Kantronics kpc9612plus User Manual
KPC - 9612 Plus
Users Guide: Introduction,
Getting Started,
Modes of Operation,
Command Reference, and
Hardware Specifications
Kantronics
1202 E. 23rd Street,
Lawrence, Kansas 66046
Orders/ Inquiries (913) 842-7745
FAX (913) 842-2031
e-mail sales@kantronics.com
website: www.kantronics.com
Service / Technical Support (913) 842-4476 (9-12 am, 2-5 pm Central Time,
M-F)
FAX (913) 842-2021
e-mail service@kantronics.com
The KPC-9612 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.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically
correct as of the date of the current printing. Production changes to the
KPC-9612 Plus may add errata or additional addendum sheets. We solicit your
comments and/or suggested corrections. Please send these to Kantronics Co.,
Inc.,
1202 E. 23rd Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.
© Copyright 1997 by Kantronics Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Contents of this publication or the firmware within the KPC-9612 Plus may not
be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright owner.
KPC-9612 Plus, KPC-3 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.
The KPC-9612 Plus is manufactured in the U.S.A.
Printed in the United States of America.
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-9612 Plus serial #:
Date of Purchase:
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 i User’s Guide
Dealer:
User’s Guide ii KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
License Agreement
IMPORTANT: READ THIS PAGE BEFORE YOU
INSTALL YOUR NEW KANTRONICS PRODUCT
This product contains SOFTWARE on Programmable Read Only Memory
(PROM) and/or diskette which is protected by both United States copyright law
and international treaty provisions.
If you install or use this product , you will be deemed to be bound by the terms of
the SOFTWARE license shown below. If you do not wish to be bound by such
license, return such product and all associated documentation unused to your
supplier for refund of the amount you paid.
License Agreement
1. License. In consideration of payment of the License Fee, which is included in
the price of the product, the Licensee (you) is granted by the Licensor
(Kantronics Company, Inc. - Kantronics) a non-exclusive right to use the
SOFTWARE and associated documentation. No ownership rights to the
SOFTWARE or its Documentation are transferred from Kantronics to you.
2. Term. This License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may terminate this Agreement by destroying the PROM or diskette and documentation.
You may not rent or lease the SOFTWARE, but you may transfer the SOFT
WARE and accompanying written materials on a permanent basis provided you
retain no copies and the recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement.
Kantronics may terminate this Agreement without notice if you violate any terms
or conditions of the Agreement. In the event of termination of the Agreement,
provisions relating to Kantronics’ disclaimers of warranties, limitation of liability,
remedies, or damages and Kantronics’ proprietary rights shall survive.
3. Object Code. The SOFTWARE is delivered in object code only. You shall not
reverse compile or otherwise reverse engineer the SOFTWARE.
4. Limited Warranty. This product is covered by the standard Kantronics Co.,
Inc. Limited Warranty, which is enclosed.
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 iii User’s Guide
-
License Agreement
5. General. This License Agreement constitutes the complete Agreement
between you and Kantronics.
The SOFTWARE and/or Documentation may not be exported or re-exported in
violation of any export laws or regulations of the United States of America or any
other applicable jurisdiction.
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State
of Kansas, United States of America.
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government of the United States is subject
to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical
Data and Computer SOFTWARE clause of DFARS 252.227-7013.
Kantronics may in its sole discretion, provide you with upgrades of the SOFTWARE and/or Documentation if you have provided Kantronics your completed
Warranty registration with a copy of your receipt showing the amount you paid.
LICENSEE ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS
AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS. LICENSEE
FURTHER AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS THE COMPLETE AND
EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LICENSEE
AND LICENSOR AND SUPERSEDES ANY PROPOSAL OR PRIOR
AGREEMENT, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Any questions concerning this Agreement or any other matter relating to
Kantronics Company, Inc. products or business practices may be directed to:
Customer Service Department
Kantronics Company, Inc.
1202 E. 23rd Street,
Lawrence, KS 66046
User’s Guide iv KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
License Agreement .................................iii
Limited Warranty ...................................1
Applicable Products: ...............................2
Return/Repair Procedures ..............................5
Check-List for Possible Problems ......................5
Return Procedures ..............................5
Charges ....................................6
International Returns ...............................7
Radio Frequency Interference Statement.......................9
EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”........................10
RFI Suppression...................................10
Introduction................................................11
Welcome.......................................11
Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual .....................11
Upgrade Summaries.................................12
From KPC-9612 to KPC-9612 Plus Version 8.1 ................12
Differences Between V. 8.1 and V. 8.2 of the KPC-9612 Plus .........13
Major Uses of Your KPC-9612 Plus ........................13
Package Contents ..................................14
Additional Parts For Your Packet Radio Station ..................14
Our Assumptions About You ............................15
Documentation Conventions ............................15
Overview of Packet Radio .............................15
Three Basic Components of a Packet Radio Station ..............16
Sending a Message to Another Station .....................18
Packets: Dividing Messages into Segments ...................22
Unconnected Packets ............................23
Connected Packets..............................23
How a Packet is Organized .........................24
Kinds of Packets...............................25
Protocols: Rules for Working Together .....................26
AX.25....................................26
Alternatives to AX.25 ............................26
Inside a TNC – the KPC-9612 Plus ........................27
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 v User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Installing Your KPC-9612 Plus ................................29
The Major Components of Your Station ......................30
The KPC-9612 Plus ...............................30
Rear Panel ..................................30
The Transceivers.................................31
The Computer ..................................32
The Serial Port on Your Computer .....................33
GPS Device (Optional) .............................34
How the Parts of Your Station are Connected....................35
Connect Your KPC-9612 Plus to a Power Source .................36
External Power from Your Bench (12 Volt dc) .................37
..........................................38
External Power Transformed from 120 Vac Line Voltage ...........38
Connect your KPC-9612 Plus to Your Computer ..................39
Your Serial Communication Cable .......................39
Purchase Your Serial Cable .........................39
Make Your Serial Cable ...........................39
Installing the RS-232 Cable ...........................42
Install Software and Configure Your KPC-9612 Plus ...............43
Port 1: Connect to a Transceiver ..........................44
Parts for Connecting to a Transceiver ......................45
Preparing the Transceiver Cable Assembly ...................46
Wiring Directions (Connecting KPC-9612 Plus and Transceiver) . . . . . 46
Constructing the Cable Assembly ......................50
Connecting Your Transceiver Cable Assembly .................55
Adjusting the Receive Volume of Your Transceiver...............56
Transmit level adjustment ............................57
Port 2: Connecting to a “High Speed” Radio ....................58
DB-15 ......................................58
Adjusting High Speed Transmit Drive Level ..................59
Adjusting High Speed Receive Circuits .....................59
Connecting to a GPS Device (Optional) ......................61
User’s Guide vi KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Table of Contents
Pacterm v 2.0..............................................63
Introduction .....................................63
Our Assumptions About You ..........................63
Overview.....................................64
Quick Start .....................................65
Installing Pacterm ..................................66
Saving Pacterm on Your Hard Drive ......................66
Copying files from a floppy to your hard drive . . .............66
Guided Installation .............................67
Saving Pacterm on a Floppy Disk ........................67
Establishing Communication ............................68
Starting Pacterm...................................69
Coordinating Pacterm and Your TNC........................70
Coordinating BAUD Rates: The Autobaud Routine ..............70
Configuring the TNC for Use with Pacterm...................71
Required TNC Parameter Settings .....................71
Optional Parameter Settings.........................72
Pacterm Screens ...................................73
The MAIN Menu Screen ............................73
The Terminal Screen ...............................74
The Status Line ...............................74
Pacterm Commands: Overview ...........................75
On-Screen Help .................................75
From MAIN Menu, BACKSPACE = Go to Terminal Screen ..........75
From Terminal Screen, F1 = Go to MAIN Menu ................75
Commands: Setup, Using the MAIN Menu.....................76
F3 = Select TNC Use (Default = Packet) ....................76
F7 = Select SERIAL PORT (Default = COM2) .................77
F8 = Select BAUD RATE (Default = 9600) ...................77
Commands: Controlling the Flow of Data .....................78
F5 = Pacterm to TNC: Offline or Online (Default) . . .............78
F6 = TNC to Pacterm: STOP or START (Default) . . .............79
Commands: Output Control .............................79
ALT+P = Printer: ON or OFF (Default) .....................80
ALT+B = Holding Buffer: OPEN or CLOSE (Default) .............80
ALT+C = Holding Buffer: CLEAR .......................81
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 vii User’s Guide
Table of Contents
F2 = Holding Buffer: SAVE and CLEAR ....................81
Two ways to Save Holding Buffer Data...................82
ALT+F = Send a File to Your TNC .......................83
Commands: Exiting .................................84
F9 = Switch Your TNC to Command Mode...................84
F10 = Disconnect and EXIT to DOS ......................85
ESC or CTRL+C (on Main Menu Only) = EXIT to DOS............85
HF Non-Packet Functions (For KAMs Only)....................86
Commands that Work Differently in HF Non-Packet Mode . .........86
Additional Commands for HF Non-Packet ...................87
ALT+T (transmit) = Exit Type-ahead ....................87
ALT+R (receive) = Return to Type-ahead .................87
ALT+E = Return to Receive.........................87
ALT+H = Shift Tone Pair Frequencies ...................88
ALT+I = Invert Received Signal (rtty/ascii) ................88
ALT+S n = Speed Change..........................88
Trouble-Shooting Difficulties in Communicating .................89
Problem: Go to Terminal Screen, but Nothing Happens ............89
Problem: Your Computer Freezes Up ......................89
Problem: You Are Getting Bad or Intermittent Data ..............89
Problem: Your TNC Stops Behaving Normally .................90
Getting Started .............................................91
The Front Panel of the KPC-9612 Plus .......................92
Beginning a Session .................................93
Giving Commands and Transmitting Data .....................94
CommandMode...............................94
Converse (Conversation) Mode .......................94
TRANS (Transparent) Mode ........................95
TNC Commands ..................................95
NEWUSER Commands .............................95
List of NEWUSER Commands .........................97
Using NEWUSER Commands ...........................98
Check Your KPC-9612 Plus’s Version Number and ID .............98
GetHelp.....................................98
View Current Values of Parameters .......................99
User’s Guide viii KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Table of Contents
Change the Value of a Parameter ........................99
Connect to Your Mailbox .............................100
Monitor Communications From Nearby Stations .................101
Communicate Directly with a Nearby Station ...................102
Switch from Port 1 to Port 2 ............................104
Other Topics ....................................104
Modes of Operation ........................................107
Packet Mode of Operation .............................107
Introduction...................................107
Information is Organized into “Packets” .................107
Your Packet Unit is a Terminal Node Controller (TNC)..........108
Protocol for Amateur Packet Radio: AX.25 ................108
CommandMode................................108
Connected vs Unproto .............................109
Monitoring and Calling CQ ..........................109
A Simple Connect ...............................110
Digipeating ...................................111
Gateways ....................................112
Multi-Connects ................................112
Round Table Discussions ...........................114
Selective Monitoring ..............................114
Timing .....................................114
Dwait vs. Persistence and Slottime ....................114
Txdelay ..................................115
Frack (Frame Acknowledgment Time) ..................115
Retries AX.25 Level 2, Version 1 vs. Version 2 ..............116
Flow Control ..................................117
Software Flow Control ..........................118
Hardware Flow Control ..........................119
Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode .....................119
Getting Out of Transparent ..........................120
Remote Access to Your TNC ...........................121
PBBS (Personal Mailbox) .............................123
Introduction...................................123
Using Your PBBS ...............................123
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 ix User’s Guide
Table of Contents
PBBS Commands ...............................125
B(ye) ....................................125
E(dit) n [BPTYNFH] [>tocall] [<fromcall] [@BBS] “old” “new” ....125
H(elp) ...................................125
J(heard) ..................................125
J(heard) S(hort) .............................125
J(heard) L(ong) ..............................126
L(ist) [ x [y]] [; ] .............................126
L(ist) <|> call [ ; ] ............................126
LB [;] ..................................126
LC [cat[;]] ...............................126
LLn [;] .................................126
LM(ine) [ ; ] ...............................127
LO [+|-] ..................................127
LT [;] ..................................127
K(ill) n ...................................127
KM(ine) ..................................127
R(ead) n ..................................127
RHn....................................128
RM(ine) ..................................128
S(end) call .................................128
SBcat ...................................128
SP call ...................................128
STzip ...................................128
Sending Messages ...............................129
Listing Messages ................................130
Reading Messages ...............................131
Editing Message Headers............................132
E(dit) n [BPTYNFH] [>tocall] [<fromcall] [@BBS] “old” “new” ....132
Hierarchical Addresses .............................134
Advanced Configuration of Your PBBS ....................134
Remote SYSOP Access to the PBBS .....................136
Reverse Forwarding Messages from Your Mailbox . . . ...........137
Selecting a Home Full-Service BBS.......................137
Routing Lines ...............................138
Paging .......................................142
Introduction to Paging .............................142
User’s Guide x KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Table of Contents
Commercial Paging...............................143
Amateur Paging ................................145
Setting Up a Paging System ..........................146
Equipment Requirements .........................147
Pagers ...................................148
Interconnecting the TNC and Transceiver .................148
Transmitter Drive, Receiver Equalization .................148
Getting Ready to Operate .........................149
Command Setup ..............................149
TNC Page Commands:...........................151
Using Page Commands.............................151
Initiating a (POCSAG) Page ........................152
Page Directory ...............................152
Loging Pages — Pagelog .........................154
Advanced Monitoring of Pages ......................155
Page Server ...................................156
Page Server Commands ..........................156
Using the Server ..............................157
GPS NMEA Interfacing Capability ........................159
Overview ....................................159
GPS Equipment Requirements .........................160
Cabling a GPS Unit to a Kantronics TNC ...................161
Setup: Configuring a Kantronics TNC for GPS Operation ..........162
Setting Parameters in the TNC.......................163
GPS Unit Initialization from the TNC ...................164
GPS Operations.................................164
Starting the TNC in GPS Mode ......................164
Exiting GPS Mode .............................165
Other GPS Features ..............................165
Slotted Beacons ..............................165
Tracking Without Beacons .........................166
Remote Access and GPS ..........................166
Other Notes ................................167
GPSCommandSummary ...........................167
Advanced GPS/APRS Digipeating ......................169
Improving Efficiencies of Advanced Digipeating .............169
Overview of UI Digipeating Commands .................170
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 xi User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Using “UI” Digipeat Commands: UIDIGI, UIFLOOD, and UITRACE . 171
Configuring Digis for HF/VHF Gateway Operations ...........174
Bibliography ..................................176
Vendors Supplying GPS Units .........................176
KA-Node .....................................177
Overview ....................................177
Configuring Your KA-Node ..........................178
UsingaKA-Node ...............................179
Automatic Disconnect .............................182
Using the XCONNECT Command.......................183
Determining Which Port You Have Connected To . . . ...........184
KA-Node Commands for Remote Use ....................184
ABORT ..................................184
Bye ....................................184
Connect callsign [Stay] ..........................185
Help ....................................185
Jheard [Short|Long] ...........................185
Nodes [Short|Long] ...........................186
Xconnect callsign .............................186
Other Modes of Operation .............................187
Remote Sensing and Control ..........................187
Modem Mode..................................189
Copying Weather Broadcasts NWS EMWIN ...............189
Kantronics Host Mode Operation .......................190
KISSMode ..................................190
XKISS (Extended KISS) Mode ........................192
DAMA (Slave Mode) Capacity ........................193
What is DAMA? ..............................193
What Does a DAMA System Look Like? .................193
How is DAMA Implemented in Kantronics TNCs? ...........194
Bibliography ................................195
Command Reference ......................................197
Introduction ....................................197
Format for Listing Commands .........................198
Format Defining Commands .........................198
The Command Line ............................198
User’s Guide xii KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Table of Contents
The Line Below the Command Definition.................199
Parameter Types ................................200
Entering Commands ..............................202
TNC Commands .................................204
Appendix A: Advanced Installation ...........................283
Precautions .....................................283
Connecting to the Computer (DB-25) .......................283
DB-25 Connector................................283
Diagram of Pin Numbers on DB-25 Connector ..............284
Cable Wiring ..................................284
Optional Wiring ................................285
Applying Power through the DB-25 connector. ..............285
Resetting the KPC-9612 Plus through the DB-25 connector. .......286
Hardware handshaking with DSR and DTR. ...............286
Software settings ................................286
Connecting to your Radios.............................287
Interfacing Hand-Held Radios (Port 1 only) ..................288
Optional Connections to DB-9 Radio Port ..................290
Applying Power through the DB-9 connector. ..............290
Resetting the KPC-9612 Plus through the DB-9 connector.........290
Port 2: High Speed (e.g., 9600 Baud) .....................290
Port 2 (High Speed) Transmit level ....................292
Appendix B: Advanced Information...........................293
Assembly and Disassembly ............................293
Hard Reset .....................................293
Calibration/Equalization ..............................294
Port 1: 1200 baud................................295
Transmit Drive level. ...........................295
Receive Equalization. ...........................296
Port 2: High-speed Port.............................296
Transmit Drive level. ...........................297
Receive Equalization. ...........................297
PTT (Push-to-Talk) Watchdog Timer .......................297
Microprocessor Watchdog Timer .........................298
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 xiii User’s Guide
Table of Contents
A/D Converter ...................................298
KPC-9612 Plus Jumpers ..............................298
Jumper Locations ...............................298
KPC-9612 Plus Jumper Descriptions: .....................299
Appendix C: Options for the KPC-9612 Plus ...................303
Low Power Operation ...............................303
Very Low Power Operation ..........................303
Installing Additional RAM ............................304
Replacing the Lithium Battery ..........................304
Appendix D: In Case of Difficulty ............................305
KPC-9612 Plus Does Not “Sign-On” to Computer ................305
You Are Unable to Make a “Connect” ......................306
Cannot Transmit ..................................306
Cannot Return to Command Mode ........................307
Getting Out of Host Mode ............................307
Appendix E: Additional Information..........................309
Specifications ...................................309
Messages from the KPC-9612 Plus ........................310
ASCII Chart ....................................318
KPC-9612 Plus Parts List .............................320
KPC-9612 Plus Parts Layout ...........................322
Index.....................................................323
User’s Guide xiv KPC-9612 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 Applicable Warranty Period, it will, at its option, repair or replace the defective Applicable Product at no charge to you, excluding in-bound shipping charges.
3. EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Repair or replacement of the Applicable Product, as
provided herein, is the sole remedy available to you against Kantronics, and in no
event will Kantronics be responsible for any other liability or damages or for in
cidental, special, or consequential damages, regardless of whether purported lia
bility is predicated upon negligence, strict tort, contract, or other products
liability theory and whether or not Kantronics is warned about the possibility of
such liability or damages. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLU
SION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM
AGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT
APPLY TO YOU.
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-
-
-
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4. DISCLAIMER. This Limited Warranty is in lieu of all other warranties ex
pressed or implied and no representative or person is authorized to assume for
Kantronics any other liability in connection with the sale of its products.
KANTRONICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 1 User’s Guide
-
Limited Warranty
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR ANY APPLICABLE PRODUCT. IF, HOW
EVER, YOU ARE A CONSUMER WITHIN THE MEANING OF 15 U.S.C.
2301(3), THE ABOVE DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES IS EF
FECTIVE ONLY FOR PERIODS OUTSIDE THE APPLICABLE WAR
-
-
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:
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-
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.
User’s Guide 2 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Limited Warranty
MEDIA:
EPROMS, diskettes, video or audio cassettes, manuals (however bound), specifi
cation and other supplemental pages or any other media on which firmware, soft
ware or documentation are supplied
Applicable Warranty Period: Thirty (30) days from date of purchase.
6. EXCLUSIONS. This Limited Warranty does not apply to the cosmetic ap
pearance of the Applicable Product; to broken or cracked cabinets; to any acces
-
sory not supplied by Kantronics which is used with the Applicable Product; to
any product that has been subject to misuse abuse or overvoltage; to any product
that has been modified by non-Kantronics personnel unless specifically authorized
in writing
by Kantronics; or to any product damaged or impaired by shipping
(whether or not caused by poor packaging), neglect, accident, wiring not installed
by Kantronics, improper parameter settings which are cleared by performing a
hard reset, or use in violation of instructions furnished by Kantronics or of generally accepted industry practice. Kantronics does not warrant that the functions
contained in any software will meet your requirements or achieve your intended
results; or that operation of any software will be uninterrupted or error-free or
without effect upon other software used with it. Responsibility for the selection of
the hardware and software program to achieve your intended results rests with
you.
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7. REMEDY PROCEDURE. Should you need to make a warranty claim, first
contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product. If the dealer is unable
to assist you, contact Kantronics Co., Inc., by mail at 1202 East 23rd Street, Law
rence, Kansas 66046 USA; by fax at 913-842-2021; or by phone at our
Customer Support number 913-842-4476 (Hours: 9:00 a.m. - noon and
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST). 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
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 3 User’s Guide
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Limited Warranty
Limited Warranty shall be subject to a minimum charge of one-half hour labor
rate and the product will be returned to you at your sole expense. Please note, no
warranty service will be provided until Kantronics has been furnished with your
Warranty Registration card and copy of proof of purchase establishing purchase
date.
8. NON-ASSIGNMENT. This Limited Warranty is not assignable by you. Any
attempt to assign or transfer any of the rights, duties, or obligations hereof is
void.
9. OTHER RIGHTS. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights
and you may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdic
tion.
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User’s Guide 4 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Return/Repair Procedures
Return/Repair Procedures
Important: Our repair statistics show that over 70 percent of the units returned
for service do not, in fact, require any service. Therefore, we advise you to please
double-check the following list of common, user-solvable, sources of difficulty
before contacting Kantronics about returning your unit for service.
Check-List for Possible Problems
Should you encounter difficulty in getting your equipment to “talk” to your com
puter, please perform at least the following limited checks before calling or writ
ing:
• Carefully check your wiring connections to the RS-232 port.
• If you purchased third-party cables, double-check to be sure that they
conform to the Kantronics’ wiring instructions in this manual.
• Verify your terminal baud rate.
• It may be useful to perform a “Hard Reset”. (See Hard Reset section.)
If service or repairs still appear necessary after you have checked the items listed
above, it may be wise to call, fax, e-mail or write Kantronics to determine if the
problem can be solved without returning the unit.
Return Procedures
When calling, report the product name and ask for the Amateur Radio Service
Department. Please have the following information available:
•
The unit name and serial number (the serial number is found on the
bottom of the unit).
•
The firmware version number (the version number is displayed when you
give the Version command).
-
-
If possible, you should have the unit and your computer available to
perform troubleshooting operations when you call.
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 5 User’s Guide
Return/Repair Procedures
The Service Department telephone hours are 9 am - noon and 2 pm - 5 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: 913-842-4476
service fax line: 913-842-2021
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 DISPLAY listing). Be sure to include a return fax number and/or e-mail address.
Returns to the factory for refund or exchange are strictly regulated. Any return
for refund or exchange must be approved by the service department.
Charges
Consult the limited warranty policy in this manual for the service provisions of
fered by Kantronics at no charge. This warranty is considered to be in force only
when the customer has submitted his completed warranty registration within 10
days of purchase, and when the stipulations of the warranty have been met.
Violations of warranty clauses will automatically void the warranty and service
or repairs will be charged to the owner.
Service outside the warranty will be charged at the cost of parts, labor, and return
shipping. Units returned for service without a Return Authorization number will
be subject to a minimum charge of 1/2 hour labor plus shipping and handling.
Contact the Service Department at 913-842-4476 (Hours: 9:00 a.m. - noon and
User’s Guide 6 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
-
Return/Repair Procedures
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST) to obtain a Return Authorization number. Repaired
units will be returned via UPS C.O.D.
These C.O.D. charges can be avoided by including your VISA or MasterCard
number with your unit to be repaired. Shipping and repair may then be charged.
International Returns
This section applies to international returns only, not to domestic returns.
+
In case of unit problems, first contact the dealer from whom you purchased the
product. If you must return a Kantronics product to us, please observe the steps
outlined below. It will save both you, the customer, and Kantronics unnecessary
difficulties and expense.
• All returns must be shipped to the factory at 1202 East 23rd Street,
Lawrence, KS 66046 U.S.A.
• All expenses of returning items to Kantronics must be paid by you,
including any duty/entry fees, whether the return is for warranty or
non-warranty repair.
• Usually, the best way to return items to us is by mail. However, if you
wish to use one of the courier services such as DHL, UPS Expedited,
Federal Express, etc., be sure to use DOOR-TO-DOOR service. If you
use one of these services, a commercial invoice may be required. Please
check with your carrier before shipping.
•
Include in the description of the items on the paperwork (whether postal
or courier) the words:
“U.S. GOODS RETURNED FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT.”
+
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.
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 7 User’s Guide
Return/Repair Procedures
Provide a value for customs purposes. This is usually the value of the
•
item(s) in their current condition. A $0 value is not acceptable for U.S.
Customs.
Inside the package, with the item(s), include:
•
a fax number and/or e-mail address (if available) in case we need to
•
contact you
a correct and full address for return
•
method of payment to be used for any charges (if MasterCard or
•
VISA, include expiration date)
a brief description of the problem
•
a reference to any conversations with the technical/sales staff about
•
the problem
and the Return Authorization number assigned.
•
• For warranty repairs, we will pay the shipping charges to return the
item(s) to you via air parcel post. If you wish return by courier service,
include your account number. To be eligible for repair under warranty,
we must have a record that you sent your Warranty Registration card and
proof of purchase to Kantronics, and the item(s) must still be within the
warranty period at the time the return is authorized.
•
For non-warranty repairs, you must pay the return shipping charges.
User’s Guide 8 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
INFORMATION TO THE USER
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are de
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residen
tial installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guar
antee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equip
ment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
-
-
-
-
• Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
The user is also cautioned that any peripheral device installed with this equip
ment must be connected with a high-quality shielded cable to insure compliance
with FCC limits.
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 9 User’s Guide
-
EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”
EU Declaration of Conformity: “CE”
NOTE: This equipment, Kantronics’ KPC-9612 Plus, has been tested and found
to comply with the essential emission and immunity requirements of the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC. The test results are on file at the corporate offices of
Kantronics.
Type of Equipment: Information Technology Equipment
Class of Equipment: Class B
RFI Suppression
In moving to the world of digital communications via computers, a new dimension of RFI may be encountered. In spite of the equipment manufacturers’ diligence, each new piece of electronic equipment will react differently in each
separate environment. Every amateur station will have its own unique layout,
equipment variation, and antenna installations. Experience has shown that these
differences are related to the total RF environment, and may be causative factors
in RFI induced problems. The suggestions given here may assist in resolving
RFI problems you may encounter in your “unique” station.
• Use shielded cable for all connections between equipment.
•
Make all interconnecting cables as short as practical. A balance should be
maintained between cable length and equipment proximity. At times
simply moving the video monitor one foot further from an interface or
other device will solve a “screen hash” problem.
•
Antenna runs should be kept away from equipment control lines and/or
interconnecting cables. If it is necessary for such lines to cross each other
they should do so at 90 degree angles.
•
Ground leads should be as short as possible and go to a GOOD EARTH
GROUND.
•
Interconnecting cables appearing to act as radiators or antennas should be
looped through a toroid. Be certain toroids, if used, are designed for the
frequency in use.
User’s Guide 10 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
Introduction
Welcome
Welcome to the Kantronics KPC-9612 Plus, your pathway to amateur radio
packet communication.
Please review this chapter before you install your KPC-9612 Plus as part of your
packet radio station.
Overview of This “User’s Guide” Manual
This user’s guide provides documentation on the KPC-9612 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-9612 Plus packet radio station and
making your first connections.
• Documentation for Pacterm, the PC terminal software shipped with the
KPC-9612 Plus.
•
Getting started using your KPC-9612 Plus.
•
Documentation for each mode of operation of your KPC-9612 Plus.
•
A full “Command Reference”, documenting all KPC-9612 Plus
commands.
•
Full details on KPC-9612 Plus jumpers, a parts list, and other technical
specifications.
Additional documentation and supporting material is available on the
“Information and Program” disk that ships with the KPC-9612 Plus.
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 11 User’s Guide
Introduction Upgrade Summaries
Upgrade Summaries
Note: If you are upgrading from a KPC-9612 or from version 8.1 of the
KPC-9612 Plus, please read the relevant ungrade summaries.
From KPC-9612 to KPC-9612 Plus Version 8.1
Kantronics now produces the KPC-9612 Plus in place of the KPC-9612. The
KPC-9612 has been discontinued. Due to changes in processor, printed circuit
board, and functionality, there is no upgrade kit from the 9612 to the 9612 Plus.
If you are familiar with the KPC-9612, you should read this note to familiarize
yourself with key differences between the KPC-9612 and the KPC-9612 Plus.
The KPC-9612 Plus (called the “9612 Plus” in this manual) introduces additional firmware and hardware features not found in KPC-9612 and deletes a
command that is in the KPC-9612. Regarding firmware, the 9612 Plus deletes
one command and adds several new ones. The MODE command of the 9612 has
been replaced by the ABAUD command; the 9612 Plus now supports RS 232
communication using 8 bits of data with no parity only (i.e., 8, N, 1).
In addition, analog pots for transmit data drive level and receive signal equalization in the 9612 have been replaced with digital pots. These new pots are controlled with commands titled transmit level (XMITLVL) and equalize
(EQUALIZE). XMITLVL is a dual-port command and is convenient in that the
user may set drive levels from the keyboard without having to open the case to
gain access to adjust levels. Further, two A/D inputs have been added to the 9612
Plus that compliment nicely the two control line outputs that were also in the
9612. Status of these analog inputs are obtained by evoking the ANALOG com
mand. In addition, the 9612 Plus features a wider array of jumpers on the pcb to
accommodate a wide range of configurations.
Most unique, the 9612 Plus features a set of headers for a third port not found in
the 9612. These headers - one 20-pin railroad header and one 32-pin railroad
header, attached to the HC11 processor buss, will accept a plug-in printed circuit
board as a third radio port. This “port 3 circuit” can be added to the 9612 Plus
simply by plugging it into the headers; replacing the front panel, back panel, and
cover; and replacing the firmware with a new EPROM that will accommodate the
additional functions of port 3. Several port 3 printed circuit (baby) boards are
User’s Guide 12 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
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Major Uses of Your KPC-9612 Plus Introduction
planned, including a KAM Plus-like HF modem. Such an addition will make the
9612 Plus a three-port device, and simultaneous operation of the three ports will
be possible with most mode mixes, i.e. another true multi-port by Kantronics.
The 9612 Plus also supports higher speed operation in Port 2, compared with the
9612. On the 9612, Port 2 supported 4800 through 19,200 baud operation; on the
9612 Plus, Port 2 supports baud rates from 4800 through 38,400. As with the
9612, the 9612 Plus supports 1200 baud communication via Port 1.
Differences Between V. 8.1 and V. 8.2 of the KPC-9612 Plus
Version 8.2 introduces five new commands for use with GPS (and APRS) activi
ties: UIDIGI, UIFLOOD, UITRACE, UIDWAIT, and UIGATE. These com
mands may be useful for other activities too. No version 8.1 commands were
deleted. See the command descriptions for details.
Major Uses of Your KPC-9612 Plus
Adding the KPC-9612 Plus and a computer to your ham radio station allows you
to send and receive packets of digital information. Then you can:
• use computers to carry on real-time digital conversations between
stations
•
send, receive, store and forward mail using a personal mailbox inside the
KPC-9612 Plus
•
send and receive mail using a community bulletin board
•
send and receive files
•
get and re-transmit location data from 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
-
-
•
send and receive paging signals
And much more.
KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2 13 User’s Guide
Introduction Package Contents
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-9612 Plus unit
•
parts to use in assembling cabling
•
Male DB-9 connector for radio port 1
•
Male DB-15 connector for radio port 2
•
A pair of 3-foot pieces of 5-conductor shielded cable to connect the
•
KPC-9612 Plus to your radios
One mini-plug cable for radio receive audio
•
2.1 mm power connector
•
• an “Information and Program disk” (3.5", DS/HD 1.44MB, formatted for
PC (IBM) compatible computers), which includes a PC terminal
program.
• Warranty registration form (see front of this manual)
• and, of course, this “User’s Guide” manual
Additional Parts For Your Packet Radio Station
In addition to your KPC-9612 Plus unit, you will need the following parts to set
up your packet radio station:
•
One or two FM transceivers
•
Microphone (Mic) or accessory jack connectors for your radios
•
A computer (or other RS-232 terminal device)
•
A serial modem cable, used to connect the KPC-9612 Plus Plus to your
computer
•
A 12 Vdc power supply or power adaptor
User’s Guide 14 KPC-9612 Plus v 8.2
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