Kantronics Kam98 User Manual

KAM’98

Users Guide: Introduction,

Getting Started,
Modes of Operation,
Command Reference, and
Hardware Specifications

Kantronics

1202 E. 23rd Street,
Lawrence, Kansas 66046

Orders/ Inquiries [phone]

FAX [phone]
e-mail [e-mail]
website: www.kantronics.com

Service / Technical Support [phone] (2-5 pm Central Time, M-F)

FAX [phone]
e-mail [e-mail]

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically
correct as of the date of the current printing. Production changes to the KAM ’98
may add errata or additional addendum sheets. We solicit your comments and/or
suggested corrections. Please send these to Kantronics Co., Inc.,
1202 E. 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.

© Copyright 1998 by Kantronics Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Contents of this publication or the firmware within the KAM ’98 may not be re
produced in any form without the written permission of the copyright owner.

KAM’98, KPC-9612 Plus, KPC-3 Plus, Pacterm and Pacterm’98 are trademarks
of Kantronics Co., Inc. NET/ROM is a registered trademark of SOFTWARE

2000. APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.

The KAM’98 is manufactured in the U.S.A.

Printed in the United States of America.

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Kantronics Warranty Registration

Please fill out this warranty registration form (or a copy of it) and mail it with a
copy of your sales receipt to register your purchase. Both must be on file at
Kantronics in order for you to receive warranty service. Refer to the warranty
policy in this manual for further information.

Mail form and sales receipt to:

Kantronics
1202 E 23rd Street
Lawrence, KS 66046

Warranty Registration

Last Name:
First Name: Callsign:

Mailing Address

City: State: Zip:

Country:

Daytime telephone:

Product: KAM’98 serial #:

Date of Purchase:

KAM’98 v 8.3 i User’s Guide

Dealer:

User’s Guide ii KAM’98 v 8.3

License Agreement

IMPORTANT: READ THIS PAGE BEFORE YOU
INSTALL YOUR NEW KANTRONICS PRODUCT

This product contains SOFTWARE on Programmable Read Only Memory
(PROM) and/or diskette which is protected by both United States copyright law
and international treaty provisions.

If you install or use this product , you will be deemed to be bound by the terms of
the SOFTWARE license shown below. If you do not wish to be bound by such
license, return such product and all associated documentation unused to your
supplier for refund of the amount you paid.

License Agreement

1. License. In consideration of payment of the License Fee, which is included in
the price of the product, the Licensee (you) is granted by the Licensor
(Kantronics Company, Inc. - Kantronics) a non-exclusive right to use the
SOFTWARE and associated documentation. No ownership rights to the
SOFTWARE or its Documentation are transferred from Kantronics to you.

2. Term. This License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may termi­nate this Agreement by destroying the PROM or diskette and documentation.
You may not rent or lease the SOFTWARE, but you may transfer the SOFT
WARE and accompanying written materials on a permanent basis provided you
retain no copies and the recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement.
Kantronics may terminate this Agreement without notice if you violate any terms
or conditions of the Agreement. In the event of termination of the Agreement,
provisions relating to Kantronics’ disclaimers of warranties, limitation of liability,
remedies, or damages and Kantronics’ proprietary rights shall survive.

3. Object Code. The SOFTWARE is delivered in object code only. You shall not
reverse compile or otherwise reverse engineer the SOFTWARE.

4. Limited Warranty. This product is covered by the standard Kantronics Co.,
Inc. Limited Warranty, which is enclosed.

KAM’98 v 8.3 iii User’s Guide

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License Agreement

5. General. This License Agreement constitutes the complete Agreement
between you and Kantronics.

The SOFTWARE and/or Documentation may not be exported or re-exported in
violation of any export laws or regulations of the United States of America or any
other applicable jurisdiction.

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State
of Kansas, United States of America.

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government of the United States is subject
to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical
Data and Computer SOFTWARE clause of DFARS 252.227-7013.

Kantronics may in its sole discretion, provide you with upgrades of the SOFT­WARE and/or Documentation if you have provided Kantronics your completed
Warranty registration with a copy of your receipt showing the amount you paid.

LICENSEE ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS
AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS. LICENSEE
FURTHER AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS THE COMPLETE AND
EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LICENSEE
AND LICENSOR AND SUPERSEDES ANY PROPOSAL OR PRIOR
AGREEMENT, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ANY OTHER COMMUNICA­TIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.

Any questions concerning this Agreement or any other matter relating to
Kantronics Company, Inc. products or business practices may be directed to:

Customer Service Department
Kantronics Company, Inc.
1202 E. 23rd Street,
Lawrence, KS 66046

User’s Guide iv KAM’98 v 8.3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

License Agreement .................................iii

Limited Warranty ...................................1

Applicable Products: ...............................2

Return/Repair Procedures ..............................5

Check-List for Possible Problems ......................5

Return Procedures ..............................5

Charges ....................................6

International Returns ...............................7

Radio Frequency Interference Statement.......................9

EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”........................10

RFI Suppression...................................10

Introduction................................................11

Welcome.......................................11

Summary of Features ..............................11

Major Uses of Your KAM’98 ............................14

Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual .....................14

Documentation Conventions ............................15

Differences from the KAM Plus ..........................16

Package Contents ..................................17

Additional Parts For Your Multi-Mode Radio Station . . .............18

Our Assumptions About You ............................18

Basic Components of Your Station .......................19

Inside a TNC – the KAM’98 ............................20

Overview of Modes of Digital Communication ..................22

HF/VHF and Packet/Non-Packet Communication . . .............22

Packet Communication ...............................23

Sending a Message to Another Station .....................24

Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments ...................28

Unconnected Packets ............................29

Connected Packets..............................29

How a Packet is Organized .........................30

Kinds of Packets...............................31

Protocols: Rules for Working Together .....................32

AX.25....................................32

Alternatives to AX.25 ............................32

KAM’98 v 8.3 v User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Installing Your KAM’98......................................33

The Major Components of Your Station ......................34

TheKAM’98..................................34

Back Panel..................................34

The Transceivers.................................35

Cabling the KAM’98 to your HF transceiver ................35

The Computer ..................................37

The Serial Port on Your Computer .....................38

GPS Device (Optional) .............................39

How the Parts of Your Station are Connected....................40

Connect Your KAM’98 to a Power Source .....................41

External Power from Your Bench (12 Volt dc) .................42

External Power Transformed from 120 Vac Line Voltage ...........43

External Power from your Radio ........................44

Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer .....................44

Your Serial Communication Cable .......................44

Purchase Your Serial Cable .........................45

Make Your Serial Cable ...........................45

Installing the RS-232 Cable ...........................47

Install Software and Configure Your KAM’98 ...................49

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver ....................51

Parts for Connecting Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver ............52

Preparing the Transceiver Cable Assembly ...................52

Wiring Directions (Connecting KAM’98 and Transceiver) ........52

Constructing the Cable Assembly ......................58

Connecting Your Transceiver Cable Assembly .................63

Wiring to a Data Jack ............................64

Adjusting Receive Volume and Squelch Control of Your Transceiver . . . . . 64

Transmit level adjustment ............................66

For HF modes ................................66

For FM packet operations ..........................66

Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional) ......................67

Pacterm v 2.0..............................................69

Introduction .....................................69

Our Assumptions About You ..........................69

User’s Guide vi KAM’98 v 8.3

Table of Contents

Overview.....................................70

Installing Pacterm ..................................72

Saving Pacterm on Your Hard Drive ......................72

Copying files from a floppy to your hard drive . . .............72

Guided Installation .............................73

Saving Pacterm on a Floppy Disk ........................73

Establishing Communication ............................74

Starting Pacterm...................................75

Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC........................76

Coordinating BAUD Rates: The Autobaud Routine ..............76

Configuring the TNC for Use with Pacterm...................77

Required TNC Parameter Settings .....................77

Optional Parameter Settings.........................78

Pacterm Screens ...................................79

The MAIN Menu Screen ............................79

The Terminal Screen ...............................80

The Status Line ...............................80

Pacterm Commands: Overview ...........................81

On-Screen Help .................................81

From MAIN Menu, BACKSPACE = Go to Terminal Screen ..........81

From Terminal Screen, F1 = Go to MAIN Menu ................81

Commands: Setup, Using the MAIN Menu.....................82

F3 = Select TNC Use (Default = Packet) ....................82

F7 = Select SERIAL PORT (Default = COM2) .................83

F8 = Select BAUD RATE (Default = 9600) ...................83

Commands: Controlling the Flow of Data .....................84

F5 = Pacterm to TNC: Offline or Online (Default) . . .............84

F6 = TNC to Pacterm: STOP or START (Default) . . .............85

Commands: Output Control .............................85

ALT+P = Printer: ON or OFF (Default) .....................86

ALT+B = Holding Buffer: OPEN or CLOSE (Default) .............86

ALT+C = Holding Buffer: CLEAR .......................87

F2 = Holding Buffer: SAVE and CLEAR ....................87

Two ways to Save Holding Buffer Data...................88

ALT+F = Send a File to Your TNC .......................89

Commands: Exiting .................................90

KAM’98 v 8.3 vii User’s Guide

Table of Contents

F9 = Switch Your TNC to Command Mode...................90

F10 = Disconnect and EXIT to DOS ......................91

ESC or CTRL+C (on Main Menu Only) = EXIT to DOS............91

HF Non-Packet Functions (For KAMs Only)....................92

Commands that Work Differently in HF Non-Packet Mode . .........92

Additional Commands for HF Non-Packet ...................93

ALT+T (transmit) = Exit Type-ahead ....................93

ALT+R (receive) = Return to Type-ahead .................93

ALT+E = Return to Receive.........................93

ALT+H = Shift Tone Pair Frequencies ...................94

ALT+I = Invert Received Signal (rtty/ascii) ................94

ALT+S n = Speed Change..........................94

Trouble-Shooting Difficulties in Communicating .................95

Problem: Go to Terminal Screen, but Nothing Happens ............95

Problem: Your Computer Freezes Up ......................95

Problem: You Are Getting Bad or Intermittent Data ..............95

Problem: Your TNC Stops Behaving Normally .................96

Getting Started .............................................97

The Front Panel of the KAM’98 ..........................98

Beginning a Session ...............................99

Packet Operations ..................................99

Giving Commands and Transmitting Data ...................99

Command Mode (Packet) ..........................99

Converse (Conversation) Mode (Packet) .................100

TRANS (Transparent) Mode........................100

TNC Commands ................................101

NEWUSER Commands ..........................101

List of NEWUSER Commands ......................103

Using NEWUSER Packet Commands .....................104

Check Your KAM’98’s Version Number and ID .............104

GetHelp..................................104

View Current Values of Parameters ....................105

Change the Value of a Parameter .....................105

Connect to Your Mailbox (PBBS) .........................106

Switching to the Full Command Set (and Back)..................107

User’s Guide viii KAM’98 v 8.3

Table of Contents

Monitoring some HF Modes ............................108

Radio Teletype .................................108

Pactor Monitoring ...............................109

How to Transmit in RTTY and Pactor .......................109

Switching to 1200 baud Packet (and back) ....................109

Monitor Communications From Nearby Stations .................111

Communicate Directly with a Nearby Station ...................112

Other Topics ....................................113

Non-Packet Modes of Communication .........................115

Tuning in the Signals................................116

AMTOR Operation ................................116

Mode A (ARQ) Operation ...........................117

Calling CQ .................................117

Answering a CQ ..............................118

Mode B (FEC) Operation............................119

Mode B (SELFEC) Operation .........................119

Receiving Mode B SELFEC ........................119

Transmitting Mode B SELFEC ......................120

Listen AMTOR operation .........................120

Notes on AMTOR operation ..........................121

AMTOR directives.............................121

ASCII Operation ..................................122

ASCII Directives ................................123

CW Operation ...................................123

Transmitting CW ................................124

Receiving CW .................................125

CW Directives .................................125

G-TORMode ...................................126

G-TOR Operation ...............................127

Tuning G-TOR .................................128

Monitoring G-TOR...............................128

Entering G-TOR Standby mode ........................128

Calling another station on G-TOR .......................129

Speed changes ...............................129

G-TOR mailbox ................................130

KAM’98 v 8.3 ix User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Formatting Data ................................130

Hints for G-TOR Operation ..........................130

Binary Files and G-TOR ............................131

Summary of GTOR Directives .........................132

NAVTEX Operation ................................133

NAVTEX/AMTEX Theory...........................133

NAVTEX/AMTEX Operation .........................135

Pactor Operation ..................................136

Monitoring Pactor FEC ............................136

Calling CQ or Transmitting FEC........................136

Connecting to another station .........................137

Monitor Only Mode ..............................138

Pactor Directives ................................138

RTTY Operation ..................................139

RTTY Directives ................................139

MARS Feature ...............................140

Packet Modes of Operation ..................................143

Overview of Packet Communication .......................143

Introduction...................................143

Information is Organized into “Packets” .................143

Your Packet Unit is a Terminal Node Controller (TNC)..........143

Protocol for Amateur Packet Radio: AX.25 ................144

HF and VHF Packet Operation.........................144

CommandMode................................145

Connected vs Unproto .............................145

Monitoring and Calling CQ ..........................146

A Simple Connect ...............................146

Digipeating ...................................147

Gateways ....................................149

Multi-Connects ................................149

Round Table Discussions ...........................150

Selective Monitoring ..............................151

Timing.....................................151

Dwait vs. Persistence and Slottime ....................151

Txdelay ..................................152

Frack (Frame Acknowledgment Time) ..................152

User’s Guide x KAM’98 v 8.3

Table of Contents

Retries AX.25 Level 2, Version 1 vs. Version 2 ..............152

Flow Control ..................................154

Software Flow Control ..........................154

Hardware Flow Control ..........................155

Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode .....................156

Getting Out of Transparent ..........................156

Remote Access to Your TNC ...........................157

PBBS (Personal Mailbox) .............................160

Introduction...................................160

Using Your PBBS ...............................160

PBBS Commands ...............................162

B(ye) ....................................162

E(dit) n [BPTYNFH] [>tocall] [<fromcall] [@BBS] “old” “new” ....162

H(elp) ...................................162

J(heard) ..................................162

J(heard) S(hort) .............................162

J(heard) L(ong) ..............................163

L(ist) [ x [y]] [; ] .............................163

L(ist) <|> call [ ; ] ............................163

LB [;] ..................................163

LC [cat[;]] ...............................163

LLn [;] .................................163

LM(ine) [ ; ] ...............................164

LO [+|-] ..................................164

LT [;] ..................................164

K(ill) n ...................................164

KM(ine) ..................................164

R(ead) n ..................................164

RHn....................................165

RM(ine) ..................................165

S(end) call .................................165

SBcat ...................................165

SP call ...................................165

STzip ...................................165

Sending Messages ...............................166

Listing Messages ................................167

KAM’98 v 8.3 xi User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Reading Messages ...............................168

Editing Message Headers............................169

E(dit) n [BPTYNFH] [>tocall] [<fromcall] [@BBS] “old” “new” ....169

Hierarchical Addresses .............................171

Advanced Configuration of Your PBBS ....................171

Remote SYSOP Access to the PBBS .....................173

Reverse Forwarding Messages from Your Mailbox . . . ...........174

Selecting a Home Full-Service BBS.......................174

Routing Lines ...............................175

GPS NMEA Interfacing Capability ........................179

Overview ....................................179

GPS Equipment Requirements .........................180

Cabling a GPS Unit to a Kantronics TNC ...................181

Setup: Configuring a Kantronics TNC for GPS Operation ..........182

Setting Parameters in the TNC.......................183

GPS Unit Initialization from the TNC ...................184

GPS Operations.................................184

Starting the TNC in GPS Mode ......................184

Exiting GPS Mode .............................185

Other GPS Features ..............................185

Slotted Beacons ..............................185

Tracking Without Beacons .........................186

Remote Access and GPS ..........................186

Other Notes ................................187

GPSCommandSummary ...........................187

Advanced GPS/APRS Digipeating ......................189

Improving Efficiencies of Advanced Digipeating .............189

Overview of UI Digipeating Commands .................190

Using “UI” Digipeat Commands: UIDIGI, UIFLOOD, and UITRACE . 191

Configuring Digis for HF/VHF Gateway Operations ...........194

NewIntheKAM’98..............................195

Using a Second Serial Port.........................195

Time and data accuracy ..........................197

Bibliography ..................................198

KA-Node .....................................199

Overview ....................................199

User’s Guide xii KAM’98 v 8.3

Table of Contents

Configuring Your KA-Node ..........................200

Using a KA-Node ...............................201

Automatic Disconnect .............................204

Using the XCONNECT Command.......................205

Determining Which Port You Have Connected To ..............206

KA-Node Commands for Remote Use ....................206

ABORT ..................................206

Bye ....................................206

Connect callsign [Stay] ..........................207

Help ....................................207

Jheard [Short|Long] ...........................207

Nodes [Short|Long] ...........................208

Xconnect callsign .............................208

Other Modes of Operation .............................209

Remote Sensing and Control ..........................209

ASCII Mode (1200 Baud) ...........................211

Copying Weather Broadcasts NWS EMWIN ...............211

Kantronics Host Mode Operation .......................211

KISSMode ..................................212

XKISS (Extended KISS) Mode ........................214

DAMA (Slave Mode) Capacity ........................215

What is DAMA? ..............................215

What Does a DAMA System Look Like? .................215

How is DAMA Implemented in Kantronics TNCs? . . .........216

Bibliography ................................217

Command Reference ......................................219

Introduction ....................................219

Format for Listing Commands .........................219

Format Defining Commands .........................220

The Command Line ............................220

The Line Below the Command Definition.................221

Parameter Types ................................221

Entering Commands ..............................223

KAM’98 Commands ...............................225

KAM’98 v 8.3 xiii User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Appendix A: Advanced Installation ...........................325

Precautions .....................................325

Connecting to the Computer (DB-25) .......................325

DB-25 Connector................................325

Diagram of Pin Numbers on DB-25 Connector . . . ...........326

Cable Wiring ..................................326

Optional Wiring ................................327

Applying Power through the DB-25 connector. . . . ...........327

Resetting the KAM’98 through the DB-25 connector. ..........328

Hardware handshaking with DSR and DTR. ...............328

Software settings ................................328

Connecting to your Radios.............................329

Connecting Devices to the Auxiliary (AUX) Port ...............331

Interfacing Hand-Held Radios .........................332

Optional Connections to DB-9 Radio Port ..................333

Applying Power through the DB-9 connector. . . . ...........333

Resetting the KAM’98 through the DB-9 connector. ...........333

Appendix B: Advanced Information...........................334

Assembly and Disassembly ............................334

Hard Reset .....................................334

Calibration/Equalization ..............................336

Transmit Drive level. ...........................337

Receive Equalization. ...........................337

PTT (Push-to-Talk) Watchdog Timer .......................337

Microprocessor Watchdog Timer .........................338

A/D Converters ..................................338

KAM’98 Jumpers .................................338

Jumper Overview................................339

Jumper Locations................................341

KAM’98 Jumper Descriptions:.........................342

Appendix C: Options for the KAM’98 ........................345

Installing Additional RAM ............................345

Replacing the Lithium Battery ..........................345

User’s Guide xiv KAM’98 v 8.3

Table of Contents

Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty ............................346

KAM’98 Does Not “Sign-On” to Computer....................346

You Are Unable to Make a “Connect” ......................346

Cannot Transmit ..................................347

Cannot Return to Command Mode ........................347

Getting Out of Host Mode ............................348

Appendix E: Additional Information .........................350

Specifications ...................................350

Messages from the KAM’98............................351

ASCII Chart ....................................358

KAM’98 Parts Layout ...............................360

Index ..................................................361

KAM’98 v 8.3 xv User’s Guide

Limited Warranty

KANTRONICS CO., INC.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Effective January 1, 1997

To receive notice of future updates, new product information and prompt war
ranty service, please fill in the Kantronics/rfconcepts Warranty Registration card
COMPLETELY and return it along with a copy of proof of purchase (to estab
lish purchase date) to Kantronics Co., Inc., 1202 East 23rd Street, Lawrence,
Kansas 66046 USA.

NOTE: Return of the Warranty Registration card and proof of purchase is a
pre-condition to warranty coverage.

1. WARRANTY. Kantronics Co., Inc. (“Kantronics”) warrants to the first con-

sumer purchaser (“you”), for the Applicable Warranty Period (as described
below), that the Applicable Product (as described below) will be free from
defects in material and workmanship.

2. REMEDY. Kantronics agrees that, for any Applicable Product found by
Kantronics to be in violation of the warranty of Section 1 hereof within the Ap­plicable Warranty Period, it will, at its option, repair or replace the defective Ap­plicable Product at no charge to you, excluding in-bound shipping charges.

3. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Repair or replacement of the Applicable Product, as
provided herein, is the sole remedy available to you against Kantronics, and in no
event will Kantronics be responsible for any other liability or damages or for in
cidental, special, or consequential damages, regardless of whether purported lia
bility is predicated upon negligence, strict tort, contract, or other products
liability theory and whether or not Kantronics is warned about the possibility of
such liability or damages. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLU

SION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM
AGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.

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4. DISCLAIMER. This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties ex

pressed or implied and no representative or person is authorized to assume for
Kantronics any other liability in connection with the sale of its products.
KANTRONICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTY

KAM’98 v 8.3 1 User’s Guide

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Limited Warranty

OF MERCHANTABILITY AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR ANY APPLICABLE PRODUCT. IF, HOW
EVER, YOU ARE A CONSUMER WITHIN THE MEANING OF 15 U.S.C.
2301(3), THE ABOVE DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES IS EF
FECTIVE ONLY FOR PERIODS OUTSIDE THE APPLICABLE WAR

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RANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON

HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMI
TATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

5. APPLICABLE PRODUCTS AND PERIODS. Kantronics products are of

two types - (1) hardware units and (2) firmware and software for operation of
these units, whether incorporated into the units themselves or separate from the
units as adjuncts or accessories to the units. Hardware units and the media con­taining firmware, software and documentation are sold to the consumer purchaser
and become property of the purchaser. Firmware and software are licensed for
use by the consumer purchaser in return for a fee included in the purchase price
of the units and do not become the property of the consumer. (See separate Li­cense Agreement provided with these products). The products to which the war­ranty of Section 1 hereof applies (herein “Applicable Products”) and the periods
during which the warranty shall apply to such products (herein, “Applicable War­ranty Period”) are as follows:

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Applicable Products:

UNITS:

KPC-9612, KPC-9612 Plus, KAM, KAM Plus, KAM’98, KPC-3, KPC-3 Plus,
rfc 2/70, rfc 2/70G, rfc 4-110, rfc 4-310, Mini-Amp 144, Mini-Amp 144P,
Mini-Amp 440, Mini-Amp 440P, MAX-Amp 10, MAX-Amp 45.

Applicable Warranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.

ACCESSORIES:

KAM Enhancement Board

Applicable Warranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.

User’s Guide 2 KAM’98 v 8.3

Limited Warranty

MEDIA:

EPROMS, diskettes, video or audio cassettes, manuals (however bound), specifi
cation and other supplemental pages or any other media on which firmware, soft
ware or documentation are supplied

Applicable Warranty Period: Thirty (30) days from date of purchase.

6. EXCLUSIONS. This Limited Warranty does not apply to the cosmetic ap

pearance of the Applicable Product; to broken or cracked cabinets; to any acces

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­sory not supplied by Kantronics which is used with the Applicable Product; to
any product that has been subject to misuse abuse or overvoltage; to any product
that has been modified by non-Kantronics personnel unless specifically autho­rized

in writing

by Kantronics; or to any product damaged or impaired by shipping
(whether or not caused by poor packaging), neglect, accident, wiring not installed
by Kantronics, improper parameter settings which are cleared by performing a
hard reset, or use in violation of instructions furnished by Kantronics or of gener­ally accepted industry practice. Kantronics does not warrant that the functions
contained in any software will meet your requirements or achieve your intended
results; or that operation of any software will be uninterrupted or error-free or
without effect upon other software used with it. Responsibility for the selection of

the hardware and software program to achieve your intended results rests with
you.

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7. REMEDY PROCEDURE. Should you need to make a warranty claim, first
contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product. If the dealer is unable
to assist you, contact Kantronics Co., Inc., by mail at 1202 East 23rd Street, Law
rence, Kansas 66046 USA; by fax at 785-842-2021; or by phone at our
Customer Support number 785-842-4476 (Hours: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST).
Contact us prior to returning an Applicable Product to receive a Return Authori

­zation Number. (As a practical matter, problems can often be solved in such a
manner without the product having to be returned to Kantronics for repair or re

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placement.)

Return of any Applicable Product for the enforcement of rights under this
Limited Warranty shall be at your expense. Any product returned for warranty
service which Kantronics determines to be without defect or not covered by this

KAM’98 v 8.3 3 User’s Guide

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Limited Warranty

Limited Warranty shall be subject to a minimum charge of one-half hour labor
rate and the product will be returned to you at your sole expense. Please note, no
warranty service will be provided until Kantronics has been furnished with your
Warranty Registration card and copy of proof of purchase establishing purchase
date.

8. NON-ASSIGNMENT. This Limited Warranty is not assignable by you. Any
attempt to assign or transfer any of the rights, duties, or obligations hereof is
void.

9. OTHER RIGHTS. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights
and you may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdic
tion.

-

User’s Guide 4 KAM’98 v 8.3

Return/Repair Procedures

Return/Repair Procedures

Important: Our repair statistics show that over 70 percent of the units returned
for service do not, in fact, require any service. Therefore, we advise you to please
double-check the following list of common, user-solvable, sources of difficulty
before contacting Kantronics about returning your unit for service.

Check-List for Possible Problems

Should you encounter difficulty in getting your equipment to “talk” to your com
puter, please perform at least the following limited checks before calling or writ
ing:

• Carefully check your wiring connections to the RS-232 port.

• If you purchased third-party cables, double-check to be sure that they

conform to the Kantronics’ wiring instructions in this manual.

• Verify your terminal baud rate.

• It may be useful to perform a “Hard Reset”. (See Hard Reset section.)

If service or repairs still appear necessary after you have checked the items listed
above, it may be wise to call, fax, e-mail or write Kantronics to determine if the
problem can be solved without returning the unit.

Return Procedures

When calling, report the product name and ask for the Amateur Radio Service
Department. Please have the following information available:

•

The unit name and serial number (the serial number is found on the
bottom of the unit).

•

The firmware version number (the version number is displayed when you
give the Version command).

-

-

If possible, you should have the unit and your computer available to
perform troubleshooting operations when you call.

KAM’98 v 8.3 5 User’s Guide

Return/Repair Procedures

The Service Department telephone hours are 2 pm - 5 pm Central Time, Monday

+

through Friday. If you call outside these hours, the phone will just ring. The ser
vice department telephone is not connected to the main switchboard and the
switchboard receptionist cannot transfer you to the service number. If lines are
busy, you may wish to (and it may be faster to) contact
service by letter, fax, or e-mail. Service e-mail is currently checked twice per day.
Before contacting us, please take the time to list out your problem fully and
carefully. Here are the contact numbers:

Kantronics Co., Inc.
1202 E. 23rd Street
Lawrence, KS 66046

service phone line: 785-842-4476
service fax line: 785-842-2021
service e-mail address: [e-mail]
website address: www.kantronics.com

When writing, faxing, or e-mailing Kantronics, include a clear description of the
problem, unit name, firmware version, computer type, computer software used
and if possible a list of current parameter values for your unit (as shown in a DIS­PLAY listing). Be sure to include a return fax number and/or e-mail address.

-

Returns to the factory for refund or exchange are strictly regulated. Any return
for refund or exchange must be approved by the service department.

Charges

Consult the limited warranty policy in this manual for the service provisions of
fered by Kantronics at no charge. This warranty is considered to be in force only
when the customer has submitted his completed warranty registration within 10
days of purchase, and when the stipulations of the warranty have been met.
Violations of warranty clauses will automatically void the warranty and service
or repairs will be charged to the owner.

Service outside the warranty will be charged at the cost of parts, labor, and return
shipping. Units returned for service without a Return Authorization number will

User’s Guide 6 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

Return/Repair Procedures

be subject to a minimum charge of 1/2 hour labor plus shipping and handling.
Contact the Service Department at 785-842-4476 (Hours: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CST) to obtain a Return Authorization number. Repaired units will be returned
via UPS C.O.D.

These C.O.D. charges can be avoided by including your VISA or MasterCard
number with your unit to be repaired. Shipping and repair may then be charged.

International Returns

This section applies to international returns only, not to domestic returns.

+

In case of unit problems, first contact the dealer from whom you purchased the
product. If you must return a Kantronics product to us, please observe the steps
outlined below. It will save both you, the customer, and Kantronics unnecessary
difficulties and expense.

• All returns must be shipped to the factory at 1202 East 23rd Street,

Lawrence, KS 66046 U.S.A.

• All expenses of returning items to Kantronics must be paid by you,

including any duty/entry fees, whether the return is for warranty or
non-warranty repair.

• Usually, the best way to return items to us is by mail. However, if you

wish to use one of the courier services such as DHL, UPS Expedited,
Federal Express, etc., be sure to use DOOR-TO-DOOR service. If you
use one of these services, a commercial invoice may be required. Please
check with your carrier before shipping.

•

Include in the description of the items on the paperwork (whether postal
or courier) the words:

“U.S. GOODS RETURNED FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT.”

KAM’98 v 8.3 7 User’s Guide

Return/Repair Procedures

An additional description of “Amateur radio peripheral equipment”, or

+

“Data communications equipment”, would be helpful. It would also be
helpful (but not required) to include the code number 9801.00.1035
which tells U.S. Customs agents that the package contains “U.S. goods
returned without improvement/enhancement”. However, if the words
“U.S. goods returned for repair/replacement” are on the paperwork, the
number is not really necessary.

Provide a value for customs purposes. This is usually the value of the

•

item(s) in their current condition. A $0 value is not acceptable for U.S.
Customs.

Inside the package, with the item(s), include:

•

a fax number and/or e-mail address (if available) in case we need to

•

contact you

a correct and full address for return

•

method of payment to be used for any charges (if MasterCard or

•

VISA, include expiration date)

•

a brief description of the problem

•

a reference to any conversations with the technical/sales staff about
the problem

•

and the Return Authorization number assigned.

•

For warranty repairs, we will pay the shipping charges to return the
item(s) to you via air parcel post. If you wish return by courier service,
include your account number. To be eligible for repair under warranty,
we must have a record that you sent your Warranty Registration card and
proof of purchase to Kantronics, and the item(s) must still be within the
warranty period at the time the return is authorized.

•

For non-warranty repairs, you must pay the return shipping charges.

User’s Guide 8 KAM’98 v 8.3

Radio Frequency Interference Statement

Radio Frequency Interference Statement

INFORMATION TO THE USER

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are de
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residen
tial installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guar
antee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip
ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

-

-

-

-

• Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.

The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

The user is also cautioned that any peripheral device installed with this equip
ment must be connected with a high-quality shielded cable to insure compliance
with FCC limits.

KAM’98 v 8.3 9 User’s Guide

-

EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”

EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”

NOTE: This equipment, Kantronics’ KAM’98, has been tested and found to
comply with the essential emission and immunity requirements of the EMC Di
rective 89/336/EEC. The test results are on file at the corporate offices of
Kantronics.

Type of Equipment: Information Technology Equipment
Class of Equipment: Class B

RFI Suppression

In moving to the world of digital communications via computers, a new dimen­sion of RFI may be encountered. In spite of the equipment manufacturers’ dili­gence, each new piece of electronic equipment will react differently in each
separate environment. Every amateur station will have its own unique layout,
equipment variation, and antenna installations. Experience has shown that these
differences are related to the total RF environment, and may be causative factors
in RFI induced problems. The suggestions given here may assist in resolving
RFI problems you may encounter in your “unique” station.

-

• Use shielded cable for all connections between equipment.

•

Make all interconnecting cables as short as practical. A balance should be
maintained between cable length and equipment proximity. At times
simply moving the video monitor one foot further from an interface or
other device will solve a “screen hash” problem.

•

Antenna runs should be kept away from equipment control lines and/or
interconnecting cables. If it is necessary for such lines to cross each other
they should do so at 90 degree angles.

•

Ground leads should be as short as possible and go to a GOOD EARTH
GROUND.

•

Interconnecting cables appearing to act as radiators or antennas should be
looped through a toroid. Be certain toroids, if used, are designed for the
frequency in use.

User’s Guide 10 KAM’98 v 8.3

Welcome

Introduction

The Kantronics KAM’98 is a single-port multi-mode controller for wireless digi
tal communication, with an auxillary connector optimized for remote sensing and
control.

The KAM’98 advances the state of the art beyond the pioneering Kantronics’
KAM and KAM Plus products in a number of ways, including increased pro
cessing power and more available transmission speeds.

Differences between the KAM’98 and the KAM Plus are discussed on

+

page 16.

Summary of Features

The KAM’98 offers a wide and rapidly expanding range of commercial, govern­mental, and amateur uses.

Most users, most of the time, will use the KAM’98 with HF transceivers, for
GTOR, PACTOR and/or AMTOR modes of communication. The KAM’98 offers
full support for these and related modes of communication.

+ All non-packet modes of operation are described briefly in this chapter

and covered in detail in the chapter on non-packet modes of operation.
Commands for each mode are documented in the Commands chapter.

KAM’98 features, in addition to operating on HF in the TOR ARQ modes
(GTOR, PACTOR, and AMTOR), include:

-

-

•

HF/VHF transceiving: The KAM’98 uses a single radio port for VHF
as well as HF operations. The HF/VHF radio port can be connected to
an HF transceiver, a VHF transceiver, or an HF/VHF transceiver (such
as the Icom 706 that can be switched between HF and VHF operation.
One implication of this is that KAM’98 users can now experiment with
non-packet modes of digital communication on VHF frequencies.

•

More speeds of communication: The HF/VHF radio port supports baud
rates (equivalent bps) from 45 to 1200. This range of data transmission
speeds has many advantages. For example, an HF operator can now get
the benefits of 1200 bps communications on 10 meters without recabling.

KAM’98 v 8.3 11 User’s Guide

Introduction Welcome

TOR modes: KAM’98 users can communicate (or listen) with the full

•

range of TOR modes, both linked (e.g., AMTOR ARQ) and unlinked
(FEC, SELFEC, NAVTEX/AMTEX).

Other non-packet modes: KAM’98 users can communicate via RTTY,

•

CW, or ASCII protocols.

Packet communication: KAM’98 users can communicate in PACKET

•

mode at 300, 400, 600, or 1200 baud (bps).

Packet communication is described briefly in this chapter and cov

+

ered in detail in the chapter on packet modes of operation. Com

-

-

mands for packet mode are documented in the Commands chapter.

• GPS compatibility: Users can connect a GPS device (NMEA-0183

compatible) to the KAM’98, collect location data from the GPS device,
and use packet communication to transmit (beacon) location data on a
regular schedule.

•

Users have the option of attaching the GPS device at the RS-232 port
or at the AUX port (where a second serial input port in available).

•

Users may also configure the KAM’98 as an “APRS” digipeater. All
“UI” digipeater commands, including “WideN”, are supported.

•

Big mailbox: The KAM’98 has a 90K internal mailbox (expandable to
410K) and an extensive set of PBBS commands for controlling the
mailbox.

•

E-mail: The KAM’98 supports HF e-mail (SITOR), a popular feature for
marine operators.

+

Sending commercial or amateur e-mail via HF radio using radio
telex or PACTOR is discussed in the chapter on non-packet modes of
operation.

•

Control and sensing : The KAM’98 has a DB-9 auxillary port for
interacting with local devices. One (packet mode) command can deliver
digital outputs to one or two control lines connected to the DB-9
auxillary port; another (packet mode) command can report the current
voltage on one or two A/D input lines in the auxillary port. The ability to

User’s Guide 12 KAM’98 v 8.3

Welcome Introduction

control and sense voltage levels in a local device (i.e., a device attached
to the auxillary port of the KAM’98) opens up a wide range of uses for
the KAM’98, but the most important payoff is when this is combined
with remote access to the KAM’98, as described below.

Remote access: As with other Kantronics devices, the KAM’98 can be

•

accessed and controlled from a remote location (with password control,
if desired), so most KAM’98 commands can be issued from a remote
station connected this way to the KAM’98. For example, the control and
sensing operations done through the auxillary port of the KAM’98 can
now be initiated remotely. This makes possible a virtually unlimited
range of uses of the KAM’98 for remote sensing (telemetry) and/or
control (e.g., remote temperature sensing, battery status monitoring, and
opening/closing of relays).

• Other operations: The KAM’98 also supports WEFAX, EMWIN,

HOST mode, and the KISS protocal (all of which are discussed in this
manual).

• Software control: The KAM’98 can be controlled with terminal

communication programs, including Kantronics’ DOS-based Pacterm 2.0
(which ships with the device), and Kantronics’ Pacterm’98, a
full-featured terminal communication program running under Windows
95/98/NT. Terminal programs included with Windows 3.1(TERMINAL)
and Windows 95/98/NT (Hyperterminal) can also be used to operate the
KAM’98 .

•

Configurations: The KAM’98 is easy and flexible to configure to
operate in selected modes, with a wide range of external devices,
including remote TNCs, GPS devices, external modems, and remote
sensing and control devices. Configuration is done using software mode
selection and parameter setting, external port selection, and internal
jumper settings.

These KAM’98 features provide the commercial, goverment, and amateur user
with a wide range of possible applications.

KAM’98 v 8.3 13 User’s Guide

Introduction Major Uses of Your KAM’98

Major Uses of Your KAM’98

Major uses of the KAM’98 (when combined with an appropriate transceiver and
computer, as described below) include:

using computers to carry on real-time digital conversations between

•

stations

sending, receiving, storing and forwarding mail using a personal mailbox

•

inside the KAM’98

sending and receiving mail using a community bulletin board

•

sending and receiving files

•

• getting and re-transmiting location data from Global Position System

devices

• serving as a digipeater for other stations

• serving as a network node point for other stations, using KA-NODE

and/or the optional K-Net feature

• serving as a data-gathering or control device at a remote location

And much more.

Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual

This user’s guide provides documentation on the KAM’98 and it’s use with
non-packet and packet radio communication modes. Topics covered include:

•

What equipment you will need for your multi-mode digital
communication radio station.

•

A brief introduction to non-packet modes of operation.

•

A brief introduction to packet communication.

•

Installing and configuring your KAM’98 radio station and making your
first connections using non-packet and packet communications.

User’s Guide 14 KAM’98 v 8.3

Documentation Conventions Introduction

Documentation for Pacterm 2.0, the Dos-based PC terminal software

•

shipped with the KAM’98.

Getting started using your KAM’98 for non-packet and packet

•

communication.

Documentation for each mode of operation of your KAM’98.

•

A full “Command Reference”, documenting all KAM’98 commands.

•

Full details on KAM’98 jumpers, a parts list, and other technical

•

specifications.

Additional documentation and supporting material is available at the Kantronics
website (www.kantronics.com).

Documentation Conventions

The following conventions are used in the KAM’98 documentation:

To indicate a particular key, the name of the key is given in capitals. For exam­ple, press the ENTER key.

Sometimes you will need to hold down one key on the computer while pressing
another key. This is indicated by giving the name of the first key, then a plus “+”,
then the name of the second key. For example, “Ctrl+C” means “press the key la
beled ”CTRL" or “Ctrl” (i.e., the “control” key) and, while continuing to hold it
down, press the “C” key. Multiple-key combinations that generate a single char
acter are shown in angle brackets, like this: <Ctrl+C>.

Conventions for the KAM’98 commands are covered in the “Command Reference” section of this
manual.

KAM’98 v 8.3 15 User’s Guide

-

-

Introduction Differences from the KAM Plus

Differences from the KAM Plus

KAM Plus users will be especially interested in this section, which summa
rizes differences between the KAM’98 and the KAM Plus.

Kantronics now produces the KAM’98 in addition to the KAM Plus. Since the

+

KAM’98 uses a totally redesigned multi-layer printed circuit board and a new
microprocessor (the Motorola HC11), the KAM Plus may not be upgraded to a
KAM’98.

The KAM’98 is a single-port multi-mode controller that advances the state of
the art beyond the pioneering Kantronics KAM and KAM Plus in a number of
ways:

• The radio port AFSK modem supports baud rates from 50 to 1200 baud.

The KAM Plus HF modem supported a maximum rate of 300 baud. The
modem’s increased rate allows the KAM’98’s single radio port to be
cabled to transceivers that may be used for 1200 baud packet (on VHF
FM), not just 300 baud for HF packet operation. The Icom 706, which
covers HF and 2-meters with the flip of a switch, is one such radio.

• The AFSK modem is also enhanced compared to the KAM Plus.

All 4 and 6-pole filters have been replaced with sharper, 8-pole filters.

•

The KAM’98 radio port uses a DB-9 connector (retaining the pin
assignments used in Kantronics’packet units), whereas the KAM Plus HF
port used a 8-pin DIN. Hence, with the radio port capable of 1200 baud,
users may use existing radio-cable combinations used before for
VHF/UHF 1200 baud packet operations with the KAM’98 .

-

•

With the HC11 processor aboard, the serial port expects to see 8,N, 1
serial communication. Also, with this added processing power available,
compared to the 6303 used in the KAM Plus, future upgrades/modes are
possible.

•

The KAM’98 adds an auxiliary (AUX) port, also a DB-9 connector, that
supports two FET output control lines and four A/D input lines, for
remote control and data acquisition. The AUX port also supports the
attachment of a GPS device (using a firmware-based serial port), thereby

User’s Guide 16 KAM’98 v 8.3

Package Contents Introduction

freeing up the RS-232 port to fully support a laptop or computer. In
addition, the AUX port may be used as a “disconnect header,” enabling
the attachment of an experiment modem.

Like the new family of packet units, the KPC-3 Plus and KPC-9612 Plus

•

(and the KWM-1200P, and KWM-9612P for commercial use), audio
drive is supported by digital potentiometers. Hence, radio drive may be
set by command: XMITLVL, or CAL. The calibrate command enables
you to send mark, space, mixed, or square wave signals to the radio for
setting SSB ALC or FM deviation drive level from your keyboard, using
the “+” or “-” keys to increase/decrease drive.

Power consumption by the The KAM’98 is less than half that which the

•

KAM Plus consumes.

• Finally, as above, the KAM’98 adds some new commands not found in

the KAM Plus and deletes some found there. For example, the SHIFT
command used in the KAM Plus has been eliminated; mark and space
tones used by the AFSK radio port modem are set simply by the MARK
and SPACE commands. Tone frequencies may be individually set from
50 to 2400 Hertz. Programmability of the AFSK tones makes the
KAM’98 extremely flexible and easy to match with radios for a variety
of applications.

Package Contents

Check to see that you have the items listed below (later you will see how these
items are used in your system):

•

the KAM’98 unit

•

parts to use in assembling cabling

•

Male DB-9 connector for the HF/VHF radio port

•

One 3-foot piece of 5-conductor shielded cable to connect the
KAM’98 to your radio

•

One mini-plug cable for radio receive audio

KAM’98 v 8.3 17 User’s Guide

Introduction Additional Parts For Your Multi-Mode Radio

2.1 mm power connector

•

a diskette (3.5", DS/HD 1.44MB, formatted for PC (IBM) compatible

•

computers), which includes PACTERM 2.0, a basic DOS-based PC
terminal program.

Note: This is NOT the same program as Kantronics’ Windows

+

95/98/NT program, Pacterm’98.

Warranty registration form (see front of this manual)

•

and, of course, this “User’s Guide” manual

•

Additional Parts For Your Multi-Mode Radio Station

In addition to your KAM’98 unit, you will need the following parts to set up your
multi-mode digital communication radio station:

• HF and/or VHF transceivers (or a transceiver that can do both)

• Microphone (Mic) or accessory jack connectors for your radios

• A computer (or other RS-232 terminal device)

• A serial modem cable, used to connect the KAM’98 Plus to your

computer

•

A 12 Vdc power supply or power adaptor

Our Assumptions About You

We assume that you are familiar with the following or that you can get help on
these topics if necessary:

•

general familiarity with your radio equipment and it’s intended uses

•

basic use of IBM compatible computers and DOS, including copying
disks and files, working with directories, and identifying and using the
serial (COM) ports on your computer

User’s Guide 18 KAM’98 v 8.3

Our Assumptions About You Introduction

Once you get your station up and running, you may wish to use a

+

Windows based terminal communication program (e.g., Pacterm’98,
for Windows 95, offered by Kantronics), in which case you will
need to be using an appropriate version of Windows.

basic electronics needed if you are going to build or upgrade hardware

•

yourself, (e.g., making cables)

Basic Components of Your Station

As illustrated in the following diagram, a multi-mode digital communication ra
dio station has three basic parts:

• a transceiver, with an antenna,

• a device such as the KAM’98 , called a TNC (i.e., Terminal Node

Controller), which is a combination modem and special-purpose
micro-computer, and

• a general purpose computer (or a terminal).

Antenna

KAM’98

Tra n s c e i v e r

(Termina l-Node Controller )

TNC

Com puter

©Copyright1998 byKantronics Co., Inc

-

The three parts of a radio station work together as follows:

•

The transceiver: (1) sends and receives radio signals to and from your
antenna and (2) passes audio signals back and forth between itself and
the TNC.

KAM’98 v 8.3 19 User’s Guide

Introduction Inside a TNC – the KAM’98

The TNC (Terminal Node Controller): (1) translates audio signals into

•

digital information and vice versa, (2) performs a number of control and
information storage functions, and (3) communicates digitally with your
computer.

The computer communicates digitally with the TNC, so you can: (1)

•

view messages received from the transceiver or stored in a mailbox (i.e.,
PBBS), (2) use the computer to send data to, and receive data from,
other stations, via the TNC and your transceiver, and (3) control the
operation of the TNC.

Inside a TNC – the KAM’98

To better understand the workings of your multi-mode digital communication ra­dio station, it is helpful to have an overview of the major components of the TNC
device at the center of your station.

In the early days of packet radio, TNC’s consisted primarily of a modem for
communicating with a transceiver and a special-purpose microprocessor called a
PAD (i.e., packet assembler/disassembler), used to process packets of informa­tion and communicate with a computer or terminal.

As packet radio has developed, more and more features have been added within
TNCs, including memory and software dedicated to a “Personal Bulletin Board
System” and, in some TNCs, support for paging and support for non-packet HF
digital modes. Also multi-port TNCs are now available, to support more than
one radio.

The following diagram shows the most important internal components of a
multi-mode TNC, the KAM’98, which supports one modem port and one
auxillary port (e.g., for GPS attachment).

Note: Other Kantronics TNCs may have different features than the KAM’98
(e.g., multi-port support, support for paging, support for some but not other modes
of digital communication).

User’s Guide 20 KAM’98 v 8.3

Inside a TNC – the KAM’98 Introduction

Computer and/or
GP S d e v i c e

Inside the KAM’98

Micro-proce ssor

rea l-tim e
clock

KAM’98 Firmwa re .

Kantronic s softwa re,
stored in EPROM

"Elec trica lly Prog ra m ma ble
Rea d-Only Me mory".

* Prog ra m s to sup p ort

Interfac e Modes

(i.e., TERMINAL, NEWUSER, BBS,
KISS,XKISS,HOST,&GPS)

* Te xtforon-line he lp
* Prog ra m s to sup p ort

otherfunc tions
(e.g ., KA-NODES)

Lithium Ba ttery:
power ba ck-up,
forRAM and
rea l-time c loc k.

HF/ VHF

Tr a n s c e i v e r

Lo c a l De v i c e

(control and/or

data aquisition)

HF/VHF

Ra dio Port

RAM (Random Access Memory).

Th e KAM ’ 9 8 s h ip s wi th
128K

of RAM, whic h m ay

be rep la ce d by up to 512K of
RAM (e.g . to a c comm oda te
a big g er Mailbox- PBBS).

* Me m ory used for internal

func tions(e .g. , storing
pa ra meter se tting s,
assembling an d
d issassembling p a cke ts,
storing d a ta from
packetconnections,
KA-NODE support, a nd
storing GPS trac king da ta ).

* Mailbox (PBBS)stora ge: Defa ult

RAM is 90K,user-c onfigurab le,
within limits of a vaila ble RAM.

Auxillary

Port

© Cop yrig ht 1998 by Kantronics, Inc

Note: This dia gra m shows the m ajor com p one nts of the KAM’98

The dia g ram is not to sca le, nor is it a pa rts dia gram .

KAM’98 v 8.3 21 User’s Guide

Introduction Overview of Modes of Digital

Overview of Modes of Digital Communication

HF/VHF and Packet/Non-Packet Communication

Historically, digital modes found their way into radio communications in the HF
bands (3 to 30 Mhz) first. Morse Code (CW) was, of course, the first digital
mode! Radio teletype (radio telex) followed, in the 1950s, as teletype machines
became plentiful. Teletype Over Radio (TOR) followed quickly thereafter, and
was the first mode to use error detection, and was quickly adopted by commercial
services.

Radio amateurs adopted TOR in the late 1970s and called it AMTOR. Computer
networking protocols used in early government computer networks such as
ARPANET - forerunner of the INTERNET - eventually found their way into ra­dio communications too in the form of packet radio. Radio amateurs modified the
X.25 protocol, called is AX.25, and adapted it for both HF and VHF packet ra­dio communications.

Radio modems, of course, have evolved along with these introductions. The first
radio modems were called terminal units and did nothing but interface a teletype
machine (or computer operating as a dumb terminal) and an HF radio. In the late
1970s home computing began to emerge and many small computers were intro­duced: the TRS-80, the ATARI, the TI-99, the VIC-20, and the Commodore-64.
As you might expect, those of us writing programs for those computers to do ra­dio teletype and CW got a bit cranky each time a new machine came out! Our so
lution was to push the programs to decode radio teletype, CW, and later packet
inside the terminal unit. This was possible only because the microprocessor had
appeared on the scene. By pushing the code inside the terminal unit - and calling
it a Universal Terminal Unit - we avoided having to write code as the Apple and
PC began popular.

-

Today, smart terminal units are called terminal node controllers (TNCs). The
KAM’98 is the latest in the evolutionary chain. The KAM’98 is still an interface
between your PC and your radio but it does all the work of coding and decoding
the various communication modes used today: CW, RTTY, ASCII, AMTOR,
Pactor, G-TOR, and more.

User’s Guide 22 KAM’98 v 8.3

Packet Communication Introduction

In addition, the KAM’98 is the latest in the family of multi-mode digital control
lers; that is, it not only can communication in the traditional HF modes but sup
ports packet radio for both HF and VHF communications. It is unique in that its
single radio port can be configured to operate any of the modes mentioned above
with an HF radio or switched (by command) to operation VHF packet.

This configuration supports the new breed of radio transceivers now being pro
duced, such as the ICOM-706. This radio, also, may be configured to operate on
HF or VHF with the flick of a switch or the click of a mouse.

Packet Communication

This section gives a brief overview of packet radio, for those who are new to
packet radio and those who want to review the topic.

Topics covered are:

• Sending a message from one station to another

• Details about packets

• A brief discussion of protocols

If you are already familiar with packet radio, you may wish to skip this section, or
give it a quick review.

-

-

-

Packet radio gives you the ability to send essentially error-free digital communi
cations to other packet radio stations. As a sender or receiver, you see just the
messages, or files, being sent and received, but there is much going on beneath
the surface. You will get more out of packet radio, and have an easier time get
ting started, if you have at least a basic understanding of what is involved in
packet radio communication.

+

Do not be concerned here with how to do things — that comes later.

KAM’98 v 8.3 23 User’s Guide

-

-

Introduction Packet Communication

Sending a Message to Another Station

A quick way to see the basic components of packet radio in action is to follow a
simple message as it goes from one station to another, via an intermediate station.

Let’s assume that an originating station, WØXI, wants to send the message
“HELLO” to a destination station, KBØNYK. Also, assume that WØXI knows
that his signal might not reach KBØNYK’s station directly, but that it can be
picked up and repeated by an intermediate station, NØGZZ, and then received by
KBØNYK.

The following are the basic steps of a station-to-station packet communication, as
seen from the point of view of the message, “HELLO,” sent from source station
WØXI to destination station KBØNYK, through intermediate station NØGZZ.
Step 1 is a one-time configuration task, Steps 2-3 establish a connection between
stations, and Steps 4-13 follow the “HELLO” message from the time it is created
by WØXI to when it is read by KBØNYK.

Step 1. Before this message can be transmitted from a source

station to a destination station, via an intermediate sta­tion, all the stations involved have to have callsigns,
which are used by the TNCs involved to identify and
process information (e.g., source, destination, and rout­ing of information).

So we start by assuming each operator involved in this
example has already performed this one-time configura
tion task, creating the callsigns given above. Stations are
identified by reference to their callsigns. Note that a
callsign can be for a TNC or for a Personal Bulletin
Board System (PBBS) “mailbox” that resides in RAM
inside the TNC.

-

Step 2. This communication begins when the operator of station

WØXI turns on his computer, his TNC, and the trans
ceiver of his station and uses a computer software pro

-

­gram to tell the TNC that he wants to establish a line of
communication, called a “connection,” with a “destina

User’s Guide 24 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

Packet Communication Introduction

tion” station KBØNYK using an intermediate station
NØGZZ as a repeater station to carry the information be
yond the range of the originating station and into the
range of the destination station.

Step 3. The “connect” command with address given to the TNC

causes the TNC to formulate a “request to connect” mes
sage that is sent from WØXI. If this message is detected
by the specified intermediate station (i.e., NØGZZ), re

­peated, and then detected by the destination station
(i.e., KBØNYK), a connection may be established.

To confirm a connection, the destination station automat­ically sends a special message back, via the same path
(in reverse order), to the originating TNC.

When this “confirmation of connection” is processed by
WØXI’s TNC, the TNC assumes that the operator wants
to begin sending messages. So the TNC: (1) puts a mes­sage on the computer monitor confirming that WØXI is
now connected, through intermediate station NØGZZ, to
KBØNYK, (2) turns ON the “connected” indicator on
the TNC, which stays ON as long as the connection is in
effect, and (3) switches itself from taking commands
from the computer (i.e., TNC in “command mode”) to
serving as a message-processor, sending and receiving
messages to and from the connected stations (i.e., TNC
in “conversation mode”).

-

-

Step 4. Now that WØXI is in “conversation” mode, the operator

types in the message, “HELLO”, and presses the
ENTER key on the computer to indicate the end of the
message and the beginning of the message’s journey.

Step 5. The computer sends the message, “HELLO,” to the TNC

for processing.

KAM’98 v 8.3 25 User’s Guide

Introduction Packet Communication

Step 6. The TNC receives the message, “HELLO”, and takes

charge of the situation, performing a number of complex
operations: it uses the “connection” information about
where the message is to go and the path it is to take and
combines this with the message itself to assemble a
“packet” of digital information for transmission from the
transceiver.

The details of what is in the packet and how it is orga

­nized are fully defined by agreed-upon standards, so any
machine that knows the “rules” can make use of the in

­formation. The standard for amateur packet radio at this
time is AX.25, so let’s assume the packet assembled in
the TNC is an AX.25 packet .

Technical note: All amateur radio packets use the AX.25
standard, but it is possible to use another standard or pro­tocol (e.g., TCP/IP) “on top” of AX.25, in which case the
packet is referred to by the name of the highest-level pro­tocol.

Step 7. After the TNC assembles the “HELLO” message into a

packet of digital information in the TNC, it passes the
packet on to a modem, which is also in the TNC, which
transforms the information into a series of audio signals
for serial transmission to station WØXI’s transceiver.

Step 8. The TNC orders the transceiver to send a message (i.e.,

keys push-to-talk) and then sends the audio version of
the “packet” through the radio port of the TNC, up a ca
ble to the microphone connector on station WØXI’s
transceiver, and to the transmitter.

Step 9. The packet is transmitted by WØXI’s transceiver as a

burst of radio-frequency signals.

User’s Guide 26 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

Packet Communication Introduction

Step 10. The “HELLO” packet, including address information

(i.e., to, from, via) and other control information, is now
on the air, where it may be correctly interpreted by all
appropriately configured (i.e., AX.25 packet) stations
that receive the signal.

Step 11. KBØNYK is on the air and is running AX.25 packet, but

it is too far away from WØXI to pick up the signal, so
does not get the message as it is sent from WØXI.

Step 12. As we know from the “connection,” already established,

intermediate station NØGZZ, an AX.25 packet radio sta
tion, is on the air, and is close enough to receive the ra­dio burst sent by WØXI. It receives the burst of radio
signals from WØXI and passes the audio signals on to its
TNC for processing. The TNC transforms the signal
from audio to digital, analyzes the series of 1’s and 0’s in
the incoming bit-stream, and identifies the burst as an
AX.25 packet of information containing the message,
“HELLO.”

Also, and most significantly, NØGZZ registers that the
packet designates NØGZZ as the first (and only) inter­mediate station on a path between a source, WØXI, and
a destination, KBØNYK. As a fully-functioning AX.25
packet station, NØGZZ knows what to do: it sends the
message back out over the air (i.e., digipeats it), where it
may or may not be received by its intended destination,
KBØNYK. Before doing so, it marked its call in the
packet to indicate to others that it had seen the packet
and had sent it on its way.

Note: Since a “connection” has been established, we ex
pect the message to get through, but each packet is pro

-

-

cessed separately, and each must make it on its own.

-

Step 13. As we know from the “connection,” already established,

KBØNYK, an AX.25 packet radio station, is on the air,

KAM’98 v 8.3 27 User’s Guide

Introduction Packet Communication

close enough to receive the RF burst sent by NØGZZ,
and currently set to display messages on a computer
screen. So the “HELLO” message re-transmitted by
NØGZZ arrives at KBØNYK’s TNC, where it is pro

­cessed and recognized as an AX.25 packet addressed to
itself. Then KBØNYK’s TNC sends the message,
“HELLO,” to the computer screen for KBØNYK to
read. At the same time, KBØNYK’s TNC creates an
acknowledgment packet to send back to WØXI’s TNC,
reversing the address path it found in the “HELLO”
packet. When KBØNYK’s TNC detects that the radio
channel is clear, it keys the transmitter and sends the
packet back over the air.

Step 14. NØGZZ’s TNC now recognizes another packet which

has its callsign in the address path, requesting it to be
digipeated. NØGZZ’s TNC does so as soon as it can.

Step 15. WØXI’s TNC now hears a packet addressed to it. Since

the digipeated packet originally came from KBØNYK,
to whom he is connected, and since the packet contains
an acknowledgment for data that he had recently sent,
WØXI’s TNC can rest easy knowing that the data he
sent was properly received.

This concludes our close-up look at a single packet communication event, show

­ing how the various parts of packet radio work with each other. To simplify and
focus this example, various details and possible complications were ignored, but
this still shows the basic steps involved in establishing a connection and sending
the message “HELLO” from one person/station to another person/station.

This example covers one of many uses of packet radio. As covered in other sec

-

tions of this manual, there are many ways to communicate with other stations.

Now that you have followed one particular message from one station to another,
it is useful to learn about the “packets” in packet radio.

User’s Guide 28 KAM’98 v 8.3

Packet Communication Introduction

Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments

An efficient way to send a message from one place to another is to break the in
formation into small segments, called packets or frames, and send each packet
separately.

Note: The correct technical term is “data frame”, not “packet” or “frame,” but we
will use the term “packet,” since that is familiar to most people and is common in
the field.

Your packet radio station automatically divides your communication
(e.g., a message or file) into small segments (see the PACLEN command for de
tails) and puts each segment into it’s own “packet.”. Each packet includes infor­mation used for addressing and error correction.

-

-

Unconnected Packets

Packets do not need to be addressed to any particular station. Packets transmitted
without any established connection between sender and receiver are “uncon­nected” packets. “Unconnected” packets are just sent out without any
back-and-forth coordination with any receiving station. Stations receiving these
packets can check to see if the packets are correct (i.e., the same bit pattern is re­ceived as when they were sent), but they cannot request any retransmission of
faulty packets. Nor can they request re-transmission of any packets in a series
that are not received at all. This is because “unconnected” packets do not include
sequence information that could be used to track them in order and also because a
TNC sending or receiving “unconnected” packets is not set up to do any commu
nicating about the success or failure of its packet transmissions.

-

+

Note: Packets sent as “unconnected” are also called UNPROTO (non-protocol),
because the sender expects no response from the receiving station.

Connected Packets

Packet radio communication is often carried out between two stations that are
connected together. “Connected” communication using packet radio assures
transmission with virtually 100% accuracy by having the sender and receiver

KAM’98 v 8.3 29 User’s Guide

Introduction Packet Communication

follow a set of rules for communicating. These rules are specified in the AX.25
protocol.

After a connection has been established between two stations, information
Packets are transmitted one-by-one (or in small batches), with a sequence number
as part of each packet, from the sending station to the receiving station. As the
communication proceeds, the receiving station keeps track of which packets it
has received error-free (as determined by using the check-sum that is part of each
packet) and uses this to tell the sending station which packet(s) to send next.

Using these rules of communication, a packet radio connection between a sender
and a receiver provides virtually error-free transmission of information, until the
communication is ended by the parties, or until the sender “times out” after trying
a number of times to get feedback and not succeeding.

+ Hint: In most cases, communication by packet radio is like mail, not the tele-

phone, in that it is not done in real-time, but via messages that are routed (with

delays) from one station, or “node,” to another.

How a Packet is Organized

Your packet radio station takes care of all the details of working with packets, so
you do not need to see the “inside” of packets. But it is useful to have at least a
basic idea of how they are organized.

All amateur radio packets (also called “frames”) are defined by the AX.25 proto
col, which is discussed in the next section. Packets used to carry messages, or
chunks of messages, as in the “HELLO” example, are called “information pack
ets.” The following diagram shows the basic building blocks of “connected in

-

-

formation” packets used in amateur packet radio:

User’s Guide 30 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

Packet Communication Introduction

An A X.25 inform ation packet (also called a "frame")

Single character, for
"beginning of p acket"

Destina tion station,
Source station, and
up to 8 intermedia te stations

Kind of pac ket,
pac ket number,
and othercontrol
information

Flag

Address

Kinds of Packets

Protocol ID: C ode
forp rotoc o l used
forthis packet
(e.g ., AX.25 or
TC P / I P )

Control

PID

(string of bits)

Data:
Information or message
being sent"inside" this
packet (1 to 256 bytes,
which may include
protocol-related data)

Data

© Copyrig ht 1996 by Ka ntronics Co., Inc.

Single character, for
"end of pac ket"

Code derived
from this packet,
used to c heck
forerrorsin
tra nsmission

Checksum

Flag

As shown in the above diagram, the “control” field in an AX.25 packet includes a
code telling what kind of packet the current packet is. In addition to connected
information packets, the AX.25 protocol also defines two other kinds of packets,
each of which is nearly identical in structure to the connected information packet:
control packets (of which there are several kinds) and unnumbered packets. To
learn more about these, see the documentation for the KAM’98’s MCOM com

-

mand.

As noted at the beginning of this section, the organization of amateur radio pack
ets is defined by the AX.25 protocol. Now it is useful to give a brief discussion of
this protocol, and another that fits “within” it.

KAM’98 v 8.3 31 User’s Guide

-

Introduction Packet Communication

Protocols: Rules for Working Together

Packet radio, like any communication, is only possible if all parties involved
(i.e., sender, receiver, and intermediate points on the route between them) agree
on the rules for organizing information and the rules for dealing with all steps of
the transmission. These rules are called “protocols,” or standards.

AX.25

The defacto standard protocol for amateur packet radio communication is
AX.25 (level 2, version 2). For details on AX.25, see the ARRL publication,

AX.25 Amateur Packet-Radio Link-Layer Protocol.

+ Hint: You can set the KAM’98 to use an earlier protocol, AX.25 (level 2, ver-

sion 1)

Alternatives to AX.25

TCP/IP and the KISS protocol : The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Proto­col/Internet Protocol) suite of protocols require functionality not found in native
AX.25 packets, so Phil Karn KA9Q defined a protocol called KISS that imple­ments TCP/IP functionality for amateur radio. For further information on KISS
see the KISS Mode section of the “Modes of Operation” chapter.

XKISS is an extension of the KISS protocol, defined by John Wiseman G8BPQ.
For further information on XKISS, see the XKISS Mode section of the “Modes
of Operation” chapter.

This concludes the introduction to multi-mode digital communication, including
non-packet and packet modes. The next chapter guides you through the steps of
installing your KAM’98.

User’s Guide 32 KAM’98 v 8.3

Installing Your KAM’98

This chapter will guide you as quickly as possible through the steps of setting up
your multi-mode digital radio station.

This chapter covers the hardware side of setting up your multi-mode digital radio
station, and refers where necessary to the following chapter on “Pacterm 2.0”
(a DOS-based terminal program) for the steps involved in softwareconfiguration.

The major steps involved in installing (i.e., connecting the parts of) your
multi-mode digital radio station are as follows:

connect your KAM’98 to a power source and confirm that the unit

•

powers on when it should,

• connect the “Computer” port on the KAM’98 to a serial port on your

computer, install terminal communication software in the computer, and
configure the software and the KAM’98 so digital information can be
sent back and forth between the KAM’98 and the computer,

• connect the “Radio” port on the KAM’98 to an HF or VHF radio,

+ Note that a variety of devices other than an HF or VHF radio can be at-

tached to the “Radio” port [connector] (e.g., marine radio, external mo­dem). These are not covered here, since each is a specialized use,
described elsewhere.

•

adjust the receive volume and transmit audio of the HF or VHF
transceiver connected to the Radio port (connector) , so the KAM’98 can
receive signals from the transceiver for processing and the KAM’98 can
send signals to the transceiver for transmission,

•

(optionally) Use the Auxiliary Port to attach devices for remote control
and sensing operations. See the Appendicies for further information on
the AUX port.

•

(optionally) use the “Computer” port on the KAM’98 to connect to a
GPS device, so the KAM’98 and the GPS device can send digital
information back and forth.

•

The auxillary port (AUX) can be used for GPS input, thereby freeing
the RS-232 port (e.g., for connecting to a laptop computer).

KAM’98 v 8.3 33 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 The Major Components of Your Station

After you have followed the “hardware installation” steps in this chapter and the
“software installation and configuration” steps in the “Pacterm 2.0” chapter, you
will be ready to move on to the “Getting Started” and “Modes of Operation”
chapters.

To show you where you are heading with the step-by-step configuration covered
below, we start with a brief section on equipment needs for your station and an
overview diagram that shows how the parts of your station will be connected
when you are ready to begin using it.

The Major Components of Your Station

This section describes the basic components needed for your multi-mode digital
radio station and the connections between components that will be involved in
the installation of your station.

The KAM’98

Your KAM’98 is going to be at the center of your multi-mode digital radio sta­tion, so setting up your station involves connecting other units to your KAM’98.

Back Panel

As shown below, the back of the KAM’98 unit has:

•

a power jack,

•

a DB-9 radio port, for connecting to an HF or VHF radio,

•

a DB-9 auxillary port, for connecting a GPS device or remote sensing
and/or control devices,

•

a DB-25 connector for attaching a Computer, or a GPS device, to the
TNC.

User’s Guide 34 KAM’98 v 8.3

The Major Components of Your Station Installing Your KAM’98

Powe r

DB-9

connector

(female)

HF/VHF Rad io

DB-9

connector

(female)

AUX

DB-25

connector

(female)

Compu te r/GPS

Note: All Kantronics models are “Terminal Node Controller” (TNC) devices. All
Kantronics TNCs can operate without the computer being connected, once they
have been configured. For example, you can receive messages via the radio port for
storage in the personal mailbox, inside the KAM’98, without using your computer.
And your KAM’98 can serve as a relay station for other stations without your com­puter being connected. This independence from the computer is possible because
the TNC contains the intelligence necessary to carry out these functions, once it is
appropriately configured and attached to a transceiver.

The Transceivers

Your KAM’98 will operate with most single side band High Frequency (SSB
HF) or FM transceivers.

Cabling the KAM’98 to your HF transceiver

You have two choices in cabling a KAM’98 to your transceiver: 1) via the MIC
and speaker jacks, or 2) via a data jack. There are advantages and disadvantages
of using both methods.

The straightforward and traditional way of wiring a multi-mode data controller
to a SSB transceiver is to wire push-to-talk and outgoing data drive to the MIC
jack and receive audio from the speaker jack. Appropriate data drive level may
then be set using the “ALC” meter and MIC gain knob on the front panel of the
radio. An additional advantage of this approach is that any modes/parameters se

­lected within the KAM’98 are not likely to be restricted as they might be if wired
to the radio data jack. Two disadvantages or inconveniences arise however;
you’ll have to remove your MIC to accommodate wiring the KAM’’98 to the

KAM’98 v 8.3 35 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 The Major Components of Your Station

MIC jack and you’ll have to use a “Y” cable and attach an external speaker to
hear signals (since plugging in a 3.5 mm connector into the external speaker jack
of the radio will cut off the internal speaker.)

If your transceiver accommodates a data jack connection for a radio modem, then
you are free to leave your microphone connected to the MIC jack and the internal
speaker of your transceiver stays active with the data jack wired. Also, volume
supplied to the KAM’98 via the data jack need not be set using the volume pot on
the radio front panel. Some radio accessory jacks provide +12VDC with suffi
cient current to power the KAM’98 (so no external power cube/wiring is neces

-

­sary, i.e. include the power connection with the data cable). However, by wiring
the KAM’98 to the data jack, you may be restricted by the features supported
when wiring to that jack. For example, some radios may limit data transmission
format there to either AFSK or FSK, some other limitations may apply also, and
you’ll generally have to program a set of switches in the radio to set parameters
for various modes.

So, before deciding on which way you’ll cable your KAM’98 and transceiver to­gether, study the features and restrictions that may apply to your transceiver’s
data/accessory jack, if one is available.

There are currently hundreds of models of SSB HF and FM transceivers. This

manual gives general guidelines, but you will need to refer to the documenta­tion for your transceiver to determine the specifics of how it must be con­nected to external devices, such as the KAM’98.

You will need to know:

•

what type of microphone connector or data jack to use with your
transceiver, and

•

which pins connect to which in the cabling between the KAM’98 and
your transceiver’s microphone or data jack.

Wiring diagrams for selected radios are included later in this chapter, for your assis
tance.

User’s Guide 36 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

The Major Components of Your Station Installing Your KAM’98

The Computer

Your KAM’98 can work with any computer that can communicate with it
through a standard RS-232C serial modem port.

Technical note: You need to be sure the wiring is as shown in the installation sec
tion below. You may, of course, make your own cable; make sure it is correctly wired
and shielded.

To install your KAM’98 using “Pacterm 2.0”, the DOS-based terminal communi
cation software that ships with the KAM’98 (on the 3.5 in. “Information and Pro
gram” disk), you need the following:

• Computer: A PC (IBM) compatible, XT or above

• Operating System: MS-DOS or PC-DOS version 3.3 or higher

+ Software other than Pacterm 2.0 may require another operating sys-

tem. For example, Pacterm’98 is for use with Windows 95/98/NT.

• RAM (Random Access Memory): A minimum of 384 K

• Disk drives: A 3.5 ” High Density (1.44MB) floppy drive

• Hard drive: (optional) You do not need to use a hard drive with the

“Information and program” disk or other communication program. If you
want to gain speed and convenience by using your hard drive, be sure
you have enough space available to store the program used to
communicate with the KAM’98 and/or space to store the files you want
to use from the “Information and Program” disk.

-

-

-

•

Serial (COM) Port: The KAM’98 can communicate with the computer
using any serial (COM) port. The software used in the initial installation
of your system (i.e., Pacterm 2.0) uses COM2 by default or COM1 if you
wish. If you use other communication software, you can use any COM
port that your communication software supports.

Note: If you are not sure how to determine what serial (COM) ports you
have, or how to make COM1 or COM2 available for use with the KAM’98,
see your computer documentation and/or dealer.

KAM’98 v 8.3 37 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 The Major Components of Your Station

Communication Software: A terminal communication program, to

•

allow your computer to communicate with the KAM’98. Pacterm 2.0,
which is a “bare bones” DOS-based terminal communication program, is
included on the “Information and Program Disk.” This program is used
in the initial installation and configuration of your KAM’98 digital radio
station. After you get up and running, there are many communication
programs you could use with the KAM’98. For example, Kantronics’

Pacterm’98 (a full-featured, Windows 95/98/NT terminal program)

offers significantly more functionality than does the start-up program.

Note: Users of Windows 3.1 or above have another alternative: The Win
dows Accessories includes a basic terminal program, called TERMINAL
(for Windows 3.1) or HYPERTERMINAL (for Windows 95) that may be
used to run the KAM’98.

The Serial Port on Your Computer

You will be using a standard (RS-232C) modem cable (or making a cable with
the same wiring) to connect your KAM’98 to a serial (COM) port on your com­puter. The connector needed at the computer-end of the modem cable has to fit
the connector on your computer’s serial (COM) port. Therefore, you will need to
know the following:

-

User’s Guide 38 KAM’98 v 8.3

The Major Components of Your Station Installing Your KAM’98

1. Isyour comp ute r's serial (COM)p ort DB-9 or DB-25 ?

9pins

The com puter-end of your RS-232 cab le m ustha ve the
samenumberofpinsasdoesyourserial(COM)port.

2. Note thatyourcomputer's serial(COM)port is male
Female

The com puter-e nd of your RS-232 cable m ustbe female,
to c onne c t to the c om puter's m a le serial (COM) por t .

25 pins

Male

© Cop yrig ht 1996 by Kantronics, Inc

+ Hint: Since, the KAM’98’s “Computer” port has a female DB-25 connector,

the KAM’98 end of your modem cable must have a male DB-25 connector. You
also will need to be sure your KAM’98 to computer cable is correctly wired. This
topic is covered when we get to the actual installation of the cable.

+ Technical note: To use your KAM’98 with a non-PC compatible, use a serial

communication program and a serial modem cable (i.e., RS-232C cable). You
can get help from your computer dealer, users group and members of the amateur
radio community. When talking with computer dealers or others who may

not be familiar with packet and/or non-packet digital communication via ra
dio, refer to your KAM’98 as an “external modem,” not as a “TNC,” a less
familiar term.

-

GPS Device (Optional)

The KAM’98 works with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices that (1) sup
port the NMEA-0183 standard, and (2) have a dataport through which they com
municate. The GPS device connects to the KAM’98 through the KAM’98’s serial
(“computer”) port. It can also be connected via the AUX connector.

Note: The GPS data port must be RS-232 compatible to mate with the KAM’98.

KAM’98 v 8.3 39 User’s Guide

-

-

Installing Your KAM’98 How the Parts of Your Station are

How the Parts of Your Station are Connected

The following diagram shows how the components of your KAM’98 multi-mode
digital radio station (including options beyond those covered in this chapter) will
be connected and the kinds of connectors that will be used.

KAM’98

2.1 mm
powerjack
and stranded
2-cond uctor
wire

Bench PowerSupply (12 Vdv)

120 Va c

Da ta
ja c k

HF/ VHF Ra d io

Po w e r- c u b e :
Power adaptor
(120 Va c/12 Vdc
with c a b le
a ssem b ly)

Mic

connector

Mic ropho ne

Sp e a ke r ja c k

Po w e r

2.1 mm

5-cond uctor
sh ie ld e d
cable

Mo uld e d
mini-plug
cable
and jack

Ra d io Po r t

DB-9 (female)

(connectionson back)

AUX Po r t

DB-9 (female)

Comp uter/GPSPort

DB-2 5 (fe m a le )

Sh ie ld e d
RS-232
cable

Se r ia l (C O M) Po rt

DB-9 o r DB-25 (m a le )

Computer

Ma rin e Ra d io

Ext e rn a l M o d e m

RTU (Re m o t e
Telemetry Unit)

GPSDe vice

© Copyright 1998 by Kantronics Co., Inc.

User’s Guide 40 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to a Power Source Installing Your KAM’98

As you assemble your station, you may wish to refer to this diagram.

With this overview, we are now ready for step-by-step instructions for installing
your station, which we will do in the following order:

how to use either of two different ways you can power the KAM’98,

•

how to connect the KAM’98’s Computer port (i.e., RS-232) to your

•

computer,

how to connect the KAM’98’s Radio port to your HF, HF/VHF, or VHF

•

transceiver, using a cable assembly to connect your KAM’98 to both the
speaker jack and the microphone of the transceiver (or to a data jack),

+ Note: Some HF transceivers (e.g., ICOM 706) now include some

VHF bands. These may be cabled to the KAM’89’s radio port for HF
or VHF operation.

+ See the Appendices for details on wiring the AUX connector to an

external auxiliary device, such as a remove sensing and/or control
device.

• (optional) how to connect a GPS device to the KAM’98’s computer port

or to the AUX port.

As we go through the steps of setting up your station, we will shift from hard­ware to software issues and back, since your station needs to be set up both in
terms of hardware and software.

Connect Your KAM’98 to a Power Source

As illustrated on the left side of the station cabling diagram on page 40, there are
three ways to supply power to your KAM’98.

•

You may use external power by connecting the KAM’98 to a 12 volt dc
source on your bench.

•

You may use external power by connecting the KAM’98 to a 120Vac
power source using a 12 volt dc adaptor.

+

See Appendix E for the allowed range of voltage inputs.

KAM’98 v 8.3 41 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to a Power Source

Some transceivers (e.g., ICOM 706, 710) have an ACC jack that be used

•

to supply external power to the KAM’98 from the transceiver.

The steps needed for each way to supply power to the KAM’98 are given below,
along with detailed specification for each part needed. Of course, the parts you
need depend on which option(s) you use.

As shipped, the KAM’98’s front panel LED status indicators are enabled, so

+

whenever Power is being applied to the device, the power LED will be ON. If
front panel LED indicators are disabled (using the LED command), the Power
LED will blink ON then OFF once when Power is turned ON, to confirm that the
device received power .

External Power from Your Bench (12 Volt dc)

Here, you will use a 2.1 mm power jack and 18-22 gauge stranded 2-conductor
cable to connect to a 12 Vdc power supply on your bench. The steps are:

Step 1. Build a cable by attaching the supplied 2.1 mm

power jack to a user-supplied 18-22 gauge stranded
2-conductor cable — connecting the center of the jack to
the positive terminal of the power supply and the shell of
the power jack to the negative terminal of the power
supply,

Step 2. (1)Turn OFF all power, (2) attach the free end of the

bench-power cable to a 12Vdc power source on your
bench, and (3) plug the 2.1 mm power jack into the
“Power” connector of the KAM’98,

Step 3. (1) Turn ON the power supply, (2) press the power

switch on the front panel of the KAM’98 to turn your
KAM’98 ON, (3) confirm that the power indicator next
to the power switch goes on, and then (4) press the
KAM’98’s power switch again to turn the power OFF.

User’s Guide 42 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to a Power Source Installing Your KAM’98

If the power indicator (LED) does not go on as expected, check to be sure the

+

wiring is correct. If you have checked the wiring carefully and the power indica

­tor still does not go on as expected, the unit may be defective, so you should
check with your dealer.

Caution: Do not exceed the power specifications for the KAM’98 (see specifica
tions). If you elect to install a fuse in the positive lead, do not use a fuse of greater
than 200 ma.

External Power Transformed from 120 Vac Line Voltage

You can use external power from a 120Vac power source after transforming the
external power to 12Vdc (using a class 2 transformer: input 120 Vac 60 Hz 6W;
nominal output 12Vdc 300mA).

The steps are:

Step 1-A. You may order from Kantronics, as an option, a

Kantronics 120 Vac to 12Vdc 300mA power adapter, or

Step 1-B. You may purchase the needed 120 Vac to 12Vdc 300mA

power adapter from a third party ,

Step 2. Connect the 2.1 mm connector from the transformer to

the power connector of the KAM’98 and plug the trans
former into the 120Vac power source (being sure that the
center pin of the 2-1 barrel connector is the positive volt
age),

-

-

-

Step 3. Press the power switch on the front panel of the

KAM’98 to turn your KAM’98 ON, confirm that the
power indicator next to the power switch goes on, and
then press the power switch again to turn the power OFF.

+

If the power indicator (LED) does not go on as expected, the unit or adapter may
be defective, so you should check with your dealer.

KAM’98 v 8.3 43 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer

External Power from your Radio

Step 1. Determine which ACC Jack to use (refer to the radio

manual) and establish that 200 ma of current at 12VDC
is available.

Step 2. Determine pin and current from ACC jack.

Step 3. Obtain connector and wire a cable

Step 4. Plug the cable in and check to confirm it is working

This concludes the installation of power to your KAM’98. The next topic is
connecting your KAM’98 to your computer.

Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer

Your KAM’98 and your computer communicate with each other via a serial com­munication cable connecting the KAM’98’s “Computer” port and a serial (COM)
port on your computer. This connection is shown in the diagram on
page 40.

Your Serial Communication Cable

The serial cable needed to connect your KAM’98 to your computer (a standard
off-the-shelf, RS-232 modem cable) is not supplied with the KAM’98. You will
need to purchase one, or construct one.

Note: You may construct your own cable, using wiring instructions given below.

The two options, purchasing your cable or making it, are covered next.

User’s Guide 44 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer Installing Your KAM’98

Purchase Your Serial Cable

To purchase your cable (from your local amateur radio dealer or computer
dealer):

specify that you need a standard serial modem cable (RS-232C), with

•

high quality shielding, of whatever length is appropriate, and at least 9
wires connected,

specify that one connector be a male DB-25 connector (to connect to

•

your KAM’98’s female “Computer” port) and the other connector be a
female DB-9 or DB-25 connector (depending upon whether your
computer’s serial (COM) port has a male DB-9 or DB-25 connector),

Make Your Serial Cable

This section is for those making their own cable instead of purchasing one.

We assume that if you are making their own cable you are familiar with the pro­cess and just need to know: (1) what parts are needed, and (2) how the parts are
connected.

Parts needed:

• a male DB-25 connector, to connect to the KAM’98’s (female)

“Computer” port,

•

either a female DB-9 or a female DB-25 connector, depending on the
connector on your computer’s serial (COM) port, to connect to the
computer’s (male) serial (COM) port,

•

an appropriate length of high quality shielded cable with 5 or more wires,

•

as shown below, if you are using a DB-9 connector, either 5 or 8 wires
can be connected and any other wires are unused,

•

as shown below, if you are using a DB-25 connector, either 5 or 9
wires can be connected and any other wires are unused.

Wiring instructions:

KAM’98 v 8.3 45 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer

Pacterm 2.0, the communication software shipped with the KAM’98, needs the 5

+

wire connections shown below. Some third-party software does not use hardware
flow contol and therefore does not need the RTS and CTS wires shown below.

For details on preparing your cable wiring, use the chart below that is appropriate
for your configuration. In each case, there is a listing of which KAM’98 (“Com

­puter” port) pin needs to be connected to which pin on the computer’s
serial (COM) port. The wiring depends upon whether your computer has a 25 pin
connector or a 9 pin connector, and on how many wires are in the cable (you only
need 5 wires connected for KAM’98 operations, but you may connect more wires
to use the cable for other purposes). See page 326 for a diagram showing pin
numbers on a DB-25 connectors.

CASE 1-A: Wiring if computer has a 25 pin connector and the cable has 5 wires:

2 <——> 2 TXD

3 <——> 3 RXD

4 <——> 4 RTS

5 <——> 5 CTS

7<——>7SG

CASE 1-B: Wiring if computer has a 25 pin connector and the cable has 9 (or
more) wires. Same as in CASE 1-A, and also:

1 <——> 1 FG

6 <——> 6 DSR

8 <——> 8 DCD

20 <——> 20 DTR

CASE 2-A: Wiring if computer has a 9 pin connector and the cable has 5 wires:

User’s Guide 46 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer Installing Your KAM’98

2 <——> 3 TXD

3 <——> 2 RXD

4 <——>7RTS

5 <——> 8 CTS

7 <——>5SG

CASE 2-B: Wiring if computer has a 9 pin connector and the cable has 8 or more
wires. Same as in CASE 2-A, and also:

6 <——>6DSR

8 <——>1DCD

20 <——> 4 DTR

Technical note for advanced users: Two of the first five wires in each chart above
(RTS and CTS) are used for hardware flow control, so if your program uses just
software flow control and not hardware flow control, you may not need to use these
two hardware flow control wires.

+ If you are not using a PC compatible computer, the wiring required between your

computer and your KAM’98 is the same wiring you would use for an external
telephone modem. This cable should be available from your computer dealer.
Appendix A of this manual includes details on the functions of the KAM’98 pins.
The software (terminal program) requirements are similar to that used for a tele

-

phone modem.

Installing the RS-232 Cable

Once you have purchased or made your serial communication cable, connect it as
follows:

Step 1. Make sure that power to both your computer and your

KAM’98 is turned OFF.

KAM’98 v 8.3 47 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect your KAM’98 to Your Computer

Step 2. Plug the male DB-25 connector end of the serial cable

into the “Computer” port of the KAM’98,

Step 3. Plug the female DB-9 or DB-25 connector end of the

serial cable into a serial port of your computer,

Note: To use Pacterm 2.0, the communication software that ships with the
KAM’98, you will need to connect to your computer’s COM1 or COM2 port, but
with appropriate communication software, the KAM’98 can connect to any COM
port on a PC compatible computer. Kantronics has programs available for PC com
patible computers. Programs for other computers may be obtained through your
computer store.

Caution: Be sure you do not connect to a parallel port instead of a serial port: the
KAM’98 communicates serially, so it cannot communicate through a parallel
port. Computer’s parallel ports (i.e., printer, or LPT port) sometimes have female
DB-25 connectors. Do not connect the KAM’98 to a female DB-25 connector on
the computer unless you are sure it is a serial (COM) port, not a parallel
(LPT) port.

-

Step 4. Check the connectors at each end of the cable, and se-

cure the connectors using the mounting screws,

Step 5. Turn ON the power to your computer, in preparation for

installing communication software in the computer, but
leave the KAM’98 power OFF.

Caution for users of a 25-pin serial modem cable: As originally shipped, the
KAM’98 does not connect a power source to its serial port, but an advanced user
can change jumpers so that it does. If your KAM’98 has been altered to apply 12
Vdc to pin 13 of the computer (serial) port, this can DAMAGE your computer if
pin 13 is wired. To check to see if your KAM’98 has been changed in this way, see
the section on jumpers in this manual. Note that the factory default setting of the
jumper does not connect pin 13.

User’s Guide 48 KAM’98 v 8.3

Install Software and Configure Your KAM’98 Installing Your KAM’98

This concludes the physical installation of the serial cable needed for your
KAM’98 and your computer to communicate with each other.

To verify that your serial cable is correctly wired and connected, you need to
install communication software in the computer and then use that software to
establish communication with the KAM’98.

Install Software and Configure Your KAM’98

After connecting your KAM’98 and your computer with an RS-232C serial mo
dem cable, you are ready to:

• install terminal communication software in your computer to enable

communication between your KAM’98 and your computer,

• use the terminal communication software to establish communication

with your KAM’98, including setting the speed of communications back
and forth, and

• configure your KAM’98 to prepare it for your use, including giving the

KAM’98 your CALLSIGN and setting KAM’98 parameter values.

Your KAM’98 ships with a basic terminal communication program called
Pacterm 2.0 that will get your multi-mode digital radio station up and running.

+

If you are already familiar with a terminal communication program, you may
wish to use it instead of Pacterm 2.0, or you may switch to it after using Pacterm

2.0 to get started. For example, if you are running Windows 3.1, you could use
“TERMINAL”; with Windows 95, you could use “HYPERTERMINAL”.
In either case, refer to your Windows manual for instructions on use.

A complete manual for Pacterm 2.0 is included as the next chapter of this docu
mentation. The Pacterm 2.0 manual begins on page 69. For an overview of what
you can do with Pacterm 2.0, see page 70. The “Pacterm 2.0” chapter includes all
the steps needed for installing the software and using it to configure your
KAM’98. It also will serve as your Pacterm 2.0 manual as you continue using the
software with your KAM’98.

-

-

KAM’98 v 8.3 49 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Install Software and Configure Your KAM’98

You may find that the steps described in the Quick Start section of that chapter
(see page 71) are all you need or you may want to go through the “Pacterm 2.0”
chapter in more detail.

For details on setting up BAUD rates, see page 76. For information on setting
other KAM’98 parameters, see page 77.

One step that is mentioned only briefly in the “Pacterm 2.0” chapter (see page

77) is that after you set the BAUD rate for the KAM’98, you will be asked to en
ter your CALLSIGN, which your KAM’98 will then use until otherwise notified.
So be prepared to enter your CALLSIGN when asked to do so.

-

IMPORTANT: Now go to the “Pacterm 2.0” chapter, to use the DOS-based ter
minal comunication program, Pacterm 2.0, to install and configure software and
KAM’98 parameters and then COME BACK HERE — you still need to connect
your KAM’98 to your transceiver.

NOTE: If you are operating Pacterm’98 (for Windows 95/98/NT), you may
use it to set up the parameter values needed to install the KAM’98.

-

User’s Guide 50 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

The last connections you need to establish are between your KAM’98 and your
transceiver.

As noted above, the KAM’98 is a single radio port device, but with the ability

+

to select which of two ways to connect to devices outside the TNC: (1) via a “Ra
dio” connector, which links signals to internal circuitry optimized for connecting
to HF/VHF transceivers, or (2) via an “Aux” connector, which links signals to in
ternal circuitry designed for working with external auxiliary devices such as re
mote control, sensing, and GPS devices. This section deals with the Radio
connector, used for connecting to your HF or VHF radio.

You will construct and install a transceiver cable assembly that has two func­tions: (1) to send signals from the speaker or data jack of your transceiver to your
KAM’98’s “Radio” port, for processing, and (2) to send signals from your
KAM’98’s “Radio” port to the microphone or data jack connection of your trans­ceiver, for transmission.

As illustrated in the diagram on page 40, the transceiver cable connects to the
“Radio” port on the KAM’98 via a male DB-9 connector, shipped with your
KAM’98. Two separate cables, also supplied with the KAM’98, may be attached
to this DB-9 connector (i.e., selected wires in the cables are attached to specified
pins on the cable assembly’s DB-9 connector). One cable contains wires connect­ing the KAM’98 (“Radio” port) to the MIC connector on your transceiver and the
other cable contains wires connecting the KAM’98 (“Radio” port) to the speaker
jack on your transceiver.

-

-

-

This section goes step-by-step, dealing with the following question’s, for each
way of connecting the devices:

•

what parts will be needed for the assembly?

•

what are the exact wiring requirements for connecting your transceiver to
the KAM’98, as determined by information given in this document
and also by the requirements for your own particular make and model of
transceiver (as determined by the documentation for your transceiver)?

•

what are the steps used in constructing and connecting the cable
assembly?

KAM’98 v 8.3 51 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

once the cable is in place, how does one set the volume level of the

•

transceiver for optimal performance?

Parts for Connecting Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

The following parts (shipped with your KAM’98 unless otherwise noted) are
needed for constructing the cable assembly that will connect your KAM’98 and
your transceiver at the Radio port:

DB-9 connector kit (including hardware), to make the DB-9 connec

•

tion for the end of the transceiver cabling that connects to the
KAM’98’s “Radio” port,

a 3-foot length of 5-conductor shielded cable, to connect the

•

user-supplied microphone connector (i.e., the Mic plug) for your
transceiver to the DB-9 connector supplied with your KAM’98, and

A molded 3.5 mm mini-plug and cable, which plugs into your trans-

•

ceiver’s speaker jack and connects to the DB-9 connector supplied
with your KAM’98.

+ Note: A DB-9 connector for the AUX port is not shipped with the

KAM’98, but may be ordered from Kantronics or from a third-party sup­plier such as Radio Shack

-

Preparing the Transceiver Cable Assembly

This section gives instructions for how to assemble the cable assembly needed to
connect your transceiver to your KAM’98, starting with the wiring requirements.

Wiring Directions (Connecting KAM’98 and Transceiver)

You will need to determine which pins on your DB-9 connector will be wired to
which connections on your particular transceiver’s microphone connector and
speaker jack.

There must be at least four wires connected between the KAM ‘98 and your ra
dio:

•

TXA - transmit audio,

User’s Guide 52 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

RXA - receive audio,

•

PTT,

•

ground.

•

These are commonly available pins found on nearly ALL radios, HF and VHF.
The most common connection from the KAM’98 will be to the microphone jack
(on the front of the radio) for transmitting, and to the external speaker jack (on
the back of the radio) for receiving. The manual for the radio will show the mi

-

crophone jack wiring information.

All manufacturers use different names for the functions of the pins on the mic
jack. Some radios may have a dedicated connector just for connection to an ex­ternal modem, usually called a DATA jack. Here are some examples of the differ­ent pin names, and the KAM ’98 pin to which they would be connected:

• connected on the mic jack

• mic or mic audio, modulation, modulator input, or TX audio, would

be connected to the TXA (transmit audio) pin on the KAM ’98.

•

PTT(push to talk), SEND, or standby, would be connected to the PTT
pin on the KAM’’98.

•

Ground or PTT ground, would be connected to the ground pin on the
KAM ’98.

•

connected to the external speaker jack

•

Connect the RXA(receive audio) pin on the KAM’’98 to the tip of the
external speaker plug on the radio. Some radios may have a connec
tion in the mic jack for receive audio, and may be called RX audio,
RD, AF, or AF out, and would be connected to the KAM’98 instead
of the radios external speaker connection.

In the case of connecting to a dedicated DATA jack on the radio:

•

DATA IN, packet DATA input, or TX DATA, would connect to the TXA
pin on the KAM’98.

•

DATA OUT, RX DATA, or 1200bps RX audio, would be connected to
the RXA pin on the KAM’98.

KAM’98 v 8.3 53 User’s Guide

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Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

PTT, PKS, or SEND, would be connected to the PTT pin on the

•

KAM’98.

Ground(GND), PTT ground, E(earth ground), or DE(data ground) would

•

connect to the ground pin on the KAM ’98.

Some radios also have a squelch, BUSY, or PSQ pin, which indicates wheather
the squelch on the radio is open or closed. A connection from the KAM ’98 to
this pin on the radio is rarely, if ever, needed.

If you also wish to be able to transmit CW with the KAM ’98, you must also con
nect its CW key line to the CW key jack on the radio, in the same way an exter
nal keyer or hand key would be connected.

+ There are many different models of transceivers, each with their own exact re-

quirements for how they are to be connected to devices such as a KAM’98.
While the following examples will help, you will need to refer to your transceiver
documentation (or transceiver dealer) for exact instructions on which connections
you need to make as you wire your transceiver cable assembly.

Note: If you need further assistance on your radio cabling, contact the radio man­ufacturer, your dealer, or a local amateur who has already installed a TNC.
Kantronics is not likely to have pin assignments for specific transceiver models,
since hundreds of models are available.

The following diagrams, used for example only, show wiring connections be
tween the male connector for the KAM’98’s “Radio” port and transceivers (in
cluding HTs) from three major manufacturers: Yaesu, ICOM, and Kenwood.

+

These diagrams may also apply to transceivers from other manufacturers, but you
need to check to be sure how your transceiver needs to be wired. (See the section
on “Interfacing Hand-Held Radios” in the the “Advanced Installation” appendix
for further information.

-

-

-

-

User’s Guide 54 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

Yaesu diagrams — pag G8]

KAM’98 v 8.3 55 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

[ICOM diagrams — page G9]

User’s Guide 56 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

[Kenwood diagrams — page G10]

KAM’98 v 8.3 57 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

Your Transceiver’s Microphone Connections to Your KAM’98.

If you use the microphone on your transceiver, you may wish to makes notes of
the following connections, which you will use for wiring your assembly:

identify and make a note of the microphone input (which will be wired to

•

pin 1, transmit audio on the KAM’98’s DB-9 “Radio” port),

identify and make a note of the PTT or STBY connection (which will be

•

wired to pin 3, Push-to-Talk on the KAM’98’s DB-9 “Radio” port),

for base or mobile (but not hand-held) transceivers, identify and make a

•

note of the ground connection (which, optionally, may be wired to pin 9,
one of the ground pins on the KAM’98’s DB-9 “Radio” port, or left
unconnected).

Your Transceiver’s Speaker Jack Connections to Your KAM’98

For the speaker jack on your transceiver, make a note of the following connec­tions, which you will use for wiring your assembly:

• identify and make a note of the connector to the tip of your external

speaker plug (which will be wired to pin 5, receive audio on the
KAM’98’s DB-9 “Radio” port),

• identify and make a note of the connector to the sleeve of your external

speaker plug (which will be wired to pin 6, one of the ground pins on the
KAM’98’s DB-9 “Radio” port).

Constructing the Cable Assembly

Important: As shown in the wiring side diagram immediately below, the pins in
the KAM’98’s female DB-9 “Radio” connector are numbered from the upper
right (pin 1) to the lower left (pin 9). As you connect wires to pins on the DB-9
connector on your cable, you need to be sure to connect to the correct pins.

+

Similarly, when working with a typical 8-pin Mic connector where you know the
pin numbers of pins, you need to consider which way you are looking at the con
nector (looking at pins/holes or looking at the wiring side, where the wires are
actually connected).

User’s Guide 58 KAM’98 v 8.3

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Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

[DIAGRAM(s) - top of page G8 of V 5.0 manual]

Hint: Make notes of which wires (colors, cables) you use for each connection, so

+

you will be able to keep track of which connection is which.

To construct your transceiver cable assembly, proceed as follows:

Wiring between your Transceiver Microphone and your KAM’98:

Follow the notes taken above and wire the cable assembly in the following order:

Step 1. Select the 5-wire microphone cable and the

DB-9 connector part from the cable assembly kit,

Step 2. Attach microphone cable wires to the following pins on

the DB-9 connector:

• pin 1 (transmit audio) — and make a note of
the color of the wire you used,

• pin 3 (Push-To-Talk) — and make a note of
the color of the wire you used, and

•

(for base and mobile units) pin 9 (ground for
microphone on radio) of the DB-9 connec

­tor— and make a note of the color of the
wire you used.

+

Hint: You may find it easier to wire the male DB-9 connector if you first connect
it to the KAM’98 and use the KAM’98 as a “jig.” This may also keep the male
pins straight if you apply too much heat and soften the plastic in the male con

-

nector.

Step 3. Using a user-supplied microphone connector appropriate

for your transceiver and the notes taken above, attach
wires as follows:

KAM’98 v 8.3 59 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

attach the wire from pin 1 (transmit audio) on

•
the DB-9 to the microphone connector’s input
pin,

attach the wire from pin 3 (push-to-talk) on the

•
DB-9 to the microphone connector’s PTT or
STBY pin,

(optional) for base or mobile units, attach the

•
wire from pin 9 (one path to ground) on the
DB-9 to the ground pin on the microphone con

-

nector.

Connecting your Transceiver’s Speaker Plug to Your KAM’98

Use the speaker plug cable supplied with the KAM’98 (or an appropriate third
party speaker plug) and the notes taken earlier to do the following wiring to the
DB-9 connector:

Step 1. Locate the wire that connects to the tip of the external

speaker jack and wire it to pin 5 on the DB-9 (Receive
Audio)

Step 2. Locate the wire that connects to the sleeve of the exter-

nal speaker jack and wire it to pin 6 on the DB-9
(Ground)

This is all you need to do to wire the speaker plug part of the assembly.

+

Important: Keep your wiring notes for future reference.

User’s Guide 60 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

Complete the Construction of Your Assembly

Using the DB-9 kit that ships with the KAM’98, complete the DB-9 assembly:

Step 1. Install the strain relief around the two cables whose

wires are attached to the DB-9 connector, to protect the
wires from being accidentally pulled from the pins:

select the four parts used for the strain relief:

•
(1) two brackets having curves to
accommodate the cable and (2) two short
screws, used to connect the brackets to each
other,

• arrange the two brackets so the two curves
form a circle (to surround the cable), with
the two threaded (thicker) holes on the
brackets (one on each bracket) on opposite
sides of the assembly,

• use one of the screws to connect the two
brackets, passing the screw through the hole
on the thin side of one bracket and attaching
it (screwing it into the threads) to the other
bracket,

•

place the two cables into the circle formed
by the two brackets, examine the back shell
assembly to see how far up the cable from
the DB-9 pins the strain relief brackets will
need to be to fit into the back shell (in the
slot just before the cable exits the back shell
assembly), and position the brackets around
the cable at that point on the cable,

•

fasten the two brackets with the second short
screw (which will go in the opposite direc

­tion from the first) and tighten the screws, to
secure the cable in the strain relief assembly.

KAM’98 v 8.3 61 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

Step 2. Install the back shell assembly around the DB-9 connec

tor and cable(s):

select the parts needed: (1) the two shells that

•
will be arranged to contain the DB-9 connector
and the cables (and the strain relief attached to
the cables), (2) two long half-threaded screws
and two shaped washers, to attach the whole as
sembly to the KAM’98, and (3) two long,
fully-threaded screws to connect the shells to
each other (not the long screws that are only half
threaded — those will be used later, to attach
the DB-9 connector to the KAM’98) and the two
nuts to attach to these two screws.

• beginning with one of the back shell parts
(which will be the bottom shell during assem­bly), fit the DB-9 connector into the slot at the
wide end of the shell (with pins facing away
from the shell and cables resting inside the
shell), with the backplane of the DB-9 connector
fitting behind the lip that protrudes slightly from
the bottom of the shell,

•

tuck the cable(s) into the semi-circular gap at the
small end of the shell and, after any necessary
adjustments, fit the strain relief assembly into
the space between the end of the shell where the
cable exits the shell and the pair of threaded col
umns (with holes for screws),

•

place one of the shaped washers on each of the
long, half-threaded screws, so they are next to
the head of the screw (with the bent ends of the
washers facing away from the heads of the
screws),

•

fit the top shell onto the bottom shell (which
now contains the connector and cable), so the

-

-

-

User’s Guide 62 KAM’98 v 8.3

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

two parts are touching from front to back,
and hold the parts loosely together,

while holding the DB-9 connector in place

•
in the shell, insert the two long,
half-threaded screws (with their washers)
into the holes on either side of the
back-plane of the DB-9 connector, until the
washers (and screw heads) contact the
shoulder on the shell and fit in the
semi-circular gap in the shell designed to
hold the screw in place,

• fasten the two sides of the shell together us­ing the screws and nuts selected above.

This completes the construction of your transceiver cable assembly. Now it needs
to be connected.

Connecting Your Transceiver Cable Assembly

Now you are ready to use this cable assembly to finish assembling your
multi-mode digital radio station (which may use an HF, HF/VHF or VHF trans­ceiver.

Step 1. Check to be sure all the parts of your completed cable

assembly are properly fastened and ready for connection
to your transceiver and your KAM’98.

Step 2. Turn OFF all power.

Step 3. Plug the male DB-9 connector on the cable into the

female DB-9 connector on the KAM’98’s “Radio” port,

Step 4. Secure the male DB-9 connector on the cable to the

female DB-9 connector on the KAM’98’s “Radio” port,
by screwing the two long, half-threaded screws into the
threaded nuts on each side of the KAM’98’s “Radio”
port,

KAM’98 v 8.3 63 User’s Guide

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

Step 5. Plug both the microphone connector and the external

speaker jack into your transceiver.

Wiring to a Data Jack

If you chose to wire your KAM’ 98 to your SSB radio’s data (ACC) jack, this is
the right place. Connections for the KAM’98 Radio Port end of the cable assem
bly will be the same as if you were making up a cable to connect to the MIC and
Speaker jacks of the radio. Completing the cabling end to attach to the radio’s
data jack will, of course, be different.

You’ll have to determine which pins in the data jack match up with which pins in
the KAM’98 radio port. You’ll need to make four connections:

1. data in, i.e. data coming from the KAM’98 to the jack,

2. data out, i.e. data coming from the radio to the KAM’98 (audio),

3. push-to-talk, the line that will key your radio (also called standby),

4. ground.

In addition, you’ll need to obtain the proper connector for the data jack. Most ra­dios use a 7 or 8-pin DIN, available from Radio Shack.

-

Assembly: Follow the guidelines in the previous section for wiring the KAM’98
DB-9 Radio Port side of your DATA JACK cabling assembly. Then wire up the
data jack end of the cable, with needs as determined by the radio manual and
matching up names (functions) with the KAM’98’s signals listed above.

Adjusting Receive Volume and Squelch Control of Your
Transceiver

Both non-packet and packet modes should function properly when your trans
ceiver is adjusted to a comfortable listening level, and most signals are copyable
by the KAM’98 even at levels you may not hear. Weak signals, however, may not
be read if your radio has a receive signal squelch control and its level is set too
high.

Follow the procedures below if you are going to use squelch operation, usually ­but not always - reserved for FM packet operations. If you don’t wish to listen to
traffic but want to copy all signals possible, leave the squelch completely open
but reduce audio volume, or wire receive audio via the radio data jack..

User’s Guide 64 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver Installing Your KAM’98

To adjust the squelch control and receive volume of your transceiver (if avail

­able) to the proper level (or to confirm that it is already set at the proper level),
do the following:

Step 1. Turn ON your computer (with your transceiver OFF),

Step 2. Start your terminal program,,

Step 3. Turn ON your KAM’98,

Step 4. If not already done (using Pacterm 2.0), set the

KAM’98’s baud rate (ABAUD) and CALLSIGN,

Step 5. Turn ON your transceiver and open the squelch control

(turn it fully counter-clockwise),

Step 6. Slowly turn the transceiver’s receive volume up until the

RCV LED (receive indicator) on the KAM’98 lights up
(turns ON),

Step 7. Increase the transceiver’s receive volume control slightly

above the point at which the KAM’98’s RCV LED lit up
(turned ON),

Step 8. Slowly turn the transceiver’s squelch control clockwise

until the KAM’98’s RCV LED goes OUT (turns OFF),

Now the squelch control and volume control on your transceiver are properly ad
justed for sending signals to your KAM’98.

+

Trouble-shooting: If you do not see the receive LED light, check the cabling be

­tween the radio and the KAM’98. Also, until it has been initialized from the
computer, the KAM’98 will not show ANY indication of receiving.

+

Trouble-shooting: If you connected to a fixed level (unsquelched) receive audio
from the radio, the receive LED may remain on all of the time. In this case, set
the parameter CD to SOFTWARE. Then, the receive LED will not light until
valid packets are heard. (see CD in the commands section)

KAM’98 v 8.3 65 User’s Guide

-

Installing Your KAM’98 Connect Your KAM’98 to Your Transceiver

Transmit level adjustment

The data drive level (transmit audio voltage, TXA) from the KAM’98 to your ra
dio is adjusted digitally, using your keyboard and the transmit level (XMITLVL)
or the calibrate (CAL) command. Previous models (e.g., KAM, KAM Plus) used
a set of jumpers and/or an analog potentiometer (pot) to set this level. With the
KAM’98, no jumpers are used, just a command.

The drive level you set will depend upon the mode you will operate and the type
of transceiver you will be using.

For most HF non-packet modes, such as RTTY, AMTOR, Pactor, or G-TOR,
drive level should be set to match that required for single side band voice opera
tion with most HF transceivers. For FM packet operation, drive level is set to ob
tain 3.5 kHz deviation (of the transmitted signal).

For HF modes

For HF modes set the drive level as follows: With your HF rig set in LSB and at­tached to a dummy load, use the CAL command to increase drive level until the
audio (mic) drive LEVEL is set as you would in voice mode. With most trans­ceivers the ALC meter reading should be set to full scale. See the CALIBRATE
command, in the Command Reference, for details.

For FM packet operations

-

-

-

For FM packet operations, adjust the drive level to provide 3 to 3.5 kHz of devia
tion in your radio. If your radio is not metered to measure deviation, use a second
transceiver as a monitor and adjust the drive level of your packet transmission to
generate about the same audio sound as packets heard form other stations. Alter
natively, adjust drive level while sending unproto packets via a nearby digipeater
until your signal is repeated by that station consistently.

The XMITLVL command has a parameter default value of 100; this corresponds
to a drive voltage of about 50 mV. You may change this level by increasing the
parameter/count. For counts below 256, the voltage is increased in 1/2 mV steps;
above that, the drive increases roughly 15 mV per step.

+

For details, see the description of the XMITLVL command in the “Command
Reference.”

User’s Guide 66 KAM’98 v 8.3

-

-

Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional) Installing Your KAM’98

Alternatively, you may use the calibrate command (CAL) which has a zoom fea
ture; that is, you can hold down the ‘-’ or ‘+’ key to decrease or increase the volt
age (as you watch a meter or listen). See the commands section for more detail
on these commands. CAL is not available in the NEWUSER mode; you must be
in TERMINAL mode to access CAL.

The next section of this chapter is for those who wish to connect a GPS device to
their KAM’98. Skip this section if it does not apply to you.

Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional)

To use your KAM’98 with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, you need
to connect the GPS device to the DB-25 “Computer" port (i.e., serial port) on the
back of the KAM’98, in place of the computer.

Alternatively, you may connect the GPS device to the AUX port. See the
GPSPORT command, in the Command Reference, for details.

Since you need to remove the computer’s serial modem cable from the
KAM’98’s “Computer” port and replace it with the GPS’s cable before you can
use the GPS device with the KAM’98, you will need to use your computer to
configure your KAM’98 to work with the GPS device before you connect your
GPS device to your KAM’98.

-

-

Note: You can also attach both the KAM’98 and a GPS device to your computer at
the same time, using an APRS HSP (hardware single port) cable and the APRS
program.

Since cabling may vary from one GPS vendor to another, the cable is not sup
plied with your KAM’98. You will need to purchase or make a cable, using the
specifications in your GPS manual.

To connect the GPS receiver and the KAM’98 as a “Stand-alone” position report
ing system without a computer, you will need to connect a minimum of 2 wires
for data flow from the GPS receiver to the KAM’98. Connect the GPS receiver
“DATA OUTPUT” to TXD (pin 2) on the KAM’98. Connect the GPS receiver

KAM’98 v 8.3 67 User’s Guide

-

-

Installing Your KAM’98 Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional)

“SIGNAL GROUND” to signal ground (pin 7) on the KAM’98. Your GPS re
ceiver may require other pins to be connected, check its documentation.

See your GPS manual and the chapter in this manual on “GPS NMEA
Interfacing Capability” for details on using your GPS device with your KAM’98
based multi-mode digital radio station.

For more information on installation topics, see the Advanced Installation Ap

+

pendix.

Your KAM’98 is now installed and ready to use. You may now go to the “Getting
Started” chapter, to learn how to do the basic operations with your KAM’98.

Since you used the next chapter (“Pacterm 2.0”) as part of the installation pro­cess, you can now skip over to the chapter on “Modes of Operation” and get
started using your KAM’98.

-

-

User’s Guide 68 KAM’98 v 8.3

Pacterm v 2.0

Introduction

Pacterm 2.0 is a DOS-based terminal communication program used to control
the flow of information between your PC compatible computer and your TNC.

We suggest that you start with the chapter “Installing Your TNC,” switch

+

here, when instructed, to set up Pacterm 2.0, and then to go back to the “In
stalling Your TNC” chapter to complete installing your digital radio station.

Pacterm 2.0 is shipped with the TNC to help you get started using your TNC
for packet radio communication. Pacterm 2.0 is for use while the TNC is operat
ing in NEWUSER Interface Mode (the default mode of operation) or in TERMI
NAL Interface Mode, which includes all NEWUSER commands and many more.

Technical note: Also, as described briefly in this document, Pacterm 2.0 can be
used with multi-mode (digital) TNCs to operate in HF non-packet modes.

+ After getting started, you do not need to limit yourself to Pacterm 2.0. The TNC

will operate with a wide range of terminal communication programs (some more
powerful than Pacterm 2.0) , including TERMINAL (Windows 3.1),
HYPERTERM (Windows 95), Hostmaster II+ (a DOS-based program from
Kantronics), and Kantronics’ Pacterm’98 for Windows 95/98/NT.

-

-

-

Technical Note: With appropriate cabling, software and adapters, the TNC also
will operate with non-PC compatible computers and “dumb terminals.”

Our Assumptions About You

We assume the following when you use Pacterm with your TNC:

•

You are using a PC compatible computer that meets the specifications
given in your TNC documentation.

•

You know, or are learning, how to use DOS with your PC compatible
computer for basic operations needed to install and run Pacterm.

•

You have a TNC that is connected, or that will be connected, to your PC
computer, as described below and in the TNC manual.

KAM’98 v 8.3 69 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Introduction

You know, or are learning, how to use your TNC in NEWUSER and/or

•

TERMINAL Interface Mode, along with your PC compatible computer
and your transceiver, for packet radio operations.

Overview

You can use Pacterm to do the following:

Establish communications between your computer and your TNC, while

•

it is operating in NEWUSER or TERMINAL Interface Mode.

Select the COM PORT and BAUD RATE to use for the current

•

Pacterm session (i.e., until you exit to DOS).

• Send commands from Pacterm to your TNC.

• Send data from Pacterm (i.e., from your computer) to your TNC and

receive data from your TNC.

• VIEW, PRINT, and/or SAVE information sent from your TNC to your

computer.

• End a session, either of two ways:

•

Disconnect and EXIT to DOS.

•

EXIT directly to DOS.

Other uses of Pacterm are as follows:

•

SEND a file from your computer to your TNC, for transmission.

•

Switch the TNC at any time into Command Mode, making it ready to
accept commands instead of transmitting data.

•

Control the flow of data between Pacterm and your TNC, as follows:

•

From Pacterm to your TNC: Switch between (1) ONLINE, with your
input sent immediately or (2) OFFLINE, with input stored in a
type-ahead buffer and sent when you go back ONLINE.

•

From your TNC to Pacterm: STOP (hold) or START the flow of data
from your TNC to your computer.

User’s Guide 70 KAM’98 v 8.3

Introduction Pacterm v 2.0

Quick Start

To get started right away using Pacterm to communicate with your TNC:

1. Copy the file PACTERM.COM from your “Kantronics Program and Infor

­mation Disk” to your hard drive, using DOS or following directions on the
disk.

2. Connect your TNC to COM1 or COM2 of your computer, using a standard
RS-232C serial modem cable, and make sure the TNC is turned ON.

3. Use DOS to change to the drive and directory to which you copied Pacterm.

4. Start Pacterm by typing PACTERM and pressing the ENTER key.

5. When Pacterm starts, you will be on the MAIN Menu. Use the SETUP func­tions on the MAIN menu as needed to establish communication with your
TNC. The BACKSPACE key will take you to the TERMINAL Screen for
communication. Follow the on-screen instructions and use the MAIN Menu
and the TERMINAL Screen to control the session and communicate with the
TNC.

6. If you get the “Pacterm Cannot Communicate” screen the first time you try to
go to the TERMINAL Screen, be sure the TNC is turned ON and/or press the
F7 key to switch the current COM port from COM2 to COM1. If neither of
these works, review other possible problems (described on the screen) and
keep trying until you establish communication.

7. The first time your TNC is used, it will run an AUTOBAUD routine to coor
dinate the TNC’s BAUD rate with the BAUD rate of the terminal communi

-

­cation software in use at the time — in this case, Pacterm. Follow the
on-screen instructions, which include entering your CALLSIGN, and then
proceed.

You may be able to get up and running without reading any more of this Pacterm
documentation, but you will find much useful information below, including:
(1) detailed explanations of each function, (2) helpful hints, (3) cautions that

KAM’98 v 8.3 71 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Installing Pacterm

warn of possible problems, and (4) technical notes for those who are interested in
knowing more about a particular topic.

Installing Pacterm

Installing Pacterm is a simple matter. You will copy the program file
PACTERM.COM to your computer’s hard drive or to a floppy disk. You will find
the file PACTERM.COM on the floppy disk titled “Kantronics Program and
Information: Disk 1," that is shipped with the TNC.

Caution: To reduce the chance of problems later, make a backup copy of this
shipping disk and write-protect both the original and your backup copy.

Saving Pacterm on Your Hard Drive

You may copy Pacterm to your hard drive just by using DOS commands or by
following the steps given on the “Kantronics Program and Information” disk.

Copying files from a floppy to your hard drive

You may install Pacterm on your hard drive by simply copying the Pacterm
program file to the drive and directory or subdirectory of your choice, as follows:

1. Change to the main directory (e.g., C:\) or an existing subdirectory of your
hard drive (e.g. C:\COMM),

+

Hint: To create a new directory in which to save Pacterm, use the DOS make
directory command. For example, if your hard drive is drive C and you want to

create a new directory called PACTERM in which to store the program (also
called Pacterm), first change to drive C (type and enter C:) and then type and
enter MD \PACTERM — being sure to include the backslash. Then change to
the new directory by using the change directory command: type and enter
CD \PACTERM — again, be sure to include the backslash.

2. Put the “Kantronics Program and Information” disk in floppy Drive A (or B),
and

User’s Guide 72 KAM’98 v 8.3

Installing Pacterm Pacterm v 2.0

3. Type COPY A (or B):PACTERM.COM and press the ENTER key. This

will copy PACTERM.COM to your current directory (shown at your DOS
prompt).

Guided Installation

Another way to install Pacterm on your hard drive is to use the Kantronics Pro
gram and Information disk to guide you through the steps, as follows:

1. Put the Kantronics Program and Information disk (or a backup) in a floppy

drive (e.g., A or B) and, if you are not already there, change to the floppy
drive where you put this disk (e.g., type and enter A: or B: as appropriate),

2. Type TNC and press the ENTER key, to start the TNC program, and use the

on-screen menus to select PACTERM, then INSTALL PACTERM, and
then follow the on-screen instructions,

3. Type and enter the drive to which you want Pacterm copied (e.g., C), which

can be any drive (except the floppy drive with the Kantronics Program and
Information disk it it) that has the space for it,

4. Next, type and enter the directory or subdirectory (e.g., \PACTERM)to

which you want Pacterm (the program) copied. If you specify a directory or
subdirectory that does not already exist, the installation program will create it
and then copy PACTERM.COM there.

5. Check the on-screen confirmation of the installation and EXIT to DOS.

Saving Pacterm on a Floppy Disk

-

You may use the Pacterm program on the backup copy of the “Kantronics
Program and Information: Disk 1" disk or on another floppy disk (a disk to which
you have copied the file named “PACTERM.COM”). In this case, you do not
need to do anything special to install it. Just follow the “Starting Pacterm”
instructions given below.

KAM’98 v 8.3 73 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Establishing Communication

Establishing Communication

For Pacterm to communicate with your TNC, these conditions must be met:

The TNC is turned ON.

•

The TNC is connected to your computer’s COM1 or COM2 port and

•

Pacterm is set to expect it on the COM port to which it is connected.

The PC computer and the TNC are connected via a standard RS-232C

•

serial modem cable, or at least by the 5-wire cabling described in the
TNC documentation.

The COM port is functioning properly (e.g., cable is plugged in

•

securely).

• There are no other faults in the normal operations of the components or

connections between them.

When you first try to communicate with the TNC, Pacterm checks for a signal
from the current COM port that is consistent with a TNC. If it does not find such
a signal, Pacterm presents the “Pacterm cannot communicate” screen shown be­low, for your use in establishing the connection.

If you have further difficulty establishing or maintaining communications, see
the trouble-shooting section at the end of this chapter for possible solutions.

User’s Guide 74 KAM’98 v 8.3

Starting Pacterm Pacterm v 2.0

Starting Pacterm

To start Pacterm, once you have connected your TNC to your computer:

1. Use DOS to go to the drive and directory where you have installed Pacterm.

For example, if you copied Pacterm to “C:\COMM” by using the Install pro
gram, type “C:\COMM”, then press the ENTER key and you will see the
prompt “C:\COMM”.

Hint: If you are using Microsoft Windows 3.1 or above, you can use the Pro

+

gram Manager, File Manager, or click on the DOS icon in the Main Window to
run Pacterm as a DOS program from within Windows. But do not run any other
program at the same time as Pacterm, or you may lose data.

2. Type PACTERM and press the ENTER key.

+ Hint: The drive and directory from which you call Pacterm does not need to be

the same as that where the program is stored. From Pacterm’s point of view, the
current drive and directory (e.g., used for SAVING the Holding Buffer) is the
drive and directory from which you start Pacterm. For example, suppose the
program PACTERM.COM is in C:\COMM (i.e., drive C, directory COMM)
and you are on directory SAVEBUFF on a disk in drive A
(A:\SAVEBUFF). In this case, the DOS command C:\COMM\PACTERM will
start Pacterm and the current drive and directory will be A:\SAVEBUFF.

-

-

3. The first screen you will see is the MAIN Menu screen. Use the SETUP

functions as needed, then you are ready to go on to the Terminal Screen.

4. Press the BACKSPACE key on the MAIN Menu to go to the Terminal

Screen and begin using Pacterm for communicating with your TNC.

5. If Pacterm cannot establish communication, it will assist by presenting a

“Pacterm cannot communicate” screen (shown above), which describes steps
you can take to establish communication. You may just need to turn on your
TNC and/or press the F7 key to tell Pacterm to try communicating through
COM1, instead of the default serial port, COM2. As soon as Pacterm can
communicate, it gives you the MAIN Menu, so you can try again.

KAM’98 v 8.3 75 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC

Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC

Several TNC parameter values affect how Pacterm communicates with the TNC.

Coordinating BAUD Rates: The Autobaud Routine

The first time your TNC is used, it runs an AUTOBAUD routine to assure that
the TNC baud rate is the same as that of Pacterm (or whatever communication
software is in use at the time).

The TNC’s AUTOBAUD routine works as follows:

1. AUTOBAUD sends and resends the message “PRESS (*) TO SET BAUD
RATE” to Pacterm, at one baud rate after another. When the TNC’s baud rate
matches that of Pacterm, you can read this message in a window on your
screen; if the two rates do not match, the message appears garbled.

2. Any time while this message is being sent, whether it is readable or garbled
on your screen, enter the “*” character (SHIFT+8 key combination).

3. When the AUTOBAUD routine receives, the “*” character from the serial
port, it uses that character to determine Pacterm’s BAUD rate.

+ NOTE: Do NOT use the “*” key on the number pad.

4. AUTOBAUD then sets the TNC’s BAUD rate to match Pacterm’s BAUD
rate. The TNC’s BAUD rate will be set to 9600 (Pacterm’s default BAUD
rate) unless Pacterm’s BAUD rate was changed before running
AUTOBAUD.

Technical note: The TNC’s BAUD rate is stored in the TNC as the value of the
ABAUD parameter, so when you use the TNC later, it will start with that BAUD
rate. This is made possible by an internal lithium battery supplied with the
TNC. Later, you can change the TNC BAUD rate if you want, as long as you
change Pacterm’s BAUD rate to match the new TNC BAUD rate.

User’s Guide 76 KAM’98 v 8.3

Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC Pacterm v 2.0

5. Finally, AUTOBAUD: (1) sends a “sign-on” message and (2) asks for the

user’s CALLSIGN, which will also be stored in the TNC and used until
changed. At this point, the user is ready to give commands to the TNC.

Hint: Do not confuse the TNC’s baud rate for serial communication on the

+

computer port with the TNC’s 1200 baud rate for communicating using the ra
dio port, which is connected by a custom-wired cabling to a transceiver.

Configuring the TNC for Use with Pacterm

There are several TNC settings in addition to ABAUD (baud rate) and MYCALL
(CALLSIGN) that you may wish to change, especially if parameter values in
your TNC have been changed from their default settings. Even if you do not want
to change anything now, knowing about these parameters and knowing how to
reconfigure your TNC, gives you more control in using it with Pacterm.

Required TNC Parameter Settings

To work with Pacterm, the following TNC parameter settings are needed:

• COMMAND = $03 (CTRL+C) (default = $03, so unless this has been

changed, you do not need to do anything).

-

+ Hint: Pacterm has a fixed code that it sends for COMMAND and it is

the same as the TNC default value (HEX $03, which is CTRL+C from
the user’s point of view). That is, Pacterm assumes the TNC COM
MAND parameter is set to its default value; if it is not, Pacterm com

-

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mands that send CTRL+C codes to the TNC will not work correctly.

•

Each of the following TNC parameters needs to be set to its default
value, shown below, if it has been changed to a non-default value:

•

CANLINE default = CTRL+X (HEX $18)

•

CANPAC default = CTRL+Y (HEX $19)

•

PASS default = CTRL+V (HEX $16)

KAM’98 v 8.3 77 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC

Optional Parameter Settings

The following TNC parameters are generally used with their default settings
when running Pacterm, but you may wish to change them. If they have been set
to non-default values, you may wish to change them back.

ECHO = ON (default)

•

FLOW = ON (default)

•

Technical note: Usually, ECHO and FLOW go together, both ON or both
OFF. When using software that supports split screen displays, for example,
set both ECHO and FLOW to OFF.

• XFLOW = ON (default)

Technical note: XFLOW controls whether or not software flow control is
ON. If XFLOW is set to OFF, the following parameters should also be set to
0 (zero): XON, XOFF, START, and STOP.

• FILTER = OFF (default)

• 8BITCONV = ON (default)

+

Hint: Also, the MONITOR parameter may be ON or OFF (default = ON).
You may have Monitor ON while using Pacterm. But to prevent a build-up of
data in an internal buffer in the TNC, you should turn Monitor OFF when exiting
Pacterm and leave the TNC ON. This is because when the TNC’s receive buffer
is full, your station will give a BUSY signal to other stations that try to connect.

User’s Guide 78 KAM’98 v 8.3

Pacterm Screens Pacterm v 2.0

Pacterm Screens

Pacterm has two screens for your use in working with your TNC:

A MAIN Menu Screen, for setting up the communication, and

•

A TERMINAL Screen, for sending commands and data to your TNC,

•

viewing data sent to Pacterm by your TNC, and using the functions
described on the MAIN Menu (except SETUP functions and ESC).

The MAIN Menu Screen

As shown below, the MAIN Menu screen shows all the functions available in
Pacterm and serves as a “Help” screen as well.

Each MAIN Menu function is described in detail later in this manual.

To go to the TERMINAL Screen from the MAIN Menu, press the BACKSPACE
key or use any MAIN Menu function other than SETUP functions, F10, or ESC.

KAM’98 v 8.3 79 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Pacterm Screens

The Terminal Screen

As shown below (in an example showing Pacterm connected to a KPC-3), the
Terminal Screen is in three parts, a viewing area, an input area, and a status line:

Vie w i n g a re a

(se e d a t a s e n t
to Pacterm from
the TNC)

In p u t a r e a

(se e m a t e ria l
e nte red , to se nd
to the TNC)

Status Line

The Status Line

The Status Line gives the following information, from left to right on the line:

• Reminders of how to get to the MAIN Menu and how to EXIT to DOS.

• The current status of Flow Control Functions:

•

Shows whether the user has set Pacterm to send data immediately to
the TNC (ONLIN) or to hold data to send it later (OFLIN).

•

Shows whether the user has set Pacterm to request the TNC to send
data (START) or not to send data (STOP) .

•

The current status of Output Control Functions:

•

If the PRINT request is ON, PRINT is shown on the Status Line.

•

If the Holding Buffer is OPEN, BUFF is shown on the Status Line.

•

The current status of Hardware Control signals:

•

While Pacterm permits the TNC to send it data, RTS is shown.

•

While the TNC permits Pacterm to send it data, CTS is shown.

User’s Guide 80 KAM’98 v 8.3

Pacterm Commands: Overview Pacterm v 2.0

To go from the TERMINAL Screen to the MAIN Menu, press the F1 key.

Pacterm Commands: Overview

The following sections provide detailed specifications, helpful hints and technical
information on Pacterm commands. You may refer to this material now or just
start using the program and come back here later if you need more information.

On-Screen Help

The MAIN Menu screen and Terminal Screen have enough information so you
can use them as a guide to the commands available.

From MAIN Menu, BACKSPACE = Go to Terminal Screen

Pressing BACKSPACE to go to the Terminal Screen is the usual first step in a
session, once your COM port and BAUD rate are set up as you need.

MAIN Menu keys (except those used for SETUP or for EXIT to DOS) can also
be used to go to the Terminal Screen.

From Terminal Screen, F1 = Go to MAIN Menu

After you SETUP Pacterm and begin using the Terminal Screen, you will never
need to return to the MAIN Menu, except to change SETUP values
(COM port or BAUD rate) for the current session.

With the following exceptions, all commands that work on the MAIN Menu will
also work from the Terminal Screen:

•

SETUP commands only work on the MAIN Menu.

•

ESC and CTRL+C are interpreted as data in TERMINAL MODE,
so use them as data, not as ways to EXIT to DOS.

+

Hint: To EXIT Pacterm from the Terminal Screen, use F10, or go to the MAIN
Menu and use ESC or CTRL+C from there.

KAM’98 v 8.3 81 User’s Guide

Pacterm v 2.0 Commands: Setup, Using the MAIN Menu

Commands: Setup, Using the MAIN Menu

Pacterm needs to know a few things in order to communicate with your TNC:

1. What mode of communication will you be using: packet or HF- Non-Packet.
If you are using a TNC (e.g. KPC-3 Plus), then you’ll be using packet.
Pacterm accommodates non-packet modes too for multi-mode Kantronics
TNCs (e.g. KAM Plus, KAM’98).

2. What COM port is going to be connected to the TNC? The default “current
COM PORT” is COM2, but you can switch to COM1.

3. What BAUD rate should Pacterm use to send data to the TNC? The default is
9600 BAUD, but you can select any of the following BAUD rates: 300, 600,
1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600.

+ Hint: Pacterm begins each session with the default settings for COM port

(COM2) and BAUD rate (9600), so if you are using non-default setting(s), you
will need to use the relevant SETUP function(s) to start each session.

F3 = Select TNC Use (Default = Packet)

Pressing F3 switches back and forth between two uses of your TNC: with Packet
communication (default) or with HF Non-Packet communication. The current
setting for this is shown on the MAIN Menu screen.

TNC users should always have Packet selected. Kantronics’ KAMs can operate
using either Packet or HF Non-Packet communication. Several functions work
differently in HF Non-Packet, so you should not select HF Non-Packet communi
cation unless that is what you want to do.

+

Hint: If you accidentally press the F3 key and switch uses of your TNC, you will
know right away because: (1) the display of the current TNC use will change
from Packet to HF Non-Packet, and (2) a box will appear in the lower right of the
screen, showing additional functions that are for use with HF Non-Packet
communication instead of Packet communication. To switch back from
HF Non-Packet to Packet communication, simply press F3 again.

User’s Guide 82 KAM’98 v 8.3

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