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Version 2.3A
June 19, 1990
Written by Dick Lichtel,KD4JP
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:1
1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What is PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Program Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting the PAKRATT-232 ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The How, What and Disclaimers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Shareware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Program Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Running off a Floppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Running off a Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What File Does What . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Modifying the DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT Files . . . . . . . 8
Directory Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PAKRATT-232 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Printing to a File or Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1 Running PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PAKTERM Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Choosing A COM Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
COM Port Caveats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Modifying the .CFG File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Up And Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Initializing the PAKRATT-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Handling Initialization Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1 Using a Mouse With PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Which Mouse Button Does What ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What If I Haven't Got a Mouse ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.1 Configuring PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Configuring The PAKRATT For the 1st Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Obtaining Help For The Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . 13
The 1st Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Changing the Parameters' Default . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The 2nd Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
The 3rd Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The 4th Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.1 The Files Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Saving Your Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Saving the Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reloading the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Loading The Parameters' Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting the Default Parameter Filename . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Saving the Keyboard Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Specifying a Text Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Specifying a FAX Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Specifying an External File Transfer Program . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.1 Line Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
8.1 The Communications Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:2
Changing the Screen Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Changing PAKTERM's Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.1 Operating With PAKTERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
More About the 24 Hour Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SIAM Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Function Key Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
General Operating Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Changing Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Command Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Transmit and Receive Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Data Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Sending a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Scroll Back Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Defining Macro Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Obtaining Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Keyboard Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
10.1 Packet Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Normal Packet Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Packet PakMail Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
External File Transfer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
11.1 AMTOR Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
12.1 BAUDOT/ASCII Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
13.1 Morse Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
14.1 FAX Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
15.1 Dumb Terminal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
16.1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Message and Note Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Viewing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Editing a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Shelling to DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
17.1 QSO Log Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Adding a QSO to the Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Editing A QSO Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Search The QSO File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Specifying Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Searching For a QSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Printing an Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Deleting an Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Clearing the Search Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
The Default Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Changing Your Default Station Information . . . . . . 50
Specifying the Log and QSO Default File . . . . . . . 50
Changing the Line Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Clearing the QSO Entry Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Getting Help While in the QSO Log Facility . . . . . . . . . . . 51
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:3
The MiniLog Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
18.1 OS/2 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
19.1 Future Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
20.1 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
21.1 Link Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
22.1 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
List of Packet Status Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
23.1 PAKTERM Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:4
1.1 Introduction
* What is PAKTERM ?
PAKTERM is a terminal program designed for AEA's PAKRATT-232 (Tm).
PAKTERM requires an IBM PC or clone with at least 256K of memory, a
monochrome or color adapter, and a serial port. You must be running MSDOS
3.0 or later. PAKTERM also runs under OS/2 in the DOS compatibility box.
PAKTERM supports communications ports 1 through 4. PAKTERM can take
advantage of the 43 line mode of an EGA or VGA adapter, allowing for more
information to be displayed on the screen. PAKTERM also supports a
Microsoft (c) compatible mouse.
Why use PAKTERM ?
PAKTERM operates the PAKRATT-232 in host mode to provide a more
effective means of communication between the host computer and the PAKRATT.
PAKTERM is a window oriented program; the Operating Screen is broken up
into 3 different windows. Data that is received is shown in the Receive
Window. Below the Receive Window is the Transmit Window where the
characters you type are displayed. The bottom window, the Status Window,
keeps track of the condition of the data link.
Most of the PAKRATT's immediate commands have been assigned to
function keys. The function keys have been assigned various
responsibilities depending upon the operating mode (e.g Packet, AMTOR ).
This feature allows you to make, say an FEC call, with one touch of a
function key. PAKTERM also features keyboard macros. Keyboard macros are
text strings that are assigned to a particular keystroke and are sent when
that keystroke is typed. For example, the message "CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ DE KD4JP"
can be sent with a keystroke like ALT-1.
Most all that can be done with the keyboard can also be done with a
mouse. The mouse makes it easier to navigate around PAKTERM's menu system.
There are 4 different setup screens which allow you to set the
multitude of parameters without having to remember the proper syntax of
each of the commands. The default values for these parameters are stored in
a file so the PAKRATT-232 can be initialized to your specific configuration
each time PAKTERM is run. Different parameter files can be created allowing
for different operating modes or conditions using a different set of
parameters.
PAKTERM also allows files to be sent (uploaded) to other stations and
information being received to be saved to a file (captured). PAKTERM has
note files. which can be used to store operating frequencies, names, calls,
or whatever. The files can be viewed while operating. PAKTERM also has
message files to store text that is frequently transmitted.
Files can be viewed or edited from within PAKTERM. PAKTERM does not
have its own editor but instead allows you to specify your own favorite
editor to edit files. PAKTERM's file viewing function allows you to view
files while operating.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:5
PAKTERM also has a 900 line scroll back buffer. You can page up and
down within this buffer as well as search for specific text strings
contained in the buffer. This size of the buffer is adjustable.
PAKTERM also supports the PakMail feature of the PAKRATT-232MBX.
PAKTERM can save and restore those mail messages stored in the PAKRATT.
With this feature enabled, PakMail messages will not be lost when powering
down the PAKRATT-232 or leaving PAKTERM.
PAKTERM has it's own QSO Log routine. Actually, PAKTERM has 2 Log
routines. The first is the MiniLog facility which allows you to enter QSOs
from the Operating Screen. The other is a full featured QSO Log routine.
Both routines feature the ability to search through your Log to find a QSO
based upon certain keywords. Both routines also provide a means to
automatically insert the date and time as well as you station equipment in
to the Log. The QSO Log routine will also print out any QSO Log entry in
either a QSL or standard format. Multiple QSO Log files are also supported.
PAKTERM allows you to call AEA's program PKFAX from within PAKTERM and
call an external program such as YAPP to handle binary file transfers
* Program Requirements
This manual assumes a working knowledge of the PAKRATT-232 and its
commands as well as Microsoft's DOS 3.x. DOS 3.x is required because
previous versions of DOS do not allow the size of the DOS environment table
to be changed. PAKTERM uses the environment table to specify the time zone
information. If you use the DOS environment to specify a long PATH string
and/or use the DOS environment to set other information, the environment
may not be large enough to handle the extra information PAKTERM requires.
The default size of the DOS environment is 128 bytes. Changing the size of
the environment will be discussed in Section 2.1.
PAKTERM uses the DOS EXEC and SHELL functions. These functions do not
always work properly in DOS 2.1 because of a bug in DOS. This does not mean
PAKTERM will not run, but the potential for the system to crash is there.
This bug has been fixed in later versions of DOS.
PAKTERM will run with a minimum of 256K of RAM. More memory may be
require if your editor has significant memory requirements or to execute
PKFAX. PAKTERM will execute PKFAX without any problems with 640K of memory.
PAKTERM supports the latest ROM revisions (Oct 89) to the PAKRATT-232,
including the PakMail features. If you have an older version of the ROM
set, some features of PAKTERM will not work with your PAKRATT-232. This is
not a catastrophic problem but PAKTERM will report an "Unknown Command"
error if you attempt to use a command or set a parameter not supported by
your PAKRATT-232.
* Getting the PAKRATT-232 ready
The batteries in the PAKRATT-232 should be removed. PAKTERM saves all
the default parameters in a file and will initialize the PAKRATT-232 each
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:6
time it is run so the batteries are not really necessary. If you decide to
leave the batteries in, you should RESET the PAKRATT before running PAKTERM
for the 1st time.
* The How, What and Disclaimers
PAKTERM was written using Microsoft Quick C 2.0, Microsoft C 6.0 and
the Microsoft Macro Assembler 5.1.
This manual was written using WordPerfect 5.1.
As for the usual disclaimers, no warranty is implied or expressed. Nor
am I responsible for the loss of wages , damage to equipment, or divorces
from the use of this program. The purpose for writing this program was to
create a program that overcame some of the annoying features of other
programs as well as the challenge of doing so.
* Shareware
There are two versions of PAKTERM, one version is Shareware, the other
is not. The Shareware version does not have the QSO Log routines, the
MiniLog routine, support external programs like FAX, or support saving and
restoring PakMail messages to disk. The Shareware version states that it is
Shareware along with the version number and the revision date in the
opening screen. The Shareware version can be distributed freely as long as
none of the files are modified and the executable, document, and help
database files are included.
The Product version simply states the version number and the revision
date. The Product version is obtained only by registering with me.
Registering keeps you up to date with the latest version of PAKTERM. You
will automatically be notified on any changes to the program and of any
upgrades. You will also receive a new version of PAKTERM if you find any
bugs in the program.
2.1 Program Setup
* Running off a Floppy
To install PAKTERM on a floppy simply copy the following files to a
formatted floppy:
PAKTERM.EXE (the main program)
HELP.FIL (datafile used to create the helpfile for PAKTERM)
Keep the original files in a safe place.
* Running off a Hard Disk
To install PAKTERM on a hard disk, first create a subdirectory called
PAKTERM. (The directory can actually be called anything you want). Move to
the subdirectory you created using the CHDIR command (e.g. CHDIR \PAKTERM).
Now copy the files from the PAKTERM disk. (e.g copy a:\*.*).
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:7
* What File Does What
PAKTERM will later create the following files:
PKDEF_.CFG (Configuration File)
PKDEF_.DEF (Default Parameter File)
PKMES.1 thru PKMES.5 (Message Files)
PK.MAC (Default Macro File)
PK.LOG (Default Capture File)
PKNOTE.1 & PKNOTE.2 (Note Files)
PKHELP.1 (Help File)
PKMAIL.MES (PakMail File)
QSO.LOG (Default QSO Print Out file)
PKCALL.DEF (Default Station Information)
PKCALL.DAT (Default QSO Database File)
After PAKTERM has been run, you can delete the file HELP.FIL ONLY IF
you have a backup of HELP.FIL. PAKTERM uses this file to generate PKHELP.1.
PAKTERM will create PKHELP.1 if it does not exist. Always delete PKHELP.1
when copying PAKTERM to another drive and allow PAKTERM to generate it from
HELP.FIL. Neither file should be edited as doing so may cause PAKTERM to
incorrectly read the files.
* Modifying the DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT Files
You also need to change or create the file CONFIG.SYS. Your CONFIG.SYS
file should contain the following statements:
BUFFERS=30 (if you don't have a hard disk set BUFFERS=3)
FILES=15
If you get the DOS error, out of environment space, add the line:
SHELL=C:\COMMAND.COM /P /E:256
to your CONFIG.SYS file. You must have DOS 3.x to use the /E switch on the
SHELL command. See your DOS manual for more information.
Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file also needs to be changed. Add the line:
SET TZ=EST5EDT
This sets the time zone information to Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours
behind UTC and Daylight Savings Time is used in the area. If you live in
California, then SET TZ=PST8PDT. If your area does not use daylight saving
at, all leave off the EDT (i.e. SET TZ=EST5). If your area does use
Daylight Savings even though it is not in effect presently, EDT MUST be
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:8
specified. Remember to set the date and time on your computer before
running PAKTERM !
If you have DOS 3.3 or later, you should install the FASTOPEN utility,
especially if you make use of the QSO Log facility. If you have a disk
cache utility, you should also install it.
* Directory Assistance
The file PKHELP.1 must be on the same drive and in the same
subdirectory as PAKTERM. The files, PKDEF_.DEF and PKDEF_.CFG, which
PAKTERM creates, must also in the same place as PAKTERM. HELP.FIL must also
be in the same directory as PAKTERM. PAKTERM uses this file to create
PKHELP.1.
* PAKRATT-232 Preparation
Before running PAKTERM for the first time, turn the PAKRATT-232 off.
Wait a few seconds before turning it back on to be sure the PAKRATT-232 has
been reset. If the batteries in the PAKRATT-232 were not removed, PAKTERM
may not be able to initialize the PAKRATT-232 (The TBAUD parameter must be
set to 9600 if you don't reset the PAKRATT). You should always power up
your PAKRATT-232 AFTER you boot up your computer, but before running
PAKTERM.
This completes the setup operation.
* Printing to a File or Printer
To DOS, the printer is just another file. When you are prompted by
PAKTERM for a filename to store data, you can redirect the output to the
printer. Specifying PRN or LPT1 will redirect the data to the printer. PRN
is short for the default printer and LPT1 is short for printer port 1.
3.1 Running PAKTERM
* PAKTERM Options
To execute PAKTERM, first move to the drive and directory where
PAKTERM resides then type PAKTERM. PAKTERM has three options available; the
-H, -M and -N switches. The proper format is:
PAKTERM [-H] [-M or -N]
The -H switch puts the screen in 43 line mode. This only works with
an EGA or VGA adapter. The default is 25 rows. The [] around the -H switch
means the -H is optional. Do not type the [] on the command line or PAKTERM
will not recognize the -H option.
The -M switch enables the saving and restoring of PakMail Messages.
The file PKMAIL.MES will be read if found and the messages stored in this
file will be restored to the PAKRATT-232. When exiting PAKTERM, PakMail
Messages will also be stored in this file.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:9
The -N switch disables the saving and restoring of PakMail Messages.
The -N and -M switches should not be used together. If both -N and -M
are specified, the switch which is last on the command line will take
precedence. The -N and -M switches override PAKTERM's default settings for
the restoration of PakMail Messages.
The saving and restoration of PakMail Messages is discussed in Section
8.1.
* Choosing A COM Port
When first run, PAKTERM will prompt for a communications port #. Move
the cursor to the proper communications port and press RETURN. Only Com
Ports 1 - 4 are supported presently. If you have a mouse, the mouse cursor
will be shown. Click the left button on the proper communications port #
that is to be used.
╔═ Enter Com Port # ═╗
║COM Port 1 ║
║COM Port 2 ║
║COM Port 3 ║
║COM Port 4 ║
╚═════════════════════╝
PAKTERM then creates a file called PKDEF_.CFG in which the
configuration information is saved. Once created, these values will be read
in by PAKTERM from this file each time PAKTERM is run. You will be prompted
for the communications port information only if the file PKDEF_.CFG does
not exist. The information stored in PKDEF_.CFG ranges from the screen
colors for the various types of menus to the communications port
information. The names of the default text editor, FAX program, and
external file transfer program are also stored in this file.
* COM Port Caveats
COM ports can be different things to different people, and usually
different things to different machines. Especially when dealing with COM3
and COM4. These ports have different addresses depending upon the board
used. The PAKTERM defaults for the COM ports are as follows:
Port IRQ Port Address
COM1 4 3F8
COM2 3 2F8
COM3 4 3E8
COM4 3 2E8
IRQ is the hardware interrupt line used, and the port address is the
physical address of the port. Some COM boards use port addresses 3F8 and
2F8 for COM3 and COM4 respectively but use IRQ 5 instead. I have noticed
this on AT type COM boards. If you are confused, check your COM board
documentation. If you find that the defaults for COM3 or COM4 won't work as
they are described above and insist on using COM3 or COM4, you can edit the
file PKDEF_.CFG and change the port address and IRQ.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:10
* Modifying the .CFG File
It is possible to edit the .CFG to make PAKTERM run with your serial
port. This is not a trivial task and should not be undertaken by the faint
of heart. The .CFG must be edited with an editor that will not insert
<CR><LF>s in to the file.
The 9th number in the .CFG is the IRQ interrupt. That number will be
set to either 3 or 4. The next 21 numbers are the colors for the various
menus and screens. The next number is used by the QSO Log routine. Next
should be the filename of the Parameter Default file. The next number
(shown in hex) will be the port address. Be sure you know what you are
doing, or PAKTERM won't run. If all else fails, delete the .CFG and re-run
PAKTERM.
If you are still confused, your best bet is to use COM1 or COM2.
* Up And Running
After the communications port is chosen, PAKTERM will display the
PAKTERM logo and introduction. To initiate communications with the
PAKRATT-232 press any key. Initially, the baud rate will be set to 9600
baud. You can change the baud rate from within PAKTERM. If the PAKRATT has
been previously powered on, PAKRATT will abort if the baud rate of the
PAKRATT-232 does not match what the default is for PAKTERM.
* Initializing the PAKRATT-232
PAKTERM will initialize the PAKRATT-232's parameters using the values
stored in the file PKDEF_.DEF. These parameters can be changed later on
from the Setup Screens. A window will appear on the screen and the
PAKRATT's parameters are shown in the window as they are initialized.
╔═ Initializing PK-232 ══╗
║8BITCONV ║
╚════════════════════════╝
* Handling Initialization Error Messages
Since some parameters such as SELCAL & MYCALL may have not yet been
set, an Error Message will be displayed saying so.
╔══════ Error ══════════════╗
║Call Sign ║
╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝
╔═ Initializing PK-232 ══╗
║MYSEL ║
╚════════════════════════╝
Simply hit a key to continue initializing the PAKRATT-232. This Error
Window may pop up at other times when the PAKRATT-232 receives bad data or
an Unknown Command from PAKTERM. Unknown Command errors can result when
using older versions of ROMS in your PAKRATT-232.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:11
After you leave PAKTERM, you need not turn off the PAKRATT-232. If you
decide to run PAKTERM again PAKTERM will attempt to establish
communications with the PAKRATT using the default baud rate. PAKTERM will
again initialize all the parameters as they have been stored in the file
PKDEF_.DEF. If you have changed the PAKRATT's TBAUD parameter and not saved
the new baud rate to the configuration file, you will have to power off the
PAKRATT.
4.1 Using a Mouse With PAKTERM
As mentioned, PAKTERM can utilize a Microsoft compatible mouse. The
mouse can be used to select items from menus or change the state of
parameters in the setup screens.
* Which Mouse Button Does What ?
A word about mouse operation is necessary before we proceed. When
mouse operation is supported, the mouse cursor will be displayed. The left
mouse button is used to select items from in a menu or screen. The right
button is used to call the Help routine. When selecting an item from a
menu, click the left button on the desired menu item. The last item on most
all menus allows you to exit the menu.
The mouse also comes in handy when an Error Window appears. By
clicking the left button on the message at the bottom of the window, the
window will close and you can continue. This is also true of the Help
Windows.
A typical Error Window will look like this:
╔══════ Error ══════════════╗
║Unknown Command ║
╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝
Clicking the left bottom on the message "Hit Any Key to Continue" will
cause the window to disappear and allow the program to continue.
The right button is used exclusively to display a Help Screen. The
right button is only active in the Operating Screens and the Setup Screens.
The right mouse button mimics the ALT-H keystroke which also brings up the
Help Screen.
The left mouse button is also used to move the cursor around the Setup
Screens and to toggle certain parameters in the screens. Parameters which
accept ON and OFF as their values can be toggled back and forth using the
left button. Other parameters such as RBAUD can be cycled through the
possible values by clicking the left button on the parameter's argument.
* What If I Haven't Got a Mouse ?
If you don't have a mouse, don't panic. The cursor can be moved about
the menus using the cursor keys and when the cursor is over the proper menu
item, press RETURN. Pop-up windows also look for a key to be pressed to
close them. The window will tell you what key you need to press.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:12
5.1 Configuring PAKTERM
PAKTERM allows you to configure the PAKRATT-232 and PAKTERM itself
according to the way you like to operate. Both the configuration of PAKTERM
and the PAKRATT can be stored to disk and will be read when PAKTERM is run
again.
* Configuring The PAKRATT For the 1st Time
Once the communications port information has been entered and the
default parameters sent to the PAKRATT, another menu will be displayed;
╔═══════════════════════════════╗
║SETUP Default Parameters ║
║FILES Menu ║
║Set Colors ║
║Return to Communications Menu ║
╚═══════════════════════════════╝
This menu is only shown when PAKTERM is run for the 1st time or if the
.DEF file has been deleted. Move the cursor to the menu item desired and
press RETURN or position the mouse cursor and click the left button.
The Setup Screens allow you to change the various PAKRATT-232
parameters. The FILES Menu allows you to save the values of the parameters;
specify a new filename to store the parameters; save the present PAKTERM
configuration and save the macro key definitions. All this will be
discussed in the next couple of sections.
The Set Colors Menu item allows you to change the colors of the
various menus and screens. Changing the screen colors will be discussed in
section 8.1.
The last item, "Return to Communications Menu" will bring you into the
Communications Menu where you can choose the operating mode. You can also
call these menus from the Communications Menu.
* Setup Screens
The Setup Screens allows you to change the various PAKRATT-232
parameters. Move the cursor to SETUP and press the RETURN key to display
the Setup Screens. PAKTERM can display a brief Help message explaining each
parameter in the Setup Screen but the PAKRATT-232 manual is still the
definitive source.
The Setup Screens are composed of 4 different screens. The 1st
contains the parameters specific to Packet operation. The 2nd screen
contains the parameters for BAUDOT, ASCII, AMTOR and Morse operation. The
3rd screen contains keystroke definitions specific to the PAKRATT-232, such
as SENDPAC. This screen contains the FAX, NAVTEX, and TDM parameters. The
last screen shows the parameters which accept long text strings or multiple
call signs such as UNPROTO, MBX, and MFROM.
* Obtaining Help For The Setup Screen
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:13
To display a Help Screen for any of the parameters shown in the Setup
Screens, place the cursor over the parameter and press ALT-H. A Help Screen
will be displayed explaining the parameter. To exit the Help Screen press
ESC.
If you have a mouse, position the mouse cursor over the parameter and
click the right mouse button. To exit the Help Screen, click the left
button over the message in the bottom border of the window.
* The 1st Setup Screen
The 1st Setup Screen will look something like this:
╔══════════════ Packet Setup Screen ════════ ALT-H:Help ════════════╗
║ 3RDPARTY OFF 8BITCONV ON ACKPRIOR OFF AUDELAY 000 ║
║ ALFPACK OFF AX25L2V2 ON AXDELAY OFF AXHANG 00 ║
║ BBSMSGS OFF CASEDISP 0 CHECK 030 CHCALL OFF ║
║ CMDTIME 001 CMSG OFF CBELL OFF CONSTAMP ON ║
║ CPACTIME OFF DAYSTAMP OFF DWAIT 016 FRACK 04 ║
║ FULLDUP OFF HBAUD 300 HEADERLN ON HID OFF ║
║ ILFPACK OFF MAILDROP OFF MAXFRAME 4 MBELL OFF ║
║ MCON 0 MDIGI OFF MDMON OFF MID 000 ║
║ MONITOR 4 MPROTO OFF MRPT ON MSTAMP ON ║
║ MYA KD4JP MYC KD4JP PACLEN 128 PASSALL OFF ║
║ PERSIST 063 PPERSIST ON RELINK OFF RESPTIME 010 ║
║ RETRY 10 SLOTTIME 010 SQUELCH OFF TRACE OFF ║
║ TRIES 00 TXDELAY 045 USERS 01 VHF OFF ║
║ WHYNOT OFF XMITOK ON ║
║ BEACON [EVERY] Interval[000] PACTIME [AFTER] Interval[010] ║
║ MFILTER [07],[13],[00],[00] ║
╚═══════════════════════════ ESC to Continue ═══════════════════════╝
* Changing the Parameters' Default
Certain parameters require different types of inputs. For parameters
which accept a number or a text string, move the cursor to the parameter
value and type the number or text string. MYC or DWAIT are examples of such
parameters. For parameters which toggle between ON and OFF, move the cursor
to the parameter value and press RETURN. WHYNOT and VHF are examples of
such parameters. The parameters HBAUD, RBAUD and ABAUD will cycle through
the possible baud rates each time the RETURN key is pressed.
If you have a mouse, move the mouse cursor to the applicable
parameter. If the parameter toggles, click the left button to toggle the
parameter. If the parameter requires a number or a text string, click the
left mouse button to move the normal cursor before entering the number or
text string.
For parameters that require text strings, PAKTERM will accept a
limited number of characters for the text string. The number of characters
varies, depending upon the parameter. If the number is exceeded, the string
will be cleared and the excess characters will compose a new string. For
example, MYC and MYA accept up to 10 characters. If a1bcd was typed
followed by a RETURN for MYC your call would become A1BCD. If you typed
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:14
a1bcdefghij-1, A1BCDEFGHI is sent to the PAKRATT-232 as your call. J-1
would then over write A1BCDEFGHI in the window and would make up the
beginning of a new callsign. You can backspace (rubout) the j-1 and re-type
the callsign. Until you enter another callsign, the PAKRATT thinks your
call is A1BCDEFGHI. Note that for MYC and MYA, the call will be displayed
in uppercase in the Setup Screen. If the text string contains illegal
characters, the PAKRATT-232 will issue an Error Message. That Error
Message will be displayed by PAKTERM in an Error Window.
The same is also true for numbers. Some commands will accept 3 digits
while others will accept only 1. When entering a number with fewer digits
than the maximum accepted, enter the number followed by a RETURN. Numbers
will always be displayed containing the maximum number of digits, filled
with leading 0's if necessary.
Some parameters, such as BBSMSGS, are not supported by earlier
versions of the PAKRATT-232's ROM. In this case, an Error Message will be
displayed when ever this parameter is changed (or initialized for the 1st
time). Press a RETURN when the Error Message Window appears on the screen
to continue. The words "Unknown Command" will be displayed in the Error
Window. This message shows you that the PAKRATT-232 does not understand the
command BBSMSGS. PAKTERM supports the latest ROM set (Oct 1989).
Press ESC to exit the 1st setup screen or click the left mouse button
on the message in the bottom border of the screen.
* The 2nd Setup Screen
The 2nd Setup screen contains the parameters for AMTOR, RTTY, ASCII
and MORSE operation. This screen operates identically to the 1st setup
screen. Clicking the left mouse button on parameters such as AFILTER,
toggle it's state ON and OFF. The same can be done by moving the cursor to
that parameter and pressing the RETURN key. MYSEL and MYALT accept a
character string of up to 4 characters. If for example, kdjp was typed, the
characters as typed (in lowercase) are displayed until the 4th character is
typed. The string of 4 characters are then sent to the PAKRATT-232. The new
SELCAL is shown in uppercase letters on the screen. If 5 characters were
typed, say kd4jp, the 1st 4 letters would be sent to the PAKRATT-232 as the
SELCAL. The 5th letter, P, would begin a new SELCAL. PAKTERM will wait for
3 more characters to be entered or for a RETURN to be pressed. You can use
the backspace key to edit the string and enter the proper SELCAL.
The 2nd Setup Screen looks something like this:
╔════════ AMTOR/RTTY/ASCII/MORSE Setup Screen ════ ALT-H:Help ══════╗
║ ║
║ ABAUD 110 ADELAY 4 ACRRTTY 000 AFILTER OFF ║
║ ALFRTTY ON AQRTMO 045 CCITT ON CODE 0 ║
║ CRADD OFF DIDDLE OFF ECHO ON EAS ON ║
║ MARSDISP OFF MSPEED 20 MYALT KRJP MYIDENT KDYUPPP║
║ MYSEL KDJP MWEIGHT 10 RBAUD 045 RFEC OFF ║
║ RXREV OFF SRXALL OFF TXREV OFF USOS OFF ║
║ WIDESHFT OFF WRU OFF ║
╚═════════════════════════ Esc to Continue ═════════════════════════╝
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:15
The parameter MYIDENT is your 7 character SELCAL. To generate this
SELCAL, PAKTERM will accept your normal callsign (up to 7 characters) and
send it to the PAKRATT. The PAKRATT will translate it to the proper 7
character SELCAL and PAKTERM will display it on the screen. The guidelines
for creating a 7 character SELCAL are difficult enough; it is best to use
this method for creating the 7 character SELCAL.
To exit this screen, press ESC or click the left mouse button on the
message in the bottom border of the screen.
* The 3rd Setup Screen
The 3rd screen again works identically to the previous 2 screens. This
screen allows certain command keystrokes to be defined, such as SENDPAC and
TIME. These parameters accept hexadecimal digits (0-F). These command keys
are described in the PAKRATT-232 manual. The hex numbers are the ASCII
code for the keystroke. For example, a $01 is the ASCII code for Control-A.
This screen also contains parameters for FAX, NAVTEX and TDM
operation. FAX, NAVTEX and TDM operation are described in the PAKRATT
manual.
The 3rd Setup Screen looks something like this:
╔═══ FAX/NAVTEX/TDM Setup Screen ═══ ALT-H:Help ═══╗
║ BITINV 00 ASPECT 2 PRTYPE 002 ║
║ CANLINE 18 FAXNEG OFF TDBAUD 096 ║
║ CANPAC 19 FSPEED 2 TDCHAN 0 ║
║ COMMAND 03 GRAPHICS 1 ║
║ CUSTOM 0015 JUSTIFY 00 ║
║ CWID 06 LEFTRITE ON ║
║ HEREIS 02 NAVMSG [All ][ ] ║
║ RECEIVE 04 NAVSTN [All ][ ] ║
║ REDISPLA 12 PRFAX ON ║
║ SENDPAC 0D PRCON OFF ║
║ TIME 14 PROUT OFF ║
╚═════════════════ Esc to Continue ════════════════╝
To exit this screen, press ESC. If you have a mouse, click the left
mouse button on the message in the bottom border of the screen.
* The 4th Setup Screen
The final Setup Screen contains the parameters which require long text
strings (such as CTEXT) or multiple arguments (such as DFROM). Move the
cursor to the parameter desired and press RETURN. If a text string is
required, a small window will appear and you will be prompted for the text
string. The character Control-P is used as the passthru character. The
passthru character allows you to insert certain control character in your
text, such as a RETURN. Normally a RETURN is interpreted as the end of the
text. If you type a ^P then a RETURN, the RETURN is inserted in the text,
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:16
and you can continue typing the text. See your PAKRATT-232 manual for more
information on the passthru character. The passthru character cannot be
redefined. Note that in human mode, the PAKRATT-232 normally uses a ^V for
the passthru character. In host mode the PAKRATT-232 defines the passthru
character as a ^P.
The YES/NO/NONE/ALL arguments for MTO, MFROM, DFROM and CFROM will
cycle each time the RETURN key is pressed. If you have a mouse cursor, move
the mouse cursor to the desired parameter and click the left mouse button.
To enter a callsign as an argument for the above command, move the cursor
to the appropriate box and type the callsign.
The parameter MBX behaves a little differently because it accepts
either callsigns or a NONE argument. You can enter either 2 callsigns or
the word NONE. Unlike MTO, you cannot press the RETURN key over the word
NONE. NONE must be specifically typed in.
╔═══════════ PK-232 Message Setup Screen ════ ALT-H:Help ═══════════╗
║ UNPROTO: CQ ║
║ ║
║ BTEXT : % ║
║ ║
║ CTEXT : % ║
║ ║
║ AAB : % ║
║ MBX :[None ][ ] ║
║ MDPRMPT:Enter Message, ^Z (CTRL-Z) to End ║
║ ║
║ CFROM :[All ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ DFROM :[All ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ MFROM :[All ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ MTO :[None] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
║ [ ][ ][ ][ ] ║
╚══════════════════════════ Esc to Exit ════════════════════════════╝
When done, press ESC to return to the previous menu. If you have a
mouse, click the left button on the message in the bottom border of the
window.
6.1 The Files Menu
The FILES Menu allows you to save or load the Default, Macro and
Configuration files. This is where you can also specify a text editor which
PAKTERM will call to edit files. The Configuration file stores the com port
#, baud rate, and screen colors. The Default file stores the PAKRATT-232
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:17
default parameters. PAKTERM stores the parameters normally in a file called
PKDEF_.DEF.
The FILES Menu can be chosen from the Communications Menu or from the
Configuration Menu which is displayed when PAKTERM is run for the first
time. The FILES Menu looks something like this:
╔═════════ Files Menu ══════╗
║Save Configuration ║
║Save Parameter Defaults ║
║Load Configuration ║
║Load Parameter Defaults ║
║Set Parameter Default File ║
║Set Macro File ║
║Save Macros ║
║Load Macros ║
║Specify Editor ║
║FAX Program ║
║External Xfer Program ║
║Return To Previous Menu ║
╚═══════════════════════════╝
Move the cursor to the menu desired or click the left mouse button on
the desired menu item. All these files must be in the same subdirectory in
which the program is run.
Be sure to save the parameter defaults after you have changed them in
the Setup Screens otherwise the old values will be loaded then next time
PAKTERM is run. Remember to save the Configuration after you change the
baud rate, com port #, screen colors, or specify a text editor.
* Saving Your Configuration
The "Save Configuration" item allows you to save the communications
port information, baud rate, screen colors, the name of the text editor,
and the name of the default file (the .DEF file) to the file PKDEF_.CFG. If
PKDEF_.CFG cannot be found, you will be prompted for the communications
port information before this information is saved to PKDEF_.CFG.
* Saving the Default Parameters
The "Save Defaults" item saves the parameters shown in the Setup
Screens to the .DEF file. The filename where the parameters are stored can
be changed by choosing the "Set Default File" item from this menu. The
default filename for the default file is PKDEF_.DEF.
* Reloading the Configuration
The "Load Configuration" item reads the file PKDEF_.CFG and restores
all the variables stored in this file. The file PKDEF_.CFG must be on the
same drive and in the same directory that PAKTERM is run from.
* Loading The Parameters' Default Values
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:18
The "Load Defaults" item reads the parameter values from the .DEF file
and re-initializes the PAKRATT-232. The parameters will be displayed in a
window as they are sent to the PAKRATT-232.
* Setting the Default Parameter Filename
PAKTERM has the provision for multiple Default files. Default files
will have the extension .DEF. This menu item allows you to give the Default
file a new name. When you specify another .DEF file, you can then load from
or save to this new .DEF file. If you save the Configuration, the name of
the new .DEF file will be placed in the PKDEF_.CFG file and the new .DEF
file will be read when the PAKTERM is run. The default .DEF filename is
PKDEF_.DEF. The .DEF file must be on the same drive and in the same
directory that PAKTERM is run from. PAKTERM always attaches the extension
.DEF to the filename regardless of what you type.
* Saving the Keyboard Macros
PAKTERM allows the keystrokes ALT-1 thru ALT-0 to be defined as Macro
Keys. Each keystroke can be defined as a text string of up to 60
characters. The macros definitions are stored in a file called PK.MAC. This
file is created only if used, and you must specifically save the Macro
definitions if you plan on using them again. The definition of Keyboard
Macros will be discussed in Section 9.1. The Save Macros and Load Macros
functions write and read the macro file.
PAKTERM automatically reads the default Macro File if it exist, so the
macro keys are defined and ready to use when you begin operating.
* Specifying a Text Editor
The "Specify Editor" item allows users to specify the text editor that
is to be used to edit text files. You will be prompted for the editor name.
If the editor is not in the subdirectory specified in your PATH, you must
include the path with the filename, e.g. C:\foo\editor.exe. The editor name
is stored in PKDEF_.CFG. If you use an editor such as WORDSTAR, WORD, or
WORDPERFECT, be sure to save the file in ASCII format not in the editor's
own format. Remember to re-save the Configuration File to store the editor
information.
Rather than specifying a text editor, you could also specify the name
of another program you might wish to run, like another Log program. PAKTERM
will think the other program is an editor and prompt you for a filename.
You can specify arguments to your program by substituting the filename for
the program's arguments. PAKTERM will then spawn the process with the
filename (or arguments) as the process's argument. When you exit the
program, you will be returned to PAKTERM.
* Specifying a FAX Program
The "FAX Program" menu item allows you to specify the name of an
external program to display FAX pictures. This file must reside in the same
directory as PAKTERM. It is best to specify the name of a batch file that
then moves to the directory that the FAX program resides, calls the FAX
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:19
program and returns back to the PAKTERM directory. PAKTERM sets the TBAUD
parameter to 4800 prior to executing the FAX program (or batch file) and
leaves the PAKRATT in host mode. Remember to re-save the configuration so
the filename will be stored in the configuration file.
Section 14.1 discusses the creation of the batch file for executing
PKFAX.
* Specifying an External File Transfer Program
The "External Xfer Program" menu item allows you to specify the name
of an external program to handle binary file transfers. Again is best to
specify the name of a batch file rather than the program itself since
PAKTERM expects the program to reside in the same directory as PAKTERM.
PAKTERM sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 baud prior to executing the file.
PAKRATT leaves the PAKRATT in host mode.
PAKTERM configures the PAKRATT for the default expected by YAPP. YAPP
is a Packet terminal program written by Jeff Jacobsen with binary file
transfer capability. PAKTERM will reset all the default parameters as well
as the PAKRATT's internal clock when control is returned back to PAKTERM.
Remember to re-save the configuration so the filename will be stored
in the configuration file.
Section 10.1 discusses the creation of the batch file for executing
YAPP.
* 7.1 Line Editing
For entering text strings for such things as filenames and Macro Key
definitions, PAKTERM has some simple line editing features. When prompted
for text, say a filename, a window will appear and the default parameter,
in this case the default filename, will be shown in the window. In the top
border will be a description of what is being asked for. For example:
╔══ Enter CAPTURE File ══╗
║ PK.LOG ║
╚════════════════════════╝
You can type over the filename to specify a new capture filename or
just type over certain letters. The backspace key deletes the character to
the left; the delete key deletes the character under the cursor. Pressing
the insert key toggles on and off the insert mode, and the cursor will
change to a ▒ type of cursor when in the insert mode. The normal underline
cursor is shown when in the overtype mode. In the insert mode, as
characters are typed they will be inserted in the text. The left and right
cursor keys also position the cursor in the text. Press the RETURN key to
'enter' the text string. Note that the RETURN key truncates the text string
so wherever the cursor was positioned in the string will be where the
string will be truncated.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:20
In the above example, if you would like to use the default file for
the capture file, just press RETURN, and PK.LOG will be used. If you move
the cursor to the letter O and hit RETURN, the filename becomes PK.L.
If you press the escape key, any changes you made will be ignored.
Under certain conditions, the ESC key will also serve to cancel a command,
such as opening a capture file.
8.1 The Communications Menu
The Communication Menu shows the communication modes available.
PAKTERM supports the various modes of the PAKRATT-232. Move the cursor to
the desired choice and press RETURN. If a mouse is attached, position the
mouse cursor on any item and click the left button.
╔═ Communications Menu ╗
║PACKET ║
║AMTOR ║
║RTTY ║
║ASCII ║
║MORSE ║
║SIGNAL Screen ║
║Dumb Terminal ║
║FAX ║
║Setup Screens ║
║Change Colors ║
║Files Menu ║
║PAKTERM Parameters ║
║Shell to DOS ║
║Call Editor ║
║Exit Program ║
╚══════════════════════╝
If you choose an operating mode (like Packet), a Receive, Transmit,
and Status Window will be displayed on the screen. The top window is the
Receive Window; the window below is the Transmit Window. The window at the
bottom is the Status Window. In the Dumb Terminal mode the Receive Window
occupies the full screen except for 1 Status Line at the top.
* Changing the Screen Colors
"Change Colors" allow you to change the screen colors. You will be
shown a menu of the various screens and menus. To exit, press escape or
click on the message found in the bottom border of the window.
Each item in the menu is shown in the color it would normally be
displayed in on the screen.
The Screen Colors Menu looks something like this:
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:21
╔═══════════ Screen Colors Menu ══════════╗
║SETUP Text SETUP Border Help Text ║
║Help Border Status Text Status Border║
║Rx Text Tx Text Echoed Text ║
║Error Text Error Border Prompt Text ║
║Prompt Border Browse Text Browse Border║
║QSO Text QSO Border Search Text ║
║Search Border Log Text Log Border ║
╚══════════════ Esc to Exit ══════════════╝
The SETUP text and SETUP border colors define colors for the Setup
Screens. The Help text and borders colors define the colors Help
information is displayed in. The QSO text and border colors define the
colors of the QSO Log menus. The Search text and border defines the colors
for the QSO search screen. The Log text and border defines the colors for
the QSO Log entry screen. The echoed text color defines the color for
echoed text from the PAKRATT-232. This includes "link messages" from the
PAKRATT-232 (like the *** CONNECTED *** message you get when first
connected to another station in Packet).
The text shown in the Dumb Terminal mode is shown in the same color as
text in the Rx window. The Status Line for this mode is shown in the same
color as the border of the Status Window.
To change the color of an item, move the cursor to that item and press
RETURN. You can similarly chose an item by clicking the left button on the
item. You will then be shown two windows sequentially; one for the possible
Foreground colors and one for the Background colors.
╔ Foreground ╗ ╔ BACKGROUND ╗
║(Black) ║ ║ (Black) ║
║Blue ║ ║ Blue ║
║Green ║ ║ Green ║
║Cyan ║ ║ Cyan ║
║Red ║ ║ Red ║
║Magenta ║ ║ Magenta ║
║Brown ║ ║ Brown ║
║Gray ║ ║ Gray ║
║DK Gray ║ ╚════════════╝
║Blue ║
║Green ║
║Cyan ║
║Red ║
║Magenta ║
║Yellow ║
║White ║
╚════════════╝
Again move the cursor to choose the color desired. The cursor will be
positioned to the default color initially. When a Foreground color is
chosen the menu for the Background colors will be displayed. When a
Background color is chosen the item will be shown in the menu with the new
colors.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:22
If a monochrome monitor is used, all colors will be set to white
foreground with a black background initially.
* Changing PAKTERM's Default Parameters
PAKTERM also allows you change a few things specific to PAKTERM's
operation. The menu item PAKTERM Parameters allow you to change the number
of lines in the Receive Window, the baud rate, the com port, whether
"Unknown Command Errors" are displayed, whether to initialize the mouse
cursor, and whether to initialize the PAKRATT-232 after exiting the dumb
terminal mode.
Once you have chosen this item from the Communications Menu, another
menu will be shown.
╔════ PAKTERM Parameter Menu ═══════╗
║Unknown Command Errors (Enabled) ║
║Initialization of PK 232 (Enabled) ║
║Com Port Number (Port 1) ║
║Specify Baud Rate (9600) ║
║Initialize Mouse Cursor (Disabled)║
║Rx Window (25 line mode) (15) ║
║Rx Window (43 line Mode) (28) ║
║Save/Restore Mail (Disabled)║
║Scroll Back Buffer Size (500) ║
║Return to Previous Menu ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════╝
The 1st item, "Unknown Command Errors", determines whether or not
PAKTERM will display an "Unknown Command" Error Message as a response to
command being sent to the PAKRATT-232 that it does not understand. This
error can occur when an older ROM revision is being used since the
PAKRATT-232 will not be able to understand these new commands. Clicking the
left mouse button on this item will toggle it between enabled and
disabled. When enabled, "Unknown Command" errors will be displayed.
The 2nd item, "Initialization of PK-232", determines whether or not
PAKTERM will re-initialize the PAKRATT-232 after exiting the dumb terminal
mode. When enabled, PAKTERM will re-initialize the PAKRATT-232. Though
disabling this feature results in a significantly faster return from the
dumb terminal mode, you must be careful not to change any of the
PAKRATT-232's parameters while in the Dumb Terminal mode because they will
not be accurately represented in the Status Window or in the Setup Screens.
You can re-initialize the PAKRATT's parameters from the Files Menu by
choosing the Load Default menu item.
The 3rd and 4th items allow you to change the com port number and the
baud rate between the computer and the PAKRATT-232. If either of these
items are chosen, PAKTERM will sever the link to the PAKRATT-232 and
attempt to re-establish it. If you change the Comm port, PAKTERM will
display a message window:
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:23
╔═════════════════════════════╗
║Connect PK 232 to Proper Port║
╚══ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝
Connect the PAKRATT-232 to what ever port you specified and press a
key.
The 5th item, "Initialize Mouse Cursor", tells PAKTERM to set the
mouse cursor to a predefined value. If you have a mouse connected to your
system and you don't see a mouse cursor on the screen, you should enabled
this option. Some mice, such as the Mouse Systems mouse, need to have the
mouse cursor set. Others like the Logitech mouse, don't.
Items 6 and 7 specify the numbers of lines in the Receive Window. From
this number the size of the Transmit Window is calculated by the formula:
Tx wind+w = (Total # of screen lines) - (# lines in the Rx window) -
5.
You can have up to 15 lines in the 25 line mode and 33 lines in the 43
line mode. The default number of lines is shown in () in the menu.
The "Save/Restore Mail" item determines whether or not PAKTERM will
save the mail messages stored in the PAKRATT-232. When the PAKRATT-232 is
powered down, any mail messages stored in the PAKRATT-232 will be lost.
PAKTERM can read these messages and store them to a file and re-load them
again. PAKTERM stores these messages in a file called PKMAIL.MES. PAKTERM
will restore the messages in the original order, with the same date and
approximately the same time as when they where first stored in the
PAKRATT-232. If the save mail messages option has been enabled and the file
PKMAIL.MES cannot be found, an Error Message will be displayed stating so.
Saving the messages stored in the PAKRATT-232 may take a few seconds.
This is because the PAKRATT-232 intermixes the PakMail message data from
incoming data that has accumulated in the PAKRATT's buffer. PAKTERM
attempts to sort out which is which. Thus a large amount of data may have
to be sorted through before the full message can be retrieved and stored to
disk.
The "Scroll Back Buffer Size" item determines the number of lines in
the scroll back buffer. You can have a few as 20 lines or a maximum of 900
lines. If you re-size the scroll back buffer downward, lines in the
beginning of the buffer will be lost. If you increase the size of the
buffer, all data will remain intact.
Note: You may not be able to take advantage of the full 900 lines in
the scroll back buffer if there is not enough memory in your system.
PAKTERM dynamically allocates the buffer memory and will adjust the size of
the buffer to fit the amount of memory you have. Also, a large QSO buffer
may consume the remaining memory in your system and not allow you to
execute other programs such as an external editor. With a 900 li+w scroll
back buffer, PAKTERM will normally require up to 320K bytes of memory.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:24
To exit this menu, choose the last item on the screen. If you have
changed the baud rate and/or the com port #, a window will appear stating
that the link is being re-initialized.
If you want these changes to be permanent, go to the Files Menu and
save the Configuration.
9.1 Operating With PAKTERM
* More About the 24 Hour Clock
Another word about the 24 hour clock is warranted. As mentioned
previously, the local time and date as well as the GMT time is displayed in
the right corner of the Status Window. The PAKRATT-232 is automatically
initialized to the GMT time. For the GMT time to be displayed correctly,
the DOS command SET TZ=EST5EDT must be placed in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
This command can also be typed in before running the program. (EST is the
time zone, 5 is the # of hours different from GMT and EDT means daylight
saving time is used in your area). The GMT time is displayed in the top
right corner of the Status Window, the local time is displayed below that.
The date is displayed below the local time. If the SET TZ command is not
used, PST8PDT is assumed.
* SIAM Mode
The Signal Analysis Mode (SIAM) creates its own window and places the
PAKRATT in SIAM mode. The results of the PAKRATT's analysis is displayed on
the screen. The F1 key toggles the WIDESHFT parameter. If you want to enter
the mode detected by the PAKRATT, press RETURN or click on the message
"<RET> to Accept" at the bottom of the window. If you click the left button
on the text F1 Toggle Wideshft, the Wideshft parameter will be toggled
between on and off. Be sure to wait until the SIAM function returns a valid
mode before pressing RETURN.
The Signal Analysis screen looks like this:
╔═══ Wideshft [OFF] ══════════ Signal Analysis ══════════════════════╗
║ ║
║ 0.45 45 BAUD, BAUDOT RXREV OFF ║
║ 0.63 44 BAUD, BAUDOT RXREV OFF ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚════ F1 Toggle Wideshft ═══ <Ret> to Accept ═════ Esc to Exit ══════╝
If an allowable mode is selected, you will be dispatched to the proper
communications screen just as if the mode was chosen from the
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:25
Communications Menu. The baud rate or Morse speed and RXREV parameter will
be set according to the results obtained from the Signal Analysis.
Press ESC to exit this screen or click the left button on "ESC to
Exit" at the bottom of the window.
* Function Key Definitions
The function keys are defined differently depending upon the mode. For
instance, F2 changes the Baud Rate in ASCII or BAUDOT, changes the transmit
speed in MORSE or makes a ARQ call in AMTOR
F1 .......Open/Close Capture File
Shft F1...Send A File
Ctrl F1...View A File
Alt F1....Hold/Unhold Capture File
F2 .......Change Baud Rate (ASCII/BAUDOT),Change Speed (Morse), ARQ call
(AMTOR), MDCHECK/Mail Menu (Packet)
F3 .......XMIT (BAUDOT/ASCII,Morse), FEC Call(AMTOR), Or CONNECT(Packet)
F4 .......RECV (BAUDOT/ASCII), SELFEC(AMTOR), Or DISCONNECT(Packet)
F5 .......LOCK (Morse), Force Letters (BAUDOT/ASCII, AMTOR, or Packet ID
Shft F5...Force Figures (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR)
F6 .......Invert Rx (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR)
Shft F6 ..Invert TX (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR)
F7 .......TCLEAR (BAUDOT/ASCII,AMTOR,Morse) Or Toggle CONMODE (Packet)
F8 .......AMTOR Standby or Toggle CONPERM (Packet)
F9 .......HBAUD(Packet),ACHG (AMTOR)
F10 ......VHF (Packet),ALIST (AMTOR),WIDESHFT (BAUDOT/ASCII)
Alt-C ....Clear RX Window
Alt-D ....Shell to DOS
Alt-E ....Call Editor
Alt-H ....Display a Help Screen
Alt-L ....Call MiniLog routine
Alt-M ....Enter Keyboard Macros
Alt-K ....Command Menu (depends on mode)
Alt-Y ....Call External File Xfer Program (Packet)
Alt-T ....Clear TX Window
Alt-S ....Setup Screens
Alt-Z ....Communications Mode Menu
Alt-1 thru 0... Execute keyboard macro
Up .......Next Tx channel (Packet)
Down .....Previous Tx channel (Packet)
END ......MHEARD (Packet) or +? (AMTOR Mode A)
HOME......Call QSO Log Routine
PgUp......Call Scroll Back Buffer Routine
CTRL-PgUp.Clear Scroll Back Buffer
* General Operating Information
Once an operating mode had been chosen, the Operating Screen will look
something like this:
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:26
(Receive Window)
═══════════════════════════ ESC to Exit ════════════════════════════
(Transmit Window)
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║
║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
The Status Window will display the operating mode and information
which appertains to the operating mode. The window also indicates whether
the PAKRATT-232 is transmitting or receiving (in modes other than Packet).
The date and time (in both GMT and local time) is also displayed.
To exit any of the Communications Screens, press ESC. If you have a
mouse, click the left mouse button on the message at the bottom of the
Receive Window. Clicking the right mouse button is equivalent to typing
ALT-H. A Help Screen defining the function keys for the particular
operating mode will be shown.
* Changing Operating Modes
Clicking the left mouse button on the operating mode shown in the
Status Window will bring up a menu with the possible operating modes. This
menu can also be displayed by typing an Alt-Z.
╔═ Choose a Mode ╗
║ PACKET Screen ║
║ AMTOR Screen ║
║ RTTY Screen ║
║ ASCII Screen ║
║ MORSE Screen ║
║ Previous Screen║
╚════════════════╝
This menu allows the operating mode to be changed without having to go
back and forth between the Communications Menu. The Transmit and Receive
Windows will not be cleared.
* Command Menus
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:27
Clicking the left mouse button anywhere in the Receive or Transmit
Window will display a menu with the commands available in that particular
operating mode. The Command Menu can also be displayed by typing an Alt-K.
╔═ PACKET Command Menu ═══╗ ╔══ AMTOR Command Menu ═══╗
║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Open/Close Capture File ║
║Send A File ║ ║Send A File ║
║View A File ║ ║View A File ║
║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║
║Connect ║ ║ARQ Call ║
║Disconnect ║ ║FEC Call ║
║PACKET ID ║ ║SELFEC Call ║
║Toggle CONMODE ║ ║Force Letters ║
║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Force Figures ║
║Clear Tx Window ║ ║TCLEAR ║
║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║ ║ACHG ║
║SETUP Screens ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║
║Define Macro Keys ║ ║Clear Tx Window ║
║MHEARD ║ ║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║
║MDCHECK/Mail Menu ║ ║SETUP Screens ║
║Shell to DOS ║ ║Define Macro Keys ║
║Call Editor ║ ║Shell to DOS ║
║Return to Previous Screen║ ║SETUP Windows ║
║External Xfer Program ║ ║Call Editor ║
║Return to Previous Screen║ ║Return to Previous Screen║
╚═════════════════════════╝ ╚═════════════════════════╝
╔═ RTTY/ASCII Command Menu ═╗ ╔═══ MORSE Command Menu ══╗
║Open/Close Capture File ║ ║Open/Close Capture File ║
║Send A File ║ ║Send A File ║
║View A File ║ ║View A File ║
║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║ ║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║
║Force Letters ║ ║Lock ║
║Force Figures ║ ║TCLEAR ║
║TCLEAR ║ ║Clear Rx Window ║
║Clear Rx Window ║ ║Clear Tx Window ║
║Clear Tx Window ║ ║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║
║Clear Scroll Back Buffer ║ ║SETUP Screens ║
║SETUP Screens ║ ║Define Keyboard Macros ║
║Define Keyboard Macros ║ ║Shell to DOS ║
║Shell to DOS ║ ║Call Editor ║
║Call Editor ║ ║Return to Previous Screen║
║Return to Previous Screen ║ ╚═════════════════════════╝
╚═══════════════════════════╝
* Transmit and Receive Buffers
The transmit buffer is 1K bytes and the receive buffer is 32K bytes.
This seems adequate for normal operation. Data is transferred from the
PAKRATT to PAKTERM only when under the following conditions:
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:28
While in one of the Operating Screens
While in the Dumb Terminal Mode
Shelled to DOS
Using the QSO Log
Editing a file
Viewing a file
This means if you are looking at the Setup Screens, no data is being
transferred from the PAKRATT to PAKTERM. This puts you at the mercy of the
PAKRATT's internal buffer. If you are receiving data from another station,
the PAKRATT's internal buffer may overflow if you spend a long time in the
Setup Screens.
While editing a file or doing any of the fore mentioned activities,
PAKTERM polls the PAKRATT-232 every 1-2 seconds for data. If data is
available it will be transferred from the PAKRATT-232 to PAKTERM's internal
buffer. The data will be displayed once you are back in an Operating
Screen.
* Data Capture
PAKTERM allows for capturing of incoming data for viewing at a later
time, or for unattended monitoring. The F1 key toggles the CAPTURE feature
on and off. You will be prompted for a filename to store the information.
If you wish to redirect the output to your printer, specify the filename as
PRN. When the Capture facility is on, the word CAPTURE will appear in the
Status Window. The default filename for the Capture file is PK.LOG, but you
can specify any valid DOS filename.
The Alt-F1 key suspends and releases (holds/unholds) data flow to the
Capture file. When a Capture file is opened, pressing Alt-F1 will suspend
or hold the data from the Capture file. The word HOLD will be displayed in
the Status Window where the word Capture had appeared. Pressing Alt-F1
again will release the Capture file, and data will again be stored in the
Capture file. The word CAPTURE will then appear in the Status Window.
* Sending a File
PAKTERM also allows files to be sent (or uploaded) to another station.
When you press Shift-F1, you will be shown a menu of possible files to
upload shown below. PAKTERM provides for up to 5 message files to be
defined. The contents of these files can be entered using any text editor.
Message files will be discussed in Section 16.1. By choosing the File
option, any text file can be sent to the other station.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:29
╔══ Upload Menu ═╗
║Message File 1 ║
║Message File 2 ║
║Message File 3 ║
║Message File 4 ║
║Message File 5 ║
║File ║
║Previous Screen ║
╚════════════════╝
If a file upload is in progress, the word UPLOAD will appear in the
Status Window.
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ AMTOR RX:Normal 13:27 ║
║ Recv TX:Normal ARQ Rx Traffic CAPTURE UPLOAD 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
File uploading is a very handy feature. For instance, a file can be
created containing your station description or even a CQ message. Anything
that you intend to send repeatedly should be stored in a file or a message
file.
PAKTERM uses a simple form of handshaking for Packet and AMTOR file
uploading. When in Packet, PAKTERM checks the number of unacknowledged
Packets and will only transmit a Packet when the number of unacknowledged
Packets is 0. When in AMTOR, PAKTERM will not send data to the PAKRATT-232
when there is an error. A Link Error is indicated in the Status Window by
the word ERROR.
To abort a file upload, press the ESC key. Since the ESC key also
exits you from the communications screen, be careful not to press the ESC
twice. You cannot use the mouse to abort an upload.
* Scroll Back Buffer
PAKTERM has a Scroll Back Buffer which can hold up to 900 lines of
data. The size of the Scroll Back Buffer can be changed from the PAKTERM
Parameters Menu, discussed in Section 8.1. As data is received, it is
stored in the buffer. PAKTERM will also retain the color information for
the data. When the information is later reviewed, the text will have the
same colors as it did when it was displayed on the screen.
To activate the Scroll Back Buffer routine, press the PgUp key. If you
have a mouse, click the left mouse button on the PgUp message on the bottom
border of the Status Window. When the PgUp key is pressed, the Receive
Window will become the Scroll Back Window and the dividing line between the
Receive and Transmit Windows will become the Status Line for the Scroll
Back Window. The size of the Scroll Back Window will be the same size as
the size of the Receive Window.
The screen will look something like this:
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:30
(Scroll Back Window)
Line#:001 File:QSO BUFFER Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC
(Transmit Window)
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║
║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
The number of line at the top of the Scroll Back window is shown on
the right side of the buffer Status Line. The routine used for the Scroll
Back Buffer is the same as the one which is used to view files. QSO BUFFER
is displayed as the name of the file.
The Home key positions you at the beginning of the buffer. The End key
moves you to the end of the buffer. The PgUp and PgDn keys move you up or
down 1 screen page at a time. The up and down arrow keys (displayed as up
and down arrows on the screen, but my printer won't print those characters)
move you up or down one line at a time.
The F1 key allows you to jump to any line in the buffer. You will be
prompted for the line number to jump to. The line you specified will be
displayed at the top of the window if possible. PAKTERM will not let you
display past the end of the buffer and PAKTERM will attempt to fill the
window with text. If you try to jump to the last line in the buffer,
PAKTERM will display the last page of the buffer since it cannot place the
last line in the buffer at the top of the window. If the number of lines in
the buffer is less than the buffer window, the remaining lines will be
filled with blanks.
The F3 key brings up a Search Menu to allow you to search for specific
text in the buffer. The menu looks something like this:
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:31
(Scroll Back Window)
Line#:001 File:FOO.TXT Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC
╔══════════════╗
║Search String ║
║Search Forward║
║Search Back ║
║Back ║
╚══════════════╝
(Transmit Window)
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║
║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
To begin searching, you must first specify the string to search for.
The "Search String" item will prompt you for the string to search for. The
search is case specific, you must match lower and upper case exactly or
PAKTERM will not find a match. Once a search string has been entered, you
can search forward or backwards in the buffer from the current position in
the buffer. The line which contains a match will be displayed at the top of
the screen if possible.
If you have a mouse, you can click the left mouse button on any of the
commands in the buffer Status Line to execute that command. For example,
clicking on the word "Search" will cause the Search Menu to appear.
To return back to the Operating Screen, press the ESC key or click the
left mouse button on the word ESC.
While you are reviewing the buffer, PAKTERM will continue to poll the
PAKRATT-232 for incoming data so the PAKRATT's buffer will not overflow.
When you return back from the Scroll Back routine, the data will be
displayed in the Receive Window (rather quickly).
As mentioned earlier, the Scroll Back Buffer will hold up to a maximum
of 900 lines of data. When the maximum number of lines has been reached,
PAKTERM will throw away some of the lines at the beginning of the buffer.
The number of lines thrown away depends upon the size of the buffer.
PAKTERM discards the first 25 % to make room for more data. PAKTERM
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:32
initially sets the buffer size to 500, but you may set it to another value
from the PAKTERM Parameters Menu.
* Defining Macro Keys
The keystrokes ALT-1 through ALT-0 can be defined such that PAKTERM
will send a text string when that keystroke is pressed. The ALT-M key will
bring a the Macro Key Definition Window:
╔═══════════════════════════ Key Definitions ════════════════════════╗
║ALT-1 : ║
║ALT-2 : ║
║ALT-3 : ║
║ALT-4 : ║
║ALT-5 : ║
║ALT-6 : ║
║ALT-7 : ║
║ALT-8 : ║
║ALT-9 : ║
║ALT-0 : ║
╚═══════════════════════════ ESC to Exit ════════════════════════════╝
Move the cursor to the keystroke to be defined and press RETURN. If
you have a mouse, click on the desired keystroke. A window will appear and
you will then be prompted for the text string.
Once a keystroke is defined, pressing that keystroke will cause the
text to be sent as if you entered it from the keyboard.
PAKTERM automatically reads the macro file before initializing the
PAKRATT-232.
Press ESC or click the left mouse button on the message at the bottom
of the window to exit. Remember to save the macro key definition by
choosing the Files Menu from the Communications Menu.
* Obtaining Help
A Help Screen shows the function key definitions when ALT-H is pressed
from an Operating Screen. A Help Screen will also be displayed when the
left mouse button is clicked on the word Help in the Status Window. If the
right mouse button is clicked anywhere in the Transmit or Receive Windows,
the Help Screen will also be displayed. Because the function definitions
are different in each mode, this feature is helpful in keeping track what
key does what. Press any key to close the Help Screen. If you have a mouse,
clicking the left mouse button on the message at the bottom of the window.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:33
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║PACKET: HELP SCREEN ║
║Function Key Alt-Keys ║
║ ══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ ║
║F1..........Open/Close Capture File Alt-B....Not Used ║
║Shift F1....Send A File Alt-C....Clear Rx Window ║
║Ctrl F1.....View A File Alt-D....Shell to DOS ║
║Alt F1......Hold/Unhold Capture File Alt-E....Call Editor ║
║F2..........Not Used Alt-L....Call MiniLog Routine ║
║F3..........Connect Alt-M....Define Keyboard Macros║
║F4..........Disconnect Alt-K....Packet Command Menu ║
║F5..........Packet ID Alt-S....SETUP Screens ║
║Shift F5....Toggle Beacon Setting Alt-T....Clear Tx Window ║
║Alt F5......Toggle Beacon Interval Alt-Y....File Xfer Program ║
║F6..........Toggle MDMON Alt-Z....Change Mode ║
║Shift F6....Toggle MAILDROP Alt-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 ║
║F7..........Toggle CONMODE ....Execute Keyboard Macro ║
║F8..........Toggle CONPERM Cursor Keys ║
║F9..........Toggle HBAUD Up Arrow.....Next Channel ║
║F10.........Toggle VHF Down Arrow...Previous Channel ║
║ESC..Return to Communications Menu End..........MHEARD ║
║ Home.........Call QSO Log ║
║ PgUp.........Scroll Back Buffer║
║ CTRL-PgUP...Clear Buffer ║
╚═════════════════════ Hit any Key to Continue ═══════════════════════╝
* Keyboard Editing
PAKTERM allows editing of the text you type, on a word by word basis,
before it is sent to the PAKRATT-232. That is, PAKTERM does not send what
you type until the a space, a ?, or a control character is pressed. This
means you can use the backspace key to rubout characters you don't want and
re-type the character or characters. The maximum number of characters in 1
word is 128. When 128 characters have been entered the text will be sent to
the PAKRATT. This feature of PAKTERM mimics the WORDOUT function of the
PAKRATT, but unlike the WORDOUT function, word editing cannot be disabled.
In Packet operation, the PAKTERM only sends text when the SENDPAC
character is entered or when 128 characters have been entered. Since the
SENDPAC character is used to tell PAKTERM to send the line, you can use the
backspace key to edit the entire line.
10.1 Packet Operation
Packet Operation is composed of two parts; normal Packet operation and
PakMail Operation. PakMail is supported only with the PAKRATT-232MBX.
* Normal Packet Operation
The Status Window for Packet contains a variety of information
specific to Packet. The Packet status, the number of unacknowledged
Packets, the number of retries, and the channel number are displayed in the
Status Window. These are abbreviated by the letters: S:, U:, R:, and CH:
respectively. If a particular channel is not connected to anyone, the word
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:34
Disconnected is shown in place of a callsign. PAKTERM displays the callsign
of the station you are connected to. As the channel is changed, the
callsign of the station connected to on that channel will be displayed.
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ PACKET HF Disconnected BEACON:E 000 MDM:OFF MAIL:OFF 13:27 ║
║ CONVERSE 300 S:00 U:00 R:00 CH:0 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
The word CONPERM shown in the example Status Window above reflects the
status of this parameter. CONPERM can be toggled using the F8 key.
CONVERSE (CONMODE) can be toggled by pressing the F7 key or by
clicking the left mouse button on the word CONVERSE. When in TRANSPARENT
mode, the word TRANSPARENT will be displayed. Your PAKRATT-232 manual more
fully describes CONVERSE and TRANSPARENT operation.
The parameter MDM (MDMON) can be toggled by pressing the F6 key. You
can also click the left mouse button on the word OFF which is to the right
of MDM.
The parameter MAIL (MAILDROP) can be toggle by pressing the Shift-F6
key. You can also click the left mouse button on the word OFF which is to
the right of MAIL.
The channel number can be changed using the up and down arrow keys.
The number of stations that you can be connected to is set by the parameter
USERS which can be set from the 1st Setup Screen. If you have a mouse,
clicking the left button on the channel number will increment the channel
number. Channel numbers range from 0 to 9.
By pressing the F10 key or clicking the mouse on the words HF or VHF
you can toggle the parameter VHF on and off. When VHF is set to off, the
word HF will appear in the Status Window. When VHF is on, the word VHF will
appear. Below it is the value of the HBAUD. Pressing F9 or clicking the
mouse on the value will cycle the value of HBAUD (similarly to the way it
is cycled in the 1st Setup Screen).
You can list the stations your PAKRATT-232 has heard so far by
pressing the END key (MHEARD). A window will appear showing the stations
heard. Those stations marked with a * designate stations directly heard by
your station.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:35
╔═════════ Stations Heard ════════╗
║ 13:17:20 DY5VA ║
║ 13:15:32 WA2SPN* ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚══ <RET> to exit ═ ESC to Clear ══╝
The PAKRATT remembers the last 18 calls, if DAYSTAMP is ON then the
date will also be displayed. Press the RETURN key to continue. The ESC key
will clear the list and continue. If you have a mouse, you can click the
left button on either RETURN or ESC and get the same response.
* Packet PakMail Operation
To invoke the PakMail features of the PAKRATT-232MBX, press the F2 key
. You can also choose the MDCHECK option from the Packet Command Menu. The
line dividing the Transmit and Receive window changes to reflect that you
are now in PakMail.
════ PakMail ═══════════════ Esc to Exit ══════════════════════════
You must have MAILDROP set to ON, or you will receive a "Unknown
Command " Error Message. Now every time you press F2 (or choose
MDCHECK/Mail Menu from the Packet Command Menu, you will be shown the Mail
Menu.
╔═══ Mail Menu ═══╗
║ Bye ║
║ Kill Message ║
║ List Messages ║
║ Read Message ║
║ Send Messages ║
║ Back ║
╚══════════════════╝
Bye exits PakMail. You can also exit PakMail by pressing the ESC key.
You can also click the left button on the "ESC to Exit" message in the
Transmit/Receive Window dividing line. When you kill or read a message you
will be prompted for the message. If a message is read, it is displayed in
the Receive Window. To see what messages are available, choose List
Messages. The headings for the messages will be displayed in the Receive
Window.
Msg # From To Date Time
1 KD4JP KD4JP 12-Jan-90 13:20:48
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:36
If there are no messages, an Error Window will appear displaying the
message:
╔══════ PakMail Error ══════╗
║Message Not Found ║
╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝
This Error Message will also be displayed when you attempt to kill or
read a message that does not exist.
When reading or listing messages, the PAKTERM's response may be slowed
if there is a large amount of incoming data stored in the PAKRATT's
internal buffer. This data is intermixed with the PakMail data and PAKTERM
must sort through the data to figure out which is which. If this occurs,
PAKTERM will throw away the data and display just the PakMail data.
When sending a message, you will be prompted for the callsign of the
station you are sending a message to. The line dividing the Transmit and
Receive Windows will change to:
════ PakMail ════════════Enter A ^Z to End Message═════════════════
As you type the message, the text will be shown in the Transmit
Window. You can also upload a message similarly to the way you would upload
a file to another station. Press Shift-F1 and choose a file. The contents
of the file will be place in the message. To end a message, type a
Control-Z and a RETURN. The dividing line will change back. Messages that
are uploaded from a file will not be displayed in the Transmit Window.
If you attempt to send a message when there is not enough memory to
hold another message in the PAKRATT, an Error Window will appear displaying
the message:
╔══════ Error ══════════════╗
║No Free Memory ║
╚═ Hit Any Key to Continue ═╝
If you attempt to send a message which is larger than the available
memory in the PAKRATT-232, the message will be truncated.
You cannot sign in to your mailbox while another station is connected
to you or while a connect is in progress.
As mentioned in section 8.1, if you have enabled the Save Mail option,
all messages stored in the PAKRATT-232MBX will be saved to the file
PKMAIL.MES when you exit PAKTERM. The mail messages will then be restored
when PAKTERM is again run.
* External File Transfer Program
PAKTERM provides for a hook to call an external file transfer program
such as YAPP. The name of the program is specified in the Files Menu. It is
best to specify the name of a batch file than call the program directly.
The batch file or program must reside in the same directory as PAKTERM.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:37
PAKTERM sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 and leaves the PAKRATT in host
mode prior to executing the file. PAKTERM will reset the TBAUD parameter
baud to it's default value, reset the PAKRATT's internal clock and PAKTERM
will reset all the default parameters.
An example of a batch file to call an external file transfer program
is shown below.
CD \YAPP
YAPP
CD\PAKTERM
Remember to always return back to PAKTERM's directory before returning
control to PAKTERM.
This feature has only been tested using the YAPP program. The YAPP
configuration file should have the statement ^AOHON^W to place the PAKRATT
in normal human mode. It is best to place the PAKRATT back in host mode
before returning to PAKTERM, but this is not a necessary requirement.
Other programs may have different requirements.
11.1 AMTOR Operation
The Status Window for AMTOR is shown below. RX: and TX: show the
status of the RXREV and TXREV parameters. These parameters can be changed
using either the function keys or by clicking the left button of your mouse
on these parameters.
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ AMTOR RX:Normal 13:27 ║
║ Recv TX:Normal ARQ Rx Traffic 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
ARQ Rx will be displayed when listening in the ALIST mode, AMTOR
Stndby will be displayed when listening in FEC mode. If you have a mouse,
clicking the left button on ARQ Rx will toggle the PAKRATT-232 in to the
AMTOR Stndby mode. Clicking on AMTOR Stndby will toggle the PAKRATT-232
back into the ARQ Rx mode. Pressing the F8 key will place the PAKRATT-232
in AMTOR Stndby and F10 will place it in ARQ Rx mode. When in the FEC
transmit mode, the word FEC will be displayed. When connected to another
station in ARQ mode, the word ARQ will be displayed. The word Traffic means
data is being received; PAKTERM continually shows the status of the link.
If erroneous data is received, the word Traffic will be replaced with
ERROR. Likewise when no data is being received, the word Idle will be
display.
The END key is pre-defined to be the same as +? (changeover).
When making an ARQ call ( by pressing the F2 key or choosing that item
from the AMTOR Command Menu) you will be prompted for the SELCAL of the
other station. PAKTERM accepts up to 7 characters for the SELCAL to
accommodate the new 7 character SELCAL format. When a 7 character SELCAL is
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:38
entered, after the 7th character is typed, the prompt window will
disappear. The ARQ call will then begin. Then making a 4 character SELCAL
call, you must press a RETURN to being the ARQ call.
As mentioned previously, clicking the left button in the Receive or
Transmit Window will bring up the AMTOR Command Menu. This can also be done
by pressing ALT-K. The Function keys are also defined to support the
various AMTOR commands. Section 9.1 defines the Function Keys.
12.1 BAUDOT/ASCII Operation
For BAUDOT and ASCII operations, the Status Windows look similar to
each other. If you have a mouse, clicking the left mouse button over the
word Normal will toggle RXREV and TXREV between Normal and Inverted. RXREV
is abbreviated by the letters RX. Likewise, TXREV is shortened to TX. By
clicking on the baud rate, the baud rate will be rotated through the
possible baud rates as discussed previously in the Setup section. Clicking
on the word Recv (or pressing F3) will place the PAKRATT-232 in the
transmit mode. The word Xmit will then replace the word Recv. Clicking on
the word Xmit (or pressing F4), will place the PAKRATT-232 back into the
Recv mode.
Clicking the mouse on the value of Wideshft (ON or OFF) next to the
parameter WIDESHFT will cause Wideshft to toggle ON and OFF. This can also
be done using the F10 key.
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ BAUDOT 45 Baud RX:Normal Wideshft:ON 13:27 ║
║ Recv TX:Normal 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ ASCII 110 Baud RX:Normal Wideshft:OFF 13:27║
║ Recv TX:Normal 17:27Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
As mentioned previously, clicking the left button in the Receive or
Transmit Window will bring up the ASCII or BAUDOT Command Menu. This can
also be done by pressing ALT-K. The Function keys are also defined to
support the various BAUDOT/ASCII commands. Section 9.1 defines the Function
Keys.
13.1 Morse Operation
For Morse operation, both the transmit and receive speed is shown in
the Status Window. To lock the incoming receive speed, press F5. To unlock
the receive speed, press ALT-Z and choose Morse operation. The F4
(receive) key will also unlock the receive speed. By clicking the left
mouse button over the word Recv (or press F3), PAKTERM will place the
PAKRATT-232 in the transmit mode. The word Xmit will then be display.
Likewise, by clicking over the word Xmit (or press F4), the PAKRATT-232
will be placed in receive mode. The Morse transmit speed can be changed by
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:39
pressing the F2 key or by clicking the left mouse button over transmit
speed. You will then be prompted for the new transmit speed. The receiving
speed will vary according to the incoming data unless locked.
╔════════════════ Alt-H:Help ════CTRL-PgUp: Clr Buffer ══════════════╗
║ MORSE TX:20 WPM 13:28 ║
║ Recv RX:20 WPM CAPTURE UPLOAD 17:28Z║
╚═════ Alt-L:MiniLog ═══PgUp:Scroll Back ═══ Home:QSO Log ════3/30/90╝
As mentioned previously, clicking the left button in the Receive or
Transmit Window will bring up the MORSE Command Menu. This can also be done
by pressing ALT-K. The Function keys are also defined to support the
various MORSE commands. Section 9.1 defines the Function Keys.
14.1 FAX Operation
PAKTERM supports FAX from the Dumb Terminal mode and from the
Communications Menu. When FAX operation is called from the Communications
Menu, PAKTERM calls the file specified in the Files Menu as the FAX program
name. If you specify PKFAX.EXE as the program, PKFAX and all it's assorted
files must reside in the same directory as PAKTERM. It is best to create a
batch file to move to the directory PKFAX resides in, execute PKFAX, then
return back to the PAKTERM directory. For example, a batch file called
PKFAX.BAT might contain:
CD \PKFAX
PKFAX.EXE
CD \PAKTERM
When you exit PKFAX, you will be returned back to PAKTERM. PAKTERM
sets the TBAUD parameter to 4800 to match that expected by PKFAX. PAKTERM
leaves the PAKRATT in host mode. When control is returned back to PAKTERM,
TBAUD is set back to the default value. PAKTERM also resets the PAKRATT's
time and restores the default FAX parameters.
Consult the AEA documentation on the operation of PKFAX.
When in the Dumb Terminal mode, FAX operation as described in your
PAKRATT manual is supported. FAX pictures cannot be displayed on the screen
but they can be printed on your printer provided the printer is hooked up
to the special RS-232/Printer cable provided by AEA.
15.1 Dumb Terminal Mode
A Status Line is shown on the top line of the screen like so:
4/12/90 13:57 Terminal Mode...ESC to Exit 17:57Z QSO
Log
Typing ESC will return you from the dumb terminal mode to the
Communications Menu. Similarly, you can return to the Communications Menu
by clicking button the left on the message "Esc to Exit" found in the
Status Line.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:40
The ALT-B key sends a break to the PAKRATT-232. Use ALT-B to 'unlock'
the PAKRATT-232 if it does not respond to commands.
The following keys are defined while in the Dumb Terminal Mode:
F1...........Open/Close Capture File
Shft-F1......Upload a File
Ctrl-F1......View a File
Alt-F1.......Hold/Unhold Capture File
ALT-B........Send a BREAK
ALT-C........Clear the screen
ALT-H........Help Screen
ALT-K........Command Menu
ALT-M........Define Macro Keys
ALT-1 thru
ALT-0........Execute Macro Key
HOME.........Call QSO Log
ESC..........Exit Dumb Terminal Mode
Clicking the left mouse button will also cause the Terminal Command
Menu to be displayed. This is the same as typing ALT-K.
╔═ Terminal Command Menu ══╗
║Open/Close Capture File ║
║Send A File ║
║View A File ║
║Hold/Unhold Capture File ║
║Clear Rx Window ║
║Define Keyboard Macros ║
║Send a BREAK ║
║Return to Previous Screen ║
╚══════════════════════════╝
When capturing incoming data or uploading a file, the words CAPTURE
and/or UPLOAD will appear in the Status Line on the top of the screen. The
storing of data to the capture file can be suspended and released using the
ALT-F1 key.
FAX is supported in this mode as well, but FAX pictures cannot be
displayed on your screen presently, though they can be redirected to your
printer. Your PAKRATT-232 manual explains more fully operating FAX with
your PAKRATT-232.
TDM and NAVTEX are also supported in the Dumb Terminal Mode. Your
PAKRATT-232 manual has more information on NAVTEX and TDM operation.
As the internal ROM of the PAKRATT is updated, various new commands
are added to the command set that may not yet be available through the
Setup Screens of PAKTERM. These commands can be issued in the Dumb Terminal
Mode. These changes will remain in effect until changed again or until the
PAKRATT-232 is powered down. An attempt will be made to keep up with the
latest changes by AEA.
16.1 General Information
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:41
* Message and Note Files
PAKTERM supports 5 message files and 2 note files. The message files
are named PKMES.1 thru PKMES.5. The note files are called PKNOTE.1 and
PKNOTE.2. Message files can be used to store such things as station
equipment listings or any miscellaneous messages that are sent frequently.
They can be sent to other stations by using PAKTERM's upload feature
(shift-F1) discussed in Section 9.1.
Note files are used to store information, notes, frequency lists and
other miscellaneous information. These files may be referred to at any
time. The Note and Message files must be in the same subdirectory as
PAKTERM. These files can be viewed by the File Viewing function (Ctrl-F1).
* Viewing Files
While in any mode except SIAM and FAX, you have the ability to view a
file by pressing the Ctrl-F1 key. You will first be shown a menu of
possible files to view.
╔═ Specify File to View ═╗
║Message File 1 ║
║Message File 2 ║
║Message File 3 ║
║Message File 4 ║
║Message File 5 ║
║Note File 1 ║
║Note File 2 ║
║File ║
║Previous Menu ║
╚════════════════════════╝
You can even view a capture file that is presently open. The view
routine cannot display files which have more than 8196 lines. An Error
Message will be displayed stating that the file is too big. Lines which are
greater than 80 characters in length will wrapped around on the next line.
Control characters will displayed as ASCII, including tabs. Line feeds and
carriage returns are not displayed.
The top line on the screen will be the Status Line and the remaining
24 lines will be the text window. If you selected the 43 line option when
starting PAKTERM then the remaining 42 lines will be the text window. The
colors of the file and Status Window can be changed from the Screen Colors
Menu discussed in Section 8.1
The Status Line will look something like this:
Line#:000 File:FOO.TXT Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC
The line number shown in the Status Window is the number of the line
at the top of the window. The name of the file is also shown on the Status
Line.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:42
The PgDn and PgUp keys page up or down through the file. The up and
down cursor keys can be used to step up or down one line at a time through
the file. (The "U" and "D" shown in the menu are really show as up and down
arrows on the screen but those characters are control characters which
confuse my printer). The Home key goes to the beginning of the file and the
End key jumps to the end of the file.
The F1 key allows you to jump to any line in the buffer. You will be
prompted for the line number to jump to. The line you specified will be
displayed at the top of the window if possible. PAKTERM will not let you
display past the end of the buffer and PAKTERM will attempt to fill the
window with text. If you try to jump to the last line in the buffer,
PAKTERM will display the last page of the buffer since it cannot place the
last line in the buffer at the top of the window. If the number of lines in
the buffer is less than the buffer window, the remaining lines will be
filled with blanks.
When you press the F3, the Search Menu will be displayed.
Line#:000 File:FOO.TXT Home End PgUp PgDn U D F1:Jump F3:Search ESC
╔══════════════╗
║Search String ║
║Search Forward║
║Search Back ║
║Back ║
╚══════════════╝
To search for text in the file, you must first specify what to search
for. When you choose "Search String", you will be prompted for a text
string. The search in case sensitive, lower case letters will not match
will uppercase letters and visa versa. To begin search choose either
"Search Forward" or "Search Back". If a match is found, the line containing
the matching string will be display as top of the window if possible. If no
match is found, an Error Window will appear stating so.
If you have a mouse, you can click on any of the commands in the
Status Window to execute them. For example, clicking the left button on
"PgUp" will execute a page up. Likewise, if you click on "Search", the
Search Menu will appear.
Press ESC to return to the Operating Screen. You can also click the
left mouse button on the word ESC.
* Editing a File
The Note, Capture, and Message files can be edited with any ASCII text
editor. They can be edited by using the Call Editor function from within
PAKTERM. When editing a file, you will first be shown a menu of possible
files to edit. The menu is the same as the one above for browsing through a
file. You must specify the name of the editor before you can edit a file.
See the section 6.1 on specifying a text editor.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:43
╔═ Specify File To Edit ═╗
║Message File 1 ║
║Message File 2 ║
║Message File 3 ║
║Message File 4 ║
║Message File 5 ║
║Note File 1 ║
║Note File 2 ║
║File ║
║Previous Menu ║
╚════════════════════════╝
Be sure that the files are saved in ASCII text format; otherwise you
may get garbage. What you get depends upon the default storage mode of your
word processor. Some word processors do not store their files in ASCII text
format and insert control characters into the text.
* Shelling to DOS
It is recommended that DOS 3.x be used because of a bug in DOS 2.1
that may cause the system to crash if the DOS SHELL function is called.
PAKTERM uses this function to shell to DOS.
While in DOS, you can do most anything, but a few words of caution are
noteworthy. Do not start up any TSR (like Sidekick). First, they will
disappear after PAKTERM exits. Second, they could interfere with PAKTERM's
operation. TSRs should be loaded before executing PAKTERM. Do not run
programs that modify the serial port you are using for PAKTERM. This
includes running other terminal programs or the DOS MODE command. PAKTERM
will abort with a Link Error if any of the serial port parameters have been
modified.
Because PAKTERM is still resident, the amount of memory available to
run other programs is limited. Some programs may not be able to run because
of the memory constraints.
17.1 QSO Log Facility
As alluded to earlier, PAKTERM provides a means of keeping a Log of
QSOs. PAKTERM can also search for previous contacts made on certain
frequencies, in a certain mode, and/or on a certain date. The line editing
considerations discussed in Section 7.1 also apply here. You can overtype
and insert text in any of the fields. You must remember to move the cursor
to the end of the text before hitting a RETURN otherwise the text will be
truncated at the position where the RETURN was hit.
PAKTERM uses a sequential file for the QSO Log because of the free
format of the search routine. Searching through large files may take a
second or two. Searches can be rather slow if you are using a floppy based
system. A disk cache program should significantly improve performance.
Increasing the number of buffers in your CONFIG.SYS file may also improve
performance.
* Adding a QSO to the Log
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:44
The QSO Log Facility can be called from any Operating Screen and from
the Dumb Terminal Mode. Pressing the HOME key will cause the QSO entry
field to be displayed in the center of the screen. The QSO Menu will appear
in the upper left corner of the screen.
╔═══ QSO Menu ══════╗
║Entry ║
║Edit Entry ║
║Search ║
║Defaults ║
║Clear Entry Field ║
║Help ║
║Quit ║
╚═══════════════════╝
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Call: Name: URST: ║
║ Freq: QTH : RST: ║
║ Time: Date: QSL R: ║
║ Mode: Ant : QSL S: ║
║ 10-X: Rig : ║
║ Pwr : Oper: ║
║ Rem1: ║
║ Rem2: ║
║ Rem3: ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
To add a QSO to the Log, chose the "Entry" item from the menu. The QSO
Menu will disappear and the QSO Entry field will look like this:
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Call: Name: URST: ║
║ Freq: QTH : RST: ║
║ Time: Date: QSL R: ║
║ Mode: Ant : QSL S: ║
║ 10-X: Rig : ║
║ Pwr : Oper: ║
║ Rem1: ║
║ Rem2: ║
║ Rem3: ║
╚══-F1-Write--F2 Time/Date Stamp--F3 Defaults--ESC Quit-══╝
You can move the cursor around the field and begin typing. You can
also click the left mouse button on an item in the field and then begin
typing. When a string has been entered, you can again move the cursor about
the field. By pressing F2, the present time and date will automatically be
entered into the proper positions in the field. Pressing F3 will place the
default information for Mode, Freq, Oper, Rig, Pwr and Ant into the proper
fields. This default information is stored in a file call PKCALL.DEF.
Pressing ESC exits this mode without saving the information to the Log
file. Pressing F1 causes the information to be written before exiting this
mode. You can also use your mouse by clicking the left button on any of the
messages on the bottom border of the window. For example, clicking on the
message "F1 Write" will cause the entry to be written before exiting this
mode.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:45
The Call field is the callsign of the other station; QTH field is the
location of the other station and so on. URST is the RST report you
received, and RST is the RST information you sent. If you send a QSL, you
should set the QSL S field to "Y" otherwise set it to "N". It is important
to set the QSL R field to "Y" or "N" if you plan to use the QSL printing
feature.
The Oper field is for the callsign of the station operator. You could
put in a name or about any thing else. This field is used when printing out
in QSL format where the operator's callsign would be on a QSL. If you put
something besides a call in the field, the QSL output may look a little
strange.
There are a few tricks that may be helpful when entering a QSO. First,
use the F2 key to set the Time and Date even though it may not be correct.
You can edit later, but it is important to key the same format for the date
through the Log. Doing so will allow you to search by date of QSO later on
without missing anything because of different date formats. Second, use the
F3 key to set the station information. Again you can change the frequency,
and mode later, but it will help you to keep the same format throughout.
Remember the search routine matches characters and patterns. Section 17.3
discusses searching through your Log.
The Call Field and Mode field will automatically convert to uppercase
to help keep consistency in the Log.
If you are operating Packet and are connected to a station, the
callsign of the other station will automatically be inserted in the Call
field when you add a new entry to the Log.
When you exit this mode, the QSO Menu will re-appear in the upper left
corner of the screen.
* Editing A QSO Entry
You can edit any entry in the QSO Log. If you desire to edit entry
presently being displayed, choose the "Edit Entry" item from the menu and
edit the field. If you desire to edit another QSO, you must first search
for that entry in the Log.
Editing a QSO is much like Entering the QSO. You can move about the
field using the cursor or the mouse. The line editing features of PAKTERM
mentioned in section 7.1 still apply. Pressing the F1 key will cause the
modified entry to be saved to disk. Again it is important to maintain
consistencies in formats for subsequent Log searches.
* Search The QSO File
PAKTERM can search for QSO entries by callsign, name, date of contact,
mode, frequency, and QTH. PAKTERM does not expect you to remember the full
call or QTH. PAKTERM will match a QSO based upon the keywords (or partial
words) you specify. PAKTERM also allows you to search for multiple matches.
You can also print or delete entries in the QSO Log file.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:46
* Specifying Keywords
When "Search" is chosen from the QSO Menu, the Search Menu will appear
in the upper left corner of the screen. The Search Field will appear to the
right of the menu.
╔═══ Search ═══╗ ╔════════════════════════════════╗
║Search Field ║ ║Call: ║
║Search Next ║ ║Name: ║
║Search Back ║ ║QTH : ║
║First Entry ║ ║Date: ║
║Last Entry ║ ║Mode: ║
║Next Entry ║ ║Freq: ║
║Prior Entry ║ ╚════════════════════════════════╝
║Print ║
║Delete ║═════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║Clear Field ║ Call: Name: URST: ║
║Help ║ Freq: QTH : RST: ║
║BACK ║ Time: Date: QSL R: ║
╚══════════════╝ Mode: Ant : QSL S: ║
║ 10-X: Rig : ║
║ Pwr : Oper: ║
║ Rem1: ║
║ Rem2: ║
║ Rem3: ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
To search for a QSO entry, you must first specify what to search for.
By choosing "Search Field" from the Search Menu, you can specify the
keywords for a match. When this item is chosen, the Search Menu will
disappear and the cursor will be placed in the Search field. Use the up and
down keys to move the cursor then begin typing in the keyword(s) you wish
to match in the search. You can also use the mouse to position the cursor
as you did when entering or editing an entry. The bottom border of the
Search Field will display the "ESC to Quit" message. You can press the ESC
key or click the left mouse button on this message to get back to the
Search Menu.
Only one of the fields need to have a keyword to search for. There
must be a field with a keyword for a search to be conducted. PAKTERM does
not need the full call, or full name to find a match. For example, to
search for the call KD4JP, you can specify the callsign as KD4JP, KD4J, or
4JP . PAKTERM will find KD4JP if it is in the Log. It may also find KD4JPA
if KD4JP was specified. Likewise if the keyword was 4JP, PAKTERM may match
JA4JP or N4JPI. The same is also true for the rest of the keywords.
╔════════════════════════════════╗
║Call: KD4 ║
║Name: ║
║QTH : ║
║Date: ║
║Mode:PACKET ║
║Freq:28.115 ║
╚════════════════════════════════╝
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:47
The above example will find all QSOs that had a mode of Packet and a
frequency of 28.115 and a callsign which contains the letters KD4. Note
that the search is case sensitive; lower case letters do not match
uppercase letters. The callsign and mode will automatically be converted to
uppercase for you since the QSO Entry routine also does this conversion.
* Searching For a QSO
Once the keywords have been specified. Choose the "Search Next" or
"Search Back" items from the Search Menu. The first matching QSO will then
be displayed in the QSO field. If no match was found, an Error Message
Window will appear.
╔═════════════════════════════╗
║ No Match Found! ║
╚══ Hit Any Key to Continue ══╝
"Search Next" will find the next matching entry starting at the
present position in the log. "Search Back" search backwards in the log from
the current position to find a match.
"First Entry" will display the first entry in the Log. "Last Entry"
will display the last entry in the Log. "Next Entry" will display the next
entry in the Log. "Prior Entry" will display the previous entry in the Log.
* Printing an Entry
You can print the QSO shown in the Entry Field. You can print all the
QSOs that match the keywords specified in the Search Field. You can also
print the entire QSO Log file. You have a choice of two formats, a QSL like
format and the standard QSO format shown on the screen. When choosing the
"Print" item you will be prompted for a filename to print to. If you want
to print to the printer, specify the filename as PRN (the DOS default
printer). The Search Menu will be replaced with the Print Menu.
╔═════ Print Menu ═══╗
║Print QSO ║
║Print Matching QSOs ║
║Print ALL ║
║BACK ║
╚════════════════════╝
Once you decide what to print, you will be shown another menu so you
can choose how to print the QSO(s).
╔═════════════╗
║Print as QSL ║
║Print as Log ║
╚═════════════╝
Now you get to decide if you want to print the remarks. You can print
all remarks, choose which remarks to print not to print, or choose not to
print any of the remarks.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:48
╔═══════════════════╗
║Prompt for Remarks ║
║Print All Remarks ║
║Don't Print Remarks║
╚═══════════════════╝
If you choose the "Prompt for Remarks", you will be prompted for each
remark as it is displayed on the screen. Remember each QSO Log entry has 3
remark fields, so you can be prompted up to 3 times per QSO (less if any of
the fields are blank). This feature is handy to screen out things you don't
want printed out in a QSL.
When you print a QSO as a QSL, the format of the output looks
something like this:
WA2SPN Confirming QSO with KD4JP
Freq:14.3215 Mode:SSB
Date:01/14/90 Time:00:41:07Z
Your RST:599 My RST:599
Pwr :100 W Ant :3 Elem Yagi
Rig :Ten Tec Paragon
Wow This PAKTERM is Great !
Please QSL
The Oper (WA2SPN) field entry is used as the confirming station. If
you put something else besides a call in the Oper field, the QSL output may
look a bit strange. If no QSL card has been received, the 'Please QSL'
message is added to the end of the QSL. If a QSL has been received, the
message 'QSL Tnx' is added to the end of the QSL.
If you write the QSL to a file, you can then edit it with a text
editor. You can change the format or remove things that you may not want to
put in the QSL before committing it to a printer.
* Deleting an Entry
To delete the Entry shown in the Entry Field, Choose the "Delete" item
from the Search Menu. An Entry must be shown in the Entry Field before it
can be deleted. The Entry shown in the Entry Field must also have a
callsign specified or the Error Message "Can't Delete... NULL Entry" will
be displayed in an Error Window. If the QSO Log file is large, deleting a
QSO may take a second or two.
* Clearing the Search Field
Choosing the "Clear Search Field" item will clear all the text from
the Search Field.
* The Default Menu
PAKTERM allows you to keep multiple station information files and multiple
QSO Log files. The "Default" item in the QSO Menu also allows you edit the
station information. This item also allows you to specify the number of
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:49
blank lines printed out after you print a QSL. The QSO Log Defaults Menu is
shown below.
╔═════Defaults══════════╗
║Change Defaults ║
║Set Log File ║
║Set QSO Def File ║
║Set Print Out Spacing ║
║Back ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
* Changing Your Default Station Information
To change the values for your station's information, choose "Change
Defaults". The Station Information Entry Field will be displayed in the
center of the screen. This is the information placed in the QSO Entry Field
when you press F3.
╔═════════════════════════════════╗
║Rig : ║
║Ant : ║
║Oper: ║
║Pwr : ║
║Freq: ║
║Mode: ║
╚══F1.. Save Defaults══Esc..Quit══╝
You can move the cursor up and down in the Entry Field and begin
typing. You can also move the mouse cursor to the desired field and click
the left mouse button to move the cursor. If you press F1 or click the left
button on the F1 message in the bottom border of the window, what you have
typed will be stored in the QSO Default file (normally PKCALL.DEF). If you
press ESC or click the left mouse button on the ESC message in the bottom
border, the station information will NOT be saved.
* Specifying the Log and QSO Default Files
To specify another QSO Log file, that is, the file that contains the
QSO entries, choose the "Set Log File" item. You will be prompted for the
name of the new Log file. The default filename is PKCALL.DAT. If the Log
file does not exist, it is created.
To specify another Station Information file, choose the "Set QSO Def
File" item. This feature allows you to have multiple Station Information
Files. If the file does not exist, it is created. If you specify a file
that does exist, the information will be read from the file and will be
placed in the QSO Entry Field the next time you press F3.
In order for the filenames to be remembered by PAKTERM, you must
re-save PAKTERM's Configuration File. This can only be done from the Files
Menu discussed in Section 6.1
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:50
* Changing the Line Spacing Between Printed QSOs
To change the number of blank lines that are printed out after a QSO
Entry is written to a file or printed to the printer, choose "Set Print Out
Spacing". You will be prompted for the number of blank lines to write. This
is most useful when printing QSL information to the printer so the output
lines up with whatever you are printing on, be it sticky labels or cards.
The message "99 for <FF>" displayed in the bottom border of the window
means that if you enter the number 99 for the line spacing, a form feed
(ASCII $0C) will be sent to the printer instead.
This information is also stored in PAKTERM's Configuration File and
you should remember to re-save the Configuration File before you exit
PAKTERM.
* Clearing the QSO Entry Field
You can clear the information in the QSO Entry Field by choosing the
"Clear Entry Field" item from the QSO Menu. All fields will be blanked.
* Getting Help While in the QSO Log Facility
In both the Search and QSO Menus, there is a menu item labeled "Help".
Choosing this item will cause a Help Screen to be displayed in the center
of the screen. These screens contains a brief description of the menu items
and terse description on how to navigate the Entry Fields. If you press any
key, the window will disappear. You can also close the window by clicking
the left mouse button on the message in the bottom border of the Help
Screen.
* The MiniLog Routine
PAKTERM also allows you to enter QSO information from the Operating
Screen via the MiniLog routine. Only a subset of normal QSO information can
be entered. The QSO information is stored in the Log file and can be
manipulated using the QSO Log facility. The MiniLog routine is invoked by
pressing Alt-L from the Operating Screen. If you have a mouse, you can
click the left button over the MiniLog message in the Status Window. The
MiniLog Screen appears over top of the Status Window.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:51
(Receive Window)
═══════════════════════════ ESC to Exit ════════════════════════════
(Transmit Window)
══F1:Write══F2:Time══F3:Station Info══F4:Clr══F5:Dup Check══F6:Next══ESC═
Call: Name: Time: Mode:
Freq: QTH: Date: 10-X:
Rem1: URST: RST:
When first called, MiniLog will display the first Entry in the Log.
The F4 key will clear the field. You can now enter the QSO information as
discussed earlier. Remember to save your entry before closing the MiniLog
or the information will be lost.
If you invoke MiniLog a second time, the previous QSO will be
displayed.
When you Write an entry, a menu like this will appear:
╔═════════════════╗
║ OverWrite Entry ║
║ New Entry ║
║ BACK ║
╚═════════════════╝
══F1:Write══F2:Time══F3:Station Info══F4:Clr══F5:Dup Check══F6:Next══ESC══
Call: Name: Time: Mode:
Freq: QTH: Date: 10-X:
Rem1: URST: RST:
To Overwrite an existing entry, choose the "Overwrite Entry" item.
This item allows you to edit an existing entry. To create a new Log entry,
choose the "New Entry" item. "BACK" will return you back to the MiniLog
without writing anything to disk. If you cleared the field prior to
entering a new QSO, the QSO will be added to the end of the Log.
Like the normal QSO Log facility, the F2 key will place the current
date and time in the proper fields. The F3 will place the Station
Information in the proper fields. MiniLog will however place the current
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:52
operating mode in the Mode field rather than the mode specified in the
default (Station Info) file. Even though all the QSO entry fields are not
shown, F3 will fill in the PWR and OPER fields as well. In Packet mode, the
call of the station connected will be placed in the Call field.
The Dup Check feature will do a search based upon the Call, Name, QTH,
Freq, Time, Date and Mode fields. Like the QSO facility, the only 1 of
these fields needs to be entered and MiniLog will match to what you place
in these fields. Dup Check will find the first match in the Log, starting
at the beginning of the Log. The Next command will find the next match in
the Log. The Next command will search from the present location in the Log
to the end of the Log.
While you are in the MiniLog, data will still be retrieved from the
PAKRATT and will be displayed in the Receive Window. You cannot however
transmit any data until the MiniLog screen is closed.
If you have a mouse, you can move the mouse cursor to any of the
fields and click the left button to move the text cursor. You can also
click the left button on any of the commands to execute them.
ESC will close the MiniLog screen and return the Status Window.
Remember to write your entry before exiting MiniLog.
18.1 OS/2 Operation
PAKTERM runs under the DOS compatibility box of OS/2. The command
SETCOM40 is not necessary because PAKTERM does not use INTERRUPT 14 to
communicate with the serial port. Instead, PAKTERM has it's own interrupt
routines which use INTERRUPT 0C and 0B. This seems to affect the OS/2 com
port driver and causes it to not function after PAKTERM is run. The problem
is not well understood but if the serial port is to be accessed after
running PAKTERM by OS/2 programs, most likely the computer will have to be
re-booted. DOS programs running under OS/2's DOS box don't seem to care.
One problem has been noted in the OS/2 environment. Characters are
sometimes received with a Frame Error or lost completely. The bad
characters are mapped to a "!". Using the SETCOM40 COM1=ON helps to reduce
the frequency of these errors but does not eliminate them. I have found
that reducing TBAUD to 4800 takes care of this problem on my 10 MHz AT.
This can be done from the PAKTERM Parameters Menu.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:53
19.1 Future Enhancements
1) Binary file transfers (Packet).
2) Interface to various rigs
3) OS/2 version.
4) Display, print, and/or save FAX pictures.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:54
20.1 Error Messages
The following is a list of possible Error Messages returned by PAKTERM
or the PAKRATT-232. Most Error Messages will be displayed in a pop up
window on your screen. Hitting a key will allow the program to continue.
Errors such as Link Error and Run Time Error are fatal and will cause
PAKTERM to abort.
Link Error.... A response to a command or data is expected back from
the PAKRATT-232 and was not received. If all else fails, power off the
PAKRATT-232, check connections and restart the PAKRATT-232 and PAKTERM.
This could be an indication of RF getting into the computer or PAKRATT-232.
BAD... The PAKRATT-232 did not understand the parameter supplied to a
particular command.
Too Many... Too many call signs were specified.
Not Enough... Not enough information was given to the PAKRATT-232 with
that particular command.
Too Long... The length of the text string was too long.
Range... The value specified was out of range for that command.
Callsign... Bad or missing call sign.
Unknown Command... PAKTERM attempt to set a parameter that is not
available with the ROM set in your PAKRATT-232. Either disable this error
message from the PAKTERM Defaults Menu or upgrade your ROMS.
Need Via... Path not properly specified to Packet connect/beacon
Not While Connected... The parameter cannot be changed while the
PAKRATT-232 is connected to another station. Usually you can ignore this
error.
Need MYCALL... MYCALL has not been specified.
Need MYSELCAL... MYSELCAL has not been specified.
Already Connected... You are already connected to that station.
Not While Disconnected... That command cannot be issued while
disconnected. Usually you can ignore this error.
Different Connectees...
Too Many Packets Outstanding... Indication of a link problem.
Clock Not Set... Report error and conditions.
Not in this mode... This command can't be used in this mode. Report
error and conditions.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:55
Message Not Found... Either there are no PakMail Messages to list or
the message number specified does not exist.
No Free Memory... There is no free RAM available in the PAKRATT-232 to
stored any more messages.
Not Your Message... This error should never occur in the PakMail local
access mode. This may indicate a ROM error in the PAKRATT-232.
Run Time ERROR -- NULL Pointer... The program ran out of heap space,
usually an indication of a serious software error. Report Error and
Conditions.
Not Enough Memory to Execute Editor... Not enough system memory to run
both PAKTERM and your editor. Maybe too many TSRs (Terminate & Stay
resident programs such as SIDEKICK). Your editor may require too much
memory.
File is not an Executable File... The filename specified as the editor
is not an .EXE, .COM or .BAT file. The file also may not be a valid DOS
executable file.
MODEFLAG is invalid... Program error. Report Error and Conditions.
Argument list exceeds 128 bytes... Program error. Report Error and
Conditions.
File or path not found... The filename specified as the editor was not
found and/or the path specified does not exist
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:56
21.1 Link Messages
The following are messages returned by the PAKRATT-232 and are not
necessarily catastrophic. These messages will be displayed in the Receive
Window of the Communications Screen.
Connected to <callsign>
<callsign> busy
FRMR sent: xx yy zz
FRMR rcvd: xx yy zzz
Retry count exceeded
DISCONNECTED : <callsign>
LINK OUT OF ORDER, possible data loss
Transmit data remaining
See the PAKRATT-232 operations manual for more information on link
messages.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:57
22.1 Appendix
* List of Packet Status Numbers
The following is a list of the Packet status numbers shown in the
Status Window during Packet operation. The number follows the letters S: on
the bottom line of the Status Window.
1 Disconnected
2 Link Setup
3 Frame Reject
4 Disconnect Request
5 Information Transfer
6 REJ Frame Sent
7 Waiting Acknowledgement
8 Device Busy
9 Remote Device Busy
10 Both Devices Busy
11 Waiting Acknowledgement and Device Busy
12 Waiting Acknowledgement and Remote Busy
13 Waiting Acknowledgement and Both Devices Busy
14 REJ Sent and Device Busy
15 REJ Sent and Remote Busy
16 REJ Sent and Both Devices Busy
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:58
23.1 PAKTERM Registration
To register, send the attached registration form to:
Dick Lichtel KD4JP
6529 Norman Drive
Melbourne Village, Fla. USA 32904-2521.
Be sure to include the version number and program release date. You
will then be notified when a major update is available. Minor revisions
will be sent to you automatically. For those that register and have the
shareware version of PAKTERM, the product version of PAKTERM will be sent
to you. Please use the form on the next page when you register. Be sure to
specify the type of floppy drive you have. If you simply state 5.25", I
will assume it is a 1.2M drive and write the floppy using a 1.2M drive
(360K format). If you have a 360K drive, you may have problems reading the
disk. If you state that you have a 360K drive, I will write the disk using
a 360K drive.
Also, if you have suggestions for changes or additions to PAKTERM,
please send a letter, postcard or QSL. If you find any bugs, please report
them. A updated copy of PAKTERM will be sent back to you.
Registering will allow me to notify you of any program changes and
upgrades that will be made available as both the PAKRATT and PAKTERM offer
more features.
PAKTERM is a result of many months of wrestling with the
idiosyncrasies of the PAKRATT-232 and the PC. A contribution of $30.00 will
be greatly appreciated.
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:59
PAKTERM Registration Form
Name___________________________________ Call _______________
Address__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Phone #_______________________________
Version__________________________ Revision Date__________
Where did you obtain PAKTERM ?
__________________________________________________________
Comments:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Computer:_______________________ Monitor ___________________
Mouse:__________________________ Floppy Type ________________
(3.5", 5.25" (360K or 1.2M))
PAKTERM Ver 2.3A Page:60