bottom border of the window. For example, clicking on the message "F1 Write" will cause the entry to be written before exiting this mode. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:45 The Call field is the callsign of the other station; QTH field is the location of the other station and so on. URST is the RST report you received, and RST is the RST information you sent. If you send a QSL, you should set the QSL S field to "Y" otherwise set it to "N". It is important to set the QSL R field to "Y" or "N" if you plan to use the QSL printing feature. The Oper field is for the callsign of the station operator. You could put in a name or about any thing else. This field is used when printing out in QSL format where the operator's callsign would be on a QSL. If you put something besides a call in the field, the QSL output may look a little strange. There are a few tricks that may be helpful when entering a QSO. First, use the F2 key to set the Time and Date even though it may not be correct. You can edit later, but it is important to key the same format for the date through the Log. Doing so will allow you to search by date of QSO later on without missing anything because of different date formats. Second, use the F3 key to set the station information. Again you can change the frequency, and mode later, but it will help you to keep the same format throughout. Remember the search routine matches characters and patterns. Section 17.3 discusses searching through your Log. The Call Field and Mode field will automatically convert to uppercase to help keep consistency in the Log. If you are operating Packet and are connected to a station, the callsign of the other station will automatically be inserted in the Call field when you add a new entry to the Log. When you exit this mode, the QSO Menu will re-appear in the upper left corner of the screen. * Editing A QSO Entry You can edit any entry in the QSO Log. If you desire to edit entry presently being displayed, choose the "Edit Entry" item from the menu and edit the field. If you desire to edit another QSO, you must first search for that entry in the Log. Editing a QSO is much like Entering the QSO. You can move about the field using the cursor or the mouse. The line editing features of PAKTERM mentioned in section 7.1 still apply. Pressing the F1 key will cause the modified entry to be saved to disk. Again it is important to maintain consistencies in formats for subsequent Log searches. * Search The QSO File PAKTERM can search for QSO entries by callsign, name, date of contact, mode, frequency, and QTH. PAKTERM does not expect you to remember the full call or QTH. PAKTERM will match a QSO based upon the keywords (or partial words) you specify. PAKTERM also allows you to search for multiple matches. You can also print or delete entries in the QSO Log file. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:46 * Specifying Keywords When "Search" is chosen from the QSO Menu, the Search Menu will appear in the upper left corner of the screen. The Search Field will appear to the right of the menu. ╔═══ Search ═══╗ ╔════════════════════════════════╗ ║Search Field ║ ║Call: ║ ║Search Next ║ ║Name: ║ ║Search Back ║ ║QTH : ║ ║First Entry ║ ║Date: ║ ║Last Entry ║ ║Mode: ║ ║Next Entry ║ ║Freq: ║ ║Prior Entry ║ ╚════════════════════════════════╝ ║Print ║ ║Delete ║═════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║Clear Field ║ Call: Name: URST: ║ ║Help ║ Freq: QTH : RST: ║ ║BACK ║ Time: Date: QSL R: ║ ╚══════════════╝ Mode: Ant : QSL S: ║ ║ 10-X: Rig : ║ ║ Pwr : Oper: ║ ║ Rem1: ║ ║ Rem2: ║ ║ Rem3: ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ To search for a QSO entry, you must first specify what to search for. By choosing "Search Field" from the Search Menu, you can specify the keywords for a match. When this item is chosen, the Search Menu will disappear and the cursor will be placed in the Search field. Use the up and down keys to move the cursor then begin typing in the keyword(s) you wish to match in the search. You can also use the mouse to position the cursor as you did when entering or editing an entry. The bottom border of the Search Field will display the "ESC to Quit" message. You can press the ESC key or click the left mouse button on this message to get back to the Search Menu. Only one of the fields need to have a keyword to search for. There must be a field with a keyword for a search to be conducted. PAKTERM does not need the full call, or full name to find a match. For example, to search for the call KD4JP, you can specify the callsign as KD4JP, KD4J, or 4JP . PAKTERM will find KD4JP if it is in the Log. It may also find KD4JPA if KD4JP was specified. Likewise if the keyword was 4JP, PAKTERM may match JA4JP or N4JPI. The same is also true for the rest of the keywords. ╔════════════════════════════════╗ ║Call: KD4 ║ ║Name: ║ ║QTH : ║ ║Date: ║ ║Mode:PACKET ║ ║Freq:28.115 ║ ╚════════════════════════════════╝ PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:47 The above example will find all QSOs that had a mode of Packet and a frequency of 28.115 and a callsign which contains the letters KD4. Note that the search is case sensitive; lower case letters do not match uppercase letters. The callsign and mode will automatically be converted to uppercase for you since the QSO Entry routine also does this conversion. * Searching For a QSO Once the keywords have been specified. Choose the "Search Next" or "Search Back" items from the Search Menu. The first matching QSO will then be displayed in the QSO field. If no match was found, an Error Message Window will appear. ╔═════════════════════════════╗ ║ No Match Found! ║ ╚══ Hit Any Key to Continue ══╝ "Search Next" will find the next matching entry starting at the present position in the log. "Search Back" search backwards in the log from the current position to find a match. "First Entry" will display the first entry in the Log. "Last Entry" will display the last entry in the Log. "Next Entry" will display the next entry in the Log. "Prior Entry" will display the previous entry in the Log. * Printing an Entry You can print the QSO shown in the Entry Field. You can print all the QSOs that match the keywords specified in the Search Field. You can also print the entire QSO Log file. You have a choice of two formats, a QSL like format and the standard QSO format shown on the screen. When choosing the "Print" item you will be prompted for a filename to print to. If you want to print to the printer, specify the filename as PRN (the DOS default printer). The Search Menu will be replaced with the Print Menu. ╔═════ Print Menu ═══╗ ║Print QSO ║ ║Print Matching QSOs ║ ║Print ALL ║ ║BACK ║ ╚════════════════════╝ Once you decide what to print, you will be shown another menu so you can choose how to print the QSO(s). ╔═════════════╗ ║Print as QSL ║ ║Print as Log ║ ╚═════════════╝ Now you get to decide if you want to print the remarks. You can print all remarks, choose which remarks to print not to print, or choose not to print any of the remarks. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:48 ╔═══════════════════╗ ║Prompt for Remarks ║ ║Print All Remarks ║ ║Don't Print Remarks║ ╚═══════════════════╝ If you choose the "Prompt for Remarks", you will be prompted for each remark as it is displayed on the screen. Remember each QSO Log entry has 3 remark fields, so you can be prompted up to 3 times per QSO (less if any of the fields are blank). This feature is handy to screen out things you don't want printed out in a QSL. When you print a QSO as a QSL, the format of the output looks something like this: WA2SPN Confirming QSO with KD4JP Freq:14.3215 Mode:SSB Date:01/14/90 Time:00:41:07Z Your RST:599 My RST:599 Pwr :100 W Ant :3 Elem Yagi Rig :Ten Tec Paragon Wow This PAKTERM is Great ! Please QSL The Oper (WA2SPN) field entry is used as the confirming station. If you put something else besides a call in the Oper field, the QSL output may look a bit strange. If no QSL card has been received, the 'Please QSL' message is added to the end of the QSL. If a QSL has been received, the message 'QSL Tnx' is added to the end of the QSL. If you write the QSL to a file, you can then edit it with a text editor. You can change the format or remove things that you may not want to put in the QSL before committing it to a printer. * Deleting an Entry To delete the Entry shown in the Entry Field, Choose the "Delete" item from the Search Menu. An Entry must be shown in the Entry Field before it can be deleted. The Entry shown in the Entry Field must also have a callsign specified or the Error Message "Can't Delete... NULL Entry" will be displayed in an Error Window. If the QSO Log file is large, deleting a QSO may take a second or two. * Clearing the Search Field Choosing the "Clear Search Field" item will clear all the text from the Search Field. * The Default Menu PAKTERM allows you to keep multiple station information files and multiple QSO Log files. The "Default" item in the QSO Menu also allows you edit the station information. This item also allows you to specify the number of PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:49 blank lines printed out after you print a QSL. The QSO Log Defaults Menu is shown below. ╔═════Defaults══════════╗ ║Change Defaults ║ ║Set Log File ║ ║Set QSO Def File ║ ║Set Print Out Spacing ║ ║Back ║ ╚═══════════════════════╝ * Changing Your Default Station Information To change the values for your station's information, choose "Change Defaults". The Station Information Entry Field will be displayed in the center of the screen. This is the information placed in the QSO Entry Field when you press F3. ╔═════════════════════════════════╗ ║Rig : ║ ║Ant : ║ ║Oper: ║ ║Pwr : ║ ║Freq: ║ ║Mode: ║ ╚══F1.. Save Defaults══Esc..Quit══╝ You can move the cursor up and down in the Entry Field and begin typing. You can also move the mouse cursor to the desired field and click the left mouse button to move the cursor. If you press F1 or click the left button on the F1 message in the bottom border of the window, what you have typed will be stored in the QSO Default file (normally PKCALL.DEF). If you press ESC or click the left mouse button on the ESC message in the bottom border, the station information will NOT be saved. * Specifying the Log and QSO Default Files To specify another QSO Log file, that is, the file that contains the QSO entries, choose the "Set Log File" item. You will be prompted for the name of the new Log file. The default filename is PKCALL.DAT. If the Log file does not exist, it is created. To specify another Station Information file, choose the "Set QSO Def File" item. This feature allows you to have multiple Station Information Files. If the file does not exist, it is created. If you specify a file that does exist, the information will be read from the file and will be placed in the QSO Entry Field the next time you press F3. In order for the filenames to be remembered by PAKTERM, you must re-save PAKTERM's Configuration File. This can only be done from the Files Menu discussed in Section 6.1 PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:50 * Changing the Line Spacing Between Printed QSOs To change the number of blank lines that are printed out after a QSO Entry is written to a file or printed to the printer, choose "Set Print Out Spacing". You will be prompted for the number of blank lines to write. This is most useful when printing QSL information to the printer so the output lines up with whatever you are printing on, be it sticky labels or cards. The message "99 for <FF>" displayed in the bottom border of the window means that if you enter the number 99 for the line spacing, a form feed (ASCII $0C) will be sent to the printer instead. This information is also stored in PAKTERM's Configuration File and you should remember to re-save the Configuration File before you exit PAKTERM. * Clearing the QSO Entry Field You can clear the information in the QSO Entry Field by choosing the "Clear Entry Field" item from the QSO Menu. All fields will be blanked. * Getting Help While in the QSO Log Facility In both the Search and QSO Menus, there is a menu item labeled "Help". Choosing this item will cause a Help Screen to be displayed in the center of the screen. These screens contains a brief description of the menu items and terse description on how to navigate the Entry Fields. If you press any key, the window will disappear. You can also close the window by clicking the left mouse button on the message in the bottom border of the Help Screen. * The MiniLog Routine PAKTERM also allows you to enter QSO information from the Operating Screen via the MiniLog routine. Only a subset of normal QSO information can be entered. The QSO information is stored in the Log file and can be manipulated using the QSO Log facility. The MiniLog routine is invoked by pressing Alt-L from the Operating Screen. If you have a mouse, you can click the left button over the MiniLog message in the Status Window. The MiniLog Screen appears over top of the Status Window. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:51 (Receive Window) ═══════════════════════════ ESC to Exit ════════════════════════════ (Transmit Window) ══F1:Write══F2:Time══F3:Station Info══F4:Clr══F5:Dup Check══F6:Next══ESC═ Call: Name: Time: Mode: Freq: QTH: Date: 10-X: Rem1: URST: RST: When first called, MiniLog will display the first Entry in the Log. The F4 key will clear the field. You can now enter the QSO information as discussed earlier. Remember to save your entry before closing the MiniLog or the information will be lost. If you invoke MiniLog a second time, the previous QSO will be displayed. When you Write an entry, a menu like this will appear: ╔═════════════════╗ ║ OverWrite Entry ║ ║ New Entry ║ ║ BACK ║ ╚═════════════════╝ ══F1:Write══F2:Time══F3:Station Info══F4:Clr══F5:Dup Check══F6:Next══ESC══ Call: Name: Time: Mode: Freq: QTH: Date: 10-X: Rem1: URST: RST: To Overwrite an existing entry, choose the "Overwrite Entry" item. This item allows you to edit an existing entry. To create a new Log entry, choose the "New Entry" item. "BACK" will return you back to the MiniLog without writing anything to disk. If you cleared the field prior to entering a new QSO, the QSO will be added to the end of the Log. Like the normal QSO Log facility, the F2 key will place the current date and time in the proper fields. The F3 will place the Station Information in the proper fields. MiniLog will however place the current PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:52 operating mode in the Mode field rather than the mode specified in the default (Station Info) file. Even though all the QSO entry fields are not shown, F3 will fill in the PWR and OPER fields as well. In Packet mode, the call of the station connected will be placed in the Call field. The Dup Check feature will do a search based upon the Call, Name, QTH, Freq, Time, Date and Mode fields. Like the QSO facility, the only 1 of these fields needs to be entered and MiniLog will match to what you place in these fields. Dup Check will find the first match in the Log, starting at the beginning of the Log. The Next command will find the next match in the Log. The Next command will search from the present location in the Log to the end of the Log. While you are in the MiniLog, data will still be retrieved from the PAKRATT and will be displayed in the Receive Window. You cannot however transmit any data until the MiniLog screen is closed. If you have a mouse, you can move the mouse cursor to any of the fields and click the left button to move the text cursor. You can also click the left button on any of the commands to execute them. ESC will close the MiniLog screen and return the Status Window. Remember to write your entry before exiting MiniLog. 18.1 OS/2 Operation PAKTERM runs under the DOS compatibility box of OS/2. The command SETCOM40 is not necessary because PAKTERM does not use INTERRUPT 14 to communicate with the serial port. Instead, PAKTERM has it's own interrupt routines which use INTERRUPT 0C and 0B. This seems to affect the OS/2 com port driver and causes it to not function after PAKTERM is run. The problem is not well understood but if the serial port is to be accessed after running PAKTERM by OS/2 programs, most likely the computer will have to be re-booted. DOS programs running under OS/2's DOS box don't seem to care. One problem has been noted in the OS/2 environment. Characters are sometimes received with a Frame Error or lost completely. The bad characters are mapped to a "!". Using the SETCOM40 COM1=ON helps to reduce the frequency of these errors but does not eliminate them. I have found that reducing TBAUD to 4800 takes care of this problem on my 10 MHz AT. This can be done from the PAKTERM Parameters Menu. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:53 19.1 Future Enhancements 1) Binary file transfers (Packet). 2) Interface to various rigs 3) OS/2 version. 4) Display, print, and/or save FAX pictures. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:54 20.1 Error Messages The following is a list of possible Error Messages returned by PAKTERM or the PAKRATT-232. Most Error Messages will be displayed in a pop up window on your screen. Hitting a key will allow the program to continue. Errors such as Link Error and Run Time Error are fatal and will cause PAKTERM to abort. Link Error.... A response to a command or data is expected back from the PAKRATT-232 and was not received. If all else fails, power off the PAKRATT-232, check connections and restart the PAKRATT-232 and PAKTERM. This could be an indication of RF getting into the computer or PAKRATT-232. BAD... The PAKRATT-232 did not understand the parameter supplied to a particular command. Too Many... Too many call signs were specified. Not Enough... Not enough information was given to the PAKRATT-232 with that particular command. Too Long... The length of the text string was too long. Range... The value specified was out of range for that command. Callsign... Bad or missing call sign. Unknown Command... PAKTERM attempt to set a parameter that is not available with the ROM set in your PAKRATT-232. Either disable this error message from the PAKTERM Defaults Menu or upgrade your ROMS. Need Via... Path not properly specified to Packet connect/beacon Not While Connected... The parameter cannot be changed while the PAKRATT-232 is connected to another station. Usually you can ignore this error. Need MYCALL... MYCALL has not been specified. Need MYSELCAL... MYSELCAL has not been specified. Already Connected... You are already connected to that station. Not While Disconnected... That command cannot be issued while disconnected. Usually you can ignore this error. Different Connectees... Too Many Packets Outstanding... Indication of a link problem. Clock Not Set... Report error and conditions. Not in this mode... This command can't be used in this mode. Report error and conditions. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:55 Message Not Found... Either there are no PakMail Messages to list or the message number specified does not exist. No Free Memory... There is no free RAM available in the PAKRATT-232 to stored any more messages. Not Your Message... This error should never occur in the PakMail local access mode. This may indicate a ROM error in the PAKRATT-232. Run Time ERROR -- NULL Pointer... The program ran out of heap space, usually an indication of a serious software error. Report Error and Conditions. Not Enough Memory to Execute Editor... Not enough system memory to run both PAKTERM and your editor. Maybe too many TSRs (Terminate & Stay resident programs such as SIDEKICK). Your editor may require too much memory. File is not an Executable File... The filename specified as the editor is not an .EXE, .COM or .BAT file. The file also may not be a valid DOS executable file. MODEFLAG is invalid... Program error. Report Error and Conditions. Argument list exceeds 128 bytes... Program error. Report Error and Conditions. File or path not found... The filename specified as the editor was not found and/or the path specified does not exist PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:56 21.1 Link Messages The following are messages returned by the PAKRATT-232 and are not necessarily catastrophic. These messages will be displayed in the Receive Window of the Communications Screen. Connected to <callsign> <callsign> busy FRMR sent: xx yy zz FRMR rcvd: xx yy zzz Retry count exceeded DISCONNECTED : <callsign> LINK OUT OF ORDER, possible data loss Transmit data remaining See the PAKRATT-232 operations manual for more information on link messages. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:57 22.1 Appendix * List of Packet Status Numbers The following is a list of the Packet status numbers shown in the Status Window during Packet operation. The number follows the letters S: on the bottom line of the Status Window. 1 Disconnected 2 Link Setup 3 Frame Reject 4 Disconnect Request 5 Information Transfer 6 REJ Frame Sent 7 Waiting Acknowledgement 8 Device Busy 9 Remote Device Busy 10 Both Devices Busy 11 Waiting Acknowledgement and Device Busy 12 Waiting Acknowledgement and Remote Busy 13 Waiting Acknowledgement and Both Devices Busy 14 REJ Sent and Device Busy 15 REJ Sent and Remote Busy 16 REJ Sent and Both Devices Busy PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:58 23.1 PAKTERM Registration To register, send the attached registration form to: Dick Lichtel KD4JP 6529 Norman Drive Melbourne Village, Fla. USA 32904-2521. Be sure to include the version number and program release date. You will then be notified when a major update is available. Minor revisions will be sent to you automatically. For those that register and have the shareware version of PAKTERM, the product version of PAKTERM will be sent to you. Please use the form on the next page when you register. Be sure to specify the type of floppy drive you have. If you simply state 5.25", I will assume it is a 1.2M drive and write the floppy using a 1.2M drive (360K format). If you have a 360K drive, you may have problems reading the disk. If you state that you have a 360K drive, I will write the disk using a 360K drive. Also, if you have suggestions for changes or additions to PAKTERM, please send a letter, postcard or QSL. If you find any bugs, please report them. A updated copy of PAKTERM will be sent back to you. Registering will allow me to notify you of any program changes and upgrades that will be made available as both the PAKRATT and PAKTERM offer more features. PAKTERM is a result of many months of wrestling with the idiosyncrasies of the PAKRATT-232 and the PC. A contribution of $30.00 will be greatly appreciated. PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:59 PAKTERM Registration Form Name___________________________________ Call _______________ Address__________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Phone #_______________________________ Version__________________________ Revision Date__________ Where did you obtain PAKTERM ? __________________________________________________________ Comments: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Computer:_______________________ Monitor ___________________ Mouse:__________________________ Floppy Type ________________ (3.5", 5.25" (360K or 1.2M)) PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:60