KANTRONICS
SERIES
TALON UDC
RADIO MODEM USER MANUAL
Kantronics Co., Inc.
1202 E. 23
Lawrence, Kansas 66046
Phone: 785-842-7745
Fax: 785-842-2031
Web: http://www.kantronics.com
rd
Street, Suite A
DWG ID: 181-0101-00A
Date: 2003-09-26
1 REVISIONS
Revision Date Description
- 2003-09-26 Initial release.
A 2004-01-27 Added information on Input/Output CCA.
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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 REVISIONS............................................................................................................ 2
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................ 3
3 GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................. 6
3.1 Sales/Inquiries......................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Technical Support ................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Miscellaneous ......................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Disclaimer Notice ................................................................................................... 6
3.5 Kantronics Warranty Registration .......................................................................... 6
3.6 Important Information............................................................................................. 8
3.7 License Agreement ................................................................................................. 8
3.7.1 License .................................................................................................................... 8
3.7.2 Term........................................................................................................................ 8
3.7.3 Object Code ............................................................................................................ 8
3.7.4 Limited Warranty.................................................................................................... 8
3.7.5 General.................................................................................................................... 8
3.7.6 Other ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.8 Limited Warranty.................................................................................................... 9
3.8.1 WARRANTY ......................................................................................................... 9
3.8.2 REMEDY................................................................................................................ 9
3.8.3 EXCLUSIVE REMEDY ........................................................................................ 9
3.8.4 DISCLAIMER ...................................................................................................... 10
3.8.5 APPLICABLE PRODUCTS AND PERIODS ..................................................... 10
3.8.6 EXCLUSIONS...................................................................................................... 10
3.8.7 REMEDY PROCEDURE..................................................................................... 11
3.8.8 NON-ASSIGNMENT........................................................................................... 11
3.8.9 OTHER RIGHTS.................................................................................................. 11
3.9 Return/Repair Procedures ..................................................................................... 11
3.9.1 Check-List for Possible Problems......................................................................... 12
3.9.2 Return Procedures................................................................................................. 12
3.9.3 Service department contact information:.............................................................. 12
3.10 Repair Service Charges......................................................................................... 13
3.11 International Returns............................................................................................. 14
4 APPROVALS AND COMPLIANCE................................................................... 15
4.1 RF Exposure.......................................................................................................... 15
4.2 General Safety of Operation ................................................................................. 15
4.3 Information to the User......................................................................................... 16
4.4 FCC Notice ........................................................................................................... 16
4.5 Industry Canada Notice......................................................................................... 16
5 PRODUCT INFORMATION............................................................................... 17
5.1 Model Identification.............................................................................................. 17
5.2 FCC Regulations................................................................................................... 17
5.2.1 Licensing............................................................................................................... 17
5.2.2 Type Acceptance................................................................................................... 17
6 SPECIFICATION OF PRODUCT ....................................................................... 18
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6.1 TALON UDC UHF............................................................................................... 18
6.1.1 General.................................................................................................................. 18
6.1.2 Transmitter............................................................................................................ 18
6.1.3 Receiver ................................................................................................................ 18
6.2 TALON UDC VHF............................................................................................... 19
6.2.1 General.................................................................................................................. 19
6.2.2 Transmitter............................................................................................................ 19
6.2.3 Receiver ................................................................................................................ 20
7 CONNECTOR PINOUTS .................................................................................... 20
7.1 ANT Connector (A1J1)......................................................................................... 20
7.2 Dc Power Connector (A2J6)................................................................................. 20
7.3 Serial I/O Connector (A2J9) ................................................................................. 20
7.4 GPS Receiver Connector (A2W1J1) .................................................................... 21
7.5 Input/Output Connector (A3J1) ............................................................................ 21
7.6 Serial I/O Connector (A3J2) ................................................................................. 23
8 PACKET RADIO ................................................................................................. 23
8.1 Packet Radio Description...................................................................................... 23
8.2 Connected vs. Unproto.......................................................................................... 23
8.3 A Simple Connect................................................................................................. 24
8.4 Monitoring ............................................................................................................ 25
8.5 Selective Monitoring............................................................................................. 26
8.6 Digipeating............................................................................................................ 26
8.7 Advanced Digipeating .......................................................................................... 27
8.8 Multi-Connects ..................................................................................................... 28
8.9 Timing................................................................................................................... 29
8.10 FRACK (Frame Acknowledgment Time) ............................................................ 29
8.11 Retries in AX.25 Level 2, Version 1 vs. Version 2 .............................................. 30
8.12 Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode ................................................................... 30
8.12.1 Exiting Transparent Mode .................................................................................... 30
8.13 Flow Control ......................................................................................................... 31
8.13.1 Software Flow Control.......................................................................................... 31
8.13.2 Hardware Flow Control ........................................................................................ 31
8.14 Remote Access...................................................................................................... 31
9 PROTOCOL DESCRIPTIONS ............................................................................ 32
9.1 Terminal Mode...................................................................................................... 32
9.2 Host Mode............................................................................................................. 32
9.2.1 Host Mode Description......................................................................................... 33
9.2.2 Exiting Host mode ................................................................................................ 33
9.3 KISS Mode............................................................................................................ 34
9.3.1 KISS Mode Description........................................................................................ 34
9.3.2 Exiting KISS mode ............................................................................................... 34
9.4 Transparent Unproto Packet (TUP) Mode............................................................ 35
9.4.1 TUP Mode Description......................................................................................... 35
9.4.2 TUP Mode Operation............................................................................................ 36
9.5 Poll Mode.............................................................................................................. 36
9.5.1 Poll Mode Protocol Description............................................................................ 37
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9.5.2 Poll Mode Operation............................................................................................. 37
9.6 Line Substitution (LINE SUB) Mode................................................................... 40
9.6.1 LINE SUB Mode Protocol Description ................................................................ 40
9.6.2 LSUB Mode Operation......................................................................................... 40
9.7 Mode Capabilities Matrix ..................................................................................... 41
10 CONFIGURATION.............................................................................................. 41
10.1 Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Asset Tracking ..................................... 42
10.1.1 AVL Used Without a Terminal............................................................................. 42
10.1.2 AVL Used With a Terminal (For Text) ................................................................ 42
10.1.3 AVL Receive ........................................................................................................ 42
10.2 Base Station Operation ......................................................................................... 42
10.3 Data/Telemetry/SCADA/Text .............................................................................. 43
10.4 Digipeating............................................................................................................ 43
11 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................. 43
11.1 Dc Power............................................................................................................... 43
11.2 GPS Antenna......................................................................................................... 44
11.3 Serial I/O............................................................................................................... 44
11.4 Antenna ................................................................................................................. 44
11.5 Mounting of Unit .................................................................................................. 44
11.6 Input/Output .......................................................................................................... 44
11.7 Input/Output Serial I/O ......................................................................................... 45
12 THEORY OF OPERATION................................................................................. 45
12.1 Ritron’s VHF Radio XCVR, A1A1 ...................................................................... 45
12.1.1 Receiver ................................................................................................................ 45
12.1.2 Transmitter............................................................................................................ 47
12.1.3 Miscellaneous Functions....................................................................................... 48
12.2 Ritron’s UHF Radio XCVR, A1A1 ...................................................................... 48
12.2.1 Receiver ................................................................................................................ 48
12.2.2 Transmitter............................................................................................................ 50
12.2.3 Miscellaneous Functions....................................................................................... 51
12.3 Controller CCA, A2 .............................................................................................. 51
12.4 GPS Receiver, A2A1 ............................................................................................ 53
12.5 Input/Output CCA, A3.......................................................................................... 53
13 TALON COMMAND SET................................................................................... 54
14 SYSTEM FAULT INDICATION ...................................................................... 101
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3 GENERAL INFORMATION
3.1 Sales/Inquiries
Phone: 785-842-7745 (8 AM to 5 PM, Central Time, Monday through Friday)
Fax: 785-842-2031
E-mail: sales@kantronics.com
Web site: http://www.kantronics.com
3.2 Technical Support
Phone: 785-842-4476 (8 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5 PM, Central Time, Monday
through Friday)
Fax: 785-842-2031
E-mail: service@kantronics.com
3.3 Miscellaneous
The Kantronics TALON UDC (universal data controller) series of radio modems is
manufactured in the U.S.A.
All brands and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
3.4 Disclaimer Notice
We have attempted to make this manual technically and typographically correct as of the
date of the current issue. Production changes to the TALON UDC series may add
changes to the manual at a later date.
Send comments or suggest corrections to Kantronics Co., Inc., 1202 E. 23rd Street, Suite
A, Lawrence, KS 66046, or e-mail sales@kantronics.com.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Contents of this publication or the firmware within the TALON UDC series may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright owner.
Published in the United States of America.
3.5 Kantronics Warranty Registration
Please take the time to fill out a copy of the warranty registration form and mail it to
Kantronics, including a copy of your sales receipt, to register your purchase. Kantronics
must receive warranty registration within 10 days of purchase of the Kantronics TALON
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UDC series of radio modems 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.
Mail form and sales receipt to: Kantronics
1202 E 23rd Street, Suite A
Lawrence, KS 66046
Warranty Registration
Entity Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________________________________
State: _______________________________ Zip/Postal Code: ____________________
Country: _______________________________________________________________
Contact Person’s Name: ___________________________________________________
Telephone Nr: ___________________________________________________________
E-mail: _________________________________________________________________
Product: TALON UDC series
TALON UDC UHF or TALON UDC VHF
Part Number: 001-0009-01 001-0009-11
001-0009-02 001-0009-12
001-0009-03 001-0009-13
001-0009-04 001-0009-14
Serial Nr: ________________________
Date of Purchase: ___________________
Dealer: _________________________________________________________________
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3.6 Important Information
READ THIS SECTION BEFORE INSTALLING THIS KANTRONICS PRODUCT
This product contains SOFTWARE in FLASH Memory, which is protected by both
United States copyright law and international treaty provisions.
If you install or use this product, you are bound by the terms of the SOFTWARE license
shown below. If you do not wish to be bound by such license, return the (unused)
complete product package to your supplier for refund. The supplier may deduct
restocking/re-packaging costs.
3.7 License Agreement
3.7.1 License
In consideration of payment of the License Fee, which is included in the price of the
product, the Licensor Kantronics Company, Inc. (Kantronics) grants (you) a nonexclusive right to use the SOFTWARE and associated documentation. No ownership
rights to the SOFTWARE or its Documentation are transferred from Kantronics to you.
3.7.2 Term
This License Agreement is effective until terminated. You may terminate this Agreement
by returning or destroying the unit and destroying the 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.
3.7.3 Object Code
The SOFTWARE is delivered in object code only. You shall not reverse compile or
otherwise reverse engineer the SOFTWARE.
3.7.4 Limited Warranty
This product is covered by the standard Kantronics Company, Inc. Limited Warranty.
3.7.5 General
This License Agreement constitutes the complete Agreement between you and
Kantronics. The SOFTWARE and/or Documentation may not be exported or re-exported
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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.
3.7.6 Other
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.
3.8 Limited Warranty
KANTRONICS COMPANY, INC.
Effective 2003-09-01
To receive notice of future updates, or free copy of this manual, please go to
http://www.kantronics.com.
NOTE: Return of the Warranty Registration and proof of purchase is a pre-condition to
warranty coverage.
3.8.1 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.
3.8.2 REMEDY
Kantronics agrees that, for any Applicable Product found by Kantronics to be in violation
of the warranty 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.
3.8.3 EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
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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.
3.8.4 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.
3.8.5 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. The product to which this warranty applies
(herein "Applicable Products") and the period during which the warranty shall apply
(herein, "Applicable Warranty Period") are as follows:
Applicable Products: TALON UDC series.
Applicable Warranty Period: Two (2) years from date of purchase.
3.8.6 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 over-voltage; to any product that has been modified by non-Kantronics
personnel unless specifically authorized in writing by Kantronics; or to any product
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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.
3.8.7 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, Suite A, Lawrence, Kansas 66046 USA
• By fax at 785-842-2031
• By phone at our Customer Support number 785-842-4476 (Hours: 8 AM to 12 noon
and 1 PM to 5 PM, Central Time)
• Or by e-mail at service@kantronics.com.
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 a minimum
labor charge 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 and copy of proof of purchase establishing purchase date.
3.8.8 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.
3.8.9 OTHER RIGHTS
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights,
which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
3.9 Return/Repair Procedures
Important: Our repair statistics show that a large percentage of 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. An RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization) number must be requested and received, and included with the unit
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returned for repair. If a unit is received without an RMA number, the shipment will be
denied.
3.9.1 Check-List for Possible Problems
If encountering difficulty in getting this equipment to "talk" to your computer, please
perform at least the following limited checks before calling or writing:
• Carefully check the wiring connections between the computer serial (RS232) port,
and the TALON UDC unit.
• If the cables were purchased from a third-party source, double-check to be sure that
they conform to the wiring instructions in this manual.
• Verify the serial baud setting in the terminal program.
• It may be useful to perform a "Hard Reset".
If service or repairs still appear necessary after checking the items listed above, it may be
wise to call, fax, email, or write Kantronics to determine if the problem can be solved
without returning the unit.
The Kantronics web page also includes a FAQ section, with a list of common problems
and solutions.
3.9.2 Return Procedures
When calling the service department, 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 in response to the
VERSION command)
• The steps that have been taken to determine that the problem is with the TALON
UDC unit
3.9.3 Service department contact information:
Kantronics Co., Inc.
1202 E. 23rd Street, Suite A
Lawrence, KS 66046
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The Service Department telephone hours are 8 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5 PM
Central Time, Monday through Friday. Telephone access to the service department
is not available outside the stated hours.
Phone: 785-842-4476 (8 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5 PM, central time)
Fax: 785-842-2031
E-mail address: service@kantronics.com
Web site: http://www.kantronics.com
When writing, faxing, or sending email to Kantronics, include a clear description of the
problem, unit name, firmware version, computer type, communication software used and
if possible, a list of current parameter settings in the unit (as shown in response to a
DISPLAY command).
Be sure to include a return fax number, mailing address, and/or email address.
Returns direct to the factory for refund or exchange, are strictly regulated. The sales
department must approve any return for refund or exchange.
If the unit was recently purchased from one of our authorized dealers, contact that dealer
first.
3.10 Repair Service 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 a completed warranty registration within ten days (10 d) of
purchase, and when the stipulations of the warranty have been met.
Violations of warranty clauses will automatically void the warranty, and cost of service
or repairs will be charged to the owner. Service outside the warranty period will be
charged at the cost of parts, labor, and return shipping, at the time of the repair or service.
Units sent in for service or repair, without prior Return Authorization, will be subject to
the minimum charge for labor plus cost of return shipping and handling.
Repair or DAMAGE to a unit, whether accidental or otherwise, is not covered by any
warranty provided by Kantronics, in which case, normal repair charges will apply.
Contact the Service Department at:
• 785-842-4476 (hours: 8 AM to 12 noon and 1 PM to 5 PM Central Time)
• Or e-mail at service@kantronics.com
to obtain a Return Authorization number.
Repaired units will be returned via UPS (or FedEx) C.O.D., if other payment
arrangements have not already been arranged. C.O.D. charges can be avoided by
providing payment information (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover) either at the time of the
return authorization request, or included with the unit, when it is sent to be repaired.
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3.11 International Returns
This section applies to international returns only, not to domestic returns.
In case of unit problems, first contact the dealer from whom the product was purchased.
If a Kantronics product must be returned, please observe the steps outlined below. This
will prevent unnecessary difficulties and expense for both the shipper and Kantronics.
All returns must be shipped to the factory at 1202 East 23rd Street, Suite A, Lawrence,
KS 66046 U.S.A.
The shipper must pay all expenses of returning items to Kantronics. This includes 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 using a courier service such as
DHL, UPS Expedited, Federal Express, etc., be sure to use DOOR-TO-DOOR service.
When using one of these services, a commercial invoice may be required. Please check
with the 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 "Data communications equipment", would be helpful. It would also be
helpful (but not required) to include the code number 9801.00.1035 which tells U.S.
Customs agents that the package contains "U.S. goods returned without
improvement/enhancement". However, if the words "U.S. goods returned for
repair/replacement" are on the paperwork, the number is not really necessary.
Provide a value for customs purposes. This is usually the value of the item(s) in their
current condition. A $0 value is not acceptable for U.S. Customs.
Inside the package, with the item(s), include:
• A fax number, daytime telephone number, mailing address, and/or e-mail address if
available, in case we need to contact you
• A correct and full shipping address for return
• Method of payment to be used for any charges (if VISA, MasterCard, or Discover,
include expiration date)
• A brief description of the problem
• A reference to any conversations with the technical/sales staff about the problem
• Return Authorization number
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For warranty repairs, we will pay the shipping charges to return the item(s) 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 applicable warranty period at the time the return is authorized.
For non-warranty repairs, you must pay the return shipping charges, in addition to
applicable repair charges.
4 APPROVALS AND COMPLIANCE
4.1 RF Exposure
The FCC, with its action in General Docket 79-144 of 1985-03-13 adopted a safety
standard for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC
regulated equipment.
In accordance with FCC RF exposure requirements, the antenna for this device
must be installed such that a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (7.874 in.) is
maintained between it and the general population. Special care should be taken to
ensure compliance with this requirement for antennas mounted on vehicles in which
the general public can be exposed to RF energy without their knowledge. In these
cases, the locations on the vehicle shall be carefully chosen such that, at no time
people can come within the range of 20 cm.
The above criteria are based on 6 W of power, a maximum transmitter duty factor of 10
%, and a maximum antenna gain of 13 dBi. The installer of the system, in any situation,
must adhere to FCC RF maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits. See FCC OET
Bulletin 65 and 47 CFR Part 2.
4.2 General Safety of Operation
Please observe the following safety precautions.
• DO NOT operate radio equipment near electrical blasting caps.
• DO NOT operate radio equipment in an explosive atmosphere.
• DO NOT operate any radio transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure, and any
open connectors are properly terminated.
• DO NOT operate the transmitter of a fixed radio (base station, microwave, rural
telephone RF equipment) or marine radio when someone is within 0.6 m (two feet) of
the antenna.
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• ONLY authorized personnel shall perform repair of Kantronics TALON UDC
products.
4.3 Information to the User
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
4.4 FCC Notice
It is the responsibility of the user of this equipment to obtain the proper FCC license to
operate this product on the desired channel of operation.
This product complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations. It may not be
modified without the expressed consent of Kantronics. Modification of this product could
void the user’s authorization to use the product.
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: 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.
4.5 Industry Canada Notice
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference
Causing Equipment Regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
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Cet appareillage numérique de la classe A répond à toutes les exigences de l'interférence
canadienne causant des règlements d'équipement. L'opération est sujette aux deux
conditions suivantes:
(1) ce dispositif peut ne pas causer l'interférence nocive, et
(2) ce dispositif doit accepter n'importe quelle interférence reçue, y compris l'interférence
qui peut causer l'opération peu désirée.
5 PRODUCT INFORMATION
The TALON UDC series of radio modems are wireless modems using four-level
frequency shift keying (4-LFSK) modulation to meet compliance with FCC and other
regulations for high-speed data.
5.1 Model Identification
Model FCC ID Option Kantronics P/N
TALON UDC UHF B2FTALON-U Without GPS 001-0009-01
TALON UDC UHF B2FTALON-U With GPS 001-0009-02
TALON UDC VHF B2FTALON-V Without GPS 001-0009-11
TALON UDC VHF B2FTALON-V With GPS 001-0009-12
Model Kantronics P/N Frequency Range Baud/Data Rate
TALON UDC UHF 001-0009-01 450 – 470 MHz 4800/9600 BPS
TALON UDC UHF 001-0009-02 450 – 470 MHz 4800/9600 BPS
TALON UDC VHF 001-0009-11 148 – 174 MHz 4800/9600 BPS
TALON UDC VHF 001-0009-12 148 – 174 MHz 4800/9600 BPS
Note: Radio transceivers with 6 W output are available on other frequency ranges of 136
to 162 MHz VHF and 400 to 420 MHz UHF in narrow band (12.5 kHz). Other options
are wide band (25 kHz) in the VHF frequency ranges of 136 to 162 MHz and 148 to 174
MHz and UHF in the frequency ranges of 400 to 420 MHz and 450 to 470 MHz.
5.2 FCC Regulations
5.2.1 Licensing
The FCC requires the radio owner to obtain a station license for the radio before using the
equipment to transmit, but does not require an operating license or permit. The station
licensee is responsible for proper operation and maintenance of his radio equipment, and
for ensuring transmitter power, frequency, and deviation are within limits specified by the
station license. This includes checking transmitter frequency and deviation periodically
using appropriate methods.
5.2.2 Type Acceptance
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When aligned in accordance with the procedures provided, for proper bandwidth, the
TALON UDC series is type-accepted for transmission of data and text.
6 SPECIFICATION OF PRODUCT
6.1 TALON UDC UHF
6.1.1 General
FCC Identifier B2FTALON-U
FCC Rule Part 90
Canada IC Identifier 4623A-TALONU
Frequency Range 450 – 470 MHz
Number of channels 1 RX and 1 TX
Transmit/Receive Spacing, maximum 20 MHz
Mode of Operation Simplex or Half Duplex
Frequency Control PLL Synthesizer
Frequency Step Size 5 or 6.25 kHz
Emissions Bandwidth (Carson’s rule) 9.4 kHz
Frequency Stability (-30 to +60 °C)
Supply Voltage 8.5 to 15 V dc (< 50 mV rms noise)
Supply Current @ 13.8 V dc RX, maximum: 100 mA
RF I/O Connector N(f)
Power Connector COMBICON 2-pin
Programming/Data Interface 9-terminal D-subminiature female
Operating Temperature
Humidity, maximum 95 % non-condensing
Dimensions w/o Protrusions 2.4” H X 6.5” W X 4.95” D
Weight/Mass 1.5 lbs. (0.68 kg)
1.5 PPM
TX, maximum @ 6 W: 2.5 A
-30 to +60 °C
6.1.2 Transmitter
Operating Bandwidth 20 MHz
RF Output Power, S/W adjustable < 1 W up to 6 W
Duty Cycle 50 % (TX maximum 30 s) @ 6 W
RF Z
load
Attack time, maximum 15 ms
Spurious and Harmonics, maximum -20 dBm
Group Delay Variation (w/in Frequency
Response), maximum
6.1.3 Receiver
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50
5 µs
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Operating Bandwidth 20 MHz
Sensitivity, for 1 x 10-6 BER -115 dBm
RF Zin
Adjacent Channel Selectivity, minimum 60 dB
Spurious and Image Rejection, minimum 70 dB
Intermodulation Rejection, minimum 70 dB
Conducted Spurious, maximum -57 dBm
Receive Attack Time (TX to RX),
maximum
RSSI Squelch Attack Time, maximum 5 ms
Group Delay Variation (w/in Frequency
Response), maximum
50
15 ms
20 µs
6.2 TALON UDC VHF
6.2.1 General
FCC Identifier B2FTALON-V
FCC Rule Part 90
Canada IC Identifier 4623A-TALONU
Frequency Range 148 – 174 MHz
Number of channels 2 (1 RX and 1 TX)
Transmit/Receive Spacing, maximum 26 MHz
Mode of Operation Simplex or Half Duplex
Frequency Control PLL Synthesizer
Frequency Step Size 2.5 kHz
Emissions Bandwidth (Carson’s rule) 9.4 kHz
Frequency Stability (-30 to +60 °C)
Supply Voltage 8.5 to 15 V dc
Supply Current RX, maximum: 100 mA
RF I/O Connector N(f)
Power Connector COMBICON 2-pin
Programming/Data Interface 9-terminal D-subminiature female
Operating Temperature
Humidity, maximum 95 % non-condensing
Dimensions w/o Protrusions 2.4” H X 6.5” W X 4.95” D
Mass (Weight) 1.5 lbs. (0.68 kg)
1.5 PPM
TX, maximum: 2.5 A
-30 to +60 °C
6.2.2 Transmitter
Operating Bandwidth 26 MHz
RF Output Power, S/W adjustable < 1 W up to 6 W
Duty Cycle 50 % (TX maximum 30 s) @ 6 W
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RF Z
load
Attack time, maximum 15 ms
Spurious and Harmonics, maximum -20 dBm
Group Delay Variation (w/in Frequency
Response), maximum
6.2.3 Receiver
Operating Bandwidth 26 MHz
Sensitivity, for 1 x 10-6 BER -115 dBm
RF Zin
Adjacent Channel Selectivity, minimum 60 dB
Spurious and Image Rejection, minimum 70 dB
Intermodulation Rejection, minimum 70 dB
Conducted Spurious, maximum -57 dBm
Receive Attack Time (TX to RX),
maximum
RSSI Squelch Attack Time, maximum 5 ms
Group Delay Variation (w/in Frequency
Response), maximum
50
5 µs
50
15 ms
20 µs
7 CONNECTOR PINOUTS
7.1 ANT Connector (A1J1)
N female. Mate with N male.
7.2 Dc Power Connector (A2J6)
Two-pin COMBICON. Mate with two-socket COMBICON, P1, provided.
Terminal Nr Physical Position Description
1 Left terminal + dc voltage
2 Right terminal GND (dc return)
7.3 Serial I/O Connector (A2J9)
D-sub 9 female. Mate with D-sub 9 male.
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Terminal Nr Description
1DCD
2RXD
3TXD
4DTR
5 Digital GND
6DSR
7RTS
8CTS
9RI
7.4 GPS Receiver Connector (A2W1J1)
MPX female. Mate with MPX male, which is the connector on the end of the
transmission line, that is part of the supplied GPS magnet mount antenna.
7.5 Input/Output Connector (A3J1)
AI1 AI3 DGND AI5 AI7 DGND DI4 DI2 DGND DO4 DO2 GND AO1 AO3 GND
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
AI2 AI4 DGND AI6 AI8 DGND DI3 DI1 DGND DO3 DO1 GND AO2 AO4 GND
I/O (A3J1) CONNECTOR PINOUT
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Nomenclature Description
AI1 Analog Input 1, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI2 Analog Input 2, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI3 Analog Input 3, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI4 Analog Input 4, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI5 Analog Input 5, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI6 Analog Input 6, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI7 Analog Input 7, 0 to 5 V dc*
AI8 Analog Input 8, 0 to 5 V dc*
AO1 Analog Output 1, 0 to 4.995 V dc @ minimum 10 k1 load
AO2 Analog Output 2, 0 to 4.995 V dc @ minimum 10 k1 load
AO3 Analog Output 3, 0 to 4.995 V dc @ minimum 10 k1 load
AO4 Analog Output 4, 0 to 4.995 V dc @ minimum 10 k1 load
DGND Digital ground of PCB (4P)
DI1 Discreet Input 1**
DI2 Discreet Input 2**
DI3 Discreet Input 3**
DI4 Discreet Input 4**
DO1 Discreet Output 1***
DO2 Discreet Output 2***
DO3 Discreet Output 3***
DO4 Discreet Output 4***
GND Chassis ground (PCB equivalent)
*Analog inputs may be jumpered internally (249 1 resistor) for two-wire or three-wire
0 to 20 mA range input.
**Discreet inputs are pulled up internally to logic high of 5 V dc. These inputs may be
activated, pulled low, with relay contact, open collector BJT, or open drain FET.
***Discreet outputs can handle up to +50 V dc and 115 mA dc (open
drain MOSFET).
*Note: Because of protection op-amps, which are rail-to-rail input and output
devices, the voltage to the YP internal 10 bit A/D converters is limited to 4.950 V.
Connect grounds as follows:
Nomenclature Terminal Nr Use Terminal Nr
AI1 1 DGND 5
AI2 2 DGND 6
AI3 3 DGND 5
AI4 4 DGND 6
AI5 7 DGND 11
AI6 8 DGND 12
AI7 9 DGND 11
AI8 10 DGND 12
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DI1 16 DGND 18
DI2 15 DGND 17
DI3 14 DGND 18
DI4 13 DGND 17
DO1 22 GND 24
DO2 21 GND 23
DO3 20 GND 24
DO4 19 GND 23
AO1 25 GND 29
AO2 26 GND 30
AO3 27 GND 29
AO4 28 GND 30
7.6 Serial I/O Connector (A3J2)
D-sub 9 female. Mate with D-sub 9 male.
Terminal Nr Description
1DCD
2RXD
3TXD
4DTR
5 Digital GND
6DSR
7RTS
8CTS
9RI
8 PACKET RADIO
8.1 Packet Radio Description
AX.25 was developed many years ago as a way of transferring data from one place to
another, through standard types of two-way radio equipment. It is a modification of the
X.25 networking protocol for wired networks.
8.2 Connected vs. Unproto
There are two ways to send data in the AX.25 packet protocol, connected or unproto
(unconnected).
In the CONNECTED mode, a “connection” or link is established between two packet
controllers, over a radio channel. Packets are sent from one controller to another, and
acknowledgments are expected in return that the packets were received correctly. If an
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acknowledgment is not received, the data will be re-sent (depending on the setting of the
AX25L2V2 command, it may send a poll first). The RETRY parameter will determine
how many times this is done before the connection is aborted due to bad conditions.
When acknowledgment is received, more data can then be sent. Therefore the
CONNECTED mode, barring impossible conditions, assures that data can pass from one
station to another correctly and in the proper order.
In the UNPROTO mode, data is transmitted with no acknowledgment expected or
required, and no retries are attempted. This mode is often used for transmitting beacons,
and for data broadcasts.
To manually type and send characters in UNPROTO mode, enter the Convers Mode by
entering the CONV (or K) command. Then, typed and entered characters will be
packetized and transmitted as data, and not be interpreted as commands.
When transmitting UNPROTO packets, the command called UNPROTO sets the
destination or “to” address of those packets. Its default setting is CQ.
To exit Convers mode and return to Command Mode, enter a <Ctrl+C>, by holding down
the Control key and pressing the "C" key.
8.3 A Simple Connect
To connect to another station, start from command prompt and enter a connect request.
For example:
CONNECT {callsign}<CR>
Where CONNECT is the command to establish a packet link with another station, and
{callsign} is the callsign of the other station. If the connect request fails, the following
messages will be displayed:
*** RETRY COUNT EXCEEDED
*** DISCONNECTED
When an acknowledgment is received for a connect request packet, the following
message will be displayed:
*** CONNECTED TO {callsign}
and the TALON will then change to the Convers Mode, or the communication mode
defined by the settings of the NOMODE and CONMODE commands.
Two commands determine when entered data will be packetized and transmitted. The
command SENDPAC defines the key or character that causes a packet to be transmitted.
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Its default setting is the ENTER or RETURN key. Whenever that key is pressed, a new
packet will be transmitted.
A second command called PACLEN determines the maximum number of characters to
include in a transmitted packet. When the number of typed characters is equal to the
number defined by PACLEN, a packet will be made and transmitted even if the ENTER
key has not yet been pressed.
When the conversation with the other station has ended, the packet link to the station can
be “disconnected”. To disconnect, return to Command mode with <Ctrl+C> and type a
"D" for Disconnect. Press the return or enter key after any command to the TNC. A
Disconnect request packet will be sent to the other station, and when an
acknowledgement has been received back, the message:
*** DISCONNECTED
will be displayed and the TALON will return to Command mode.
Either station can issue the disconnect command no matter which station originated the
connect.
While connected to another station, the display of monitored packets will stop. To
continue the display of monitored packets, while connected to other stations, set the
command MCON to ON.
8.4 Monitoring
One of the main functions of a “Base” station TALON, would be to display position
packets heard from “remote” or mobile TALON units. Its command called MONITOR
should be set to ON, so that those packets heard from other stations can be displayed.
The display of monitored packets includes “header” and “data” parts. At the beginning of
the header, two callsigns are displayed separated by a ">". The first callsign is the station
that transmitted the packet, and the second callsign is the destination station that the
packet is intended for. Unproto packets may have any destination, but typically use CQ.
The setting of the command GBEACON specifies the format and amount of data that is
displayed from remote unit packets.
A remote unit will display its own transmitted packets, when the command MXMIT is set
to ON. It can also display its own location information at intervals set by the command
GREPORT (regardless of the setting of its GBEACON interval.) This “local” display in a
remote will be in the format specified by GTEXT.
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This “local” display is output from the serial port of the TALON, for use by an attached
computer. This computer may be running its own data recording program or displaying
this unit’s position on a map.
8.5 Selective Monitoring
With MONITOR ON, the BUDLIST command can be used to limit the display of
monitored packets from other stations, to only those packets specifically FROM (or TO,
or both) a specific station or any of up to 10 callsigns listed. This function would be used
in a remote unit, so that it would display only packets heard from a base station, and not
packets heard from other mobile stations.
8.6 Digipeating
Each TALON can be configured to digitally repeat or “digipeat” packets that are heard
from other TALONs. This can help extend the normal transmitting range of other
stations, to reach a destination station that they can not hear direct. This command is
called DIGIPEAT, and its default setting is ON.
A base unit TALON can be configured as a dedicated digipeater, and installed in a high
location to provide an extended coverage area for many other TALONs. Mobile
TALONs can also be configured digipeaters, but may not be as effective as a dedicated
unit placed in a high location.
When the command MRPT is set to ON, the display of monitored packets from
digipeater stations will include callsigns of the sending station and the intended recipient
of the packet, and the callsigns of any digipeaters used to relay those packets.
The command called MYALIAS defines an alternate callsign or alias name for the
digipeater.
A station that needs to send a packet to another station it can not hear direct would
address that packet “VIA” a digipeater stations callsign or alias. Up to 8 digipeaters can
be used to relay packets to reach a desired station.
To connect to another station VIA a digipeater, a command would be entered such as:
CONNECT REMOTE2 VIA DIGI3
or if several digipeaters are required,
CONNECT REMOTE2 VIA DIGI3,DIGI4,DIGI5
When Digipeating, a packet is transmitted by the originating station, is re-transmitted by
all relay stations specified, to reach the destination station. That station would then
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respond that it received the packet, by returning an acknowledgement packet by the same
path to the original station. This is often called end-to-end acknowledgment.
To send unconnected type packets like broadcast messages or BEACONs VIA a
digipeater, the UNPROTO command is used to set the path,
UNPROTO ALL VIA DIGI3
An advanced type of digipeater function for UI (unconnected-information) is also
available, configured by its own set of commands. It is described in another section,
called “Advanced Digipeating”.
8.7 Advanced Digipeating
When establishing a large coverage area, one or more (sometimes, many) digipeater
stations may be required.
Using the same digipeater alias in more than one digipeater is allowed, and can simplify
system programming.
The TALON includes UI Digipeating commands that can be used to deal with
inefficiencies that can arise when a number of digipeaters using the same generic names
are located in the same area, and can transmit at the same time. These special digipeater
functions work only with UI (unconnected information) type packets.
The command UIDIGI may be used to set up to four additional aliases/call signs for
"special" Digipeating service. To-be-digipeated packets received containing one of these
aliases will be repeated (once) with the call sign (MYCALL) of the digipeater substituted
for the alias in the digipeated frame.
UIFLOOD is a bit more exotic. It provides for multi-hop Digipeating with just one
digipeater address per packet, thereby keeping the transmission time short. To digipeat
through three TALONs supporting the UIFLOOD command, a reporting station might set
a GPS position path as GPATH GPS via wide3-3.
A digipeater TALON supporting "wide" set by the UIFLOOD command and hearing the
reporting station's transmission would then repeat the UI location packet (assuming it had
not done so already, within a preset time), using an address of wide3-2. In turn each
similar digipeater down line would digi the reporting station's UI packet and reduce
(decrement) the SSID of the digipeater address again.
A TALON using UIFLOOD has the option of inserting MYCALL in the digipeater field
of a repeated packet, creating two digipeater addresses rather than one, in each
transmitted packet.
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The current setting of UIDWAIT determines whether or not a delay is added to UI
digipeat packets (those formed by UIDIGI or UIFLOOD) before transmission, once the
channel is clear. If UIDWAIT is ON, the delay is determined by SLOTTIME and
PERSIST settings.
Note: Digipeater priority for call signs is as follows: MYCALL, MYNODE, MYALIAS,
UIDIGI, UIFLOOD (e.g. if the same call sign has been assigned to MYALIAS and
UIDIGI, a to-be-digipeated frame with that call sign will be digipeated according to the
rules that apply to MYALIAS.)
For more information on the Global Positioning System, we recommend the following
resources:
Collins, J., et al., GPS Theory and Practice, Second Edition, Springer-Verlag, 1993.
Etherington, Michael, "FM subcarrier network extends differential GPS nationwide",
Mobile Radio Technology, February 1994.
Kaplan, Elliot, "The global positioning system (GPS)", Communications Quarterly,
Summer 1994.
Langley, R., "The mathematics of GPS", GPS World Magazine, July/August 1991.
"NMEA 0183 ASCII Interface Standard", (NMEA 0183 version 2.0), NMEA, P.O. Box
50040, Mobile, AL 36605.
8.8 Multi-Connects
The TALON allows packet “connect” links (or streams) to as many as 26 other stations at
the same time.
The command MAXUSERS determines how many streams may be used at one time, and
the command USERS determines how many connect links from other stations will be
accepted. Each incoming connect is assigned to the next available stream. If the number
of streams allowed by USERS is full, a busy message will be returned to the next station
attempting to connect, instead of a connect acknowledgement.
By setting the USERS command to a lower number than MAXUSERS, the number of
streams between them will not be assigned to connect requests from other stations, and
are reserved for outgoing connect links.
The STATUS command (sent while in command mode) reports which streams are
currently active, the current “I/O” stream, and buffer status.
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To change streams, to make another connect or to direct data to another connected station
on a different stream, type the STREAMSW character, and the letter designation of the
desired stream. No return or enter key is necessary.
The setting of STREAMEV will then determine how often the stream designator is
displayed with received data. Setting it to ON will make the stream designators show on
every connected packet received. Setting STREAMCA also to ON will add the callsign
of the "from" station beside the stream designator.
8.9 Timing
Dwait vs. Persistence and Slottime
When the TALON acts as a digipeater, received packets that need to be relayed are
retransmitted as soon as the frequency is clear. Beacon and other unproto packets to be
transmitted are normally delayed by a small amount of time, by the
PERSISTENCE/SLOTTIME algorithm or DWAIT.
The default value for DWAIT is set to zero. If the DWAIT method is used, the TALON
sending non-digipeat packets will wait for DWAIT (times 10 milliseconds) time of clear
channel before beginning to key-up the radio to transmit.
The PERSIST/SLOTTIME algorithm helps avoid packet collisions by randomizing the
wait time before transmitting. By using this random timing, it is less likely that any two
TALONs will transmit at the same time, causing a packet collision. When a TALON has
a packet to transmit and detects that the channel is clear, it will wait SLOTTIME (times
10 ms), and generate a random number. If resulting number is smaller than the number
specified by the setting of PERSIST, the packet will be transmitted. If the number is
larger, it will wait another SLOTTIME and then generate another random number and
again decide whether to transmit or not.
When using PERSIST/SLOTTIME, DWAIT should be set to 0, since both will be used if
specified.
8.10 FRACK (Frame Acknowledgment Time)
If the TALON expects an acknowledgment of a packet it has sent, it will wait FRACK
seconds for the acknowledgment. If the acknowledgment is not received it will either
send a poll or retransmit the packet, depending on the setting of AX25L2V2. When digis
are used, extra time is allowed for each transmission using the following equation:
FRACK * ((2 * n) + 1) s
where n is the number of digipeaters and s is the SI symbol for seconds. The length of the
packet transmitted (determined by PACLEN and MAXFRAME) also needs to be taken
into account when deciding how to set FRACK. Longer packets (and more of them)
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require more time to be transmitted, more time to be repeated by the digipeater, and so on
down the line. The FRACK timer begins when the packet has been sent and is suspended
when data carrier from the radio is present, or when your station is transmitting.
8.11 Retries in AX.25 Level 2, Version 1 vs. Version 2
The way retries are accomplished depends on AX25L2V2 being OFF or ON. If a packet
is transmitted to a connected station, and an acknowledgement is not received back, the
entire packet is retransmitted (with the same frame number) up to the number of tries
specified by the RETRIES command, until an acknowledgement is received. If
acknowledgement is still not received, a disconnect sequence is started, up to the number
of RETRIES again. If there is still no response from the other station, the
unacknowledged packet is discarded. In level 1 type responses, single pairs of angle
brackets are used (such as <rr0>).
Under version 2 (AX25L2V2 ON), when an acknowledgement has not been returned, a
POLL only is sent (not the entire packet), up to the number of times specified by
RETRIES. In level 2 type responses, two pairs of angle brackets are use (such as
<<rr0>>).
8.12 Convers Mode vs. Transparent Mode
In the Convers Mode special control characters are still recognized. They are used to edit
typed data before transmitting it, to pass through special characters as data to another
station, or to cause a packet to be transmitted.
Transparent Mode was designed for sending files, whether ASCII data files or program
files. Special characters (other than TRFLOW and TXFLOW, when ON) have no
meaning to the TNC in transparent mode, they are just data characters to be put in a
packet and sent to the radio.
In Transparent Mode, the PACTIME command defines when packets are transmitted.
There is no MONITOR function while in TRANSPARENT mode. Only data from a
connected station can be received.
8.12.1 Exiting Transparent Mode
Since Transparent Mode allows the sending of all characters, only a special sequence of
characters or a modem break will exit Transparent Mode. The command called
CMDTIME sets a timing of character entry that will allow the use of the COMMAND
character in the special character sequence. Three COMMAND (<Ctrl+C>) characters
must be entered within CMDTIME of each other, with at least one CMDTIME before
and after the special sequence.
Some terminal programs can send a MODEM BREAK signal, which toggles the TXD
line for a specific period of time that is longer than a standard character bit time. This will
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