Kantronics KAM-Manual
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Kantronics All Mode Communicator Version D (v2.7) August 1987 Copyright 1986, by Kantronics Inc., 1202 E 23 rd St., Lawrence, Kansas 6646. All rights reserved. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ............................................................................................ 3 Chapter 1 - Introduction .................................................................... 5 Controls and Indicators ................................................ 7 Chapter 2 - Connecting Your Computer ............................................... 8 Chapter 3 - Connecting Your Radios ................................................... 13 Special Cases – Interfacing Handheld Radios .................. 17 Chapter 4 - Operation ........................................................................ 18 Initial Configuration ...................................................... 18 MAXUsers .................................................................... 18 PMode ........................................................................ 18 Kamport ...................................................................... 18 Command Mode .......................................................... 18 Initial Operation ........................................................... 19 Packet Operation ......................................................... 20 Tuning Packet Signals ........................................ 20 Connecting and Disconnecting ............................ 20 Digipeating ....................................................... 21 Multiple Packet Connections ............................... 21 Operating with Multiple Connects ....................... 23 Gateway Operations ..................................................... 24 CW Mode .................................................................... 25 RTTY & ASCII Operation ............................................... 26 FSK ............................................................................. 27 AMTOR ....................................................................... 28 Chapter 5 - Kantronics Personal Packet Mailbox ................................... 29 Chapter 6 - System Operation and Control .......................................... 35 Display Control ............................................................ 35 Packet Data Modes ...................................................... 35 Converse Mode ............................................................ 35 Transparent Mode ........................................................ 36 Packet Timing Functions ............................................... 36 Flow Control ................................................................ 38 XON/XOFF Flow Control ..................................... 38 Hardware Flow Control ...................................... 39 RTS/CTS Handshaking .................................................. 39 Mark and Space Output ................................................ 39 Calibration ................................................................... 40 Assembly & Disassembly of unit .................................... 41 Hard Reset .................................................................. 41 In Case of Difficulty ...................................................... 42 Chapter 7 - Commands and Messages ................................................ 43 Command Display ........................................................ 45 Response Messages ..................................................... 46 Commands .................................................................. 49 Part List ...................................................................... 67 Component Placement Diagram .................................... 69 Schematic Diagram ...................................................... 70 Command Summary ..................................................... 71 Appendix I – Terminal Programs .................................... 75 Appendix II – TCP/IP ................................................... 78 PREFACE THIS SECTION CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Your Kantronics All Mode Communications Terminal (KAM) is a state of the art device. It has been carefully designed, assembled and tested to meet your demanding specifications. We do need your warranty registration on file. Please take a moment to complete this card and return it to us. The KAM is a Kantronics hardware and software design incorporating the AX.25 Version 2 Level 2 Packet protocol as adopted by the American Radio Relay League. This Operator’s Manual con- tains information from earlier KPC-1 and KPC-2 manuals, modified as appropriate. In addition, Kantronics acknowledges the use of material from the original Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Cor- poration (TAPR) TNC-1 manual granted by OEM agreement. We have attempted to make this Operator’s Manual technically and typographically correct as of the date of the current printing. Production changes to the KAM my include errata or addendum sheets as required. We solicit your comments and/or suggested corrections. Please send to Kan- tronics Inc., 1202 E 23 rd St., Lawrence, Ks 66046. We have attempted to organize the manual in the most logical sequence to simplify installation and operation. Due to the complexity of the KAM, you may wish to save the "exotic" parts until lat- er. Refer to those sections covering multi-connect, gateway and simultaneous HF/VHF packet oper- ation after you have the KAM installed and operating. Throughout the manual we will use the terms "enter", "return" or "carriage return" inter- changeably. In addition, the symbol <CR> is used to signify the action of operating the key which causes entry of a carriage return. PRECAUTIONS CAUTION: The KAM is grounded through its connections to your transceivers. Make sure your transceivers are properly grounded and your computer has equal ground potential. Follow the grounding instructions in your transceiver manual. Cables provided with the KAM Communicator are shielded. If you decide to use substitute ca- bling, be certain it is also shielded. We do not recommend the use of RS-232 ribbon cable in the ham shack environment. RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of the FCC rules. These specifications are designed to mini- mize radio frequency interference in a residential installation; however, there is no guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur in any particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equip- ment off and on when the radio or television is on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the in- terference by one of the following measures: Reorient the radio or TV receiving antenna; Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver; Move the computer away from the receiver; Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and the receiver are on dif- ferent branch circuits. If necessary the user should contact the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for addi- tional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the FCC helpful: "How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems" 3 This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402 by ordering Stock No. 004-00000345-4. 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 environments and may causative factors in RFI in- duced problems. The suggestions given here may assist in resolving RFI problems you may en- counter in your "unique" station. 1. Use shielded cable for all interconnections between equipment. 2. 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 fur- ther from an interface or other device will solve the "screen hash" problem. 3. Antenna runs should be kept away from equipment control lines and/or interconnecting cables. 4. Ground leads should be as short as possible and go to a GOOD EARTH GROUND. 5. 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. 4 Chapter 1 - Introduction CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The KAM is a high performance terminal unit providing Morse (CW), RTTY, ASCII, AMTOR and Packet communications on the High Frequency (HF) bands. It will also provide Packet operation on VHF/UHF bands. Each of these capabilities is is amplified in the following paragraphs. Microprocessor control means the KAM has optimal filter settings for each mode, shift and data rate selected. KAM has the added features of multiple RTTY shifts and limiter/limiterless operation. Every computer you use with the KAM will have to have a simple terminal program to interface with the KAM. You can have enhanced operation, such as file transfers, with a sophisticated mo- dem program. Hardware Description KAM incorporates and integrates