kpc3plus
KPC - 3 Plus
Users Guide: Introduction,
Getting Started,
Modes of Operation,
Command Reference, and
Hardware Specifications
Kantronics
1202 E. 23rd Street,
Lawrence, Kansas 66046
Orders/ Inquiries (785) 842-7745
FAX (785) 842-2031
e-mail sales@kantronics.com
website: www.kantronics.com
Service / Technical Support (785) 842-4476 (1-5 pm Central Time, M-F)
FAX (785) 842-2021
e-mail service@kantronics.com
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 correc
-
tions. Please send your comments and/or suggestions to Kantronics Co., Inc.,
1202 E. 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.
Printed in the U.S.A.
The KPC-3 Plus is manufactured in the U.S.A.
© Copyright 1997 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, KPC-9612 Plus, and Pacterm are trademarks of Kantronics Co., Inc.
NET/ROM is a registered trademark of SOFTWARE 2000. APRS is a registered
trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
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: KPC-3 Plus serial #:
Date of Purchase:
Dealer:
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 termi-
nate 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.
License Agreement
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 User’s Guide
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 SOFT-
WARE 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 COMMUNICA-
TIONS 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
License Agreement
User’s Guide KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
License Agreement ..................................i
Limited Warranty ...................................1
Applicable Products: ...............................2
Return/Repair Procedures ..............................5
International Returns ...............................7
Radio Frequency Interference Statement.......................9
EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”........................10
RFI Suppression...................................10
Introduction................................................11
Welcome.......................................11
Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual .....................11
Upgrade Summaries.................................12
Differences Between the KPC-3 and the KPC-3 Plus ..............12
Differences Between Version 7.0 and Version 8.2 . . .............14
Major Uses of Your KPC-3 Plus ..........................15
Package Contents ..................................15
Additional Parts For Your Packet Radio Station ..................16
Our Assumptions About You ............................17
Documentation Conventions ............................17
Overview of Packet Radio .............................18
Three Basic Components of a Packet Radio Station ..............18
Sending a Message to Another Station .....................19
Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments ...................25
Protocols: Rules for Working Together .....................28
Inside a TNC – the KPC-3 Plus ..........................29
Installing Your KPC-3 Plus ...................................31
The Major Components of Your Station ......................32
The KPC-3 Plus .................................32
The Transceiver .................................33
The Computer ..................................33
GPS Device (Optional) .............................36
How the Parts of Your Station are Connected....................36
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 i User’s Guide
Connect Your KPC-3 Plus to a Power Source ...................37
External Power from Your Bench (12 Volt dc) .................38
External Power Transformed from 120 Vac Line Voltage ...........38
Internal Power, from a Battery. .........................39
Connect your KPC-3 Plus to Your Computer ....................41
Your Serial Communication Cable .......................41
Installing the RS-232 Cable ...........................44
Install Software and Configure Your KPC-3 Plus .................45
Connect Your KPC-3 Plus to Your Transceiver...................46
Parts for Connecting Your KPC-3 Plus to Your Transceiver . .........47
Preparing the Transceiver Cable Assembly ...................48
Connecting Your Transceiver Cable Assembly .................57
Adjusting the Receive Volume of Your Transceiver...............58
Transmit level adjustment ............................59
Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional) ......................60
Pacterm v 2.0..............................................61
Introduction .....................................61
Our Assumptions About You ..........................61
Overview.....................................62
Quick Start .....................................63
Installing Pacterm ..................................64
Saving Pacterm on Your Hard Drive ......................64
Saving Pacterm on a Floppy Disk ........................65
Establishing Communication ............................66
Starting Pacterm...................................67
Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC........................68
Coordinating BAUD Rates: The Autobaud Routine ..............68
Configuring the TNC for Use with Pacterm...................69
Pacterm Screens ...................................71
The MAIN Menu Screen ............................71
The Terminal Screen ...............................72
Pacterm Commands: Overview ...........................73
On-Screen Help .................................73
From MAIN Menu, BACKSPACE = Go to Terminal Screen . .........73
From Terminal Screen, F1 = Go to MAIN Menu ................73
Table of Contents
User’s Guide ii KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
Commands: Setup, Using the MAIN Menu.....................74
F3 = Select TNC Use (Default = Packet) ....................74
F7 = Select SERIAL PORT (Default = COM2) .................75
F8 = Select BAUD RATE (Default = 9600) ...................75
Commands: Controlling the Flow of Data .....................76
F5 = Pacterm to TNC: Offline or Online (Default) . . .............76
F6 = TNC to Pacterm: STOP or START (Default) . . .............77
Commands: Output Control .............................77
ALT+P = Printer: ON or OFF (Default) .....................78
ALT+B = Holding Buffer: OPEN or CLOSE (Default) .............78
ALT+C = Holding Buffer: CLEAR .......................79
F2 = Holding Buffer: SAVE and CLEAR ....................79
ALT+F = Send a File to Your TNC .......................81
Commands: Exiting .................................82
F9 = Switch Your TNC to Command Mode...................82
F10 = Disconnect and EXIT to DOS ......................83
ESC or CTRL+C (on Main Menu Only) = EXIT to DOS............83
HF Non-Packet Functions (For KAMs Only)....................84
Commands that Work Differently in HF Non-Packet Mode ..........84
Additional Commands for HF Non-Packet ...................85
Trouble-Shooting Difficulties in Communicating .................87
Problem: Go to Terminal Screen, but Nothing Happens ............87
Problem: Your Computer Freezes Up ......................87
Problem: You Are Getting Bad or Intermittent Data ..............87
Problem: Your TNC Stops Behaving Normally .................88
Getting Started .............................................89
The Front Panel of the KPC-3 Plus .........................90
Beginning a Session .................................91
Giving Commands and Transmitting Data .....................91
NEWUSER Commands and All the Commands ..................92
Diagram of NEWUSER Commands.......................93
List of NEWUSER Commands .........................94
Using NEWUSER Commands ...........................95
Check Your KPC-3 Plus’s Version Number and ID . . .............95
GetHelp.....................................95
Table of Contents
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 iii User’s Guide
View Current Values of Parameters .......................96
Change the Value of a Parameter ........................96
Connect to Your Mailbox ..............................97
Monitor Communications From Nearby Stations..................98
Communicate Directly with a Nearby Station ...................99
Modes of Operation ........................................101
Packet Mode of Operation .............................101
Introduction...................................101
CommandMode................................102
Connected vs Unproto .............................102
Monitoring and Calling CQ ..........................103
A Simple Connect ...............................103
Digipeating ...................................105
Gateways ....................................106
Multi-Connects ................................106
Round Table Discussions ...........................107
Selective Monitoring ..............................108
Timing.....................................108
Flow Control ..................................111
Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode .....................113
Getting Out of Transparent ..........................114
Remote Access to Your TNC ...........................114
PBBS (Personal Mailbox) .............................117
Introduction...................................117
Using Your PBBS ...............................117
PBBS Commands................................119
Sending Messages ...............................123
Listing Messages ................................124
Reading Messages ...............................125
Editing Message Headers............................126
Hierarchical Addresses .............................128
Advanced Configuration of Your PBBS ....................128
Remote SYSOP Access to the PBBS .....................130
Reverse Forwarding Messages from Your Mailbox . . . ...........131
Selecting a Home Full-Service BBS.......................132
Table of Contents
User’s Guide iv KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
GPS NMEA Interfacing Capability ........................136
Overview ....................................136
GPS Equipment Requirements .........................137
Cabling a GPS Unit to a Kantronics TNC ...................138
Setup: Configuring a Kantronics TNC for GPS Operation ..........139
GPS Operations.................................141
Other GPS Features ..............................142
GPSCommandSummary...........................144
Advanced GPS (or APRS) Digipeating ....................145
Bibliography ..................................152
Vendors Supplying GPS Units .........................152
KA-Node .....................................153
Overview ....................................153
Configuring Your KA-Node ..........................154
Using a KA-Node ...............................155
Automatic Disconnect .............................158
Using the XCONNECT Command.......................159
Determining Which Port You Have Connected To ..............160
KA-Node Commands for Remote Use ....................160
WEFAXMode ..................................163
Overview ....................................163
Background: HF WEFAX Transmissions and Resolution . . .........163
Finding WEFAX Broadcasts .........................164
Tuning WEFAX Signals on HF ........................164
Receiving WEFAX Transmissions ......................164
TheWEFAXCommand............................165
Exiting WEFAX Mode .............................165
Other Modes of Operation .............................166
Remote Sensing and Control ..........................166
Modem Mode..................................168
Kantronics Host Mode Operation .......................169
KISSMode ..................................169
XKISS (Extended KISS) Mode ........................171
DAMA (Slave Mode) Capacity ........................172
Table of Contents
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 v User’s Guide
Command Reference ......................................175
Introduction ....................................175
Format for Listing Commands .........................175
Format Defining Commands .........................176
Parameter Types ................................177
Entering Commands ..............................179
KPC-3 Plus Commands ..............................181
Appendix A: Advanced Installation ...........................253
Precautions .....................................253
Cable Wiring ...................................253
Diagram of Pin Numbers on DB-25 Connector ................253
Connecting to the Computer (DB-25) .......................254
Cable Wiring ..................................254
Optional Wiring ................................255
Software settings ................................256
Connecting to your Radios.............................256
Interfacing Hand-Held Radios .........................258
Optional Connections to DB-9 Radio Port ..................259
Appendix B: Advanced Information...........................261
Assembly and Disassembly ............................261
Hard Reset .....................................262
Calibration/Equalization ..............................263
Drive level. ...................................263
Equalization. ..................................264
PTT (Push-to-Talk) Watchdog Timer .......................264
Microprocessor Watchdog Timer .........................264
A/D Converter ...................................265
KPC-3 Plus Jumpers ................................265
Jumper Locations ...............................265
Table of Contents
User’s Guide vi KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
Appendix C: Options for the KPC-3 Plus ......................269
Low Power Operation ...............................269
Very Low Power Operation ..........................269
Expanding the RAM in the KPC-3 Plus .....................270
Installing the Optional Real-Time Clock Module .................270
Replacing the Lithium Battery ..........................271
Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty.............................273
KPC-3 Plus Does Not “Sign-On” to Computer ..................273
You Are Unable to Make a “Connect” ......................273
Cannot Transmit ..................................274
Cannot Return to Command Mode ........................274
Appendix E: Additional Information..........................275
Specifications ...................................275
Messages from the KPC-3 Plus ..........................276
ASCII Chart ....................................283
KPC-3 Plus Parts List ...............................285
KPC-3 Plus Parts Layout .............................287
Table of Contents
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 vii User’s Guide
Table of Contents
User’s Guide viii KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
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 Ap-
plicable Warranty Period, it will, at its option, repair or replace the defective Ap-
plicable 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.
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
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 1 User’s Guide
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
-
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 con-
taining 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 Li-
cense Agreement provided with these products). The products to which the war-
ranty of Section 1 hereof applies (herein “Applicable Products”) and the periods
during which the warranty shall apply to such products (herein, “Applicable War-
ranty Period”) are as follows:
Applicable Products:
UNITS:
KPC-9612, KPC-9612 Plus, KAM, KAM Plus, 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.
Limited Warranty
User’s Guide 2 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
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
-
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 autho-
rized
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 gener-
ally 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 1202 East 23rd Street, Law
-
rence, Kansas 66046 USA; by fax at 785-842-2021; or by phone at our
Service / Technical Support number 785-842-4476 (Hours: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Central Time, M-F). Contact us prior to returning an Applicable Product to re
-
ceive 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
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 3 User’s Guide
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.
Limited Warranty
User’s Guide 4 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
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.
Return/Repair Procedures
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 5 User’s Guide
+
The Service Department telephone hours are 1:00 pm - 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:
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: 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 DIS-
PLAY 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
be subject to a minimum charge of 1/2 hour labor plus shipping and handling.
Return/Repair Procedures
User’s Guide 6 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
Contact the Service Department at 785-842-4476 (Hours: 1:00 p.m. - 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.
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.”
+
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.
Return/Repair Procedures
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 7 User’s Guide
•
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.
Return/Repair Procedures
User’s Guide 8 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
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.
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 9 User’s Guide
EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”
NOTE: This equipment, Kantronics’ KPC-3 Plus, 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 dimen-
sion of RFI may be encountered. In spite of the equipment manufacturers’ dili-
gence, 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.
EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”
User’s Guide 10 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
Introduction
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.
• Documentation for Pacterm, the PC terminal software shipped with the
KPC-3 Plus.
•
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” disk that ships with the KPC-3 Plus.
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 11 User’s Guide
Upgrade Summaries
This section is for those who are upgrading to Version 8.2 of the KPC-3 Plus
from the KPC-3, which is a device upgrade (i.e., both hardware and firmware),
or fromVersion 7.0 of the KPC-3 Plus, which is a firmware upgrade.
Differences Between the KPC-3 and the KPC-3 Plus
The KPC-3 Plus is a new device, replacing the KPC-3, which introduces addi
-
tional firmware and hardware features not found in the KPC-3 and deletes several
commands that were in the KPC-3. The KPC-3 has been discontinued; the
KPC-3 Plus replaces it, featuring additional flexibility and expandability.
Firmware Differences
The KPC-3 Plus deletes several commands that were in the KPC-3 and adds
several new commands:
• The PARITY command has been removed; the KPC-3 Plus now
communicates on the RS232 port with 8 bits of data, no parity, and one
stop bit (8,N,1).
•
NUCR and NULF have been removed. Internally, they are set
permanently to 0.
•
LCSTREAM has been set ON permanently and the command removed.
•
STATSHRT has been removed and its function has been combined with
the STATUS command. STATUS always shows the ‘short’ status unless
the LONG parameter is added to the STATUS command.
•
The XMITLVL command has been added to set the audio (transmit)
drive level of the modem. The drive level adjustment potentiometer is
now digital, allowing for drive level adjustment via your keyboard
(without having to open the case).
•
The ANALOG and CTRL commands have been added to the 3 Plus to
control the (new) two A/D inputs and two control line outputs
respectively.
Introduction Upgrade Summaries
User’s Guide 12 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
•
A TELEMTRY command has been added to allow broadcasting the
values of certain inputs on a regular basis.
•
A BREAK command has been added to allow exit from Convers or
Transparent Mode; the user can now send an RS232 break sequence to
return to Command Mode.
•
The BUDLIST and BUDCALLS commands have been combined into
the BUDLIST command; the SUPLIST and SUPCALLS commands
have also been combined into the SUPLIST command. In addition,
BUDLIST and SUPLIST parameters have been expanded to allow more
specific monitoring.
• The CONLIST and LLIST commands now have their own list of
callsigns instead of sharing with BUDLIST and SUPLIST as before.
• The MHEADER command has been added to the monitor functions.
When this command is off, only the data from monitored packets is
shown. To avoid confusion, use of BUDLIST is recommended if the
MHEADER command is off.
• A PBLIST command has been added for the PBBS. This command
allows the owner to add family members who are also hams to the list of
‘owners’. If PBLIST is ON, the mail-status LED will blink when mail is
available for anyone on the list and the List-mine, Read-mine, and
Kill-mine commands will operate on this list.
•
The MHCLEAR, NDHCLEAR, and PHCLEAR commands have been
removed; the clearing function is now a parameter of the MHEARD,
NDHEARD, and PHEARD commands.
•
The FULLDUP command has been expanded to include a LOOPBACK
parameter. The original KPC-3 receive circuit was still active while
transmitting when FULLDUP was OFF. Now when FULLDUP is off,
the receive circuit is inactive while transmitting. When FULLDUP is
LOOPBACK, the receive circuit is active while transmitting.
•
MODEM has been added to the INTFACE command.
Upgrade Summaries Introduction
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 13 User’s Guide
•
The CONPERM command has been added which allows an AX.25
connection to be permanently connected, even after a reset or power
failure.
•
The function of the XCD pin has changed. If CD is set to EXTERNAL,
the pin will function as before as an indicator of channel activity and
valid modem signals on the received audio line. If CD is INTERNAL or
SOFTWARE, the XCD pin functions as an additional transmit inhibit.
Hardware Differences
There are several major and a number of minors hardware differences between
the KPC-3 and the KPC-3 Plus:
• The audio drive pot is now digital, rather than analog, controlled by
either the XMITLVL or CAL command. See the command reference for
details.
• Two A/D inputs, at 8 bits resolution, and two control line outputs have
been added. The “DC” A/D inputs are read using the ANALOG
command and the output control lines are held, pulsed, or toggled using
the CTRL command.
• Space has been retained within the case for a 9 volt battery.
•
Sixteen “jumpers” have been placed on the board to allow for
configuration flexibility. For example, the unit may be set up for
external, battery, or both operation. See the listing of jumpers and their
functions in Appendix B.
Differences Between Version 7.0 and Version 8.2
Version 8.2 introduces four new commands for use with GPS (and APRS) activi
-
ties: UIDIGI, UIFLOOD, UITRACE, and UIDWAIT. These commands may be
useful for other activities too. These commands are explained in the “Advanced
GPS (or APRS) Digipeating” section of the Modes of Operation chapter and in
the Command Reference.
Introduction Upgrade Summaries
User’s Guide 14 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
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 follow
-
ing:
•
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 the Global Position System
devices
• 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 DB-9 connector for radio port
•
3 foot piece of 5-conductor shielded cable to connect the KPC-3 Plus
to your radio
•
Mini-plug cable for radio receive audio
•
2.1 mm power connector
Major Uses of Your KPC-3 Plus Introduction
KPC-3 Plus v 8.2 15 User’s Guide
•
an “Information and Program disk” (3.5", DS/HD 1.44MB, formatted for
PC (IBM) compatible computers), which includes a PC terminal
program.
•
Registration card
•
Warranty card
•
and, of course, this “User’s Guide” manual
IMPORTANT: Check your warranty card for the serial number and EPROM ver
-
sion of your KPC-3 Plus and record this information on the inside cover of this
manual 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) or accessory jack connector for your radio
•
A computer (or other RS-232 terminal device)
•
A serial modem cable, used to connect the KPC-3 Plus to your computer
•
A 12 Vdc power supply or power adaptor
•
(optionally) 9-volt battery and battery clip (not supplied, you must
install)
Introduction Additional Parts For Your Packet Radio
User’s Guide 16 KPC-3 Plus v 8.2
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