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1992-10-02
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Sysop Manual for
AMTOR/PACKET Link (APLINK) Version 7.00, October 1, 1992
Copyright (c) 1989-1992 - Victor D. Poor, W5SMM
Introduction . . . . . . . CHAPTER 1
Hardware Installation . . CHAPTER 2
Software Installation . . CHAPTER 3
The Configuration File . . CHAPTER 4
Character Sets . . . . . . CHAPTER 5
The Forwarding File . . . CHAPTER 6
Message Import/Export . . CHAPTER 7
Starting the System . . . CHAPTER 8
Bulletins . . . . . . . . CHAPTER 9
System Logs . . . . . . . CHAPTER 10
Console Operation . . . . CHAPTER 11
Program Distribution . . CHAPTER 12
Packet Channel Commands . APPENDIX A
AMTOR Channel Commands . APPENDIX B
1
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
WHAT THE SYSTEM DOES...
The AMTOR/PACKET Link (APLINK) is a software system that
runs under MS-DOS 3.x or higher on an IBM-XT or compatible
computer. It runs an AMTOR MBO and a PACKET BBS concurrently
using a common set of message files. (For whatever reason, the
AMTOR community refers to these things as mailboxes [MBO] and the
PACKET community as bulletin board systems [BBS]. In this
document MBO will refer to the AMTOR side and BBS to the PACKET
side of the system.)
Both sides of the system conform as closely as possible to
the conventions that have evolved for the use of PACKET BBSs.
There are differences necessitated by the nature and constraints
of the AMTOR mode. Although improvements in AMTOR controllers
have greatly reduced the incidence of errors AMTOR is still
subject to occasional transmission errors. For this reason, as
well as the fact that AMTOR does not automatically identify a
sending station, the MBO requires positive identification during
login. The MBO will also request confirmation of the addressee
when entering messages into the system (unless the user has
selected 'EXPERT' mode).
In the past AMTOR has had the restriction of a limited character
set. This has been eliminated for stations using the latest
APLINK or PAMS software with up-to-date AMTOR controllers. The
full ASCII printing character set is now available.
Why use AMTOR at all, given its limitations? AMTOR will
work under difficult radio conditions that would pack in a PACKET
link (pardon the pun). The author of this system has lived on a
sailboat and maintained communications with friends and family
via ham radio. AMTOR worked reliably for that purpose, day in
and day out, while running with low power, long hauls, and
abominable radio conditions. Only CW could improve on its record
for reliability.
The MBO provides all of the features that any MBO in use
today would normally supply. The BBS is a subset of what packet
operators who use typical v.h.f. packet systems are used to. It
is not intended that this system be used as your local packet BBS
although it could be in a pinch.
2
No provision is made for handling anything but ASCII text
files in regular message format. There are no W, D, or U
commands in the system.
3
CHAPTER 2
Hardware Installation
The equipment required to run this system includes:
1. IBM-XT or close clone running MS-DOS 3.x or higher and a
hard disk. At least two COM ports must be installed and
available. (Only one COM port is required if you are using a HAL
PCI-3000.) The minimum acceptable free memory is 300k.
2. An AEA AMT-1, ICS AMT-3, AEA PK-232, or a HAL PCI-3000
AMTOR Controller.
WARNING - THIS VERSION OF APLINK WAS DEVELOPED AND
TESTED WITH THE FOLLOWING VERSION OF ROMS: IN THE
AMT-1, VERSION 07A; AMT-3, VERSION 8.0; IN THE PK-
232, JULY 1991; AND IN THE PCI-3000, VERSION 1.7C.
YOU SHOULD USE ONE OF THESE, OR LATER, ROMS IN
YOUR AMTOR CONTROLLER. IT IS STRONGLY RECCOMENDED
THAT YOU NOT RUN THIS VERSION OF APLINK WITH
EARLIER VERSION ROMS.
Contact Jim, KE5HE @ KE5HE.TX.USA if you need new ROMs for
the AMT-1 or the PCI-3000. Contact manufacturers for the latest
ROMs in the other controllers.
If the AMT-1 is used it should be configured for 110 baud.
All soft configuring is done by APLINK at startup. Only Rx and
Tx signals are used between the AMT-1 and the computer. Flow
control is performed through use of the status byte from the
AMT-1. The COM port of choice must be set in the APLINK.CNF
configuration file (see below).
If the AMT-3 is used it should be configured for 1200 baud.
All other parameters are set by APLINK at startup.
If a PK-232 AEA Terminal Unit is used on the AMTOR channel
the interconnecting cable between the PK-232 and the serial port
should include wires 1 through 8 and 20 and no others.
If a HAL PCI-3000 is used, simply install the unit as
received from the factory. Do not use a serial port or connect
to the "host" port on the PCI-3000. The interface between the
PCI-3000 and PAMS is on the internal PC bus. Do not include an
AMTPORT parameter in the APLINK.CNF file unless you wish to
disable the AMTOR port.
3. A Packet TNC. Any TNC that recognizes Control-C to enter
command mode, responds to CONOK ON and OFF should work. The
program looks for the "*** Connected to..." sequence as well as
the DCD control line (pin 8) to control the state of the BBS.
4
The critical TNC parameters are:
ECHO OFF
FLOW OFF
NEWMODE ON
NOMODE OFF
BBSMSGS ON
XFLOW OFF
XON $00
XOFF $00
START $00
STOP $00
MONITOR OFF
MYCALL <your call>
Parity: None
Characters: 8-bits
Baud rate to the computer: The same as set in the
APLINK.CNF file.
These parameters are NOT set by APLINK. Since it is
intended that APLINK work with any TNC, no effort has be made to
automatically configure the TNC. Be sure your TNC is properly
configured before trying to run the system on the air. You may
bring up the system and use the keyboard to set up the TNC. The
TNC must be connected to the COM port specified in APLINK.CNF. As
a general rule pins 1 through 8 and pin 20 must be connected
between the TNC and the serial port. Hardware flow control is
used (both ways); the only other RS-232 status signal used is pin
8, carrier detect (CD). Your TNC must be capable of asserting
this signal on connect. For the PK-232, parameter DCD ON must be
set, for the PK-87, Jumper JP6 must be set to the B position.
Other TNC's will have similar settings that must be changed.
Consult your TNC's manual.
4. The r.f. hardware I will leave to your imagination. Since
this system is fully concurrent, both channels must be able to
work without mutual interference. AMTOR would be set up on your
h.f. frequency of choice and the TNC on a suitable v.h.f.
channel.
5
CHAPTER 3
Software Installation
The delivery disk normally contains a self-extracting
archive file. Create a temporary directory on your hard disk and
copy the archive file into that directory and then run it. The
following files should appear in the temporary directory:
APAM1.EXE - The main program when using the AMT-1 on the
AMTOR channel,
APAM3.EXE - The main program when using the AMT-3 on the
AMTOR channel,
AP232.EXE - The main program when using the PK-232 on the
AMTOR channel,
APPCI.EXE - The main program when using the PCI-3000 on the
AMTOR channel,
UPDATE.EXE - A message file update program automatically
called by APLINK for the daily update,
README.NEW - Read it!,
COPYRITE - Author's copyright statement,
APLINK.DOC - The Sysop manual (Microsoft WORD format),
APLINK.ASC - The Sysop manual (ASCII format),
USERS.EXE - The users' file editor,
APLINK.CNF - A sample system configuration file,
ROUTE.APS - A sample packet routing file,
SIGNON.PKT - The PACKET signon file,
HELP.AMT - The AMTOR help file,
HELP.PKT - The PACKET help file,
INFO.AMT - The AMTOR info file (should be Sysop edited),
INFO.PKT - The PACKET info file (should be Sysop edited),
USERS.APS - The file of registered AMTOR users,
HELP1. thru HELP9. - Help files the Sysop will install using
the SH command.
INTRCPT.APS - A sample intercept file,
MBBIOS.COM - A TSR communications port driver,
MBBCONFG.EXE - The MBBIOS.COM configuration program,
MBBIOS.ASC - Documentation for MBBIOS.COM,
In addition the Sysop must obtain a copy of the Norton Editor.
To install the system for the first time, simply copy all of
the above files and the Norton Editor (renamed E.COM) into a hard
disk subdirectory named \APLINK. Make a sub-subdirectory named
\APLINK\ARCHIVE. Rename either APAMT.EXE, AP232.EXE, or
APPCI.EXE to AP.EXE, depending upon which AMTOR terminal you are
using. Add \APLINK\MBBIOS.COM to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
If you are using a PK-232 for the AMTOR channel you may have
to use MBBCONFG.EXE to change the configuration of slot number 1
to hardware handshaking equal to 'Y'.
6
Using the Norton Editor, edit APLINK.CNF, ROUTE.APS,
INTRCPT.APS, INFO.AMT, and INFO.PKT to fit your station. Edit
USERS.APS with USERS.EXE to add or delete whatever stations you
wish or just let each station be entered into the USERS.APS file
as they log on for the first time.
Several other files will be created by the system in the
APLINK directory when it is first run.
Your computer's system clock (TIME and DATE command in MS-
DOS) should be set to your local time and time zone. You should
add the following line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: 'SET TZ=aaann'
where aaa is a three letter code for your local time zone and nn
is the number of hours difference between your local time zone
and GMT (UTC). Use a positive number if your are west of
Greenwich and a negative number if you are east. For example:
SET TZ=EST5
should be used for Eastern Standard Time (USA).
The file CONFIG.SYS in your root directory should have
BUFFERS=20 and FILES=20, at least.
Look at the sample INFO.AMT and INFO.PKT files using the
Norton Editor. You will see what needs to be done there.
Read the ROUTE.APS file with the Norton Editor. Change the
entries as required for packet forwarding at your station.
The intercept file, INTRCPT.APS, provides a very special
service. Each line of the file should contain station's call
letters, white space, and an h-route - AND NOTHING ELSE. Each
time a message is received by APLINK the file is searched for a
match to the TO field of the incoming message, if nothing is
found then an search is made on the first token of the AT field.
If the first call on any line matches, then the h-route is placed
in the AT field of the message. Note in the sample provided
that the first line of the file reads:
W5SMM WA8DRZ.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
This means that any message for W5SMM arriving in the system will
be forwarded to him at WA8DRZ. (In fact, W5SMM requests that all
sysops leave his call in the intercept file as shown.)
INSTALLATION NOTE
If you are using Desqview be sure to allow APLINK
enough time to run. There is no hard and fast rule
since it depends strongly on the speed of your
computer. If the time allotment gets too short the
7
system is painfully slow for your users and in some
cases will fall far enough behind (typically when both
PACKET and AMTOR ports are active at the same time) to
cause timeouts. This is especially true if you are
using the PK-232 on the AMTOR port. The software
overhead to run a PK-232 on AMTOR is very much higher
than for the other controllers.
Now set up the configuration file as described in the next
chapter.
8
CHAPTER 4
The Configuration File
For APLINK to run you must first edit the APLINK.CNF file to
suit your particular station. The following parameters must be
included in the file for the system to function.
MYCALL=W5XYZ The call letters for your station.
MYSELCAL=WXYZ The selcal for your station.
The remaining parameters are optional and the system will assume
a default value if nothing is given.
AAB Default: AAB=1 - Enables the automatic answerback
for this station.
ADELAY PK-232 Only. Default: The parameter set in the
PK-232 at startup. Sets the value of the transmit
delay for the PK-232. Multiply the parameter by
10 milliseconds. Example: ADELAY=5 sets the
transmit delay to 50 ms.
ALMOFF Default: ALMOFF=<null> - Sets the hour of the day
(local time) to disable the sysop alarm. Example:
ALMOFF=7 turns off the sysop alarm at 0700 local
time.
ALMON Default: ALMON=<null> - Sets the hour of the day
(local time) to turn on the sysop alarm. Example:
ALMON=15 enables the sysop alarm at 1500 local
time.
ALOG Default: ALOG=AMTLOG - The path/filename for the
AMTOR log file.
AMT-D AMT-1 and AMT-3 only. Default: AMT-D=0 - Sets the
error threshold for the AMT-1 (when the version
07A or later ROM is installed) or the AMT-3. 1 is
the tightest and 5 is the loosest error threshold.
The controller designer recommends a setting of 4.
AMT-F AMT-1 only. Default: AMT-F=1 - If 1, enables FEC
mode in the AMT-1 (when the version 07A or later
ROM is installed), if 0, disables the FEC mode.
Disabling the FEC mode is useful when scanning
since it prevents the scanner from pausing on FEC
signals.
AMTPORT Default: AMTPORT=1 - Sets the choice of
communications port used by the computer to
9
connect to the AMTOR controller. If AMTPORT is
set to 0 the AMTOR port is disabled and no
communications port is used or required in the
computer.
AMTRATE Default: AMTPORT=2400 - Sets the baud rate between
the AMTOR controller and the computer. Allowable
rates are 1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600. This
parameter has no effect when using the AMT-1 or
AMT-3.
APPL Default: APPL=<null> - Application code for use
with G3BPQ node software. Typical setting when
using the BPQ node is APPL=$08.
ARCHIVE Default: ARCHIVE=C:\APLINK\ARCHIVE\ - The path for
archiving messages removed from the system. (Note:
the trailing '\' must be included.
AUTOLOG Default: AUTOLOG=1 - Enables the system's
automatic AMTOR login feature.
AUTOREGISTER Default: AUTOREGISTER=1 - Enables a new user to
automatically be entered into the users file. If
disabled only calls entered into the users file by
the sysop may log into APLINK.
BULFWD Default: BULFWD=<null> - Bulletins will only be
forwarded on packet during the hour set in this
parameter. Any number of entries of this
parameter are allowed in the APLINK.CNF file
(Local time).
CALL Default: CALL=<null> - Presets a call for a
distant station at system startup. Example:
CALL=WA8DRZ
CALLFWD Default: CALLFWD=0 - If set to 1 enables
forwarding of traffic addressed to the station's
own call.
EXPORT Default: EXPORT=0 - Enables the import/export
routines in APLINK. Read chapter 7 before
including this parameter in the APLINK.CNF file.
EXPORTPATH Default: EXPORTPATH=<null> - Sets the path for
importing and exporting message files. Read
chapter 7 before including the parameter in the
APLINK.CNF file.
HEAP Default: HEAP=0 = If set to 1 enables a diagnostic
feature that displays the status and amount of
free memory available to APLINK.
10
HOLDFWD Default: HOLDFWD=<null> - Packet forwarding hours
may limited. This parameter, set to a given hour,
will prevent forwarding during that hour. Any
number of entries of this parameter are allowed in
the APLINK.CNF file. (Manual forwarding can be
initiated at any time.) Example:
HOLDFWD=19
HOLDFWD=20
HOLDFWD=21
will prevent forwarding on packet between 1900 and
2200 local time.
LCMD Default: LCMD=1 - When set to 1 enables the 'L'
command on the AMTOR port. When set to 0 disables
the 'L' command on the AMTOR port.
LOGFEC Default: LOGFEC=1 - Enables writing FEC mode
signals into the AMTOR log.
LOWERCASE Default: LOWERCASE=1 - Enables upper and lower
case mode on the AMTOR channel. Please read the
next chapter before including this parameter in
the APLINK.CNF file.
MAXLINES Default: MAXLINES=60 - Sets the number of printed
lines on your printer between form feeds.
MSGFF Default: MSGFF=0 - Enables automatic form feed at
the end of a message printed on the system
printer.
MYROUTE Default: MYROUTE=<null> - If you set MYROUTE to
the full h-route for your station it will appear
in headers generated by APLINK. Default is your
own call without any h-routing. You must still
set the parameter MYCALL as well, without any
extensions.
MYSUFFIX Default: MYSUFFIX=<null> - An extension to your
call such as a different call area. Do not
include the / in entry.
NLS Default: NLS=1 - Stands for No Leading Space. If
set to 1 you cannot type a leading space on a new
line from the keyboard while transmitting in
keyboard mode on the air.
OWNHEADER Default: OWNHEADER=1 - Enables the addition of
your station's header to a message when it is
originated at your station. If you are not
running an MBO serving other users it should be
set to 0.
11
PCIAD Default: PCIAD=5 - Set the value in milliseconds
of the audio delay in the PCI-3000.
PCICD Default: PCICD=30 - Sets the value in milliseconds
of the control delay in the PCI-3000.
PCIDLY Default: PCIDLY=0 - Setting PCIDLY=1 enables a
long timeout delay on a lost ARQ link, otherwise
the timeout delay is normal.
PCIPD Default: PCIPD=5 - Set the value in milliseconds
of the ptt delay in the PCI-3000.
PCISCAN Default: PCISCAN=0 - Setting PCISCAN=1 enables a
level (low) scan stop signal output from the PCI-
3000 upon receipt of a selcal otherwise the scan
stop signal is a pulse.
PCITD Default: PCITD=20 - Sets the value in milliseconds
of the transmit delay in the PCI-3000.
PKTBBS Default: PKTBBS=<null> - The call letters of the
packet bbs that you automatically forward to. You
must NOT include the call extension (i.e., W1ABC-
1).
PKTPORT Default: PKTPORT=2 - Sets the choice of the
communications port used by the computer for
connecting to the packet TNC. If PKTPORT is set
to 0 the packet channel is disabled and no
communications port is used or required in the
computer.
PKTRATE Default: PKTRATE=2400 - The baud rate used by the
communications port connected to the packet TNC.
Allowed values are 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600.
PLOG Default: PLOG=PKTLOG - The path/filename for the
packet log file.
PRINTER Default: PRINTER=NONE - The path to your printer.
A typical setting is PRINTER=LPT1.
PRTLOG Default: PRTLOG=1 - Specifies the channel that
prints to your printer when the system starts.
PRTLOG=1 for system printer (default),
PRTLOG=2 for AMTOR channel printer, or
PRTLOG=3 for PACKET channel printer.
QTH Default: QTH=<null> - Your QTH and postal code.
This text will appear in your message headers.
Example: QTH=MIAMI, FL Z:32132
12
SELCAL Default: SELCAL=<null> - Presets a selcal for a
distant station at system startup. Example:
SELCAL=WDRZ
SHORTHEADERS Default: SHORTHEADERS=0 - If set to 1 only the
first and last header will be forwarded on AMTOR.
Intermediate headers will be dropped. This acts
only on messages forwarded on AMTOR. All the
headers will still be forwarded on the packet
channel.
SIGNON Default: SIGNON=NEED HELP? TYPE 'HELP+?' - The
pre-login message.
SYSMSG Default: SYSMSG=<null> - The post-login message.
This is not normally set but may be used to
draw attention to an important bulletin. Example:
SYSMSG=URGENT: READ MSG 1234
TEXNET Default: TEXNET=0 - If the packet BBS that you
autoforward to is reached via Texnet this
parameter should be set to 1. In all other cases
it should be set to 0.
TFCONLY Default: TFCONLY=0 - When set to 1 packet
forwarding will only be initiated if there is
traffic to forward. (Manual forwarding can be
initiated at any time.)
TFWD Default: TFWD=999 - Sets the number of minutes
past the hours that PACKET forwarding begins. Set
to 999 to turn PACKET forwarding off.
TUPDATE Default: TUPDATE=999 - Set the hour of the day
(local time) that the system update will occur
automatically. Set to 999 to prevent automatic
updating. Automatic updating is strongly
recommended.
You may change the colors displayed on the screen. Use the
following range of numeric values to set the color parameters.
0 BLACK
1 BLUE
2 GREEN
3 CYAN
4 RED
5 MAGENTA
6 BROWN
7 LIGHT GREY
8 DARK GREY
9 LIGHT BLUE
13
10 LIGHT GREEN
11 LIGHT CYAN
12 LIGHT RED
13 LIGHT MAGENTA
14 YELLOW
15 WHITE
Backgrounds may only use 0 thru 7.
STATFORE Default: STATFORE=0 (BLACK) - Status line
foreground.
STATBACK Default: STATBACK=7 (LIGHT GREY) - Status line
background.
WDOFORE Default: WDOFORE=15 (WHITE) - Text windows
foreground.
WDOBACK Default: WDOBACK=1 (BLUE) - Text windows
background. (Black on black and white screens)
POPFORE Default: POPFORE=15 (WHITE) - Popup windows
foreground.
POPBACK Default: POPBACK=7 (LIGHT GREY) - Popup windows
background.
Once you have set up the APLINK.CNF file you need to
create a forwarding file as described in chapter 6.
14
CHAPTER 5
Character Sets
APLINK now supports a new feature which, at the sysop's
option, may be disabled. As a default, APLINK now sends the full
range of ASCII printing characters including all upper and lower
case alpha characters and all ASCII punctuation.
To disable this feature set LOWERCASE=0 in the APLINK.CNF
file.
This feature will work with any PK-232 controller, any AMT-1
controller with a version 07A ROM or later, any AMT-3
controller with a version 8.0 ROM or later, and any PCI-3000
with version 1.7C ROM or later.. If you need a new AMT-1 or
PCI-3000 ROM contact Jim, KE5HE @ KE5HE.TX.USA.
The addition of lower case is achieved by transmitting a
case 'toggle' or shift character, a Baudot blank, whenever the
text changes between upper and lower case. (The Baudot blank is
the Baudot character with all bits set to 0. Not to be confused
with the Baudot space.) The beginning of any transmission is
always assumed to be in upper case. Any Baudot figures character
always shifts the alpha case back to upper.
Since the Baudot blank character is ignored by virtually all
receiving devices this mode is 'backwards' compatible with your
existing user's system. A user not equipped with a system that
interprets the Baudot blank continues to see all upper case
characters.
The technique used for transmitting the extended punctuation
characters is to send an 'escape' code (again, a Baudot blank)
ahead of a Baudot figures character to 'reassign' it to an
alternate value. For example, to send a colon in the Baudot code
the system transmits a 'Figs-C'. This may be one or two
characters depending on whether the controller is already in
'Figs' case. To send a semicolon, which is an ASCII character
but not a Baudot character, the system precedes the 'Figs-C' with
the Baudot blank. This does not interfere with the upper/lower
case alpha toggle since any figures character resets the system
to upper case alpha.
Here is the 'escape' table used for the extended characters:
No Null Escape With Null Escape
-------------- ----------------
Figs-A: - Dash _ Underscore
Figs-B: ? Query
15
Figs-C: : Colon ; Semicolon
Figs-D: <Reserved for WRU>
Figs-E: 3
Figs-F: % Percent ` Reverse Apostrophe
Figs-G: @ At Symbol } Closing Brace
Figs-H: # Hash Mark { Opening Brace
Figs-I: 8
Figs-J: * Asterisk
Figs-K: ( Open Paren [ Opening Square Bracket
Figs-L: ) Close Paren ] Closing Square Bracket
Figs-M: . Period > Closing Angle Bracket
Figs-N: , Comma < Opening Angle Bracket
Figs-O: 9 ~ Tilde
Figs-P: 0
Figs-Q: 1 ! Exclamation Point
Figs-R: 4 $ Dollar Sign
Figs-S: ' Apostrophe " Quotation Marks
Figs-T: 5
Figs-U: 7 @ And Symbol
Figs-V: = Equal | Vertical Bar
Figs-W: 2
Figs-X: / Slash Mark \ Reverse Slash Mark
Figs-Y: 6 ^ Caret
Figs-Z: + Plus
This method of transmitting upper and lower case was
originated by Peter, G3PLX. It is used in the 'PLX' AMTOR
mailboxes that he has written.
WARNING - The latest versions of the PK-232 also
implement upper and lower case using a different
technique. Your users must not use that mode or the
upper and lower cases will become confused and/or stray
graphics characters may appear in their text. Tell
your PK-232 users to set the parameter 'CODE 0' in
their controllers.
16
CHAPTER 6
The Forwarding File
The method of routing messages for autoforwarding is the
same hierarchical routing (h-routing) scheme that is used by the
packet network.
Routing is strictly a function of the station you are linked
to and is independent of whether you are linked on AMTOR or
packet.
Using the Norton editor, create an ASCII file named
FORWARD.APS. Make entries into the file that look something like
this (assume you are WA8DRZ for this example and that N6IIU is
the packet bbs you normally forward to):
. A line beginning with a period is ignored
. Blank lines are ignored
. The first entry should be your call typically (see below)
WA8DRZ WA8DRZ
. The second entry should be the packet bbs you forward to.
N6IIU N6IIU
VK2AGE AH6D VK2AGE VK3EHQ
TG9VT TG9VT
#SOCAL.CA N0IA
#NOCAL.CA N6IIU
. This entry routes all NTS traffic with a zip code starting with
. 78 to KE5HE
78* KE5HE
. The next entry would hold all Alaska traffic in the system
AL WA8DRZ
. The following state code entries are exceptions to the rule
. that USA traffic goes to N6IIU
HI AH6D
TX KE5HE
IL WA1URA WB7QWG
IN WA1URA WB7QWG
USA N6IIU
AUS AH6D VK2AGE VK3EHQ
EU TG9VT ZF1GC
NA N6IIU
AS TG9VT ZF1GC
OC AH6D
SA TG9VT ZF1GC
AF TG9VT ZF1GC
and so on. The first entry on a line is a routing token and the
remaining entries on the same line are bbs/mbo stations that
messages with those routing tokens may be sent to. Messages that
have nothing in the 'at' field will not move unless there is an
17
exact match to the 'to' field.
You may use a wild card (a '*') on the left hand token. DO
NOT USE WILD CARDS EXCEPT FOR ZIP CODES OR WHERE THE FIRST THREE
LETTERS ARE 'NTS'. Wild cards on anything else will potentially
confuse the h-routing scan process.
If you have a token with a leading '#' then the expected
following token must be included also: see #NOCAL.CA above.
If you put a call (other than your own and the call of the
packet bbs you forward to) in a routing token field then also put
that call in the intercept file with full h-routing so that down
stream stations will know how to deal with it.
Put the most specific tokens first, such as call letters,
followed by tokens beginning with '#', followed by zip codes
(including zip codes with wild cards), followed by state codes,
followed by country codes, followed by continental codes. The
scanning process is complicated and the order of entries in
FORWARD.APS is very important. For example, if a message has
HI.USA in the 'at' field it will not forward to N6IIU in the
above sample file because it will have 'hit' on AH6D first and
the system will hold the message for that station. Put your own
call in the first line in both the first and second field to
insure that traffic addressed 'at' your station stays there.
Messages that do not match any routing on the list will not
move - even on packet. Packet is no longer the default if
nothing matches. Make sure that the call of the packet station
you forward to has some broad coverage tokens to pick up the bulk
of the traffic that does not otherwise move out on AMTOR.
Messages with your own call in the 'to' field will not move
unless you have put 'CALLFWD=1' in the APLINK.CNF file. Messages
with the call of the station that you are linked to in the 'to'
field move unconditionally to that station.
Any number of bbs calls can follow the routing token as long
as they are separated by one or more spaces and do not exceed a
total line length of 80 characters.
The routing table is then kept in memory to speed things up
a bit. If you change FORWARD.APS the system will see a change in
the file time stamp and reload the routing table the next time
routing is requested.
18
HINTS
Do not try to put every possible h-routing token in your
FORWARD.APS file. It is enough to put 'USA' and/or 'NA' for the
station(s) that handle most of your U.S. traffic and then just
enter the state codes that are exceptions ahead of it. Use 'EU'
for the station(s) that takes your European traffic, etc... If
your FORWARD.APS file is growing large you may not be making the
best of it. Make sure there is at least one entry for each
continental code.
FORWARDING ON THE PACKET LINK
APLINK still has the limitation that you may only forward to
one packet bbs automatically (The station set into the PKTBBS
parameter in the APLINK.CNF file). This restriction will be
eventually be removed in a later version.
There no longer is a restriction on other packet stations
linking to you and initiating reverse forwarding.
REJECTED MESSAGES
If the system attempts to forward a bulletin and it is
rejected (usually meaning that the other station already has it)
its status is changed to STATIC and it is left in the system for
all to read.
If a private or NTS message is rejected it is marked as
REJECTED and held for the sysop to take action on it. A
rejection of a private or NTS message usually means there is some
problem, typically a case of "round robin" routing. In any case
the sysop should look into it. When the sysop does a message
listing rejected messages will show a '*' in the status column,
or '**' if it is over 24 hours old. The message status is
restored, of course, by the MCB editor once the problem has been
solved.
19
CHAPTER 7
Message Import/Export
The import/export facility provides a means of transferring
messages into or out of APLINK using MS-DOS ascii text files. The
file format, defined below, may hold multiple messages.
APLINK SETUP
To activate the import/export facility include a parameter
in the APLINK.CNF file defining a file path to a subdirectory
where the import and export files are to be located. This
parameter takes the following form:
EXPORTPATH=C:\MB\
where the text to the right of the equal sign is set to match
your particular installation. Note: You ____ must include the
trailing '\' in the string.
By way of example, if you are going to import or export
messages to a W0RLI packet BBS then EXPORTPATH would point to the
subdirectory where the W0RLI BBS would place its import and
export files.
The presence of the EXPORTPATH declaration in APLINK.CNF
activates the facility. Once activated, APLINK enters an
import/export cycle at startup and approximately every six
minutes after the completion of the last cycle. This process
normally only takes a few seconds but if there is an unusually
large number of messages pending it could take a minute or two.
For this reason the import/export cycle will not be started while
there is an AMTOR link in progress.
To select messages to be exported use the token EXPORT in
the FORWARD.APS file as if it were the call of a remote BBS.
W0RLI BBS SETUP
You should already be familiar with your W0RLI packet BBS
installation and operation before attempting to use message
import and export with APLINK. Read the file SERVER.DOC that
came with your W0RLI BBS disk for a discussion of this function
in the W0RLI system.
APLINK import/export runs as a complex server in the W0RLI
system. The server program, named APEX.EXE, is supplied on the
APLINK distribution disk. This file must be located on a
20
subdirectory where it can be run by the W0RLI system, typically,
in the same subdirectory as the W0RLI code.
The file that the W0RLI system should be directed to export
is APEX.OUT and to import is APEX.IN. The file format specifier
is H8.
MESSAGE FILES
You do not need to concern yourself with the details of the
file formats but in case you are interested here they are
(borrowed from the W0RLI documentation):
The following is an example export file produced using
format H8.
Things to note about this file:
1. There is a blank line following the RFC-822 header, and
another following the MailBox header.
2. The special header item "X-msgtype" is used to show whether
the message is a Bulletin, is Personal, or is an NTS message.
3. The special header item "X-BID" is used to show the BID, if
the message has one.
4. The file can contain multiple messages.
Date: 12 Mar 89 17:09 <- Date at originating MailBox
Message-ID: <8988@N6IYA> <- Message number at orig MailBox
X-msgtype: P <- Message type (B, P, T)
X-BID: 1234_N6IYA <- BID, if the message has one.
From: N6IYA@N6IYA <- User at orig MailBox
To: ECHO@W0RLI.OR.USA.NA <- Full location as sent
Subject: Testing path turnaround. <- Message title
<- Blank between RFC-822 hdr and MailBox hdr
R:890312/1722z @:W0RLI.OR.USA.NA West Linn #:3571 Z:97068
R:890312/1709z @:N6IYA.CA.USA.NA Felton #:8988 Z:95008
<- Blank between MailBox hdrs and text.
Test message. <- Message text.
../EX <- ".." added, not there in actual format
21
CHAPTER 8
Starting the System
If you have not already done so, re-boot the system to make
sure MBBIOS.COM has been loaded. To start the system the first
time, keep your transmitters turned off but your AMTOR terminal
unit and your TNC turned on, and run AP.EXE. The system will go
through its initialization procedure and when it is ready for
service will display the copyright notice on the screen.
Type the following sysop commands to enter the tutorial help
files (if you are upgrading from an earlier version, delete your
old help files):
SH AMTOR HELP1(return)
SH AMTOR HELP2(return)
etc. thru HELP9
To see if it all worked type:
LH(return)
and you should get the message list with the help files showing.
If uncertain about this procedure read KEYBOARD OPERATION and
SYSOP COMMANDS sections first.
This completes the installation. You should be up and
running unless the AMTOR terminal unit or TNC installation has
not been previously checked out. You can use the AP.EXE program
to do that by simply switching off the related MBO or BBS
function and using it as an ordinary terminal, following the
installation instructions.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THE PK-232
The AMTOR PK-232 driver has been enhanced. You may now
'cold start' the PK-232 provided you have the PK-232 19 July 1990
(or later) ROM installed. You can continue as you are now or you
can remove the battery (or pull jumper JP-1) and simply turn the
PK-232 on just before running APLINK and APLINK will do a full
configuration including setting the baud rate to whatever you
have set in the APLINK.CNF file (AMTRATE=nnnn, default is 2400).
This should work OK where you want the system to automatically
restart from a power failure.
22
CHAPTER 9
Bulletins
Bulletins entered into the system from the AMTOR channel or
by the Sysop are visible to everyone who uses the system. Because
of the proliferation of bulletins that arrive at any BBS via
PACKET, bulletins that enter the system from the PACKET channel
will not be visible to AMTOR users unless the Sysop uses the MCB
Editor to change the "Channel" field from PACKET to SYSOP.
Bulletins may be entered by any station. If there is no
entry in the 'at' field then the bulletin will remain in the
system but will not be forwarded to any other station. If there
is an entry in the 'at' field the bulletin will be forwarded once
only to the station indicated by the FORWARD.APS file for that
routing. APLINK does not do "flood" forwarding of bulletins. If
the bulletin is forwarded to a packet bbs however, that bbs may
"flood" the bulletin to many stations.
Bulletins entering the system via PACKET are deleted after
21 days unless the Sysop changes the channel designator with the
MCB Editor. All other bulletins are held in the system until
deleted by the sysop or the originating station.
23
CHAPTER 10
System Logs
The system maintains three log files. The paths (file
names) of two are declared in the APLINK.CNF file. These are the
AMTOR and PACKET text logs. They record everything transmitted
or received on their respective channels. Their main purpose is
diagnostic and can be turned off once the system is known to be
stable and free of programmer errors. In order not to fill the
disk with endless text logs, the current text logs are renamed
AMTLOG.OLD and PKTLOG.OLD when UPDATE is executed and the
previous AMTLOG.OLD and PKTLOG.OLD files are deleted.
The third log is a text format event log file that records
logons, logoffs, filing of messages, reading of messages, etc.,
etc. It is named EVENTLOG.APS. If UPDATE is run on the first
day of the month EVENTLOG.APS is renamed EVENTLOG.OLD and a new
EVENTLOG.APS is started.
The current AMTOR log may be read with the F7/F2 command
when the keyboard is in AMTOR mode, the current PACKET log with
the F7/F2 command when the keyboard is in PACKET mode and the
EVENT log with the F7/F2 command when the keyboard is in SYSOP
mode.
If a failure occurs during system operation the three log
files should immediately be saved to give the programmer half a
chance at finding what happened.
24
CHAPTER 11
Console Operation
When the system is started, three windows will be displayed
with the copyright notice showing on the top window when the
system has completed initialization.
The top window is always devoted to displaying characters
received on the AMTOR channel, the middle screen to characters
received on the PACKET channel, and the bottom window to
characters received from the keyboard or files being transmitted.
Over each window is a status bar related to that window (and
channel).
The keyboard has four normal operating states; OFF, AMTOR,
PACKET and SYSOP. There are two additional states, ATEST and
PTEST, that the Sysop will not normally use - they are for
diagnostic purposes only.
If the keyboard is OFF the console will beep as a reminder
whenever a key is pressed. The numeric key pad is used to re-
assign the keyboard:
9 (PgUp) for AMTOR,
6 (Right Arrow) for PACKET,
3 (PgDn) for SYSOP and
7 (Home) for OFF.
The labels on the keys don't make much sense but, given a normal
keyboard layout, it 'feels right' for the purpose.
In PACKET and SYSOP mode the keyboard is line buffered.
Characters are transmitted only when return is pressed allowing
backspace over the whole line. In AMTOR mode the keyboard is
word buffered. Characters are transmitted when the space bar,
return, a control character, or +? is pressed.
If a 'T' (talk to the Sysop) command is received on one of
the channels during a session the keyboard is automatically
assigned to that channel for 5 minutes when the Sysop alarm is
sounded. After 5 minutes the keyboard reverts to its pervious
assignment.
Some of the function keys are always active and some will
respond only if the keyboard is assigned to the relevant channel.
This will make sense to you when you use the system.
25
Here is the meaning of the status bar indicators:
AMTOR:aaa/bbb:cccc <gmt time and date> ddd/eee/fff
aaa = MBO when the AMTOR Mailbox is alive and well
aaa = KSR when the SYSOP has shut off the mailbox by one or
another means.
bbb = SBY when the MBO is waiting for a logon.
bbb = OPN when someone has logged on, but there is no
command outstanding.
bbb = INP when receiving a file.
bbb = OUT when transmitting a file.
bbb = TSF when transmitting files in response to an RN
command.
bbb = CFM during the time a message header is being
confirmed.
cccc = Is the call of the last user to have signed onto the
AMTOR mailbox; or, if the system has just been initialized,
it is the call specified in the CALL parameter of the
configuration file.
ddd = RCV when the AMTOR link is in the receive direction.
ddd = SND when the AMTOR link is in the transmit direction.
eee = FEC during standby and when operating in FEC mode.
eee = ARQ when linked or operating in ARQ-Listen mode.
fff = ERR, RQ, TFC, IDL, OVR, PHA, SBY, or ESC depending on
the state of the AMTOR controller. See your controller
manual for explanations.
PACKET:aaa/bbb:cccc <local time and date> !RTS:dd/CTS:ee
aaa = BBS when the Packet BBS on.
aaa = KSR when the Sysop has turned off the BBS.
bbb = SBY when the BBS is waiting for a logon.
bbb = OPN when someone has connected but there is no command
outstanding.
bbb = INP when receiving a file.
bbb = OUT when transmitting a file.
bbb = TSF when transmitting files in response to an RN
command.
bbb = SBJ while waiting for the subject input for a message.
cccc = Is the call of the last user to have signed onto the
PACKET mailbox.
dd = OK when RTS is sent to the TNC.
26
dd = NO when RTS is not sent to the TNC.
ee = OK when CTS is received from the TNC.
ee = NO when CTS is not received from the TNC.
KBD:aaaaa PTR:bbb
aaaaa = KOFF when the keyboard is off.
aaaaa = AMTOR when the keyboard is assigned to the AMTOR
channel.
aaaaa = PACKET when the keyboard is assigned to the PACKET
channel.
aaaaa = SYSOP when the keyboard is assigned to the SYSOP
command handler.
aaaaa = *ATEST* when the keyboard is assigned to the AMTOR
test routine.
aaaaa = *PTEST* when the keyboard is assigned to the PACKET
test routine.
bbb = NCF when the printer is not configured.
bbb = SYS when the printer is assigned to the system.
bbb = AMT when the printer is assigned to the AMTOR channel.
bbb = PKT when the printer is assigned to the PACKET
channel.
FUNCTION AND CONTROL KEY COMMANDS
The function key assignments will 'feel' right with the
function keys arranged vertically at the left hand edge and the
Gray + and - keys are on the right hand edge (standard XT
layout). If your keyboard arranges the function keys along the
top they will be more awkward to use. Note: The keys described
below are active when the keyboard is in the relevant mode.
Keys Function
---- --------
Control-O Transmits a WRU to the far station when the
keyboard is in AMTOR mode. (This replaces the '$'
which formerly performed this function. Since the
AMTOR channel is capable of transmitting the full
ascii character set the '$' is now allowed as
embedded text.)
Grey + ARQ/FEC receive mode. In the ARQ mode, a +? is
transmitted and in the FEC mode a begin
transmit.command is issued to the AMTOR terminal
unit.
Grey - ARQ/FEC transmit mode. In either mode
an.appropriate break command is issued to the
27
AMTOR terminal unit. (Note: The PK-232 will not
execute this command until it sees an IDLE
status.)
Esc Stops any file transmission in progress and clears
all keyboard and send buffers.
End In AMTOR mode - closes the ARQ link. In PACKET
mode - send and END command to the TNC.
Del Issues a return-to-letters-case command to the
AMTOR terminal unit. This provides an immediate
manual override when text is being received is
figures-case.
F1 Displays a short help menu.
F3 Displays the Mode Selection menu.
F3 F2 In AMTOR mode, forces the AMTOR terminal unit into
STANDBY mode. (With the PK-232 there may be some
delay in execution.)
F3 F4 In AMTOR mode switches the MBO on and off. In the
PACKET mode switches the BBS on and off.
F3 F6 In the AMTOR mode commands the AMTOR terminal unit
to monitor ARQ.
F3 F8 In the AMTOR mode, begins an AMTOR automatic
forwarding cycle; in the PACKET mode, begins the
PACKET automatic forwarding cycle.
F3 F10 Ends the APLINK program and returns to the
operating system.
F5 Displays the Clear Selection menu.
F5 F6 Clears all windows.
F5 F10 Sends a formfeed command to the printer.
F7 Displays the File Operations menu.
F7 F2 Read or edit a log file. In AMTOR mode, the AMTOR
log file; in PACKET mode, the PACKET log file; and
in SYSOP mode, the EVENT log file.
F7 F4 Invoke the Norton Editor to edit any ASCII file.
F7 F6 Invoke MS-DOS as an overlay. APLINK will be
suspended but will remain resident. Type exit at
the DOS prompt to return to APLINK.
28
F7 F8 Prompts for a file name and then transmits that
file.
F7 F10 Switch the printer to print the channel indicated
by the current mode. If in SYSOP mode the printer
is switched off.
F9 Display the AMTOR On-Line Commands menu.
F9 F4 Enter call letters and optionally the selcal for a
station to be called. If the selcal is not
entered then it will be generated automatically
from the call letters by APLINK.
F9 F6 Begin an ARQ call.
F9 F8 Switch on a steady carrier to the AMTOR
transmitter for testing or tuning.
F9 F10 Send an identification sequence on the AMTOR
channel.
Alt-F9 Send an identification sequence followed by a
LOGOUT command on the AMTOR channel.
SYSOP COMMANDS
Remember, the following are SYSOP commands. They are not
the same as the commands used over the air by a remote station.
These commands are not normally invoked while linked but may be,
usually without harm, unless autoforwarding is in progress. The
system will delay response to an online user while SYSOP commands
are being executed.
In the table below <number> is any integer between 0 and
29999, <id>, <id1> and <id2> are standard 1 to 6 character PACKET
routing designators (usually call letters), and <filename> is any
valid MS-DOS path/filename.
COMMAND FUNCTION
------- --------
CANCEL <number> Marks message <number> as CANCELED.
This is normally used to remove
bulletins from the system but may be
used to remove a defective or possible
illegal message as well. The next
UPDATE will archive all canceled
messages PRIVATE and NTS messages and
will delete all canceled bulletins.
CANCEL <number 1> <number 2> Marks all messages from <number 1>
through <number 2> as CANCELED.
29
E <number> Invokes the Message Control Block Editor
for message <number>. See the separate
section describing the MCB Editor.
EXPORT Manually starts an import/export cycle.
K <number> Same as CANCEL <number>.
K <number 1> <number 2> Same as CANCEL <number 1> <number 2>.
KB <number> Same as CANCEL <number> except bulletins
only.
KB <number 1> <number 2> Same as CANCEL <number 1> <number 2>
except bulletins only.
L List all messages in the system except
bulletins.
L <number> List all messages in the system equal to
or greater than <number>, except
bulletins.
LP List all "pending" messages; messages
awaiting forwarding or delivery.
LT List all messages addressed to this
station and to "SYSOP".
LT <id> List all messages to <id>.
LF List all messages from this station.
LF <id> List all messages from <id>.
LB List all bulletins.
LH List all help files.
LR List users logging into the system in
the last 24 hours.
LU List all users registered in the system.
NTS List all NTS messages in the system.
(Note: This command when invoked on the
AMTOR or PACKET port will only list NTS
messages marked as FILED or ACCESSED.
P <number> Print message <number> to your printer.
If the message is addressed to your
station it will be marked as forwarded.
PN Print all new messages to your station
30
and mark them as forwarded.
R <number> Read message <number>. This invokes the
Norton Editor with message <number>.
Not only can the Sysop read but he can
also modify any message in the system.
It is generally not socially acceptable
to modify other people's messages. Any
message accessed in this way addressed
to your station will be marked as
forwarded.
RESTORE <number> Restores a canceled message provided it
has not been archived.
SP <id1> [AT <id2>] [<filename>] If file name is included,
copies <filename> into APLINK as a
message to <id1>. If <filename> is not
included then the Norton Editor is
invoked. After the message has been
typed and edited, exiting the editor
stores the message into APLINK. If the
Norton Editor is exited without saving
the text (i.e., F3 Q Y) then the
operation is canceled.
SB . . . Same as the SP command above except the
message is marked BULLETIN.
ST . . . Same as the SP command above except that
the message is marked NTS. Certain
restrictions may apply to NTS messages.
See the section on NTS operations.
SH . . . Same as the SP command above except the
"message" is a help file only.
UPDATE Manually initiates the system update
routines. This is normally done by
setting the 'TUPDATE' parameter in the
APLINK.CNF file.
31
IN AND OUT OF AMTOR MBO MODE
With the keyboard in AMTOR mode the system is toggled in and
out of MBO mode by pressing F3 F4. The system will automatically
return to MBO mode after about ten minutes time, once the system
is no longer linked, in the highly unlikely event that the Sysop
forgets to return it.
If a user is using the MBO when F3 F4 is invoked, all
operations will stop, any open message files closed and the
system will send:
PLEASE STANDBY...
At that point you may converse with the user. F3 F4 again will
return the system to MBO mode. Once out of MBO mode the program
operates as an ordinary AMTOR terminal program and may be used to
call stations, send files manually, etc.
If a station that you want to talk to has logged off before
you could catch them just press F9 F6 with the keyboard set to
AMTOR and if the other station is still on the frequency the link
will be re-established.
Whenever an ARQ call is initiated (F9 F6), the MBO mode is
switched off. It may be restored by the F3 F4 toggle.
USING THE PRINTER
If the printer has been declared in the configuration file
it is available to the Sysop for either logging or printing
messages.
To log a channel to the printer, put the keyboard in that
channel mode and press F7 F10. To return the printer to standby
put the keyboard in SYSOP mode and press F7 F10.
THE MCB EDITOR
Each message in the system has a tag record called a message
control block maintained in a separate file. This record
contains pertinent information about the message such as its
type, filing time, from and to fields, etc., etc. Any item of
data in the MCB may be changed by the Sysop except the message
number and the filing and forwarding times. This is done with
the MCB Editor which is invoked on the Sysop's command line with:
E <message number>
Once the Editor's window is opened on the display, typing any of
32
the following key words (upper or lower case) will change the
appropriate parameter in the MCB:
AMTOR, PACKET, SYSOP, PRIVATE, BULLETIN
NTS, HELP, CANCELLED, PENDING, FORWARDED, STATIC
BID... TO... AT... FROM... BBS...
The TO, AT, FROM, and BBS fields may be changed by typing:
TO <new field>,
AT <new field>, etc...
Pressing return with no other entry will record any changes and
return to the SYSOP command line.
THE USER FILE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Supplied with APLINK is the program USERS.EXE. This program
can only be run when APLINK is not running, even if you are using
a multitasking system such as Desqview. Operation of the program
is reasonably self-evident. A user is automatically entered into
the USERS.APS file upon the first logging into APLINK. A call
may also be entered directly with USERS.EXE.
There are a number of parameters that may be set for any
given user using USERS.EXE. Here is a list and their meanings:
MBO Set this to 1 for any APLINK station that you
directly autoforward traffic to on AMTOR. This
enables that station to read ___ any uncancelled
message in your system in order to obtain fills
and to enable the RF and RI commands.
PROTECTED Prevents removal of the station from the file when
the user file maintenance program purge command is
used.
ASCII Enables use of the full ascii printing characters
set with the user. This must only be set if the
user is fully compatible with the full ascii
protocol.
EXPERT 1 sets EXPERT mode for a user.
LOCKOUT 1 prevents the indicated call from logging into
your system on AMTOR or PACKET.
The LAST MESSAGE and LAST BULLETIN parameters cannot be
changed except to set them to zero with the zero command. These
two parameters determine what number the message and bulletin
lists begin with.
33
LAST LOGIN shows the time and date of the last time the
indicated call logged into the system. The purge command removes
all calls from the file that have not logged in within the last
180 days.
34
CHAPTER 12
Program Distribution
APLINK is now being distributed by three methods. There is
a free landline bbs at 512-225-8254 (San Antonio, TX). It
accepts 1200 to 9600 baud, 8-bits, no parity, one stop pulse. Log
in with your name and follow the instructions. Load the file
named APFILES.EXE using XMODEM. When APFILES.EXE is run it will
expand into a full set of program files.
If you have access to Compuserve (CIS), the latest version may be
downloaded from the Hamnet forum.
A disk with all the APLINK files may be obtained by mail from
TAPR. Send $2.00 US for a 5-1/4 inch disk or $3.00 US for 3-1/2
disk plus cost of postage if outside of North America and specify
that you want an APLINK disk. If you request, TAPR will
automatically send you an update when it is received with the
understanding that you will mail them the costs when you receive
the disk.
Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR)
PO BOX 12925
Tucson, AZ 85732
USA
TAPR Telephone: 602-749-9479
SYSOP ASSISTANCE
If you are having problems bringing up APLINK for the first time
please read, and then re-read the documentation provided on the
disk. Most questions received to date are covered in this
information.
If you still are having problems, or have other questions
relating to APLINK system operation please direct them, in
writing, to Craig, WA8DRZ/6:
Craig McCartney, WA8DRZ
160 Montalvo Road
Redwood City, CA 94062
USA
Via AMTOR, leave an note on the WA8DRZ/6 APLINK system on 20 or
30 meters.
Via Packet, send a message to:
WA8DRZ @ WA8DRZ.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
35
Via CIS send a note on Hamnet or Email to user id 73126,3260.
36
APPENDIX A
Packet Channel Commands
The following is a verbatim copy of the packet channel help
file included in the APLINK distribution:
APLINK PACKET Channel Commands:
B Bye - Log off the BBS. Just disconnecting does
the same thing.
H Help - Sends this file.
I Info - Sends the Information file.
L List - Lists all messages.
L # List # - List all files from message #.
LB List all bulletins.
L< <call> List From <call> - Lists all messages to
<call>. If <call> is omitted it lists all
messages from you.
L> <call> List To <call> - Lists all messages to <call>.
If <call> is omitted it lists all messages to
you.
LH List all help files.
LR List all users who have signed into the system in
the last 24 hours.
LP List all pending traffic (for MBO operators only).
LOGIN <call> Logs you into the system by a call other than
the one that began the link.
NTS List all NTS messages that have not been
forwarded.
R # Read # - Read message #.
RN Read New - Read all new messages addressed to
you.
SP <call> @ <route> Send - Send a message to <call> (optionally)
at <route>.
SB <name> @ <route> Send a general interest bulletin of <name>
(optionally) via <route>.
SB <name> @ <route> $<bid> Send a general interest bulletin of <name>
via <route> using <bid>. Note: A bid will be
assigned by the system if not entered by the user.
ST <id1> @ <id2> Send NTS traffic using current conventions.
T Talk - Signal the Sysop.
V Version - Read system version number.
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CANCEL # Cancels message # if you are the originator.
There is no Kill command. Messages that have been read or
forwarded will be deleted automatically from the system after 24
hours. Unread messages will be deleted automatically after 21
days. Bulletins will remain until the originator or the Sysop
cancels them.
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APPENDIX B
AMTOR Channel Commands
The following is a verbatim copy of the AMTOR channel help
files included in the APLINK distribution.
(File: HELP1) AMTOR CHANNEL COMMANDS
AMTOR Channel Commands
Type any of the following commands on a new line and end with
either (CR/LF) or the + ? sequence (but not both). If you do not
use the + ? sequence the system will change the direction of the
link for you when it recognizes a valid command.
H or HELP - Send the help file
CNCN - Cancel whatever is in progress. (Usually a message you are
entering into the system)
LOGIN (your call) - Logs you in
LOGON (your call) - Same as LOGIN
L - List all available messages in the system, not including
bulletins (see note)
L (number) - As above equal or greater than (number)
LTO or LM - List all messages to you
LTO (call) - List all messages to (call)
LFM - List all messages from you
LFM (call) - List all messages from (call)
LT - List all NTS messages
LB - List all general interest bulletins (see note)
LB (number) - As above equal or greater than (number)
LR - List users who have logged on in the past 24 hours
NTS - List all unforwarded NTS messages
RN or RM - Read all new messages addressed to you
R (number) - Read message (number)
RH (number) - Read message (number) including routing headers
SP (call) - Send a message to (call), end with NNNN
SB (name) - Enter a bulletin with (name), end with NNNN
SB (name) AT (route) BID (bid) - Enter a bulletin with (name) at
(route) with a bid of (bid)
SP (call) AT (route) - Send a message to (call) to be forwarded
via (route)
ST (zipcode) AT (NTS statecode) - Send an NTS message (use
accepted NTS subject and message format)
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NNNN - End a message. Must have been started with SP, SB, or ST.
CANCEL (number) - Cancels message (number) if originated by you
T - Talk to the sysop
I - Information about this system
V - Read version number
A - (After seizing the link) Abort a file being received
LOGOUT - Logs you off
LOGOFF - Same as LOGOUT
/// - Anywhere on the line cancels the line (except in messages)
NOTE: The L, and LB commands will only list messages you have not
previously listed. Follow the command with a number to override
this feature. Use 0 to list all messages in the category.
Here are some special commands for the expert user:
EXPERT - Toggles the 'EXPERT' mode
RI - Reads the MBO's intercept file
RF - Reads the MBO's AMTOR autoforward routing file
Note: RI and RF are available to other MBO's only
F - (After seizing the link) Abort a file being received and mark
it forwarded if it is for you. (This is for use with
duplicate messages.)
(File: HELP2) LOGGING IN ON AMTOR
Logging In On AMTOR
This MBO has an automatic login procedure for registered stations
with automatic answerback (AAB) enabled. When you first link with
the system, it seizes the link, identifies, sends a 'WRU' character
(figs-D), and waits for an answerback response. The expected
response is:
(CR/LF)QRA CALL SELCAL + ?
or
(CR/LF)DE CALL SELCAL + ?
For example '(CR/LF)QRA WA8DRZ WDRZ + ?' IS TYPICAL RESPONSE.
If no AAB response is received the system sends a manual login
request followed by the + ? sequence. At this point a user should
send either 'LOGIN (call)(CR/LF)' OR 'LOGON (call)(CR/LF)'. If the
call has been registered the system will respond with a 'GA'
prompt. If an error was received or the call is not registered the
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system will ask you to confirm the call. If you answer the
confirmation request with 'YES' the call becomes registered.
APLINK will disconnect after three minutes if no login has been
recognized.
Once you have logged on, the system is ready for your command
whenever it sends a 'GA' (Go Ahead) prompt.
You may log out of the system with 'LOGOUT(CR/LF)' or 'LOGOFF(CR/LF)'.
any time the link is lost the current user is automatically
logged out.
If a message is being sent to the system during a link failure,
that part of the message that was received is filed and is
available to the addressee.
(File: HELP3) RECEIVING YOUR MESSAGES ON AMTOR
Receiving Your Messages on AMTOR
The quickest and simplest way to receive your messages is to give
the 'RN' (meaning 'Read New') command as soon as you sign on. All
messages in the system not already marked 'forwarded' will be
transmitted to you automatically without further action on your
part. As each message is completely forwarded to you it is marked
'forwarded' and will not be transmitted again with this command.
(You may read it again with the 'R (number)' command.
If you are receiving an unforwarded message and the link is lost
it will still be available to the 'RN' command.
If you have logged into the system with your automatic answerback
then the system will mark your messages 'forwarded' only after it
triggers your answerback at the end of each message.
You do not have to (in fact, cannot) delete a message. Once it is
forwarded the system will delete it 24 or more hours later. In the
meantime it may be read again using the 'R (number)' command.
Use the list commands to see what messages are available.
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(File: HELP4) ENTERING A MESSAGE ON AMTOR
Entering a Message On AMTOR
Messages may be entered directly from your keyboard into the
system, however it is better if you prepare a file before logging
on and then send it at machine speed. This reduces the connect
time to the system and the potential for transmission errors.
You may send three kinds of messages:
'SP (call)' which is a message to a specific station and may only
be read by that station (or you or the sysop) and will appear on
the message list only for those stations. For others, it simply
isn't there. 'SP' messages will remain in the system for 21 days
or 24 hours after being marked 'forwarded', whichever comes first.
'SP' type messages may also be entered for automatic forwarding
to another MBO/BBS. They may be entered in the form 'SP (call)
TO (route)' where (call) is the addressee and (route) is the
hierarchical route to his local MBO/BBS. Since AMTOR does not
provide for a number sign character (unless you are in full
ascii mode), use the equal sign character in its place when
required in an h-route address and APLINK will convert it to a
number sign character.
'ST (zipcode) TO (NTS statecode)' is used to enter a message to
anyone to be delivered by the National Traffic System. The
subject (first line) should read: QTC (city, state) and the body
of the message should be in standard ARRL message format.
'SB (id)' addresses a message to 'id' and marks it as a bulletin. You
may also include a bulletin identification (BID) by adding 'BID '
followed by the bin on the same line. For example:
SB ALL BID 12345W1ABC
is a message to 'ALL' with a bid of 12345W1ABC.
Bulletin type messages will remain in the system until removed
(cancelled) by either the originator or the sysop.
To send a message, type the command (i.e., 'SP W5SMM(CR/LF)')
and wait for a response from the system. The line will be typed
back and you will be requested to confirm with 'YES' or 'NO'.
At the 'GA SUBJ/MSG' prompt type the subject of the message on
its own line and then enter the text of the message.
At the end of the message send 'NNNN' on a new line. 'NNNN'
embedded in text is ignored. After sending 'NNNN' wait for a new
'GA' prompt to enter a new command.
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Identify your station at regular intervals by sending your
identification after a 'GA' prompt. Any character sequence that
is not a valid command is ignored by the system.
If you have already sent a partial command line and want to cancel
the line just send three or more '/'s in a row anywhere on the
line. That line will be ignored. This only works on command
lines. /// embedded in a message will be passed on to the
addressee.
While transmitting a message and before sending the 'NNNN' you
may cancel the message with the command 'CNCN' on a new line.
After you have transmitted a message you may cancel it with the
'CANCEL (number)' command. This is normally used to remove a
bulletin you have placed in the system, but it may be used to
remove any message you have previously sent.
(File: HELP5) MESSAGE LIST EXPLANATION
Message List Explanation
The format for the message list is similar to that of commonly
used packet BBS programs. The symbols for type and status are
consistent with the packet system.
Msg = Message number (assigned by the system)
T = Message type as follows:
P - A private message, may only be read by the addressee,
originator or sysop
B - A bulletin
T - An NTS message
S = Status as follows:
N - Message not yet accessed forwarded to the addressee
+ - Same as 'N' except over 24 hours old
++ - Same as 'N' except over 48 hours old
Y - Message forwarded
TO = Call of addressee
AT = Call of addressee's BBS (followed by a period when hierarchical
routing is used.
FROM = Call of originator
FILED = Date/Time message was entered into the originating BBS
SUBJECT = The subject line of the message
(File: HELP6) LISTING MESSAGES
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Listing Messages
There are several commands for listing messages that are in the
system. The 'LTO (call)', and 'LFM (call)' ('List To' and 'List
From') default to the call of the user logged into the system if
no argument is given.
The 'L', and 'LB' commands when given without arguments will list
only messages not previously listed for you. You may override this
feature by adding a number following the 'L', or 'LB'. The argument
0 will list all the messages in the category.
NTS messages that are waiting to be delivered may be listed with
the 'NTS' command. This is the preferred way to list NTS
traffic. The 'LT' command will also list NTS traffic but
includes traffic that has already been accepted.
Messages that have been cancelled will not appear on the message
list even though they may still be in the system.
Messages that are type 'private' will only appear on lists for the
addressee and originator of the message.
Read the help files named 'System Maintenance' and 'Message List
Explanation'.
(File: HELP7) SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
System Maintenance
The maintenance routines for this system are typically run once a
day by the sysop. At that time the following rules apply to all
message files:
1. All messages marked cancelled are removed.
2. All messages marked as forwarded for more than 24 hours are
removed.
3. All messages except bulletins that are over 21 days old are
removed.
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(File: HELP8) AMTOR PORT OPERATING HINTS
AMTOR Port Operating Hints
If you have been sitting idle for a few seconds before typing a
command, type CR/LF just before issuing the command. This
clears any stray leading characters from the buffer that may
have been received in error during the idle period.
If you get a long file started and would like to abort, simply
seize the link, wait for idle status on your AMTOR controller,
and type 'A(CR/LF)'. The system will return a 'BK GA' prompt
and accept a new command from you.
Remember that the first line of a message will appear on the
message list as the subject. Make it meaningful to someone
scanning the list.
(File: HELP9) USING 'EXPERT' MODE
Using 'EXPERT' Mode
An 'EXPERT' mode has been added. It is toggled by the AMTOR
user by entering the command 'EXPERT'. The expert mode shortens
the exchange when entering a new message. When on, the
beginning of a message looks like this:
From user: SP W1ABC AT WA8DRZ.=NOCAL.CA
From system: SP W1ABC at WA8DRZ.=NOCAL.CA GA Subj/Msg+?
If there is a hit in the response the user must type the 'CNCN' command
to kill the message and start over. NNNN, of course, files the message.
CNCN may be typed anywhere in the message on a line by itself.
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