KPC–3 Plus
Users Guide: Introduction,
Getting Started,
Modes of Operation,
Command Reference, and
Hardware Specifications
Kantronics
3115 W. 6th St., Suite A
Lawrence, Kansas 66049
Orders / Inquiries (785) 842-7745
FAX (785) 842-2031
e-mail: sales@kantronics.com
website: www.kantronics.com
Service / Technical Support (785) 842-4476 (8 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5 PM Central Time, M-F)
FAX (785) 842-2031
e-mail: service@kantronics.com
REVISIONS
Revision Date Description
A 2003-11-11 Inserted warranty form and revisions page. Deleted reference to
previously supplied molded audio plug with shielded cable.
B 2005-04-28 Added UIDUPE command definition and reference in a number
of locations to the GPS port. Updated “Expanding the RAM”.
C 2005-09-21 Deleted further references to previously supplied molded audio
plug with shielded cable. Deleted reference to Warranty
Registration card. Changed time to file Warranty Registration
from 10 to 60 days. Added e-mailing of Warranty Registration
information. Other cleanup.
D 2005-09-26 Deleted reference to Kantronics HSP cable.
E 2006-05-10 Changed Kantronics address to 3115 W. 6th St., Ste. A.
F 2006-08-22 Removed CE mark pending RoHS Compliance.
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The KPC-3 Plus is a Kantronics hardware and software design incorporating the AX.25 Level 2 Version 2
Packet protocol as adopted by the American Radio Relay League.
We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically correct as of the date of the current
printing. Production changes to the TNC may add errata or addendum sheets. We solicit your comments
and/or suggested corrections.
Please send your comments and/or suggestions to:
Kantronics Co., Inc.
3115 W 6
th
St., Suite A
Lawrence, KS 66049.
The KPC-3 Plus is manufactured in the U.S.A.
© Copyright 2003 by Kantronics Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Contents of this publication or the firmware within the KPC-3 Plus may not be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of the copyright owner.
KPC-3 Plus is a registered trademark of Kantronics Co., Inc.
KPC-9612 Plus is a registered trademark of Kantronics Co., Inc.
KAM ’98 and KAM XL are registered trademarks of Kantronics Co., Inc.
NET/ROM is a registered trademark of SOFTWARE 2000.
APRS is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
HyperTerminal is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
i
Kantronics Warranty Registration
Please take the time to fill out the warranty registration form (or a copy of the form) and mail it to Kantronics,
including a copy of your sales receipt, to register your purchase. Kantronics must receive warranty registration
within 60 days of purchase of the Kantronics KPC–3 Plus to be valid. 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.
Warranty Registration form and copy of sales receipt may be e-mailed to sales@kantronics.com.
Mail form and sales receipt to:
KANTRONICS
3115 W. 6th St., SUITE A
LAWRENCE, KS 66049
Warranty Registration
Last Name: ________________________
First Name: ________________________ Call Sign: ___________________
Mailing Address
City: ______________________________ Telephone: _________________________
State: ______________________________ E-Mail: _________________________
Zip/Postal Code: _____________________
Country: ____________________________
Product: KPC–3 Plus Serial #: ___________________________________
Date of Purchase: ___________________ Dealer: _________________________________________
i
IMPORTANT:
READ THIS PAGE BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR NEW KANTRONICS PRODUCT
This product contains SOFTWARE on Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
and/or diskette and/or CD, 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 or CD and Documentation. You may
not rent or lease the SOFTWARE, but you may transfer the SOFTWARE 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.
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.
i
v
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.
3115 W. 6th St., Suite A
Lawrence, KS 66049
TABLE OF CONTENTS
KPC–3 Plus............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
REVISIONS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................i
Kantronics Warranty Registration .......................................................................................................................................................iii
IMPORTANT: ........................................................................................................................................................................................ iv
License Agreement.................................................................................................................................................................................. iv
IMITED WARRANTY......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
L
Return/Repair Procedures ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
International Returns.......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Radio Frequency Interference Statement.............................................................................................................................................. 8
RFI Suppression..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
FCC Declaration of Conformity: ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
CE Marking Considerations............................................................................................................................................................... 9
Welcome .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual........................................................................................................................................... 12
Major Uses of Your KPC-3 Plus.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Package Contents................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Additional Parts for Your Packet Radio Station ..................................................................................................................................13
Our Assumptions about You................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Documentation Conventions................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Overview of Packet Radio ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Three Basic Components of a Packet Radio Station........................................................................................................................ 15
Sending a Message to Another Station ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments..................................................................................................................................... 19
Protocols: Rules for Working Together........................................................................................................................................... 22
Inside a TNC – the KPC-3 Plus ........................................................................................................................................................... 23
Installing Your KPC-3 Plus ..................................................................................................................................................................25
The Major Components of Your Station.............................................................................................................................................. 25
The KPC-3 Plus ............................................................................................................................................................................... 25
The Transceiver ............................................................................................................................................................................... 26
The Computer .................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
GPS Device (Optional) .................................................................................................................................................................... 28
How the Parts of Your Station are Connected ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Connect Your KPC-3 Plus to a Power Source..................................................................................................................................... 29
External Power from Your Bench (12 V dc) ...................................................................................................................................29
External Power Transformed from 120-V ac Mains........................................................................................................................ 30
Internal Power, from a Battery......................................................................................................................................................... 31
Connect your KPC-3 Plus to Your Computer...................................................................................................................................... 31
Your Serial Communication Cable.................................................................................................................................................. 32
Installing the RS232 Cable ..............................................................................................................................................................34
Configure Your KPC-3 Plus ................................................................................................................................................................ 35
HyperTerminal................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
AUTOBAUD ................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Setting Basic Communication Parameters....................................................................................................................................... 37
Trouble-Shooting Difficulties in Communicating ...........................................................................................................................38
Connect Your KPC-3 Plus to Your Transceiver.................................................................................................................................. 39
Parts for Connecting Your KPC-3 Plus to Your Transceiver........................................................................................................... 40
Preparing the Transceiver Cable Assembly ..................................................................................................................................... 40
Connecting Your Transceiver Cable Assembly............................................................................................................................... 48
Adjusting the Receive Volume of Your Transceiver ....................................................................................................................... 48
Transmit level adjustment................................................................................................................................................................ 49
Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional).............................................................................................................................................. 50
vi
Getting Started....................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
The Front Panel of the KPC-3 Plus...................................................................................................................................................... 52
Beginning a Session............................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Giving Commands and Transmitting Data...........................................................................................................................................54
NEWUSER Commands and All the Commands ................................................................................................................................. 55
List of NEWUSER Commands........................................................................................................................................................ 55
sing NEWUSER Commands............................................................................................................................................................. 57
U
Check Your KPC-3 Plus’ Version Number and ID ......................................................................................................................... 57
Get Help........................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
View Current Values of Parameters................................................................................................................................................. 58
Change the Value of a Parameter..................................................................................................................................................... 58
Connect to Your Mailbox ....................................................................................................................................................................59
Monitor Communications From Nearby Stations................................................................................................................................ 60
Communicate Directly with a Nearby Station ..................................................................................................................................... 61
Modes of Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Packet Mode of Operation ................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Command Mode .............................................................................................................................................................................. 64
Connected vs. Unproto..................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Monitoring and Calling CQ ............................................................................................................................................................. 64
A Simple Connect............................................................................................................................................................................ 65
Digipeating....................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Gateways.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
Multi-Connects ................................................................................................................................................................................67
Round Table Discussions................................................................................................................................................................. 68
Selective Monitoring........................................................................................................................................................................ 68
Timing.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Flow Control.................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode.............................................................................................................................................. 72
Getting Out of Transparent .............................................................................................................................................................. 73
Remote Access to Your TNC............................................................................................................................................................... 74
PBBS (Personal Mailbox).................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Using Your PBBS............................................................................................................................................................................ 76
PBBS Commands............................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Sending Messages............................................................................................................................................................................ 81
Listing Messages.............................................................................................................................................................................. 82
Reading Messages............................................................................................................................................................................ 83
Editing Message Headers................................................................................................................................................................. 83
Hierarchical Addresses .................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Advanced Configuration of Your PBBS.......................................................................................................................................... 85
Remote SYSOP Access to the PBBS............................................................................................................................................... 87
Reverse Forwarding Messages from Your Mailbox ........................................................................................................................ 88
Selecting a Home Full-Service BBS................................................................................................................................................ 88
GPS NMEA Interfacing Capability ..................................................................................................................................................... 93
Overview.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 93
GPS Equipment Requirements......................................................................................................................................................... 94
Cabling a GPS Unit to a Kantronics TNC........................................................................................................................................94
Alternate GPS Input......................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Configuring a Kantronics TNC for GPS Operation......................................................................................................................... 95
GPS Operations................................................................................................................................................................................ 97
Other GPS Features.......................................................................................................................................................................... 98
GPS Command Summary ................................................................................................................................................................ 99
Advanced GPS (or APRS) Digipeating ......................................................................................................................................... 100
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................................................105
Vendors Supplying GPS Units....................................................................................................................................................... 106
7
A-Node............................................................................................................................................................................................ 107
K
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................................ 107
Configuring Your KA-Node .......................................................................................................................................................... 108
Using a KA-Node ..........................................................................................................................................................................109
Automatic Disconnect.................................................................................................................................................................... 111
Using the XCONNECT Command................................................................................................................................................ 112
etermining Which Port You Have Connected To .......................................................................................................................112
D
KA-Node Commands for Remote Use ..........................................................................................................................................113
Introduction to Basic Packet Networking ......................................................................................................................................... 115
Basic Networking Guidelines ....................................................................................................................................................... 116
Quick Start .................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
Command Section ......................................................................................................................................................................... 118
Fine-tuning Your K-Net Node ...................................................................................................................................................... 132
Node Stacking ............................................................................................................................................................................... 135
TheNET X1-J I K-Net Cross-reference Guide .............................................................................................................................. 139
WEFAX Mode................................................................................................................................................................................... 141
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................................ 141
Background: HF WEFAX Transmissions and Resolution............................................................................................................. 141
Finding WEFAX Broadcasts .........................................................................................................................................................141
Tuning WEFAX Signals on HF..................................................................................................................................................... 142
Receiving WEFAX Transmissions ................................................................................................................................................ 142
The WEFAX Command................................................................................................................................................................. 142
Exiting WEFAX Mode .................................................................................................................................................................. 143
Other Modes of Operation ................................................................................................................................................................. 144
Remote Sensing and Control.......................................................................................................................................................... 144
Modem Mode................................................................................................................................................................................. 145
Kantronics Host Mode Operation .................................................................................................................................................. 146
KISS Mode .................................................................................................................................................................................... 147
XKISS (Extended KISS) Mode ..................................................................................................................................................... 148
DAMA (Slave Mode) Capacity ..................................................................................................................................................... 148
Command Reference ...........................................................................................................................................................................152
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................ 152
Format for Listing Commands....................................................................................................................................................... 152
Format Defining Commands.......................................................................................................................................................... 152
Parameter Types............................................................................................................................................................................. 154
Entering Commands....................................................................................................................................................................... 155
KPC-3 Plus Commands .....................................................................................................................................................................157
Appendix A: Advanced Installation ................................................................................................................................................... 222
Precautions......................................................................................................................................................................................... 222
Cable Wiring...................................................................................................................................................................................... 222
Diagram of Pin Numbers on DSUB-25 Connector........................................................................................................................ 222
Connecting to the Computer (DSUB-25)........................................................................................................................................... 223
Cable Wiring.................................................................................................................................................................................. 223
Optional Wiring ............................................................................................................................................................................. 224
Software settings............................................................................................................................................................................ 225
Connecting to your Radios................................................................................................................................................................. 225
Interfacing Hand-Held Radios ....................................................................................................................................................... 227
Optional Connections to DSUB-9 Radio Port ...............................................................................................................................228
Appendix B: Advanced Information.................................................................................................................................................. 229
Assembly and Disassembly ...............................................................................................................................................................229
Hard Reset.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 229
Calibration/Equalization .................................................................................................................................................................... 230
Drive level...................................................................................................................................................................................... 231
Equalization. .................................................................................................................................................................................. 231
PTT (Push-to-Talk) Watchdog Timer................................................................................................................................................ 231
Microprocessor Watchdog Timer ...................................................................................................................................................... 231
8
/D Converter.................................................................................................................................................................................... 232
A
KPC-3 Plus Jumpers .......................................................................................................................................................................... 232
Jumper Locations........................................................................................................................................................................... 232
Appendix C: Options for the KPC-3 Plus.......................................................................................................................................... 235
Low Power Operation........................................................................................................................................................................ 235
Very Low Power Operation ........................................................................................................................................................... 235
xpanding the RAM in the KPC-3 Plus ............................................................................................................................................235
E
Installing the Optional Real-time Clock Module ............................................................................................................................... 236
Replacing the Lithium Battery........................................................................................................................................................... 236
Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty ...................................................................................................................................................... 237
KPC-3 Plus Does Not “Sign-On” to Computer ................................................................................................................................. 237
You Are Unable to Make a “Connect”...............................................................................................................................................237
Cannot Transmit................................................................................................................................................................................. 238
Cannot Return to Command Mode .................................................................................................................................................... 238
Appendix E: Additional Information................................................................................................................................................. 239
Specifications..................................................................................................................................................................................... 239
Messages from the KPC-3 Plus..........................................................................................................................................................240
ASCII Chart ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
KPC-3 Plus Parts List ........................................................................................................................................................................ 247
KPC-3 Plus MX Parts List................................................................................................................................................................. 249
KPC-3 Plus Parts Layout ................................................................................................................................................................... 251
KPC-3 Plus MX Parts Layout............................................................................................................................................................ 252
9
LIMITED WARRANTY
To receive notice of future updates, new product information and prompt warranty
service, please fill in the Kantronics Warranty Registration form COMPLETELY and
return it along with a copy of proof of purchase (to establish purchase date) to
Kantronics Co., Inc., 3115 W. 6
Warranty Registration form and proof of purchase may be e-mailed to
sales@kantronics.com.
NOTE: Return of the Warranty Registration form and proof of purchase is a precondition to warranty coverage.
1. WARRANTY. Kantronics Co., Inc. (“Kantronics”) warrants to the first consumer
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.
KANTRONICS CO., INC.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Effective January 1, 1997
th
St, Suite A, Lawrence, Kansas 66049 USA. The
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
incidental, special, or consequential damages, regardless of whether purported
liability 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 EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION
OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
4. DISCLAIMER. This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed 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 OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR
ANY APPLICABLE PRODUCT. IF, HOWEVER, YOU ARE A CONSUMER WITHIN
THE MEANING OF 15 U.S.C. 2301(3), THE ABOVE DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED
WARRANTIES IS EFFECTIVE ONLY FOR PERIODS OUTSIDE THE APPLICABLE
WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW
LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU.
1
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:
Applicable Products:
UNITS:
KPC-3 Plus, KPC-9612 Plus, KAM ‘98, KAM XL
Applicable Warranty Period: One (1) year from date of purchase.
MEDIA:
EPROMS, CDs, manuals (however bound), specification and other
supplemental pages or any other media on which firmware, software 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 appearance
of the Applicable Product; to broken or cracked cabinets; to any accessory 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.
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 3115 W 6th Street, Suite A, Lawrence,
Kansas 66049 USA; by fax at 785-842-2031; or by phone at our Service / Technical
2
Support number 785-842-4476 (Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Central Time, M-F). Contact us prior to returning an Applicable Product to receive a
Return Authorization 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 replacement.)
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 Limited Warranty
shall be subject to the minimum charge for labor 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 jurisdiction.
3
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 doublecheck 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 computer,
please perform at least the following limited checks before calling or writing:
Carefully check your wiring connections to the RS232 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.
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.
The Service Department telephone hours are 8:00 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5:00 PM
Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you call outside these hours, the phone will just
ring. The service 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:
4
Kantronics Co., Inc.
3115 W. 6th St, Suite A
Lawrence, KS 66049
service phone line: 785-842-4476
service fax line: 785-842-2031
service e-mail address: service@kantronics.com
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 offered by
Kantronics at no charge. This warranty is considered to be in force only when the
customer has submitted his completed warranty registration within 60 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 be
subject to a minimum charge of 1/2 hr labor plus shipping and handling.
Contact the Service Department at 785-842-4476 (Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, M-F) 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.
5
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 you, the customer, and Kantronics unnecessary difficulties and expense.
th
All returns must be shipped to the factory at 3115 W. 6
KS 66049 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”
St, Suite A, Lawrence,
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 9801.00.0000 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
6
• 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 form 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.
7
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
Note 1: 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 designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential 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.
There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment 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
equipment must be connected with a high-quality shielded cable to insure compliance
with FCC limits.
Note 2: The shield of the cable, whether foil, braid, braid over foil, or double braid, must
be properly terminated (connected) 360° to the connector. This is usually accomplished
by the use of a metal or metalized plastic back shell, but may be implemented by direct
contact, including soldering, with metal portion of connector. Experience has indicated
that cable assemblies (with connectors) advertised as “shielded” are not necessarily
terminated properly, if terminated at all. Check cable construction to be sure.
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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:
• Use shielded cable for all connections between equipment. See note 2 above
• Make all interconnecting cables as short as practical
• A balance should be maintained between cable length and equipment proximity.
At times simply routing interface cables away from the video monitor or other
devices, will solve a “screen hash” or electrical noise problem
• Feed-lines to antennas 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° angles
• Ground leads should be as short as possible and go to an 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
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FCC Declaration of Conformity:
NOTE: This equipment, Kantronics’ KPC–3 Plus, has been tested and found to comply
with the essential emission and immunity requirements of the EMC Directive FCC Title
47, Part 15, Subpart B. The test results are on file at the corporate offices of Kantronics.
Type of Equipment: Information Technology Equipment
Class of Equipment: Class B
CE Marking Considerations
The following cautions pertain to CE Marking of this product:
• All cables connecting to DC IN, PORT 1 (VHF), and COMPUTER must be < 3 m
in length
• A cable for GPS or telemetry (control output or A/D input) connected to the
COMPUTER port may be 3 m in length.
• All cables, except for the DC IN port, must be shielded with the shield properly
terminated 360° to the connector. See note 2 in the RF Interference section
• The nominal 12 V dc power must be supplied from a CE marked or third party
approved power brick (wall wart) or ac to dc power supply. If a homemade power
supply is used the components making up the supply must meet IEC/EN
standards for such components.
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Welcome
Welcome to the Kantronics KPC-3 Plus, your pathway to amateur radio packet
communication.
Please review this chapter before you install your KPC-3 Plus as part of your packet
radio station.
Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual
This user’s guide provides documentation on the KPC-3 Plus and packet radio,
including the following:
• What equipment you will need for your packet radio station.
• A brief introduction to packet radio.
• Installing and configuring your KPC-3 Plus packet radio station and making your
first connections.
• Getting started using your KPC-3 Plus.
• Documentation for each mode of operation of your KPC-3 Plus.
• A full “Command Reference”, documenting all KPC-3 Plus commands.
• Full details on KPC-3 Plus jumpers, a full parts list, and other technical
specifications.
Additional documentation and supporting material is available on the “Information and
Program” CD that ships with the KPC-3 Plus.
Major Uses of Your KPC-3 Plus
By adding the KPC-3 Plus and a computer to your ham radio station, you can send and
receive packets of digital information. This allows you to do the following:
• use computers to carry on real-time digital conversations between stations
• send, receive, store and forward mail using a personal mailbox inside the KPC-3
Plus
• send and receive mail using a community bulletin board
• send and receive files
• get and re-transmit location data from Global Positioning System devices
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• serve as a digipeater for other stations
• serve as a network node point for other stations, using KA-NODE and/or the
optional K-Net feature
And much more.
Package Contents
Check to see that you have the items listed below (later you will see how these items
are used in your system):
KPC-3 Plus unit
parts to use in assembling cabling
• Male DSUB-9 connector for radio port
• Metalized DSUB-9 back shell with hardware
• 3 foot (0.91 m) piece of 5-conductor shielded cable to connect the KPC-3
Plus to your radio
• 2.1 mm dc power connector
and, of course, this “User’s Guide” manual on a CD-ROM
IMPORTANT: Check the serial number and EPROM version of your KPC-3 Plus and
record this information in a safe place for future reference.
Additional Parts for Your Packet Radio Station
In addition to your KPC-3 Plus unit, you will need the following parts to set up your
packet radio station:
An FM transceiver
A microphone (Mic) plug and/or mating accessory plug or external audio plug for
your radio
A computer (or other RS232 terminal device)
A serial modem cable, used to connect the KPC-3 Plus to your computer
A 12 V dc power supply or power adapter
(optionally) 9 V battery and battery clip (not supplied, you must install)
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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 its 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
basic electronics needed if you are going to build or upgrade hardware yourself,
(e.g., making cables)
Documentation Conventions
The following conventions are used in the KPC-3 Plus documentation:
To indicate a particular key, the name of the key is given in capitals. For example, press
the ENTER key.
Sometimes you 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 labeled ‘CTRL’ or ‘Ctrl’
(i.e., the “control” key) and, while continuing to hold it down, press the ‘C’ key”. Multiplekey combinations that generate a single character are shown in angle brackets, like this:
<Ctrl+C>.
Conventions for the KPC-3 Plus commands are covered in the “Command Reference”
section of this manual.
Overview of Packet Radio
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:
The three basic components of a packet radio station
Sending a message from one station to another
Details about packets
A brief discussion of protocols
An overview of the insides of the KPC-3 Plus
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If you are already familiar with packet radio, you may wish to skip the rest of this
chapter, or give it a quick review.
Packet radio gives you the ability to send essentially error-free digital communications
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 getting 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.
Three Basic Components of a Packet Radio Station
A packet radio station has three basic parts:
• a transceiver, with an antenna,
• a device called a TNC (i.e., Terminal Node Controller), which is a combination
modem and special-purpose micro-computer, and
Antenna
KPC-3 Plus
Transceiver
Terminal Node Controller
• a general purpose computer (or a terminal).
TNC
Computer
The three parts of a packet 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.
• 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.
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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, NØGRG, 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 NØGRG. Step 1 is 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 configuration task, creating the callsigns given
above. Stations are identified by reference to their callsigns. Note that a
callsign can be for a TNC (e.g., KPC-3 Plus) 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, TNC (e.g., a KPC-3 Plus), and transceiver of his station and uses a
computer software program to tell the TNC that he wants to establish a line of
communication, called a “connection,” with a “destination” station KBØNYK
using an intermediate station NØGRG as a repeater station to carry the
information beyond 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” message that is sent from WØXI. If this
message is detected by the specified intermediate station (i.e., NØGRG),
repeated, 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 though the reverse path, 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 NØGRG, to KBØNYK, (2) turns
ON the “connected” indicator on the TNC, which stays ON as long as the
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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.
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 organized are fully defined
by agreed-upon standards, so any machine that knows the “rules” can make
use of the information.
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 cable 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.
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.
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Step 12. As we know from the “connection,” already established, intermediate station
NØGRG, an AX.25 packet radio station, 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 (e.g., a KPC-3 Plus) 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, NØGRG registers that the packet designates
NØGRG 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, NØGRG 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 expect the message to
get through, but each packet is processed 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, close enough to receive the RF burst sent
by NØGRG, and currently set to display messages on a computer screen. So
the “HELLO” message re-transmitted by NØGRG arrives at KBØNYK’s TNC
(e.g., a KPC-3 Plus), where it is processed 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. NØGRG’s TNC now recognizes another packet which has its callsign in the
address path, requesting it to be digipeated. NØGRG’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, showing 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.
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This example covers one of many uses of packet radio. As covered in other sections 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.
Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments
An efficient way to send a message from one place to another is to break the
information 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 details) and puts each
segment into its 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 communicating 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 done between two stations that are connected
together. “Connected” communication using packet radio assures transmission with
virtually 100% accuracy by having the sender and receiver follow a set of rules for
communicating. These rules are specified in the AX.25 protocol.
The following is an overview of what happens during a packet radio communication
between two connected stations.
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
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packet, from the sending station to the receiving station. As the communication
“beginning of packet”
And up to 8 intermediate stations
and other control information
Data may have 1 to 256 bytes
“end of packet”
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 what 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 telephone, in
that it is not done in real-time, but via messages that are routed 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 protocol,
which is discussed in the next section. Packets used to carry messages, or chunks of
messages, as in the “HELLO” example, are called “information packets.”
The following diagram shows the basic building blocks of “connected information”
packets used in amateur packet radio:
Single character for
Destination station, Source station,
Kind of packet, packet number,
Optional Data with protocol ID
16 bits derived from this
packet used to check for
errors in transmission
Single character for
Flag Address Control PID Data Checksum Flag
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Kinds of Packets
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 KPC-3 Plus’ MCOM command.
As noted at the beginning of this section, the organization of amateur radio packets 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.
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 KPC-3 Plus to use an earlier protocol, AX.25 (level 2, version 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.
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