AEA PK-232 User guide

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ADVANCED ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS, INC.

PAKRATT ™

MODEL PK-232

Multi-Mode Data Controller

Operating Manual

REVISION G 7/89

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL PREFACE

PREFACE TO THE PK-232 DATA CONTROLLER

Please read this preface in its entirety. It contains information about how to receive warranty service from AEA, the current software installed in your PK-232, AEA's software update policy and how to get involved in the digital radio community.

RF interference Information To User

This PK-232 has been certified under Subpart J of Part 15 of the FCC rules.

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. If it is not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with AEA's instructions, it may cause interference to radio and TV reception. It has been type-tested and has been found to comply with the limits of a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of the FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or TV reception, which can be determined by turning the PK-232 on and off, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference using one or more of the following measures:

Reorient the antenna of the device receiving interference. Relocate the computer with respect to this device. Plug the computer into a different outlet so the computer and the device are on different branch circuits.

USE SHIELDED CABLE FOR ALL RS-232 CONNECTIONS !

As part of its continuing program of product improvement, AEA reserves the right to make changes in this product's specifications. Changes will be made periodically to the information in this document. These changes will be incorporated in new issues of this manual.

There may be technical inaccuracies or typographical errors in this document. Please address comments and corrections to AEA Incorporated, PO Box C2160, Lynnwood, WA 98036-0918. AEA reserves the right to incorporate and issue any information thus supplied in whatever manner it deems suitable without incurring any obligations whatever.

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL PREFACE

Welcome

Congratulations!! You've purchased another fine AEA product.

PLEASE, before we go any further, may we ask you to FILL OUT AND RETURN the Warranty Registration Card, which has been packed with your PK-232 system.

WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FURNISH YOU WITH ANY UPDATES TO THE SOFTWARE IF YOU DO NOT RETURN THE ABOVE DOCUMENT. AS NEW FEATURES ARE DEVELOPED, WE ARE SURE YOU WILL WANT TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THEM.

If you call for any kind of customer assistance, we'll ask you for the serial number on you warranty card. Because of the numerous situations in which our product is used by an unauthorized third party, we MUST verify that you are the licensed user. We may choose to call you at the phone number listed in our records to verify your identity. THANK YOU for your patience.

Product Update Policy

From time to time AEA will make available updates to the design of its products. These sometimes are made available to the user who has previously purchased its products. We can only tell you about these updates if we have your warrant card. PLEASE SEND IT IN if you have not already done so. Future versions of software for the PK-232 will most likely become available. AEA will make these updates available, if possible.

In Case of Trouble

Application and troubleshooting assistance may be had by calling AEA during our 8:00–12:00, 1:00–4:30 working hours in Seattle WA. Ask for the Customer Service Department. The phone number is (206 775-7373. Please have your product serial number and version date of the software available. The version date is on the first screen that comes up when you turn on the PK-232. We will also need to know the nature of any other equipment connected to the PK-232.

Please attempt to solve problems locally, using other hams or an AEA dealer. Substituting a PK-80 or other TNC that you know is working properly for your questionable one is a diagnostic technique that will check out the rest of your station. Also try running your PK-232 in another station.

Many of the AEA products that are sent to us for repair are in perfectly good order when we receive them. Please perform whatever steps are applicable from the information on installation and troubleshooting.

If you call for assistance, please have your PK-232 up an running beside the phone. Our service technician will likely ask you to perform certain keyboard routines to aid in diagnosis. If you have a voltmeter handy, you might have the PK-232 open so you can report measurements to the service technician.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE PK-232 TO US WITHOUT CONTACTING US FOR PERMISSION FIRST. WE WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM OVER THE PHONE FIRST, SAVING YOU BOTH TIME AND MONEY.

If the unit must be sent in, we will give you a Return to Manufacturer Authorization (RMA) number over the telephone. This number allows us to better track your unit with our computer, so we can tell you its' exact status over the telephone.

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL PREFACE

If you send us the PK-232 by UPS it must be sent to the street address - not the post office box number. The street address is:

AEA. Inc. 206 196th St. SW Lynnwood, WA 98036 USA

We will need YOUR street address for UPS return - be sure and send it.

NOTE

IF YOU DECIDE TO RETURN YOUR PK-232 TO THE FACTORY FOR SERVICE,

PLEASE REMOVE THE BATTERIES BEFORE SHIPMENT.

UPS Surface (Brown Label) takes 7-8 days, Blue takes 2-3 days and Red is presently available on the West Coast only. Red is an overnight service and it is expensive. Send the PK-232 in a way that it can be traced if we cannot verify receipt of shipment. We suggest UPS or insured postal shipment.

If the PK-232 is still under the original owners warranty, AEA will pay the cost of the return shipment. The current policy is that it will be returned Brown if received Brown or by US Mail; returned Blue if received Blue or by overnight service; or returned as the owner sates in his letter if he furnishes the return cost for the method he selects.

If the PK-232 is out of warranty, it will be returned by UPS Brown COD unless:

1) It was received UPS Blue/Red in which case it will go back UPS Blue COD, or

2) If you designate billing to VISA or MASTERCARD, or

3) you enclose a BLANK personal check endorsed 'not to exceed $...$', or

4) you specify some other method of return.

Typically, we will typically service the product in two or three days if we have all the facts. If we must call you, it may take longer. PLEASE, if you send it in, include a letter stating the problem and were you can be reached. If you can be reached by phone in the evening on the east coast, let us know where. Our current rate for non-warranty service is $40/hour with a 3/4 hour minimum. Parts and shipping are extra. AEA is not responsible for damage such as caused by lightning, non professional alterations, poor storage/handling, etc.

Should your warranty card not be on file at AEA, you need to send the proof of purchase date to receive warranty service. Typically a copy of your bill of sale from an AEA dealer will suffice.

The warranty is for original owner only and is not transferable.

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the exciting world of digital Amateur Radio! You've joined the ranks of the fastest growing modes in Amateur Radio since the FM repeater.

Your AEA PK-232 Data Controller is the connection between your computer and radios. The PK-232 performs all the 'magic' of establishing data and text communications between your station and many other communication facilities equipped for digital communications.

With packet-Radio and AMTOR, you'll have a 'private channel' while sharing a frequency with other packet and AMTOR stations; you'll be able to 'read the mail' of other Morse, RTTY and AMTOR QSOs. log on to computer-based 'bulletin board' or 'mailbox' stations, handle message traffic – in short, you're now equipped to enjoy the advantages of digital communications and error-correcting radio techniques in your ham shack.

Your new AEA PK-232 is the heart of your digital radio station. The PK-232's packet system software is derived from the original TAPR TNC; it presents many of the advanced features of that design, coupled with significant enhancements based on the experience gained by thousands of TAPR-equipped amateur packet stations worldwide.

This manual is your guide into the realm of digital Amateur Radio.

Join a Packet Club - Sbscribe To Newsletters - Join a Voice Net

Join a Packet-Radio club - they exist in all states as of this writing. You might also subscribe to the ARRL publication 'Gateway', which describes all the 'going on' in Packet-Radio, and to the TAPR 'Packet Status Register', which describes the technically interesting happenings in the movement. There are many voice nets on VHF and HF; they usually meet weekly. They are usually dedicated to making the newcomer feel at home.

Acknowledgement

AEA, Inc. gratefully acknowledges the Tucson Amateur Packet-Radio Corporation, Tucson, AZ for permission to include excerpts from their TNC-2 documentation in this manual.

Norm Sternberg (W2JUP) and Barbara Argilo developed, wrote and edited this User's Guide to the PK-232 on an IBM Displaywriter using TextPack 6, and on Tandy 1000HD and 1000SX computers using IBM's Display-Write 3 V1.1 program. Our special gratitude also to Dr. Alan Chandler (K6RFK), Steve Stuart (N6IA), Joe Schimmel (W2HPM), Paul Newland (AD7I), Jeff Jacobsen (WA7MBL) and Steve Zopfi (KZ7G), for their invaluable help..

AEA, Inc. dedicates itself to the development of digital radio communications.

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL PREFACE

BATTERY BACK-UP

NOTE: Your PK-232 uses to batteries to back up the user-programmable values in the system. If

you don't install batteries, you'll have to re-enter all of your personal system settings each time you turn on the PK-232. Your PK-232 will operate normally in all modes but will not retain your personalized parameters such as your call sign, until you install three AA-size batteries in the battery holder inside the chassis cover. We recommend that you choose alkaline batteries for this application.

Remove the four screws from the sides and the two screws from the rear of the chassis. Then lift off the PK-232's cover. Take care not to disturb the black or red wires that attach the battery holder to the printed circuit board.

Find the positive and negative symbols embossed on the inside of the battery holder. Insert each battery, carefully matching the positive symbols on the battery with the positive symbol on the holder.

Replace the cover and the six screws.

The battery back-up retains all the parameters except the time-of-day clock and the

MHEARD

(Monitor Heard) list. These two functions are controlled by the microprocessor.

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 1-1 18

1.2 Scope ......................................................................................................... 1-1 18

1.3 General ....................................................................................................... 1-1 18

1.3.1 Application ....................................................................................... 1-1 18

1.3.2 Specifications .................................................................................... 1-1 18

1.3.2.1 Description ............................................................................ 1-1 18

1.3.2.2 Modem Characteristics ............................................................ 1-2 19

1.3.2.3 Processor System ................................................................... 1-2 19

1.3.2.4 Input/Output Connections ....................................................... 1-2 19

1.3.2.5 Controls and Indicators ........................................................... 1-3 20

1.3.2.6 General ................................................................................. 1-3 20

1.3.3 Features ........................................................................................... 1-3 20

1.4 System Components .................................................................................... 1-4 21

1.4.1 Input/Output Devices ........................................................................ 1-4 21

1.4.2 System Transmitter-Receiver Performance Requirements ...................... 1-4 21

CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION

2.1 'Quick Start' Installation ............................................................................... 2-1 22

2.1.1 Equipment Required .......................................................................... 2-1 22

2.1.2 Battery Installation for RAM Backup..................................................... 2-1 22

2.1.3 Radio and Power Connections............................................................. 2-1 22

2.2 Computer Connections ................................................................................. 2-2 23

2.3 System Quick-Check .................................................................................... 2-3 24

2.3.1 System Startup and Loopback Test ..................................................... 2-3 24

2.4 Radio Connection ........................................................................................ 2-5 26

2.4.1 PTT (Push-to-Talk) Configuration ........................................................ 2-5 26

2.4.1.1 Positive PTT ........................................................................... 2-6 27

2.4.1.2 Negative PTT .......................................................................... 2-6 27

2.4.2 FM Installation and Adjustment .......................................................... 2-6 27

2.4.3 SSB Installation and Adjustment ......................................................... 2-7 28

2.4.4 Connections for Direct FSK Operation on RTTY ..................................... 2-9 30

2.4.5 CW Installation and Adjustment ......................................................... 2-10 31

2.4.5.1 DC Keying .............................................................................. 2-10 31

2.4.5.2 AFSK CW Keying ..................................................................... 2-10 31

2.4.6 Oscilloscope Connections ................................................................... 2-10 31

2.5 Set Your Identifiers ...................................................................................... 2-11 32

2.5.1 Packet Call Sign ................................................................................ 2-11 32

2.5.2 AMTOR SELCAL (Selective Call) .......................................................... 2-11 32

2.6 Commands and Displays .............................................................................. 2-12 33

2.6.1 Display Complete Command List ......................................................... 2-12 33

2.6.2 Display Partial Command Lists ............................................................ 2-12 33

2.6.3 Display Asynchronous Port Parameters ................................................ 2-12 33

2.6.4 Display Special Characters ................................................................. 2-13 34

2.6.5 Display Facsimile Parameters .............................................................. 2-13 34

2.6.6 Display Identification Parameters ........................................................ 2-13 34

2.6.7 Display Link Parameters ..................................................................... 2-14 35

2.6.8 Display Monitor Parameters ................................................................ 2-14 35

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2.6.9 Display Morse/RTTY/AMTOR Parameters ............................................. 2-15 36

2.6.10 Display Timing Parameters ................................................................. 2-15 36

2.7 Immediate Commands ................................................................................. 2-16 37

2.8 Detailed Connections for Specific Computers .................................................. 2-16 37

2.8.1 Available Serial Interfaces .................................................................. 2-17 38

2.8.2 Computers with Specific Serial Interfaces ............................................ 2-17 38

2.8.3 Commodore 64, 64C, 128, Vic 20 ....................................................... 2-17 38

2.8.4 IBM PCjr ........................................................................................... 2-18 39

2.8.5 Tandy Color Computer ....................................................................... 2-18 39

2.8.6 Tandy Model 100/102 and NEC 8201 .................................................. 2-18 39

2.8.7 Other Computers with 25-Pin RS-232-C Ports ...................................... 2-18 39

2.8.8 Other Computers with Non-Standard Serial Ports ................................. 2-19 40

2.9 Terminal (Modem) Software for Specific Computers ........................................ 2-19 40

2.9.1 Apple Macintosh ............................................................................... 2-20 41

2.9.2 Apple II, II+, IIE and IIC ................................................................... 2-20 41

2.9.3 Commodore 64, 64C, 128, Vic 20 ....................................................... 2-20 41

2.9.4 IBM PCjr ........................................................................................... 2-20 41

2.9.5 Tandy Color Computer ....................................................................... 2-20 41

2.9.6 Tandy Model 100/102 and NEC 8201 .................................................. 2-20 41

2.9.7 IBM PCs, 'Clones' and True Compatibles .............................................. 2-20 41

2.10 Packet Bulletin Board Program Compatibility .................................................. 2-21 42

CHAPTER 3 - BASIC OPERATION

3.1 Exploring the PK-232 Program ...................................................................... 3-1 43

3.2 LED Status and Mode Indicators ................................................................... 3-1 43

3.2.1 Status Indicator LEDs ........................................................................ 3-1 43

3.2.2 Mode Indicator LEDs ......................................................................... 3-2 44

3.2.2.1 The DCD LED - Data Carrier Detect .......................................... 3-2 44

3.2.3 LEDs at System Start ......................................................................... 3-2 44

3.2.4 Tuning Indicator ................................................................................ 3-3 44

3.3 PK-232 Commands ...................................................................................... 3-3 45

3.3.1 Entering Commands .......................................................................... 3-3 45

3.3.2 Command Responses ........................................................................ 3-3 45

3.3.3 Error Messages ................................................................................. 3-4 46

3.3.4 Command Names .............................................................................. 3-5 47

3.3.5 Default Values .................................................................................. 3-5 47

3.3.6 Parameters, Arguments and Values .................................................... 3-5 47

3.3.7 Using Commands Without Arguments ................................................. 3-7 49

3.3.8 PK-232 Controller Messages ............................................................... 3-7 49

3.3.8.1 General Messages ................................................................... 3-7 49

3.3.8.2 Command Mode Error Messages .............................................. 3-8 50

3.3.8.3 Link Status Messages .............................................................. 3-9 51

3.3.9 Special Keyboard Control Codes ......................................................... 3-11 53

3.3.9.1 Morse Code .............................................................................3-11 53

3.3.9.2 Packet Mode .......................................................................... 3-12 54

3.3.9.3 Baudot and ASCII RTTY .......................................................... 3-12 54

3.3.9.4 AMTOR Mode ......................................................................... 3-12 54

3.3.9.5 Clear String Commands ........................................................... 3-12 54

3.3.10 Detailed Command Descriptions ......................................................... 3-13 55

3.4 General Operating Information ..................................................................... 3-13 55

3.4.1 Signal Function Commands ................................................................ 3-13 55

3.4.1.1 Invert Received Data (RXREV) ................................................. 3-13 55

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3.4.1.2 Invert Transmitted Data (TXREV) ............................................. 3-13 55

3.4.1.3 Return to Receive Mode <CTRL-D> ......................................... 3-13 55

3.4.1.4 Send Time of Day <CTRL-T> ................................................... 3-13 55

3.4.1.5 CW Identifier <CTRL-F> ......................................................... 3-14 56

3.4.1.6 Wideshift (WIDESHFT) ............................................................ 3-14 56

3.4.1.7 Answerback (AAB) .................................................................. 3-14 56

3.4.1.8 WRU? (Who Are You?) ............................................................ 3-15 57

3.4.2 Formatting Commands ...................................................................... 3-15 57

3.4.2.1 Screen Line Length (ACRDISP n) ............................................. 3-15 57

3.4.2.2 Monitor Echo (ECHO) .............................................................. 3-15 57

3.4.2.3 Automatic Word/Character Output (WORDOUT) ........................ 3-15 57

3.4.2.4 Line Feed <CTRL-J> ............................................................... 3-16 58

3.4.2.5 Carriage Return <CTRL-M> ..................................................... 3-16 58

3.4.2.6 Automatic Carriage Return (ACRRTTY n) .................................. 3-16 58

3.4.2.7 Automatic Line Feed (ALFRTTY) ............................................... 3-16 58

3.4.2.8 Backspace and Delete <DEL> ................................................. 3-17 59

3.4.2.9 Escape Functions <ESC> ........................................................ 3-17 59

3.4.2.10 Echo as Sent (EAS) ................................................................. 3-17 59

3.4.2.11 Clear Transmit Buffer (TCLEAR) ............................................... 3-17 59

3.4.3 Summary of Automatic Carriage Returns and Line Feeds ...................... 3-17 59

3.4.3.1 Automatic Carriage Returns ..................................................... 3-18 60

3.4.3.2 Automatic Line Feeds .............................................................. 3-18 60

3.4.4 PK-232-to-TNC-2 Command Cross-Reference ....................................... 3-19 61

CHAPTER 4 - OPERATING MODES

4.1 General Information ..................................................................................... 4-1 62

4.1.1 Morse Code ...................................................................................... 4-1 62

4.1.2 Baudot RTTY ..................................................................................... 4-1 62

4.1.3 ASCII RTTY ...................................................................................... 4-1 62

4.1.4 AMTOR ............................................................................................ 4-2 62

4.1.5 Packet Radio ..................................................................................... 4-2 63

4.2 Morse Code Operation ................................................................................. 4-2 63

4.2.1 Transmit/Receive Function Keys ......................................................... 4-4 65

4.2.2 Speed Change .................................................................................. 4-4 65

4.2.3 Speed Lock ....................................................................................... 4-5 66

4.2.4 Special Morse Characters ................................................................... 4-5 66

4.2.5 Morse Code Practice .......................................................................... 4-5 66

4.3 Baudot RTTY Operation ................................................................................ 4-5 66

4.3.1 Baudot RTTY Operating Tips .............................................................. 4-6 67

4.3.2 A Typical Baudot RTTY Contact ........................................................... 4-6 67

4.3.3 Transmit/Receive Function Keys ......................................................... 4-7 68

4.3.4 Baud Rate (Speed) Change ................................................................ 4-8 69

4.3.5 CCITT On/Off ................................................................................... 4-8 69

4.3.6 Unshift-On-Space .............................................................................. 4-9 70

4.4 ASCII RTTY Operation .................................................................................. 4-9 70

4.4.1 ASCII Operating Tips ......................................................................... 4-9 70

4.4.2 A Typical ASCII RTTY Contact ............................................................. 4-10 71

4.4.3 Transmit/Receive Function Keys ......................................................... 4-10 71

4.4.4 Baud Rate (Speed) Change ................................................................ 4-10 71

4.4.5 General Use of Control Key Functions ................................................. 4-11 72

4.5 AMTOR Operation ........................................................................................ 4-12 73

4.5.1 Transmit/Receive Function Keys ......................................................... 4-12 73

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PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

4.5.2 Speed Change Not Permitted ............................................................. 4-12 73

4.5.3 SELCAL (Selective Call) ...................................................................... 4-12 73

4.5.3.1 First SELCAL Installation ......................................................... 4-13 74

4.5.3.2 Prevent Duplicate SELCALs ...................................................... 4-13 74

4.5.4 Mode A (ARQ) Call - Start the Contact (ARQ Command) ....................... 4-14 75

4.5.4.1 LED Status and Mode Indicators .............................................. 4-14 75

4.5.4.2 Mode A (ARQ) Changeover (+? Command) .............................. 4-15 76

4.5.4.3 Mode A (ARQ) Break-in (ACHG Command) ............................... 4-15 76

4.5.4.4 End the Mode A (ARQ) Contact, Return to AMTOR Standby ....... 4-16 77

4.5.5 Mode A (ARQ) Listen Mode - Start Monitoring (ALIST Command) .......... 4-16 77

4.5.6 Mode B (FEC) Call - Start the Contact (FEC Command) ........................ 4-16 77

4.5.6.1 LED Status and Mode Indicators .............................................. 4-17 78

4.5.6.2 Mode B (FEC) Changeover ...................................................... 4-17 78

4.5.6.3 End the Mode B (FEC) Contact - Return to ARQ Standby ........... 4-18 79

4.5.7 Echo-As-Sent (EAS Command) ........................................................... 4-18 79

4.5.8 AMTOR Switching-Time Considerations ............................................... 4-19 80

4.5.9 Suggested AMTOR Trial Operating Techniques ..................................... 4-19 80

4.5.10 Possible Areas for AMTOR Performance Improvement .......................... 4-19 80

4.6 Packet Radio Operation ................................................................................ 4-20 81

4.6.1 Change Radio Link Data Rate ............................................................. 4-20 81

4.6.2 Station Identification ......................................................................... 4-21 82

4.6.2.1 MYCALL Required at System Start-up ....................................... 4-21 82

4.6.2.2 Substation Identifiers (SSIDs) .................................................. 4-21 82

4.6.2.3 Automatic Identification .......................................................... 4-21 82

4.6.3 Set Up Loopback Test Circuit .............................................................. 4-22 83

4.6.4 'Connect' and 'Disconnect' ................................................................. 4-22 83

4.6.5 LED Status and Mode Indicators ......................................................... 4-22 83

4.6.5.1 LEDs at System Start or Restart ............................................... 4-22 83

4.6.6 System Quick-Check - Loopback Test Connection ................................. 4-23 84

4.6.6.1 Connect Message ................................................................... 4-23 84

4.6.6.2 Send Packet Character ............................................................ 4-23 84

4.6.6.3 Return to Command Mode ...................................................... 4-23 84

4.6.6.4 Return to Converse Mode ........................................................ 4-24 85

4.6.6.5 Terminate the Link - Disconnect ............................................... 4-24 85

4.6.7 Your First Packet QSO! ...................................................................... 4-24 85

4.6.7.1 System Cable and Switch Check .............................................. 4-24 85

4.6.7.2 Starting the QSO .................................................................... 4-24 85

4.6.7.3 What If? ................................................................................ 4-25 86

4.6.8 Automatic Operation ......................................................................... 4-26 87

4.6.8.1 Beacon Operation ................................................................... 4-26 87

4.6.8.2 Will You Accept Connections? .................................................. 4-26 87

4.6.8.3 Are You Available to Chat? ...................................................... 4-28 89

4.6.8.4 Do You Want to Transmit? ....................................................... 4-28 89

4.6.9 Digipeater Details .............................................................................. 4-28 89

4.6.9.1 Are You a Digipeater? ............................................................. 4-29 90

4.6.9.2 Do You Want to be a Digipeater? ............................................. 4-29 90

4.6.10 Unsuccessful Connections and Retries ................................................. 4-30 91

4.6.10.1 Retries While Connected ......................................................... 4-30 91

4.6.11 Monitoring Activity on the Channel ..................................................... 4-31 92

4.6.11.1 Monitoring Other Stations ....................................................... 4-31 92

4.6.11.2 Monitoring Digipeaters - The MRPT Command .......................... 4-32 93

4.6.11.3 Monitoring Other Stations While Connected .............................. 4-32 93

4.6.12 Selective Monitoring .......................................................................... 4-33 94

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PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

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4.6.12.1 The MFROM Command ........................................................... 4-33 94

4.6.12.2 The MTO Command ................................................................ 4-34 95

4.6.12.3 The MCON Command ............................................................. 4-35 96

4.6.12.4 The MFILTER Command .......................................................... 4-35 96

4.6.12.5 The MHEARD Monitor Buffer ................................................... 4-35 96

4.6.12.6 MSTAMP - The Monitor Time-Stamp Command ......................... 4-36 97

4.6.12.7 DAYTIME - Set the Real-Time Clock ......................................... 4-36 97

4.6.13 Packet Formatting ............................................................................. 4-37 98

4.6.13.1 PACLEN - Long or Short? ......................................................... 4-37 98

4.6.13.2 Backspace and Delete ............................................................. 4-37 98

4.6.13.3 Cancel Line ............................................................................ 4-37 98

4.6.13.4 Redisplay ............................................................................... 4-38 99

4.6.13.5 XON/XOFF, START/STOP - Display Flow Control ......................... 4-38 99

4.6.13.6 The PASS Character ................................................................ 4-38 99

4.6.13.7 More Carriage Returns and Line Feeds ..................................... 4-38 99

4.6.14 Multiple Connects .............................................................................. 4-39 100

4.6.14.1 Default Multiple-Connect Conditions ......................................... 4-39 100

4.6.14.2 Multiple-Connects YES - the USERS Parameter. ......................... 4-39 100

4.6.14.3 Select the CHSWITCH Character .............................................. 4-40 101

4.6.14.4 Display Multiple-Connect Call Signs - The CHCALL Command ..... 4-40 101

4.6.14.5 Display Doubled Characters - The CHDOUBLE Command ........... 4-40 101

4.6.15 Tips on Channel Switching and Multiple Connects ................................ 4-40 101

4.6.15.1 The CSTATUS Command ......................................................... 4-42 103

4.6.15.2 The MULT LED ....................................................................... 4-42 103

4.6.16 Understanding Monitor Level 6 ........................................................... 4-43 104

4.6.16.1 The <C> Connect Command (SABM Frame) ............................. 4-43 104

4.6.16.2 The <UA> Unnumbered Acknowledge Frame ........................... 4-43 104

4.6.16.3 The <I> Information Frame .................................................... 4-44 105

4.6.16.4 The <RR> Receive Ready (Acknowledge) Frame ....................... 4-44 105

4.6.16.5 The <RJ> Reject Command Frame .......................................... 4-45 106

4.6.16.6 The <DM> Disconnected Mode Frame ..................................... 4-45 106

4.6.16.7 The <D> Disconnect Command Frame ..................................... 4-45 106

4.6.16.8 The <UI> Unnumbered Information Frame .............................. 4-46 107

4.7 Reception of Non-Amateur RTTY Signals ........................................................ 4-46 107

4.7.1 Frequency Shift and Tuning ............................................................... 4-46 107

CHAPTER 5 - ADVANCED PACKET OPERATION

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 5-1 109

5.1.1 Using Hex Notation ........................................................................... 5-1 109

5.2 Operating Modes ......................................................................................... 5-1 109

5.2.1 Command Mode ................................................................................ 5-1 109

5.2.1.1 Special Characters in Command Mode ...................................... 5-1 109

5.2.1.2 Display Control in Command Mode ........................................... 5-2 110

5.3 Flow Control ................................................................................................ 5-2 110

5.3.1 Type-in Flow Control ......................................................................... 5-2 110

5.3.2 Data Flow Control ............................................................................. 5-3 111

5.3.2.1 XON/XOFF (Software) Flow Control .......................................... 5-3 111

5.3.2.2 Hardware Flow Control ............................................................ 5-4 112

5.4 Data Transfer Modes .................................................................................... 5-4 112

5.4.1 Converse Mode ................................................................................. 5-5 113

5.4.1.1 SENDPAC Character ................................................................ 5-5 113

5.4.1.2 CANPAC Character .................................................................. 5-5 113

TOC 5 11

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

5.4.1.3 Special Characters in Converse Mode ....................................... 5-6 114

5.4.1.4 Display Features in Converse Mode .......................................... 5-6 114

5.4.2 Transparent Mode ............................................................................. 5-6 114

5.4.2.1 Input Editing and Packet Timing .............................................. 5-7 115

5.4.2.2 Display Features in Transparent Mode ...................................... 5-7 115

5.4.2.3 Escape or Exit from Transparent Mode ..................................... 5-7 115

5.5 Commands That Affect Protocol .................................................................... 5-7 115

5.5.1 AX.25L2V2 - On or Off? ..................................................................... 5-7 115

5.5.2 UNPROTO Who? ............................................................................... 5-8 116

5.5.3 PASSALL - The 'Junque Mode' ............................................................ 5-8 116

5.5.4 Packet Timing Functions .................................................................... 5-8 116

5.5.4.1 TXDELAY ............................................................................... 5-8 116

5.5.4.2 AXDELAY and AXHANG ........................................................... 5-9 117

5.5.4.3 FRACK and RETRY .................................................................. 5-9 117

5.5.4.4 DWAIT .................................................................................. 5-10 118

5.5.4.5 MAXFRAME ............................................................................ 5-11 119

5.5.4.6 CHECK ................................................................................... 5-11 119

5.5.4.7 RESPTIME .............................................................................. 5-11 119

5.5.4.8 PACTIME ............................................................................... 5-11 119

5.6 Packet Bulletin Board Operation .................................................................... 5-12 120

5.6.1 Special Default Considerations ........................................................... 5-12 120

CHAPTER 6 - COMMAND SUMMARY

6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 6-1 121

6.1.1 Entering Commands .......................................................................... 6-1 121

6.1.2 Command Responses ........................................................................ 6-1 121

6.1.3 Error Messages ................................................................................. 6-2 122

6.2 Command List ............................................................................................. 6-3 123

6.2.1 Command Names .............................................................................. 6-3 123

6.2.2 Default Values .................................................................................. 6-3 123

6.3 Parameters, Arguments and Values ............................................................... 6-3 123

6.3.1 Parameters ....................................................................................... 6-4 124

6.3.1.1 Boolean Parameters ................................................................ 6-4 124

6.3.1.2 Numeric Parameters ............................................................... 6-4 124

6.3.1.3 Text or String Parameters ........................................................ 6-5 125

6.3.2 Using Commands Arguments Without Arguments ................................ 6-6 126

6.4 Controller Messages ....................................................................................... 6-6 126

6.4.1 General ..................................................................................................... 6-6 126

6.4.2 Command Mode Error Messages ................................................................. 6-7 127

6.4.3 Link Status Messages ................................................................................. 6-8 128

6.5 Special Keyboard Control Codes ..................................................................... 6-10 130

6.5.1 Morse Code ............................................................................................... 6-10 130

6.5.2 Baudot and ASCII RTTY ............................................................................. 6-11 131

6.5.3 AMTOR Mode ............................................................................................ 6-11 131

6.5.4 Clear String Commands .............................................................................. 6-11 131

6.6 Specific Commands ...................................................................................... 6-12 132

TOC 6 12

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Command Page

8BITCONV ........................................................ 6-13 133

AAB .................................................................. 6-13 / P-2 133 / 265

ABAUD ............................................................. 6-13 133

ACHG ............................................................... 6-14 134

ACRDISP .......................................................... 6-14 / P-2 134 / 265

ACRPACK .......................................................... 6-15 135

ACRRTTY ......................................................... 6-15 135

ADELAY ............................................................ 6-16 136

AFILTER ........................................................... O-3 258

ALFDISP ........................................................... 6-17 137

ALFPACK ........................................................... 6-17 137

ALFRTTY ........................................................... 6-17 137

ALIST ............................................................... 6-18 138

AMTOR ............................................................. 6-18 138

ARQ ................................................................. 6-18 138

ARQTMO .......................................................... 6-19 139

ASCII ............................................................... 6-19 139

ASPECT ............................................................ M-9 235

AUDELAY .......................................................... P-2 265

AWLEN ............................................................. 6-19 139

AX25L2V2 ......................................................... 6-20 140

AXDELAY .......................................................... 6-20 140

AXHANG ........................................................... 6-21 141

BAUDOT ........................................................... 6-21 141

BBSMSGS ......................................................... O-3 258

BEACON ........................................................... 6-21 141

BITINV ............................................................. N-3 252

BKONDEL ......................................................... 6-22 142

BTEXT .............................................................. 6-22 142

CALIBRAT ......................................................... 6-23 143

CANLINE .......................................................... 6-24 144

CANPAC ............................................................ 6-24 144

CASEDISP ......................................................... 6-25 145

CBELL .............................................................. 6-25 / O-4 145 / 259

CCITT ............................................................... 6-26 / N-3 146 / 252

CFROM ............................................................. 6-27 147

CHCALL ............................................................ 6-28 148

CHDOUBLE ....................................................... 6-29 149

CHECK .............................................................. 6-29 149

CHSWITCH ....................................................... 6-30 150

CMDTIME ......................................................... 6-30 150

CMSG ............................................................... 6-31 151

CODE ............................................................... N-3 / O-4 252 / 259

COMMAND ........................................................ 6-31 151

CONMODE ........................................................ 6-32 152

CONNECT ......................................................... 6-32 152

CONOK ............................................................. 6-33 153

CONPERM ......................................................... 6-33 153

CONSTAMP ....................................................... 6-34 154

CONVERSE ....................................................... 6-34 154

CPACTIME ........................................................ 6-35 155

CRADD ............................................................. 6-35 155

CSTATUS .......................................................... 6-36 156

TOC 7 13

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Command Page

CTEXT............................................................... 6-37 157

CUSTOM ........................................................... P-3 266

CWID................................................................ 6-37 157

DAYTIME........................................................... 6-38 / P-4 158 / 267

DAYSTAMP......................................................... 6-39 159

DCDCONN......................................................... 6-39 159

DELETE............................................................. 6-40 160

DFROM.............................................................. 6-40 160

DIGIPEAT........................................................... 6-41 161

DIDDLE ............................................................ P-4 267

DISCONNE......................................................... 6-41 161

DISPLAY............................................................. 6-41 / M-10 161 / 236

DWAIT............................................................... 6-42 162

EAS................................................................... 6-43 163

ECHO................................................................ 6-44 164

ESCAPE............................................................. 6-44 164

FAX .................................................................. M-10 236

FAXNEG ............................................................ M-10 236

FEC................................................................... 6-44 164

FLOW................................................................ 6-45 165

FRACK............................................................... 6-45 165

FSPEED ............................................................ M-10 236

FULLDUP............................................................ 6-46 166

GRAPHICS ........................................................ M-11 237

HBAUD.............................................................. 6-46 166

HEADERLN......................................................... 6-46 166

HELP................................................................. 6-47 167

HID................................................................... 6-47 167

HOST................................................................. 6-48 / O-4 168 / 259

ID..................................................................... 6-48 168

ILFPACK............................................................ 6-48 168

JUSTIFY ........................................................... M-12 237

KISS.................................................................. 6-49/O-5/P-4 169 / 260 / 267

LEFTRITE ......................................................... M-12 238

LOCK................................................................. 6-49 / M-12 169 / 238

MARSDISP......................................................... 6-49 169

MAXFRAME........................................................ 6-50 170

MBELL............................................................... 6-50 170

MBX.................................................................. 6-51 / P-5 171 / 268

MCON............................................................... 6-52 172

MDIGI............................................................... 6-52 172

MFILTER............................................................ 6-53 / O-5 173 / 260

MFROM............................................................. 6-53 173

MHEARD............................................................ 6-54 174

MID ................................................................. P-5 268

MONITOR.......................................................... 6-55 175

MORSE.............................................................. 6-55 175

MPROTO............................................................ 6-55 175

MRPT................................................................. 6-56 176

MSPEED............................................................ 6-56 176

MSTAMP............................................................. 6-56 176

MTO.................................................................. 6-57 177

MWEIGHT ......................................................... P-6 269

TOC 8 14

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Command Page

MYALIAS .......................................................... 6-58 178

MYALTCAL ........................................................ 6-58 178

MYCALL ............................................................ 6-58 / P-6 178 / 269

MYSELCAL ......................................................... 6-59 179

NAVMSG ........................................................... O-6 261

NAVSTN ........................................................... O-6 261

NAVTEX ............................................................ O-7 262

NEWMODE ........................................................ 6-60 180

NOMODE .......................................................... 6-60 180

NUCR ............................................................... 6-61 181

NULF ................................................................ 6-61 181

NULLS .............................................................. 6-61 181

NUMS ............................................................... P-6 269

OK ................................................................... N-6 255

OPMODE .......................................................... 6-62 / M-13 182 / 239

PACKET ............................................................ 6-62 182

PACLEN ............................................................ 6-62 182

PACTIME .......................................................... 6-63 183

PARITY ............................................................. 6-63 183

PASS ................................................................ 6-64 184

PASSALL ........................................................... 6-64 184

PERSIST ........................................................... 6-65 185

PPERSIST ......................................................... 6-66 186

PRCON ............................................................. M-13 239

PRFAX .............................................................. M-13 239

PROUT ............................................................. M-14 240

PRTYPE ............................................................ M-14 / O-7 240 / 262

RBAUD ............................................................. 6-66 186

RCVE ................................................................ 6-66 / M-21 186 / 247

RECEIVE ........................................................... 6-67 187

REDISPLA ......................................................... 6-67 187

RELINK ............................................................. 6-67 187

RESET .............................................................. 6-68 188

RESPTIME ........................................................ 6-68 188

RESTART .......................................................... 6-68 188

RETRY .............................................................. 6-68 188

RFEC ................................................................ 6-69 189

RXREV .............................................................. 6-69 189

SELFEC ............................................................. 6-69 189

SENDPAC .......................................................... 6-70 190

SIGNAL ............................................................ N-6 255

SLOTTIME ........................................................ 6-70 190

SQUELCH ......................................................... 6-70 190

SRXALL ............................................................ 6-71 191

START .............................................................. 6-71 191

STOP ................................................................ 6-71 191

TBAUD ............................................................. 6-72 192

TCLEAR ............................................................ 6-72 192

TIME ................................................................ 6-72 192

TRACE .............................................................. 6-73 / M-22 193 / 248

TRANS ............................................................. 6-73 193

TRFLOW ........................................................... 6-74 194

TRIES ............................................................... 6-74 194

TOC 9 15

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Command Page

TXDELAY .......................................................... 6-75 195

TXFLOW ........................................................... 6-75 195

TXREV .............................................................. 6-76 196

UNPROTO ......................................................... 6-76 196

USERS .............................................................. 6-77 197

USOS ............................................................... 6-77 197

VHF .................................................................. 6-77 197

WHYNOT .......................................................... P-6 269

WIDESHFT ....................................................... 6-78 198

WORDOUT ....................................................... 6-78 198

WRU ................................................................ 6-78 / P-7 198 / 270

XFLOW ............................................................. 6-79 199

XMIT ................................................................ 6-79 / M-22 199 / 248

XMITOK ............................................................ 6-79 199

XOFF ................................................................ 6-80 200

XON ................................................................. 6-80 200

TOC 10 16

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A PK-232 COMMAND LIST ..................................................................... 201

APPENDIX B BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX C INTERNATIONAL HF AMTOR CALLING FREQUENCIES .......................... 205

APPENDIX D AMTOR OPERATING SUGGESTIONS FROM G3PLX ............................... 206

APPENDIX E AMTOR THEORY ............................................................................... 212

APPENDIX F ASYNCHRONOUS VERSUS SYNCHRONOUS TRANSMISSION ................. 215

APPENDIX G DATA TRANSMISSION CODES ............................................................ 216

APPENDIX H SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS ..................................................................... 220

APPENDIX I PARTS PICTORIAL ............................................................................. 222

APPENDIX J PARTS LIST ...................................................................................... 223

APPENDIX K SPECIFIC RADIO CONNECTIONS ........................................................ 225

APPENDIX M FACSIMILE OPERATION ..................................................................... 227

APPENDIX N SIAM OPERATION ............................................................................. 250

APPENDIX O FIRMWARE REVISION SUPPLEMENT 23-FEB-88 ................................... 256

APPENDIX P FIRMWARE REVISION SUPPLEMENT 30-DEC-88 .................................. 264

APPENDIX Q ANSWERS TO COMMONLY QUESTIONS AND SPECIAL NOTES

TO PC-PAKRATT AND COM PAKRATT USERS ........................................ 277

TOC 11 17

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

The User's Guide to the PK-232 describes the general characteristics and operation of your AEA PK-232 Data Controller. Your User's Guide will help you to install, adjust and operates the system.

1.2 Scope

Your User's Guide provides general information on installation and operation of the PK-232. The Guide describes the PK-232's features, system components and basic operation in Morse, Baudot and ASCII RTTY, AMTOR and Packet-Radio. Technical information on theory of operation, hardware and software descriptions, protocols and troubleshooting instructions are available in AEA's optional Technical Manual for the PK-232 System.

1.3 General

The PK-232 is designed and manufactured by AEA, Inc. for use with any standard communications terminal or computer equipped with an RS-232C serial data port and an appropriate communications program or terminal emulator. For information on operation with nonstandard interfaces or terminals, please contact AEA.

1.3.1 Application

Your PK-232 Data Controller is the connection between your radios and computer or terminal. The PK-232 provides all of the decoding, encoding and transmitter control routines needed to send and receive Morse code, Baudot and ASCII RTTY (RadioTeleTypewriter), AMTOR and Packet-Radio. You can use your computer or data terminal with the same communications program or terminal emulator that you use with a telephone line modem.

1.3.2 Specifications

As part of its program of product improvement, AEA reserves the right to make changes in this product's specifications. Changes will be made to the information in this document and incorporated in revisions to this manual. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1.3.2.1 Description

AEA's Model PK-232 is a multi-mode protocol converter and data controller that includes built-in modems for all modes for all modes. Your PK-232 converts Morse, Baudot and ASCII RTTY, AMTOR/SITOR and AX.25 Packet-Radio to ASCII data and communicates with your terminal or computer via an EIA standard RS-232-C serial port.

Operating Modes:Morse, Baudot, ASCII, AMTOR/SITOR and half- or full-duplex Packet-

Radio in accordance with the AX.25 protocols.

1-1 18

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INTRODUCTION

1.3.2.2 Modem Characteristics

Demodulator: Limiter-discriminator type, preceded by an eight-pole Cheby-

shev 0.5 db-ripple bandpass filter.

Receive Bandpass: Automatically switched by operating mode.

VHF Packet: Center frequency 1700 Hz, Bandwidth 2600 Hz HF (except CW): Center frequency 2210 Hz, Bandwidth 450 Hz CW: Center frequency 800 Hz, bandwidth 200 Hz

Modulator: Low-distortion AFSK sine wave function generator, phase-con-

tinuous AFSK.

Output Level: 5 to 100 millivolts RMS, adjustable by rear-panel control.

1.3.2.3 Processor System

Protocol conversion: Zilog Z-80 microprocessor RAM: 16 kilobytes ROM: Up to 48 kilobytes of ROM may be used Hardware HDLC: Zilog 8530 SCC

1.3.2.4 Input/Output Connections

Radio Interface: Two five-pin TTL connectors, selectable on the front panel

Input/output Lines: Receive audio

Transmit audio Push-To-Talk (PTT) External squelch input Ground

External modem

connector: Five-pin TTL - TXD, RXD, DCD, PTT, Ground Direct FSK Outputs: Normal and reverse Oscilloscope Outputs:Mark (Stop) and Space (Start) CW keying Outputs: Positive: +100 VDC max. at up to 100 mA

Negative: -30 VDC max. at up to 20 mA Terminal Interface: Standard RS-232C 25-pin DB25 connector Input/Output: RS-232 with full handshake (hardware and software)

Use only wires 1-8 and 20 Terminal Data Rates: Auto-baud selection of 300, 1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600 BPS.

TBAUD adds 110, 150, 200 and 600 BPS.

1-2 19

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INTRODUCTION

1.3.2.5 Controls and Indicators

Front Panel Controls: Power Switch

Radio Selector Switch

Threshold Adjust

Indicators: Ten-segment discriminator-type bargraph indicator for HF

tuning.

DCD LED (Data Carrier Detect)

Status and Mode Indicators: Mode Group Status Group

BAUDOT STBY ASCII PHASE PKT IDLE MORSE ERROR/CONV CHECK OVER FEC TFC/TRANS ARQ RQ/CMD MODE L CON STBY STA

MULT SEND

1.3.2.6 General

Power Requirements: +13 VDC (12 to 16 VDC) at 700 mA Mechanical: Overall 11" × 8.25" × 2.5" (279.4 × 209.6 × 63.5 mm)

1.3.3 Features

The PK-232 presents all of the features most frequently demanded by the modern amateur operator:

o Packet-Radio using the AX.25 international packet protocol o Host Mode, including raw HDLC mode o KISS TNC Mode for TCP/IP protocol packet service o Link and terminal data rates to 9600 bits per second o AMTOR error-correcting RTTY operation in Mode A (ARQ), Mode B (FEC), Mode L

(ARQ 'Listen') and SELFEC (selective FEC)

o Baudot RTTY at standard speeds 45, 50, 57, 75 and 100 bauds (60, 66, 75, 100 and

132 WPM)

o Baudot RTTY Unshift-On-Space (USOS) o CCITT International Telegraph Alphabet #2 keyboard conversion o ASCII RTTY at 45, 50, 57, 75, 100, 110, 150, 200 and 300 bauds o WRU? Activation and Answerback Response o Dual-polarity direct FSK outputs o Dual-polarity CW keying outputs o Monitor oscilloscope output o Time-of-day clock o Automatic Morse operation from 5 to 99 WPM (Words per Minute) o Farnsworth Morse operation below 15 WPM o Morse speed lock o Front-panel selectable dual radio connector ports o LED discriminator-type tuning display o 'Autobaud' selection: 300, 1200, 2400, 4800 and 9600 BPS

Weight 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms)

1-3 20

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INTRODUCTION

1.4 System Components

Your PK-232 Data Controller package contains the following items:

o One PK-232 Data Controller o Cables to connect your PK-232 to two separate radios o PK-232 Operating Manual

NOTE: A special 'Y' Facsimile cable is supplied for connecting the PK-232 to a computer or

Terminal and optionally to a graphics printer.

1.4.1 Input/Output Devices

Your PK-232 can be used with a standard ASCII communications terminal or computer equipped with an RS-232 serial data port and any ASCII communications program or terminal emulator. Data and control signals are exchanged between the PK-232 and the computer or terminal at standard RS-232C (CCITT V.24/V.28) levels.

Your computer and terminal program and their associated tape, disk and printer I/O devices provide the means to store messages received and retrieve messages for transmission. Although highly desirable, these peripheral or I/O devices are not needed for PK-232 operation.

NOTE: In this Operating Manual, we'll use the terms 'computer' and 'terminal' to

mean the same thing - the keyboard and monitor you use to communicate with your PK-232.

1.4.2 System Transmitter-Receiver Performance Requirements

Most modern radio transceivers are capable of excellent performance in Morse, Baudot and ASCII RTTY, AMTOR and Packet-Radio. Although AMTOR Mode A (ARQ) operation imposes more demanding switching speed requirements than the other operation modes, most radios will operate in either AMTOR mode without any modifications. Radio switching times are less critical in Packet-Radio operation. See the AMTOR operating section for further details on timing requirements.

Your PK-232 provides software-controlled timing variations that permits operation with nearly all the HF and VHF/UHF radios in general use today.

1-4 21

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

CHAPTER 2 – INSTALLATION

2.1 'Quick Start' Installation

You'll probably want to get your PK-232 connected and operating as soon as possible. This section contains instructions for a 'generic' installation and system checkout to install and verify your PK-232's operation. Information on specific computer interfaces is presented in section 2.9 at the end of this chapter. More detailed installation and system checkout instructions follow later in this chapter.

2.1.1 Equipment Required

You need the following:

o your PK-232 Data Controller; o three type AA 1.5-Volt alkaline batteries for RAM battery back-up; o two AEA-supplied shielded cables for connecting your PK-232 to your radio; o an AEA-supplied cable to connect your PK-232 to an external power supply; o a 13.6-Volt, 1 Ampere regulated DC power supply; o your computer; o a terminal emulator or communication program for your computer; o your radio and its power supply; o the microphone connectors required by your radios; o the supplied 'Y' Facsimile cable, or a shielded RS-232-C cable to connect the

PK-232 to your computer.

2.1.2 Battery Installation for RAM Backup

o Remove the six screws that hold the gray PK-232 top-chassis in place and carefully

separate it from the PK-232.

o Install the batteries in the holder located inside the PK-232's top cover. Make sure

the RED wire goes to the POSITIVE battery terminal and the BLACK wire to the NEGATIVE terminal.

o Carefully re-assemble the PK-232 being careful not to bind the battery wires

between the chassis and the top-cover.

A more detailed description is available on Page 'v' in the Preface.

2.1.3 Radio and Power Connection

o Connect the POSITIVE voltage to the center pin of the coaxial power plug. o Wire your microphone plug to the end of the cable that has the five-pin plastic

connectors; see the connection drawings in Appendix K at the end of this manual. The pinout is shown below.

Pin Signal Name Wire Color Description

Receive audio

Microphone audio

Squelch input

Ground

Push-To-Talk

Green White Black Brown Red

AFSK from receiver to PK-232 AFSK from PK-232 to transmitter Optional squelch input from radio Audio and PTT common return PK-232 keys transmitter

Table 2-1 J4 and J6 Radio Port Connectors

2-1 22

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

2.2 Computer Connections (See Table 2-2)

IMPORTANT NOTE

Do NOT use an RS-232-C cable with all 25 wires in it. DO NOT CONNECT any pins other than pins 1 through 8 and pin 20! Connection of all 25 wires will cause improper operation of, and may damage your PK-232.

Connect your PK-232's 'RS-232 I/O' receptacle to your computer using the 'Y' Facsimile cable or a shielded RS-232 cable just like you would connect a standard telephone modem. The 'end' of the cable with 2 wires coming out of it connects to the PK-232 and the other 25-pin connector connects to your computer or terminal. The 36-pin connector plugs into a parallel graphics printer for Facsimile operation as described in Appendix M of this manual.

Pin Signal Name Description

Transmit Data

Receive Data

Signal Ground

Serial data from computer to PK-232 Serial data from PK-232 to computer Common ground for both data lines

Table 2-2 Minimum Serial Port Connections Required by PK-232

Please refer to section 2.9 for more information on connections to specific computers and APPENDIX K for connections to specific radios.

The following two figures (Figures 2-1 and 2-2) show the front and rear panel controls, connectors and indicators. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with them, as we will be referring to them throughout this manual.

Figure 2-1 PK-232 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

2-2 23

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

Figure 2-2 PK-232 Rear Panel Connections and Controls

2.3 System Quick-Check

Verify that you've done these initial steps before going any further:

o the ROM backup batteries are installed in the PK-232 o your PK-232 is connected to your computer via the RS-232-C cable; o ONLY PINS 1 THROUGH 8 and PIN 20 are connected; o your PK-232 is connected to a regulated 13.6-Volt DC supply.

2.3.1 System Startup and Loopback Test

1. Don't connect any cables to your radio yet !

2. Set the RADIO-1/RADIO-2 switch to RADIO-1.

3. Connect a wire jumper between pins 1 and 2 on the PK-232's RADIO 1 (J4) receptacle or plug your PK-232-to-microphone jack cable into the RADIO 1 socket on the PK232's rear panel, strip and short the green and white wires on the radio cable. Set this cable aside for another loopback test in Chapter 4.

4. Turn on your computer. Load and run your communications program.

5. Set your computer's terminal program to:

o 1200 bauds (if available); o even parity; o seven-bit word.

6. Press the PK-232's power switch to the ON position.

The four LEDs clustered at the left side of the panel will be lit briefly and then the

BAUDOT LED will be lit. If your serial port is operating at 1200 bauds, you'll see the

following message:

Please type a star (*) for auto-baud routine.

If this message appears, go to Step 8 now.

2-3 24

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

7. If your screen shows only 'junque' characters, go to step 8 now.

8. Type several asterisks (*) at one-second intervals. When the PK-232 has 'recognized' your computer's data rate and set itself accordingly, the CMD and PKT LEDs will be lit. Your screen will then display the sign-on message:

PK-232 is using default values.

9. Type MY AAA followed by a <RETURN> (or ENTER key). Your monitor should display:

MYCALL was PK232 MYCALL now AAA

10. Adjust the THRESHOLD control until the DCD LED just goes out. This should occur between the 2-o'clock and 4-o'clock position.

11. Type C AAA followed by a <RETURN>. After a few moments, your monitor should display:

*** CONNECTED to AAA

12. Type a few characters, any character, followed by a <RETURN>. After a few moments, your monitor should echo the same characters that you've just typed.

13. Type <CTRL-C> (type C while pressing the CONTROL key down). Your monitor should respond with:

cmd:

14. Type VHF OFF followed by a <RETURN>. Your monitor should respond with:

VHF was ON VHF now OFF

15. Type HB 300 followed by a <RETURN>. Your monitor should respond with:

HBAUD was 1200 HBAUD now 300

16. Type K followed by a <RETURN>. Type any characters. Your monitor should echo the characters you've just typed.

17. Type <CTRL-C>. Your monitor should respond with:

cmd:

2-4 25

PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

18. Type D followed by a <RETURN>. Your monitor should respond with:

*** DISCONNECTED: (AAA)

If you've done all the above steps successfully, you've completed the system quickcheck and are ready to begin operating.

If you have problems with the steps shown above, return to step 1 AFTER checking all cables and connectors. Read each step again carefully. The most common problems are in trying to connect to a call different from MYCALL, leaving the DCD LED on which inhibits transmit or not having the loopback installed correctly.

If you still have problems, shut down your PK-232 and contact AEA's Customer Service Department as suggested in the front of this Operating Manual.

2.2 Radio Connection

TURN OFF ALL POWER BEFORE MAKING ANY CONNECTIONS. Refer to Appendix K at the rear of this Operating Manual for hints on connections for YOUR specific radio.

This section is split into separate procedures for FM and SSB radios. In the following steps, you're going to:

o verify that your radio and PK-232 are connected as shown in Table 2-1 earlier in this

manual and Figure 2-3 below; o feed the PK-232's AFSK audio output to your radio's microphone receptacle; o adjust the PK-232's rear panel output-level control for proper modulation; o take the receiver's audio output from a speaker jack and feed the audio directly to

the PK-232.

Insert the five-pin plastic connector in RADIO 1 socket and connect the microphone plug to your radio's microphone jack.

IMPORTANT NOTE

MAKE SURE THAT THE RADIO CABLES EXIT 'DOWNWARD' FROM THE TWO RADIO JACKS ON THE REAR PANEL. ALTHOUGH NO DAMAGE WILL OCCUR FROM REVERSE CONNECTION. YOUR PK-232 AND RADIO WILL NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY!

2.2.1 PTT (Push-to-talk) Configuration

The PK-232 is configured for positive PTT at the factory so it will operate with most equipment without changes. However, if necessary, you can change the polarity of the PTT configuration on either or both RADIO 1 and RADIO 2 ports. Follow these steps:

o Remove four screws from the sides and two screws from the rear of the PK-232

chassis cover and lift off the cover. Be careful not to disturb the black and red wires

that connect the battery holder to the printed circuit board.

o Jumper posts JMP2 and JMP3 are located next to the RADIO 1/RADIO 2 switch

SW2. JMP2 and JMP3 are 3-pin jumper posts on which you install a slip-on jumper

to connect the center pin to one of this outside pins.

o Use JMP2 to configure

RADIO 1 port; use JMP3 to configures RADIO 2 port.

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PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

NOTE: This is especially useful if you want to configure one radio port for positive

PTT and the other for negative PTT.

2.2.1.1 Positive PTT

Place the slip-on jumper across the center pin and the pin nearest the front of the unit. Replace the cover and six screws.

2.2.1.2 Negative PTT

Place the slip-on jumper across the center pin and the pin nearest the rear of the unit. Replace the cover and six screws.

2.2.2 FM Installation and Adjustment

1. Turn on your computer and PK-232 and start your terminal program.

2. Connect the radio to a dummy load, be prepared to monitor your transmissions with another nearby radio.

3. Verify that your PK-232 and FM radio are connected as shown in Figure 2-3 below.

Figure 2-3 Radio-to-PK-232 Connection

4. Enter the Calibrate mode by typing: CAL <Enter>.

NOTE: In the Calibrate mode only, the K key toggles the transmitter PTT line on

and off. The 'SPACE BAR' toggles the PK-232's tone generator from 'Mark' (the lower pitched tone) to 'Space' (the higher pitched tone). The PK-232 has a transmit watchdog timer circuit that unkeys your transmitter automatically after sixty (60) seconds. As you perform the following adjustments, unkey periodically, then rekey the transmitter by typing K.

5. Press the K key on the keyboard to key the transmitter. You should hear a continuous tone in the monitor receiver.

6. Tap the space bar several times until the higher pitched of the two tones ('space') is heard.

7. Press K again to unkey the transmitter.

8. With the PK-232 keying the transmitter and sending the higher of the two tones, adjust the transmit audio level as follows:

o Listen to the monitor receiver; turn the PK-232's rear panel

AFSK Output

Level adjustment screw clockwise (CW) until you hear no increase in output

level in the monitoring receiver.

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PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

o Rotate the AFSK Output Level adjustment screw counterclockwise (CCW) un-

til the audio signal on the monitoring receiver is slightly but noticeably reduced from the maximum level.

9. Type K to return to receive mode.

10. Type Q to 'Quit' (exit) the calibration routine.

You've now set your FM transmitter's deviation to an approximate level which will be adequate for initial operation.

If your transmitter has an easily accessible microphone gain control, try reducing the sensitivity of the transmitter microphone circuit and increasing the signal level from your PK-232 to minimize hum or other noise problems.

11. With your radio OFF, turn the THRESHOLD control fully clockwise. Note, that the

DCD LED is now on.

12. Slowly turn the THRESHOLD control counter-clockwise just until the DCD LED goes out.

13. Turn on the radio and set to the receive mode.

14. Turn the volume and squelch fully counter-clockwise. Make sure that turning the volume counter clockwise just enough to turn the DCD LED OFF.

15. Look again at the DCD LED. If turning on the radio caused the DCD LED to light, then turn the threshold counter-clockwise just enough to turn the DCD LED OFF.

16. Slowly turn the volume clockwise until the DCD LED lights.

17. Slowly turn the squelch clockwise until the DCD LED just goes out.

2.2.3 SSB Installation and Adjustment

Installation and adjustment of your PK-232 with SSB radios is usually simpler than with FM equipment. You'll use the same kind of cables and connectors that you use with your FM gear. Digital modes with SSB radio require some different settings of the radio's operating controls for proper AMTOR and packet operation. Be sure to observe the following precautions:

(Correction by AEA Service Bulletin July 1989)

o Set VOX to OFF. o Set speech compression to OFF. o Set AGC to FAST (if available). o Disconnect the ALC cables between your SSB radio and any external RF amplifier

you wish to use in AMTOR or Packet-Radio service.

Remember – Baudot, ASCII RTTY and Node B (FEC) AMTOR are continuous key-down conditions – your radio's duty cycle is 100 % for the duration of each transmission. If your SSB radio isn't designed for continuous full-power operation, you must operate your radio at reduced output power. Consult the manufacturer's specifications for details on the operating duty cycle.

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PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

NOTE: Make all connections with all power off.

1. Connect your PK-232 and SSB radio as shown in Figure 2-3.

2. Turn on your PK-232 and your computer and start your terminal program.

3. Connect your SSB radio to a dummy load.

4. If your SSB radio has a 'monitor' facility, i.e., an audio output that lets you listen to the audio signals entering the microphone or phone patch jacks, turn that monitor circuit on.

5. Set the radio's MODE selector to LSB (lower sideband).

6. Set the radio's meter switch to the 'ALC' position. If the radio doesn't have an 'ALC' indication, set the meter switch to 'Ip' to read plate current. If a plate current reading isn't available, set the meter to indicate power output.

NOTE: In the calibrate mode only, the K key toggles the transmitter PTT line on

and off. The SPACE BAR toggles the PK-232's AFSK tone generator from 'Mark' (the lower pitched tone) to 'SPACE' (the higher pitched tone). The PK-232 has a transmit watch dog timer circuit that unkeys your transmitter automatically after 60 (sixty) seconds. As you perform the following adjustments, unkey periodically, then rekey the transmitter by typing K.

7. Enter the Calibrate mode by typing CAL <RETURN>.

8. Press the K key on the keyboard to key the transmitter. You should hear a continuous tone in the radio's monitor output.

9. Tap the space bar several times until you hear the lower pitched of the two tones ('mark').

10. Press K again to unkey the transmitter.

11. With the PK-232 keying the transmitter and transmitting the lower of the two tones, adjust the transmit audio level as follows:

o Rotate the microphone gain control clockwise to about one-quarter open.

o Turn the PK-232's rear-panel AFSK Output Level adjustment screw clockwise

(CW) until the ALC meter shows a small deflection from the unmodulated reading. Check the radio's plate current or output power indicators.

EXAMPLE: If the manufacturer's plate current specification for CW operation is

200 mA, set the AFSK Output Level control and your microphone gain control so that the plate current indicates approximately 75 mA.

12. Type K to return to receive mode.

13. Type

Q to 'Quit' (exit) the calibration routine.

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PK-232 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION

You have now set the PK-232's transmit audio output level and your SSB radio's microphone gain control to an approximate correct level for all operating modes.

NOTE: For CW, Mode A (ARQ) AMTOR and Packet-Radio operation, the radio's

microphone gain control can be adjusted to produce the full-power output plate current recommended by the radio manufacturer. These modes are 'bursty' modes; the transmitter is keyed on and off automatically by the PK-

232. The resulting duty cycle is much less than 100 % and full-power operation is generally acceptable.

14. With your radio in receive mode, tune the receiver to a clear, unoccupied frequency.

15. Set the receiver's volume control (AF GAIN) to the position you would normally use for CW reception. This is the approximate receiver audio output level for best receive performance from your PK-232's modem.

16. Turn the PK-232's front panel THRESHOLD control clockwise until the DCD LED is lit by the noise output from your receiver, then slowly counterclockwise until the

DCD LED is no longer lit.

2.2.4 Connections for Direct FSK Operation on RTTY

Some HF SSB radios provide direct FSK (Frequency-Shift Keying) for RTTY operation. The PK-232's FSK driver circuits are active in Baudot and ASCII RTTY, AMTOR and Packet operation. FSK operation can be used on AMTOR and Packet and may be an advantage especially with radios that automatically acquire a CW or narrow band IF filter. This can sometimes provide better results at lower Baudot and ASCII RTTY data speeds, although very narrow filters can limit your data rate. Results will vary depending on the switching and recovery characteristics of your radio. Some HF transceivers are known to work well in FSK even on Packet at 300 bauds.

To install and operate your PK-232 and radio in the FSK mode:

1. Connect a shielded cable from the PK-232's J7 (DIN) receptacle, pins 1 or 4, to the radio's FSK input.

NOTE: Polarity of the FSK signals, which are DC rather than audio, is not standar-

dized by the radio manufacturers. We have observed that ICOM radios most often use FSK, while Kenwood radios most often use FSKR. Consult your transceiver's manual to identify the proper polarity.

2. Connect the FSK lines from the PK-232 to your radio's FSK input in accordance with your radio's requirements. See Figure 2-4 below.

Figure 2-4 Connector J7 FSK Connections

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AEA PK-232 User guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual