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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
(c) Copyright WK2S, 1989, 1990
August 7, 1990
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
PREFACE
HOSTTERM is a ham radio packet terminal program that runs on
an IBM PC with a host-mode TNC such as the AEA PK-232 or
PK-88. HOSTTERM has the following features:
* Runs on IBM PCs, including the PCjr
* Requires only 128K of memory
* Supports multiple packet connects
* Each connect uses its own logical display screen
* The logical display screens may be scrolled to review
information
* A limited form of unattended contest operation is
available
* A "dumb" terminal mode is available for use with
telephone modems
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
| (c) Copyright WK2S, 1989, 1990 |
| |
| This program may be freely distributed for non- |
| commercial use. No charge may be made for the |
| program other than a nominal fee for the media |
| on which it is distributed. |
| 73 |
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
If you have any comments or suggestions, please address them
to me, Barry McWilliams -- WK2S, at 12 Fox Hill Road,
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. I can also be reached on
either the WB2COY or WA2RKN-2 packet radio bulletin boards
in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Page ii
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
CONTENTS
Preface ............................................... ii
Introduction ........................................... 1
Installation Requirements .............................. 1
Invocation ............................................. 1
Initial Communications Parameters ...................... 1
HOSTTERM Terminal Screen ............................... 2
Initial TNC Parameters ................................. 4
HOSTTERM modes ......................................... 5
Startup Procedure Summary .............................. 5
Startup Problems ..................................... 6
HOSTTERM files ......................................... 7
Operation .............................................. 8
Dumb Terminal .......................................... 8
Host Mode .............................................. 8
Keyboard functions ..................................... 9
Function Keys ......................................... 11
Alternate letter keys ................................. 13
Simple Terminal ....................................... 15
Simple Terminal - Modem dialing ..................... 15
DIAL.DAT ............................................ 15
Packet Operation ...................................... 17
TNC Settings - VHF Packet ........................... 17
TNC Settings - HF Packet ............................ 17
HOSTTERM Functions - PACKET ........................... 17
Selecting Streams ................................... 17
Connect ............................................. 18
Disconnect .......................................... 18
RTTY Operation ........................................ 19
TNC Settings - RTTY ................................. 19
HOSTTERM Functions - RTTY ............................. 19
CW (Morse code) Operation ............................. 20
TNC Settings - CW ................................... 20
HOSTTERM Functions - CW ............................... 20
AMTOR Operation ....................................... 21
TNC Settings - AMTOR ................................ 21
HOSTTERM Functions - AMTOR ............................ 21
Station Log ........................................... 22
FDLOG.DAT ........................................... 22
Page iii
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
CONTENTS
Automatic Operation ................................... 23
Automatic Mode ...................................... 23
Automatic logging files ............................. 24
FDLOG.DAT ........................................... 24
AUTOLOG.DAT ......................................... 25
Manual Connects ..................................... 25
Appendix A: HOSTTERM Initialization Options ........... 26
Appendix B: INIT.TNC File ............................. 28
Appendix C: Technical Notes ........................... 29
Appendix D: Host Mode Commands ........................ 30
Page iv
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
INTRODUCTION
HOSTTERM is a ham radio packet terminal program that runs on
an IBM PC with the AEA PK-232 or PK-88 Terminal Node
Controllers (TNCs).
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
HOSTTERM runs on an IBM Personal Computer.
* Memory requirements: 128K
* Displays: Monochrome and CGA (color)
* DOS: IBM PC DOS Version 2.1 or above
* Async communications: COMBIOSY (see below)
INVOCATION
COMBIOSY, a resident asynchronous IO driver, must be
installed before running HOSTTERM. COMBIOSY is installed by
typing COMBIOSY at the DOS prompt.
The terminal emulator is invoked by typing HOSTTERM at the
DOS prompt. The following command line options may be
specified:
/? displays a brief help panel describing the command
line options.
/B=### specifies the number of lines of terminal IO saved
in storage. These in-storage lines may be
scrolled through to review your terminal activity.
The default value is 700 lines.
/Q specifies that HOSTTERM should NOT prompt you for
initial async port values.
INITIAL COMMUNICATIONS PARAMETERS
When HOSTTERM is initialized, the you will first see a
pop-up menu that prompts you for the parameters necessary to
setup your async port for communications with your TNC or
modem.
Page 1
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
+--------------------------------------+
| HOSTTERM (c) Copyright WK2S, 1990 |
| |
| COMM port (1 or 2) ............ ____ | (1 or 2)
| Baud Rate ..................... ____ | (300, 1200, 4800, 9600)
| # bits ...................... ____ | (8, 7)
| # stop bits ................. ____ | (1, 2)
| parity ...................... ____ | (N, E, O)
| Echo (On/Off) ................. ____ |
| Send LF after CR (On/Off....... ____ |
| Mask 7 bits (Y/N) ............. ____ |
+--------------------------------------+
Make sure you select the proper communications port (either
1 or 2) corresponding to the asynchronous communications
hardware configured on your computer. (For the IBM PCjr,
the communications port is always 2 for a TNC connected to
the PCjr's serial connector. See "Appendix C: Technical
Notes" for information on the communications port numbers
for an IBM PCjr.) The other parameters (baud rate, number
of bits, etc.) should not be changed for use with packet
radio TNCs, but may need to be changed for use with
telephone modems.
After you have confirmed or changed the ASYNC parameters to
match your TNC or modem, press enter. The next screen you
will see is the HOSTTERM terminal screen. Your cursor will
be positioned in the top of the IO area and HOSTTERM will be
in "dumb terminal" mode.
To get your TNC and HOSTTERM communicating at the same baud
rate, press the asterisk (*) key several times until you see
the message, "AEA PK-232 Data Controller". (If you cannot
get the PK-232 to respond, turn it off and on again.)
HOSTTERM TERMINAL SCREEN
+-------------------------------------------------------+
|- |
| |
| |
| IO Area |
| |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| | <- link
+-------------------------------------------------------+ status
| ===> command_area mode ### * |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Page 2
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
IO Area the top 24 lines of the display. The IO area is
used to display IO to and from your TNC/Modem and
your keyboard. As data is received from your
TNC/MODEM, lines are scrolled upward, and,
eventually, off the top of the screen. This area
of the screen may be scrolled back to review data
that has scrolled away. The PgUp, PgDn, up arrow
and down arrow keys control the scrolling as you
would expect.
The Esc key is used to switch between the command
area and the IO Area.
When operating RTTY (ASCII or Baudot) and Morse in
host mode, switching to the IO Area also keys the
transmitter.
Note: New data will only be scrolled into the IO
area if you are positioned at the end of the data
buffer. If you are not seeing new data appear in
the IO area, press the End key to scroll the IO
area to its end.
command_area TNC commands are entered in this area when in
host mode.
The Esc key is used to switch between the command
area and the IO Area.
Your current path (from the Alt-P commands) is
also displayed in the command area. When the path
is displayed, you may press Enter to clear the
command area.
mode shows the current mode of HOSTTERM and the TNC.
The following indicators may be displayed:
* Terminal - indicates dumb-terminal mode (see
HOSTTERM modes, below).
* Stream[#]: - indicates PACKET operation in
host mode. The number sign (#) will be a
number from 0-9 indicating the stream to which
the next terminal output will be directed.
The packet data is kept separate for each
stream. The TAB key selects the next stream.
If you are connected to a station, the station
call sign will appear following the
'Stream[#]:'.
Stream 9 displays the monitored data packets
(as opposed to the data from stations you are
connected to.)
Page 3
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
* Baudot - indicates BAUDOT RTTY operation in
host mode.
* ASCII - indicates ASCII RTTY operation in host
mode.
* Morse - indicates MORSE code operation in host
mode.
* AMTOR - indicates AMTOR operation in host
mode.
### shows the number of lines in the in-storage
buffer.
* (flashing asterisk) provides an indication in host
mode that HOSTTERM is communicating with your TNC.
If the asterisk stops flashing for more than a few
seconds, typing 'gg' on the command line will
probably get things going again.
link status The current status of the AX.25 link is
displayed in this area when you press the Alt-S
command. You may press Alt-S to toggle the status
display on and off.
The link status is only meaningful in PACKET mode
(not ASCII, BAUDOT, CW, etc.)
INITIAL TNC PARAMETERS
There are a number of TNC parameters which you will want to
setup each time HOSTTERM is started. These parameters may
be placed in a DOS file and automatically sent to the TNC as
part of an initialization sequence.
To start the initialization sequence, press Alt-I.
A menu will be displayed that allows you to select a DOS
file that contains TNC commands to customize TNC parameters
such as your call sign, number of simultaneous packet users,
etc. A typical initialization file is shown in "Appendix B:
INIT.TNC File".
Your TNC has the option of "remembering" its customized
settings. The TNC will retain these settings if you install
batteries in the TNC to preserve the TNC memory when you
turn off power to the TNC. I recommend that you do not
install batteries in the TNC. Rather, put your desired
customization commands in the INIT.TNC file and use the
Alt-I procedure described above. It is possible to get the
TNC into a state whereby it is practically impossible to
Page 4
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
communicate between it and your computer. If you have not
installed batteries, you can turn off the TNC, and the TNC
will revert to a known "communicating" state when you turn
it back on. With batteries installed, it may stay in its
non-communicating state forever (or until the batteries run
out or you remove the batteries.)
HOSTTERM MODES
HOSTTERM operates in either "dumb terminal" or "host" mode.
dumb terminal - the keys you press are passed to the TNC or
modem, and output from the TNC or modem is
displayed in the IO Area.
host - the TNC is operating in host mode. Function, Alt
and Esc keys are active to control the TNC
operating parameters and modes.
The mode is selected from the Alt-M "Select Mode" menu.
(See the Operation section that follows.)
STARTUP PROCEDURE SUMMARY
The following steps will get HOSTTERM up and running with
your TNC:
1. Put your call sign in the appropriate lines of the
sample INIT.TNC file supplied with the HOSTTERM package.
(The sample has 'PK232' everywhere you should put your
call sign.)
2. With the TNC turned off, install COMBIOSY by typing
COMBIOSY at the DOS prompt.
3. Invoke HOSTTERM by typing HOSTTERM at the DOS prompt.
4. Select the desired asynchronous communications
parameters on the first HOSTTERM menu displayed and
press Enter.
5. Turn on the PK-232 TNC. You will see a message asking
you to press the asterisk (*) key in order to
synchronize the TNC with your computer.
6. Press the asterisk (*) key a few times until the TNC
responds with cmd:.
7. Press Alt-I in order to process the commands in your TNC
initialization file. The default initialization file is
Page 5
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
INIT.TNC; you are given the option of selecting a
different file.
8. Press Alt-M to bring up the HOSTTERM mode selection
menu.
Select the desired mode, and you're on your way.
Startup Problems
If you have problems getting HOSTTERM to work with your TNC,
here are some things to check:
1. Is COMBIOSY installed?
If HOSTTERM seems to immediately return to DOS after
clearing your display screen, COMBIOSY is probably not
installed. COMBIOSY is installed by typing COMBIOSY at
the DOS prompt >. You should see a series of messages
from COMBIOSY telling you about its copyright and which
communications ports it found on your PC.
2. Did you select the correct communications port?
After you press Enter at the HOSTTERM title screen, you
should see a small menu that allows you to select
certain communications parameters. You must select the
communications port that your TNC is connected to.
3. Does the communications port speed (baud rate) match
your TNC?
Your TNC and PC must be speaking to one another at the
same communications port speed. The PC speed is
selected by means of the Async Parameters menu. The TNC
speed is selected by pressing the asterisk (*) key a few
times as described in step 3 of the Startup Procedure
Summary.
I recommend that you select 1200 Baud -- 300 Baud is too
slow, and 9600 Baud is a bit fast for reliable operation
of this program on a slow PC.
4. Errors in the INIT.TNC file
If processing of your INIT.TNC file (Alt-I) causes
HOSTTERM to quit, check the # lines in the INIT.TNC
file. Be sure that you carefully follow the format
described in "Appendix A: HOSTTERM Initialization
Options".
Page 6
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
HOSTTERM FILES
HOSTTERM.COM is the HOSTTERM program.
COMBIOSY.COM is a resident asynchronous communications
program that replaces some of the functions of the
PC's async communications facilities. COMBIOSY is
required for HOSTTERM operation and must be
installed before HOSTTERM is run.
COMBIOSY is based on a program written by H. Roy
Engehausen and retains his copyright and
distribution restrictions.
INIT.TNC contains commands used to initialize the TNC.
This file is sent to the TNC when Alt-I is
pressed.
A sample INIT.TNC file is supplied with the
HOSTTERM package.
HOSTTERM.LST is the file containing documentation for
HOSTTERM.
The following files are used by HOSTTERM. They are all
optional.
DIAL.DAT contains phone modem commands and telephone
numbers. See the Simple Terminal section that
follows for further information.
FDLOG.DAT is used by the Field Day logging function to
record the call sign and other information about a
station you are connected to. FDLOG.DAT data is
used to determine whether you have contacted a
station before (dupe checking).
AUTOLOG.DAT is created in the Automatic Operation mode. It
contains a record of all connects, disconnects and
data sent to your station. From the information
in this file, you can recover contest exchange
information sent to you.
The file can be read by any ASCII editor.
Page 7
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
OPERATION
HOSTTERM operates in either "dumb terminal" or "host" mode.
The mode is selected from the menu displayed by Alt-M.
DUMB TERMINAL
In Dumb Terminal mode, the keys you press are passed
directly to the TNC or modem, and data from the TNC or modem
is displayed to you in the IO Area.
All of your typing is done in the IO area; you do not use
the command area of the display.
HOST MODE
In host mode, the you may switch from the IO Area to the
Command area of the display via the Esc key. When your
cursor is positioned in the Command area, you invoke TNC
commands. TNC commands are entered as 2-character
abbreviations that almost match the abbreviations specified
in your TNC operating manual. For example, to set your call
in Dumb Terminal mode, you would type
MYCALL WK2S
In host mode, you enter this command in the command area as
ML WK2S
"Appendix D: Host Mode Commands" lists all of the PK-232 TNC
commands and their corresponding 2-character abbreviations.
In host mode, you will not see a "cmd:" prompt from the TNC.
To send TNC commands, simply press Esc to move your cursor
to the Command area (bottom line) of the screen.
PK-232 PACKET, MORSE, ASCII, RTTY and ARQ Mode L operation
is selected from either the Alt-M menu or by typing PA, MO,
AS, BA or AL on the command line.
Page 8
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
HOSTTERM keyboard functions allow you to scroll through data
received from your TNC and to switch between packet connect
streams.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
|- |
| |
| |
| IO Area |
| |
| |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| | <- link
+-------------------------------------------------------+ status
| ===> command_area mode ### * |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Esc switches between command and IO areas of the
display (host mode, only).
When operating in RTTY (ASCII or Baudot) and Morse
in host mode, switching to the IO Area also keys
the transmitter.
Tab switches to the next packet stream (host mode
packet, only). Idle streams and streams with
nothing to display are skipped.
If you press Tab and the screen seems to stick in
stream #9, there is nothing to display in the
other streams.
Shift-Tab switches to the next packet stream (host mode
packet, only). Idle streams are not skipped.
Home moves the display IO area to the beginning of
data.
End moves the display IO area to the end of data.
PgUp moves the display IO area up one page toward the
beginning of data.
PgDn moves the display IO area down one page toward the
end of data.
Up Arrow moves the display IO area up one line toward the
beginning of data.
Down Arrow moves the display IO area down one line toward
the end of data.
Page 9
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
Note: New data will only be scrolled into the IO area if you
are positioned at the end of the data buffer. If you are
not seeing new data appear in the IO area, press the End key
to scroll the IO area to its end.
Page 10
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
FUNCTION KEYS
F1 - Help displays a help menu
F2 - Connect displays a connect menu.
+---------------------+
| |
| Connect to ... ____ |
| Via Rpt1 ..... ____ |
| . |
| . |
| . |
| |
| Note: ...... ____ |
+---------------------+
This menu allows you to select the station to be
connected to and optionally select a path of
digipeaters.
HOSTTERM monitors packet activity and keeps track
of the stations heard. Repeated pressing of F2
will recall the stations heard and display them in
the connect menu. When you press enter, HOSTTERM
will initiate a connection to the station
displayed in the menu. If you decide not to
initiate a connect, press Esc to return.
If automatic logging is in effect and you have
already worked the station that has been recalled,
"***Dupe***" appears in the Note field of the
connect menu. If you want to connect anyway,
press Enter again; if you decide not to initiate a
connect, press Esc.
F3 - Canned Messages setup and choose from a set of
messages to be sent.
+------------------------------------------+
| 1 - ____________________________________ |
| 2 - ____________________________________ |
| 3 - ____________________________________ |
| 4 - ____________________________________ |
+------------------------------------------+
Use the Tab and cursor keys to position to one of
the canned message lines and type in whatever text
you would like sent. Then, press Enter to send
the message.
F4 - DOS allows you to execute a DOS command.
F7 - Begin Capture to File initiates the capture of TNC
Page 11
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
data to a disk file.
Data received is saved in a disk file. The menu
allows you to select the file name and specify
whether the data currently displayed on your
screen is to be captured in addition to the
subsequent data that comes from the TNC.
+---------------------+
| Capture to File |
| |
| File Name: ________ |
| Write Dsply: _Y_ |
| |
| |
+---------------------+
'Write Dsply: _Y_' means that you want to write to
the file beginning with the data currently
displayed on your screen. Thus, if you want to
capture some information that you saw go by in the
past, you may scroll backward with the Up arrow
and PgUp keys to position the information on your
display before you press F7.
'Write Dsply: _N_' means that only new data from
the TNC will be captured to the file.
If you are already capturing your TNC data to a
file, the above menu is displayed with a message,
"*** File OPEN ***". In this case, your TNC data
continues to be captured
F8 - Stop Capture to File stops the capture of TNC data to
a disk file.
The capture file is closed.
F9 - Clear buffer clears the contents of the display
buffer.
F10 - Xmit File sends the contents of a file to the TNC.
Alt-F4 - DOS shell to PC DOS.
To return from DOS, enter 'exit' from the DOS
prompt.
Note that while in DOS, all TNC activity is held
in the TNC's memory. If the memory capacity of
the TNC is exceeded, data will be lost.
Alt-F5 - Write Log write the FD log.
Alt-F6 - Read Log read the FD log.
Page 12
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
ALTERNATE LETTER KEYS
Alt-B - sends the field day beacon and sets up to repeat
the beacon at the interval specified as the beacon
interval parameter See Automatic Operation section
for further information. (Packet mode)
Alt-C - invokes the connect menu; the same as F2 key.
(Packet mode)
Alt-D - disconnect from the current station (Packet mode)
Alt-D - bring up modem phone number Dial directory
(Terminal mode)
Alt-E - toggle local echo on and off.
Alt-F - invokes the Field Day menu See the section
describing Automatic Operation for more
information on the options provided. (Packet
mode)
Alt-G - invokes LOG menu.
Alt-H - switch the TNC to host mode.
Alt-I - send TNC initialization commands to the TNC.
A menu allows you to select a DOS file that
contains TNC commands used to initialize or change
your TNC's operating parameters. You can have
different initialization files for each of your
modes of operation such as BAUDOT RTTY, ASCII RTTY
and PACKET.
See "Appendix B: INIT.TNC File" for further
details on the contents of the initialization
file.
Alt-K - send '<<K>>'
Alt-L - locks on the current station(s) being monitored.
(Packet mode)
Alt-M - mode selection menu.
This menu allows you to select the TNC operating
mode:
* Terminal - is a dumb-terminal mode
* Packet --- selects host mode packet operation
* Baudot --- selects host mode Baudot RTTY
operation
* ASCII ---- selects host mode ASCII RTTY
Page 13
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
operation
In addition, you can choose options to set the
display color/highlighting and the terminal
operating characteristics (Baud rate,
communications port, etc.)
Alt-O - sends "ok" to TNC to lock into signal. (Used in
SIAM Signal Access Mode.)
Alt-P - display the current path. (Packet mode)
Alt-Q - sends the Connect text text to another station.
This is used to respond to a field day exchange
you have initiated manually. (See Automatic
Operation section for a discussion of the options
on the Field Day menu that allow you to set up the
connect text.)
Alt-R - switch to receive.
The radio connected to the TNC is switched to
receive. This command is applicable to BAUDOT and
ASCII RTTY and MORSE modes.
Your call, in addition to the call sign setup in
the transmit command (Alt-T) is sent to terminate
the transmission.
Alt-S - display the current link status (toggle on/off).
Alt-T - switch to transmit.
The radio connected to the TNC is switched to
transmit. This command is applicable to BAUDOT
and ASCII RTTY and MORSE modes.
A menu is displayed allowing you to enter the call
sign of the station you are transmitting to. The
call sign is sent to initiate the transmission.
Alt-U - unlock from the current stations (reverses the
affect of Alt-L.)
Alt-X - terminate HOSTTERM and return to DOS.
Page 14
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
SIMPLE TERMINAL
HOSTTERM can be operated as a simple terminal emulator
connected to either a TNC or a phone modem. Simple terminal
operation is selected from the Alt-M menu by selecting Dumb
Terminal. The indicator 'Terminal' will appear in the
middle of the command line to indicate simple terminal
operation.
Simple Terminal - Modem dialing
Alt-D brings up a menu that allows you to select a phone
number to dial.
Position the cursor to the phone number you wish
to dial and press Enter.
You can type over a phone number on this menu to
dial any number you desire. Note that any numbers
you type in on this menu are NOT saved in the
DIAL.DAT file (see below).
Alt-H hangs up the phone line.
DIAL.DAT
The file, DIAL.DAT, contains the data for modem dialing as
follows:
line 1 characters to be sent to modem before the phone
number.
These characters are the modem dialing characters,
such as ATDP for a Hayes compatible modem.
line 2 characters to be sent to the modem to hang up the
phone line.
lines 3 - 18 contain a character string description and a
phone number in pairs.
DIAL.DAT must be exactly 18 lines long. Unused
description/phone number lines should be left blank. A
typical DIAL.DAT file is illustrated below:
Page 15
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
+--------------------------------+
| ATD | Modem dialing command prefix
| ATH | Modem hangup command
| WB2COY | description #1
| 485-3393 | phone number #1
| Compuserve (1200/E/7) | description #2
| 473-2617 | phone number #2
| PC-bbs xxx | .
| 123-4567 | .
| PC-bbs yyy | .
| 123-0000 | etc
| PC-bbs zzz | .
| 123-9999 | .
| | .
| | .
| | .
| | .
| | description #8 (blank)
| | phone number #8 (blank)
+--------------------------------+
Page 16
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
PACKET OPERATION
Packet operation in host mode is selected from the Alt-M
menu or by typing PA on the command line. The indicator
'Stream[#]:' will appear in the middle of the command line
to indicate PACKET operation. The number sign (#) will be a
number from 0-9 indicating the stream to which the next
terminal output will be directed. The TAB key selects the
next stream.
If you are connected to a station, the station call sign
will appear following the 'Stream[#]:'.
TNC Settings - VHF Packet
HB 1200 (HBAUD 1200) sets radio link to 1200 Baud.
VH y (VHF ON) sets tone to 1000 Hz shift
TNC Settings - HF Packet
HB 300 (HBAUD 300) sets radio link to 300 Baud.
VH n (VHF OFF) sets tone to 200 Hz shift
PX y (PASSALL ON) commands PK-232 to accept packets
with invalid CRCs.
HOSTTERM FUNCTIONS - PACKET
Selecting Streams
In packet operation, connections can be maintained with a
number of different stations at the same time. The
conversations between your station and each other station
are kept separate. The separation is by means of a concept
called a stream.
A stream is selected when you initiate a connection with
Page 17
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
another station or when another station connects to you.
With HOSTTERM, you are able to switch between your
concurrent conversations (streams) by means of the Tab key.
HOSTTERM supports up to 10 streams that are numbered 0
through 9. Stream number 9 is used display packets from
stations you are monitoring, but not connected to.
In order for the TNC to allow concurrent connections, the
USERS parameter in INIT.TNC must be set to a value greater
than 0. For example, 'USERS 4' allows up to four concurrent
conversations.
Connect
Press F2 or Alt-C for the connect menu.
+---------------------+
| |
| Connect to ... ____ |
| Via Rpt1 ..... ____ |
| . |
| . |
| |
| Note: ...... ____ |
+---------------------+
You can scroll through a list of stations heard by
repeatedly pressing the F2 key when the Connect menu is
displayed. Press Enter to initiate a connect or Esc to
return without attempting a connect.
Disconnect
Press Alt-D to disconnect.
Page 18
HOSTTERM Version 3.10
RTTY OPERATION
BAUDOT or ASCII RTTY operation in host mode is selected from
the Alt-M menu or by typing BA or AS on the command line.
TNC Settings - RTTY
RB 45 (RBAUD 45) sets radio link to 45 baud (60 WPM) for
BAUDOT RTTY
AB 110 (ABAUD 110) sets radio link to 110 baud for ASCII
RTTY.
SI (SIGNAL) puts PK-232 in SIAM signal analysis mode.
When the PK-232 locks into, type Alt-O (or type OK
on command line) to begin copy.
HOSTTERM FUNCTIONS - RTTY
The following keyboard functions are useful for RTTY
operation.
Esc - switches the cursor to the IO area and keys your
transmitter. The characters you type in the IO
area are sent as RTTY characters.
Alt-R is used to switch back into receive mode.
Alt-K - send '<<K>>'
Alt-T - transmit
The radio connected to the TNC is switched to
transmit.
A menu is displayed allowing you to enter the call
sign of the station you are transmitting to. The
call sign is sent to initiate the transmission.
Alt-R - receive
The radio connected to the TNC is switched to
receive.
Your call, in addition to the call sign setup in
the transmit command (Alt-T) is sent to terminate
the transmission.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
CW (MORSE CODE) OPERATION
CW operation in host mode is selected from the Alt-M menu or
by typing MO on the command line.
Whenever you press Esc and the cursor is toggled into the IO
display area, your transmitter is keyed up.
TNC Settings - CW
WI n (WIDESHIFT OFF) sets RTTY tone shift to 200 Hz.
MP ## (MSPEED ##) sets Morse keying speed to ## WPM.
HOSTTERM FUNCTIONS - CW
The following keyboard functions are useful for CW
operation.
Esc - switches the cursor to the IO area and keys your
transmitter. The characters you type in the IO
area are sent as Morse code characters.
Alt-R is used to switch back into receive mode.
Alt-T - transmit
The radio connected to the TNC is switched to
transmit.
A menu is displayed allowing you to enter the call
sign of the station you are transmitting to. The
call sign is sent to initiate the transmission.
Alt-R - receive
The radio connected to the TNC is switched to
receive.
Your call, in addition to the call sign setup in
the transmit command (Alt-T) is sent to terminate
the transmission.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
AMTOR OPERATION
TNC Settings - AMTOR
AMTOR operation in host mode is selected by typing any of
the PK-232 AMTOR commands on the command line.
AL switches the TNC into ARQ Listen mode
AM switches the TNC into ARQ Standby mode. In this
mode, your station is ready for automatic access
by AMTOR stations that send your SELCAL.
AC aaaa starts your station in AMTOR Mode A (ARQ)
selective call (SELCAL) to station "aaaa".
HOSTTERM FUNCTIONS - AMTOR
There are no special keyboard functions for AMTOR operation.
You will need to refer to the PK-232 instructions for
information about the commands that pertain to AMTOR.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
STATION LOG
HOSTTERM provides facilities for keeping a log of stations
worked. These log facilities are tailored to keeping track
of PACKET contacts in the ARRL Field Day contest.
Alt-G - invokes LOG menu.
To create a log entry, press Alt-G when you are
connected to a station. The date, time and
station call will be entered in the log, and the
log menu will be displayed so you can fill in any
additional information.
When the log menu is displayed, PgUp and PgDn can
be used to display previous and subsequent
entries, respectively. When an entry is
displayed, the data in the entry may be changed by
typing into the data entry fields.
Alt-F5 - Write Log write the FD log.
Alt-F6 - Read Log read the FD log.
Note: HOSTTERM will not allow you to read the log
before you have written it. In this situation, an
error message will be displayed if you press
Alt-F6.
FDLOG.DAT
The file, FDLOG.DAT, is used to save the log information
described above. The file may be browsed with standard IBM
PC text editors.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
HOSTTERM has a limited form of automatic operation that is
oriented to making automatic contacts during the ARRL Field
Day contest. The automatic operation will periodically send
a "CQ", respond to connects, detect duplicate contacts and
keep a log.
You may find this mode useful for unattended packet
operations of your own station.
Automatic field day operation is initiated by selecting Auto
mode and Auto FDLOG on the field day menu (Alt-F).
+--------------------------------------+
| Auto Mode Parms |
| |
| Beacon text ................... ____ |
| Beacon secs: ................ ___0 |
| Connect text .................. ____ |
| Request text .................. ____ |
| Dupe text ..................... ____ |
| Checkpoint log ................ ____ |
| ...... ____ |
| Auto mode (Y/N) ............... ___Y | <-
| Auto FDLOG (Y/N) .............. ___Y | <-
| Timeout secs: ................. __60 |
| ............................... ____ |
| ............................... ____ |
+--------------------------------------+
Auto mode Y - turns on the automatic mode which sends
beacons and responds to connects as described
below.
Auto FDLOG Y - causes an entry to be made in FDLOG.DAT for
every connect made.
Automatic Mode
1. Connects are responded to by checking the log file for
duplicates and responding with messages as follows:
* If the connect is not a duplicate, Connect text and
Request text messages are sent to the station that
has connected.
* If the connect is a duplicate, Connect text and Dupe
text messages are sent to the station that has
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
connected.
2. The text received from each station that connects to
HOSTTERM is saved in a file named AUTOLOG.DAT.
AUTOLOG.DAT may be reviewed to find the field day report
information sent by the other stations.
3. When you are connected to another station, activity is
monitored to be sure you have not lost the other
station. If no activity is detected for a period of
time (set by the timeout option on the Field Day menu
(Alt-F)), HOSTTERM will disconnect from the inactive
station.
4. A field day "CQ" beacon is sent at intervals set by the
Beacon secs option on the field day menu.
When Beacon secs is set to 0, no beacons will be sent.
The beacon can be manually initiated by Alt-B.
To change the Beacon text , Connect text , Request text or
Dupe text put an 's' in the entry field to the right of the
corresponding line on the Auto Mode Parm menu. Another
window will be displayed in which you can enter the desired
text. (Note: for Connect text the window is displayed two
times to allow you to enter two lines of text to be sent
when a station connects to you.)
Automatic logging files
There are two files used for logging in automatic mode.
Either of these files can be browsed with standard IBM PC
editors.
FDLOG.DAT
This file contains just the date, time and the call sign of
stations that have connected to HOSTTERM. You may also
manually enter report information in this log by using Alt-G
to invoke the log menu function.
When in Automatic Operation , a log entry is made for each
connect.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
AUTOLOG.DAT
This file contains the streams of data received from each
station that has connected to HOSTTERM. Connects and
disconnects are highlighted so you can use the data in this
file to create a field day log.
This file is used only in Automatic Operation mode. To keep
track of all connect activity, whether automatic or manually
initiated, select Automatic Operation from the Field Day
menu (Alt-F).
Manual Connects
While in automatic mode, you can manually initiate a connect
to other stations by means of the Connect menu (F2) as
follows:
1. Select the station you wish to connect to by filling in
the menu and pressing Enter.
2. Or, press F2 to scroll through the list of stations
heard by HOSTTERM and press Enter when a desired station
call is displayed.
Manual connects are checked for dupes before the connect
is initiated, and the note "*** Dupe ***" appears on the
Connect menu if the station was previously connected to.
* Press Enter a second time after the "***Dupe***"
note appears in the Connect menu to initiate a
connection even though you have already contacted
the selected station.
* Press Esc when the "*** Dupe ***" note appears, to
ignore the duplicate station.
3. Create a manual log entry in FDLOG.DAT
To create a log entry, press Alt-G when you are
connected to a station. The date, time and station call
will be entered in the log, and the log menu will be
displayed so you can fill in any additional information.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
APPENDIX A: HOSTTERM INITIALIZATION OPTIONS
TNC commands can be placed in a file and sent to the TNC by
means of the Alt-I key.
In addition to TNC commands, there are three special types
of commands that may be included to set HOSTTERM options.
* * - lines that begin with an asterisk (*) are ignored.
Such lines can be included in the initialization file
as comments.
* $ - lines that begin with a dollar sign ($) cause a 1
second delay before the next command is sent to the TNC.
* # - lines that begin with a number sign (#) set a
HOSTTERM option. Each HOSTTERM option is identified by
a number. The numbers and respective options are shown
in the chart, below.
- Each line must begin with a # in column 1
- followed by one or more spaces
- followed by a valid number
- followed by the text or numeric value described in
the chart, above.
# lines are coded as illustrated by
# 2 W2ABC-3
which sets HOSTTERM option 2, the default digipeater for
connects, to 'W2ABC-3'.
# Option
--- - --------------------------------------------
01 - your call sign (used for RTTY)
02 - default digipeater (call sign) for connects
03 - message sent as Field Day exchange for
automode connects and when Alt-Q is pressed
04 - message sent for automode beacons
05 - interval for automode beacons (seconds)
06 - interval for automode timeouts (seconds)
07 - message sent to request Field Day info for
automode connects
08 - message sent to request Field Day info for
automode connects (follows above message)
09 - message sent if automode connect is a
duplicate contact
A typical set of commands is shown in "Appendix B: INIT.TNC
File". Be careful to follow the syntax illustrated in the
appendix for the # commands:
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
If HOSTTERM seems to stop after it begins to read the
INIT.TNC file, remove any # commands and try again.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
APPENDIX B: INIT.TNC FILE
* INIT.TNC file for PK232
# 01 WK2S
# 02 ENY
# 03 Pok ARC Field Day - 3A ENY - Dutchess Co., NY (FN31)
# 04 CQ Field Day
# 05 60 beacon interval
# 06 60 time out interval
# 07 TNX for connect. Pse send field day class and ARRL section.
# 08 When you have sent your msg, Pse DISCONNECT. 73 <K>
# 09 Sorry, we have worked before. Pse DISCONNECT. 73 <K>
* TNC initialization commands
MYCALL WK2S
MYALIAS WK2S
MYSELCAL WWKS
USERS 3
CANLINE 27
ECHO off
BK on
ACRDISP 0
HEADERLN on
CONSTAMP on
MSTAMP on
MON 4
MRPT on
CHCALL ON
CHSWITCH $3B
CBELL OFF
CTEXT === DE WK2S, Barry, in Wappingers Falls, NY ===
CMSG on
MONITOR on
AX25L2V2 on
MAXFRAME 1
XFLOW off
Notes:
1. The following options are necessary for HOSTTERM's
automatic tracking of stations heard:
* HEADERLN on
* MON 4
* MRPT on
* MONITOR on
If you want to continue automatic tracking of stations
heard while you are connected to a station, use MCON 4
in addition to the above options. (This is specified as
MC4 on the command line in host mode.)
2. USERS should be set to a value greater than 1 to allow
multiple concurrent connects.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL NOTES
1. COMMAND.COM
HOSTTERM uses the COMSPEC= parameter in the DOS
environment to find the DOS command processor,
COMMAND.COM, for the DOS shell functions invoked via F4
and Alt-F4.
2. TNC to computer cable
The following RS232C 25-pin "D" connectors should be
connected in the cable between your TNC and computer:
* 4 - Request to Send (control signal from computer to
TNC)
* 5 - Clear to Send (control signal from TNC to
computer)
* 2 - Transmit Data (serial data from computer to TNC)
* 3 - Receive Data (serial data from TNC to computer)
* 7 - Signal Ground
3. PCjr Communications Ports
The PCjr has one built in asynchronous communications
port and optionally a second port associated with the
PCjr internal modem. HOSTTERM will work with both the
built in port and the optional modem.
* The asynchronous port that you connect to your TNC
by means of an adapter plug and an RS232C cable is
always referred to as PORT 2 by HOSTTERM, whether
you have the optional internal modem or not.
* The optional internal telephone modem is referred to
as PORT 1.
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
APPENDIX D: HOST MODE COMMANDS
8BITCONV 8B DELETE DL
AAB AU DFROM DF
ABAUD AB DISCONNE DI
ACHG AG DWAIT DW
ACRDISP AA EAS EA
ACRPACK AK ECHO EC
ACRRTTY AT ESCAPE ES
ADDRESS AE FAX FA
ADELAY AD FAXNEG FN
ALFDISP AI FEC FE
ALFPACK AP FLOW FL
ALFRTTY AR FRACK FR
ALIST AL FSPEED FS
AMTOR AM FULLDUP FU
ARQ AC GRAPHICS GR
ARQTMO AO HBAUD HB
ASCII AS HEADERLN HD
ASPECT AY HID HI
AWLEN AW HOST HO
AX25L2V2 AV HPOLL HP
AXDELAY AX ID ID
AXHANG AH ILFPACK IL
BAUDOT BA IO IO
BEACON BE JUSTIFY JU
BITINV BI KISS KI
BKONDEL BK LEFTRITE LR
BTEXT BT LOCK LO
CANLINE CL MAXFRAME MX
CANPAC CP MBX MB
CASEDISP CX MCON MC
CBELL CU MDIGI MD
CCITT CC MEMORY MM
CFROM CF MFILTER MI
CHCALL CB MFROM MF
CHDOUBLE CD MHEARD MH
CHECK CK MONITOR MN
CHSWITCH CH MORSE MO
CMDTIME CQ MPROTO MQ
CMSG CM MRPT MR
CODE C1 MSPEED MP
COMMAND CN MSTAMP MS
CONMODE CE MTO MT
CONNECT CO MYALIAS MA
CONPERM CY MYALTCAL MK
CONSTAMP CG MYCALL ML
CPACTIME CI MYSELCAL MG
CRADD CR NEWMODE NE
CTEXT CT NOMODE NO
CWID CW NUCR NR
DAYSTAMP DS NULF NF
DAYTIME DA NULLS NU
DCDCONN DC OK OK
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HOSTTERM Version 3.10
OPMODE OP SIGNAL SI
PACKET PA SLOTTIME SL
PACLEN PL SQUELCH SQ
PACTIME PT SRXALL SR
PARITY PR START ST
PASS PS STOP SO
PASSALL PX TBAUD TB
PERSIST PE TCLEAR TC
PPERSIST PP TIME TM
PRCON PC TRACE TR
PRFAX PF TRFLOW TW
PROUT PO TRIES TI
PRTYPE PY TXDELAY TD
RAWHDLC RW TXFLOW TF
RBAUD RB TXREV TX
RCVE RC UNPROTO UN
RECEIVE RE USERS UR
REDISPLA RD USOS US
RELINK RL VHF VH
RESET RS WIDESHFT WI
RESPTIME RP WORDOUT WO
RESTART RT WRU WR
RETRY RY XFLOW XW
RFEC RF XMIT XM
RXREV RX XMITOK XO
SELFEC SE XOFF XF
SENDPAC SP XON XN
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